Just carry it I suppose

D

DrPenguin

Joined
Mar 2, 2005
Messages
502
I was thinking about my knife collecting habits this weekend and came to a startling conclusion. I'm not a very good knife collector. :o

In terms of style I am old fashioned, I'll never own or carry anything that isn't now considered traditional. The thought of being seen with a flip open, tacticool thing with all the gizmos mortifies me. In terms of mentality I am way too emotionally attached to the knives I carry. They become friends much moreso than tools. And as far as specifics go I am much too rigid. If I carry it for any length of time it will have two blades, have a pretty narrow profile, and, it seems, have carbon steel blades.

I wonder if any of the more established collectors and EDC-iers around here can sympathize?

I collect in spurts. I buy in a theme for a while and then take time off. Sometimes years. A year or so ago I got sick and tired of the narrow nail nick on my long trusted Queen mini trapper making life difficult and went on a hunt. Bought quite a few bullwinkles and a few other really nice knives. The bullwinkle helped me build a new test cell I was involved in and it performed wonderfully but it is way too thick to be my go to knife. I bought a GEC white owl a month or so ago and this weekend came to a startling conclusion: I'm done... for now.

Sure I'll buy another one like the one that has now become 'my' knife, just in case you know. But for the most part I am now content to wait for the next run of this knife when I'll pick up another one or two if they spike my interest. I realized I am no longer 'on the hunt'. So what does a not so great knife collector do when he finds 'the' knife that has adopted him and now has a semi-permanent place in my pocket?

Carry it I suppose.

I wonder if the knife collecting bug just ran its course and now I am back to normal? Has anyone else had this happen? Maybe I'm just a plain oddball talking nonsense. How can you love traditional folders and love seeing all the new ones come out and at the same time be... well full?

Will
 
Will,

I have it happen a lot. Personally I am happy to be in the situation. I would rather have a good knife that I like to carry than endlessly search for the one.

Im happy to hear you found the one...for now :eek:

Kevin
 
Will,
I came to understand that collecting isn't for everybody. Personally, I've learned long ago that I'm not a collector at all. It's some sort of genetic disposition I guess, either you were born with it, or not. I do enjoy the wonderful collections of many people on this subforum; I appreciate the effort behind their collection, and I've also learned alot about knives just looking at those collections (little by little). I just know it's not for me.
I own a few knives, and carry them, that's about it. I do enjoy the hunt just the same, but in a different way; since I'm not buying many knives, I can wait for long before I find what I want, and meanwhile I'm happy enough with what I have.
So yes, you can love traditional folders, and love seeing them come out, and enjoy them, and at the same time be full, or almost full (meaning I might find something that I really want, or have it custom made, but that's not happening every day, nor every month). If I can, you can too :rolleyes:

Fausto
:cool:
 
I'm full too. At least for now anyway. I have a small EDC rotation that I am very happy with. I don't want to add to the rotation so anything that I buy will just sit there and look pretty. If I find a knife that I want to add to my collection then I will buy it but I'm not on the hunt for anything right now.
 
Don't have to be a collector to enjoy this hobby. I have more than knives than is sensible, but I still continue to buy them. I don't buy according to themes, nor do I want one of everything. I buy what I like, and when something tickles my fancy I'll get it.

Not many knives pique my interest though. I like to look as much as the next man, but I've gotten to the point that I won't buy a knife if something bothers me about it. I have to like the steel, handle material, and blade geometry. It also has to be finely crafted and appeal to my sense of aesthetics (I like pretty knives). If a knife is deficient in any of these areas I won't bother with it.

- Christian
 
Will, I think I know where you're coming from. I'm not a collector, but I have accumulated a heck of a lot of knives in my time that came and went. I think I've had a half dozen or so that held the title of 'my knife' for varying lengths of time ranging from stickmen to peanut. I end to get way too attached to a knife that has that title.

But the collecting bug can indeed run it's course. I haven't had the impulse to buy a new knife for a could of years now. I seem to have settled down to just a few old favorites that are well suited for my life style, and have remained loyal to them. So what does a knife collector do when you realize that a knife has adapted him? Be happy in that you have a great little friend that is now your own. Explore the rich relationship that developed with getting to know just what the tool will do and how to get the most from it. Rejoice in that there is no more 'what knife shall I carry today' going on in your mind, and everyday you have an old friend that you know well.

The best analogy I can make is guns. When I had so many guns I couldn't shoot them all n two range sessions I downsized. Now with only a couple, my shooting is better because I'm more intimately familiar with the ones I do have, since they get shot at least nee a week. Kind of like being married tot he same woman for 41 years, there's no surprises, and the teamwork goes to someplace sort of zen. There comes a day when you look back, and wonder what the heck you were doing.

Carl.
 
Glad to hear I'm not the only one it has happened to.

I agree that some of the collections I've seen on here are just fabulous. I love seeing how different people collect different themes, or patterns, or makes or whathaveyou. MOF that is one of the reasons I lurked for years with hardly a post. I just knew I didn't have anywhere near the level of collections that a lot do have. Now I just kind of throw in a word here and there and enjoy the pics and reviews.

You want to hear something funny? I knew I was 'full' when I was looking around some websites at some of the beautiful knives and the thought came to me 'If you were to buy this one you'd have to leave the white owl at home.' The thought brought a little pang to me, lol. A little bit of steel and wood and I'm worrying about hurting its feelings! :p

Maybe you're right quattromori, maybe it is a genetic thing. I have a 'need' purchase for a hunting knife to replace the one that broke and the 'backup' for my new favorite in case it were to get lost or stolen or whatever. But the 'want' purchases will be a bit limited for a while I guess. Mostly sit back and admire all the wonderful stuff that gets posted around here.

Will
 
Collecting and using comes hand-in-hand to me. Most of my knives are users. But I have a couple that I collect. Maybe just because of their sentimental value for me. I have an old bayonett from my grandpa during WWII for the 98K. It went to my dad and now it´s in my collection. I don´t have a use for it, that´s why it´s a safe queen.

When I get a new one, I sometimes think, THIS one will be in the collection, without using it. Thinking about what it´s made for, I gonna use it and carry it for sure. It can be compared like with classy, old cars. They don´t get better when they never get driven by the driver. When they stay in garage, the motor oil will be harden out and so on. Mice can bite some cables or whatever. That´s a little like it is with knives (for a knife nut).

I think I buy too many knives. But it´s always hard to resist when I see some of the new ones in the shops around (on the WWW or a store). Sometimes I think, I´m just to weak. ;)
But it is how it is. Maybe this will change during time (or when the storing drawer is full ;) ).

Kind regards
Andi
 
I personaly can't own more than 2 knives at a time it drives me crazy and I have to start selling them. I think I had 5 once but that was only for a day or so. Though this buck mini trapped keeps staying with me, tried to sell it a couple times but no takers so back in the pocket it went.
 
I've been downsizing. I gave a bunch of knives to our local Boy Scout troop, have sold a few others, and am planning to sell more. When it started to be a hassle to figure out which knife I was going to carry, I decided that was enough for me. I love knives, but think there is a limit to how many I want to own at any given time.
 
I've never been a "collector", I've always just been exploring to find exactly what I like. I've tried bigger, smaller, more blades, less blades, different shaped blades, different handle shapes, different scales, different alloys. I keep trying because I am still curious as to what makes the best knife for me.
 
I think i have hamster sindrom,rather than collector thing,somehow knives accumulate without my knowlege...i use them and trying to narow choice,hopeless ....
 
That old question of whether to carry it or put it away has buggered a lot of collectors Humppa. For some reason I have only had that happen once or twice. Usually once I am settled on a knife then any buys are strictly to put away. Every once in a while one has made me turn my head to keep it away from the sharpening stones, lol. But it is rare.

A good example is my 'grail' knife. When I was a boy growing up those old red handled case pocket knives were what everything else was measured against. Even then the old 'ten dot' Cases were very valued and there was none more cherished than the trusty old 6318. Especially in CV. I bought one many years ago from an original owner that was mint. Still had the original paper and box with it. From the day I bought it until now I have never once been tempted to take out the stones and put an edge on it. I can't explain it. It is probably the most valued of my 'collection' knives... but it just isn't what I want to carry.

Maybe that is my problem, knarfeng. I have already found what I prefer and am just growing old and reluctant to change prematurely! :p

I will say this though, the little White Owl surprised me. Not least of all because it is the first knife I have ever carried that was wood handled. Each knife I've carried preiviously was bone handled. But the two blades, single spring, carbon blades, main clip? Right in my wheehouse. I bought 2 of them for presents before trying one myself. The people I bought them for absolutely raved over them though so I had to try it out.

Ah well, now I will sit back and wait a year or two for the next run of this knife... maybe GEC will come through with a 2nd cut stag or antique green bone model to shake me out of my complacency hahaha. :)

Will
 
I tend to carry knives that I collect but I got few just few dedicated users. I do carry alot GEC these days but... lately I haven't had much for them except cutting some tape and other meager work. Been bit too much urban dweller these days. However I am glad that I have slipjoint I can trust me all the time. But if you're living in a town and not employed atm like yours truly, your knife usage options are rather limited. I almost all the time used slippie to open packages and papers when I was employed.

Now I've found knives I really like and want to use. I hope I have soon again opporturnity to actually use knives again as I did in work and my Trusty victorinox Alox Soldier has many stories to tell. I wish I could someday get my GEC #85 at same point and have natural patina on it and not force it... but current usage... It will take ALOT time. But I rahter be carrying my slipjoint and not use it than be in situation where I don't carry one and I would need a knife. I've been few times in such sitations and I don't want to be in such again. (Henche my rule #1 when going into woods, take knife or slipjoint with you)

And slipjoint is safe choice for many countries and usually knives are looking very non-threatning and many GEC slipjoints are beautiful and thus can be treated almost as like an acccessory.

- Jani
 
I know exactly what you are saying. I have about 175 traditional knives, and for a long time bought whatever caught my fancy. Somewhat like knarfeng, I have explored different sizes, patterns and steels to see what scratches my itch, and have finally decided it is stockmen. About 90% of what I buy now are stockmen, all sizes and shapes. I might still be tempted every once in a while by an equal end jack, or even something off the wall, but not very often anymore. Yes, it feels good to know what you like, and slow down to enjoy the ones you have.
 
I just can't seem to get there. Just today I received a new (to me) 4-dot (1986) CV Case 6292 Texas Jack in the mail. It didn't matter that I already had two 6292 Texas Jacks before I ordered this one - I ordered it anyway. Since it came and I opened it, I've already been to a couple/three dealer's sites looking to see what's still out there. I'll probably be clicking on an "Add to Cart" button or two before this next weekend is over. So it goes. So it goes.
 
DrPenguin said:
I bought a GEC white owl a month or so ago and this weekend came to a startling conclusion: I'm done... for now.

Sure I'll buy another one like the one that has now become 'my' knife, just in case you know. But for the most part I am now content to wait for the next run of this knife when I'll pick up another one or two if they spike my interest. I realized I am no longer 'on the hunt'. So what does a not so great knife collector do when he finds 'the' knife that has adopted him and now has a semi-permanent place in my pocket?

Carry it I suppose.
Click to expand...

I like the above very much.

How can you love traditional folders and love seeing all the new ones come out and at the same time be... well full?
Click to expand...

I don't know the ins and outs of the "how," but understand the sentiment experientially, and not just with knives.

For me, it's a wonderful feeling, to find something that hits the spot so cleanly and fully that, while there's always (always) something else to appreciate and learn about-- and what fun that is!-- I know that I've found what I've been looking for (or sometimes what I didn't even know to look for), and am done. A happy thing, really.

~ P.
 
I will go on these spurts where I find something I dont like in a knife that is small and silly. I always come back to my case large cv trapper though.
I will even go so far as to look for things I dont like, then I will go buy a new knife out of the blue and carry it for a week then put it up.
for example: bought a case sway back jack, carried it two days, then stopped totting it. bought a large case stockman carried it a week or so then stopped.
I still do this about once or twice every 6 months but usualy come back to a peanut or my trapper.
 
Jani I still have my fingers crossed for a good job to come your way. I'm hoping you get a chance to do something you enjoy and earn a good living at it. AND buy yourself a nice new knife to celebrate! Been there myself and it is no fun looking for a job but when it happens you can take a deep breath and enjoy it even more.

175 and mostly stockman? Wow that is a lot of knives man! :p Makes me feel a lot better about my modest group that sits in the drawer. There is a lot of ground in that pattern though isn't there? Lots of different blade configurations and combinations.

Modec Ed that is the way the bug bites you. Man you can look at those pretty handles and shiny blades and... well let's just say they speak to us. Some of the pattern collections I have seen here are absolutely stunning. Wonderful to look at but man once you get to a certain point they are a lot of trouble with the cleaning and the keeping up with them.

Pertinux that is exactly how it feels. Once I made the decision to retire the mini trapper after 6 years because of the trouble the nail nick was giving me I decided that I wanted a knife for working and one for general purpose. I found the moose and it really covered the heavier stuff great but the weight and width just were too much for my taste. But the owl now? Man it just seemed like they read my mind when it came out. A pattern that had everything I wanted in an every day kind of knife. It just plain fits in more ways than one. And you are absolutely right, it is a great feeling. Only thing that has me wondering is that I've never had an ebony knife before... I'm pretty sure it's not going to get pocket worn like my bone knives. I'm curious to see if the handles actually show any age or not. Whether they do or not though I'm sure I'll be happy with it.

Will
 
TheSharpStuff I admit I have made a few of those mistake buys as well. I guess we all do at least once. My way of dealing with it is to get rid of it asap. I have been lucky in that the next purchase went right and I didn't get stuck in the buy and sell loop.

In the end I think I am just geared toward finding something I like and sticking with it. In my choice of auto, rifle, girlfriend, you name it... once I find what I am looking for I find that I don't even do any window shopping. Hell I bought my truck new 8 years ago and haven't even looked at a new truck since. Can't figure buying a new one when the one I have does so good.

Been lucky that way.

Will
 
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