knives I love but don't use

I have a very small collection of folders that I use, and I generally only keep folders if it is going to get used. No safe queens in the folder lineup. Every one, including some pretty expensive ones gets regular carry without regard to what may happen to it.

Almost completely the opposite when it comes to fixed blades. I have far more fixed blade knives, and use almost none of them. I make custom handles and scales, and use my knives to support my woodworking bent. I've got ten times as many fixers as folders, and all together they have less than one tenth of the time any one of my folders does.
 
My version, I dont really use a knife if I dont have that same knife as a backup. Having two extra or more is even better. They can vary slightly (scales, blade finish, etc) but they have to be the same overall knife.

Like I'd need two or three PM2's in order to really use one.
 
All of my knives are users, and I tend to use the more expensive ones the most. Granted, my most expensive knives are still under $200.

If I don't use a knife I get rid of it, unless it's a 'just in case' knife (ESEE-5/Junglas etc.)
 
I have a rule where when I buy a new knife it has to be carried and used for all non abusive (little bit of abuse is okay) cutting tasks for one full day of work. Preferably an ac install with new duct work or new electrical panel make ups with lots of wire to skin.
Both those kinds of days test a knife real well and knock the shiny new off pretty quick.
After that I don't mind using any knife as much as I want.
I fiddle with my knives like worry beads and fondle and polish them like commemorative plates but I get the most enjoyment from using them for what they were designed to do.
 
Knives are tools that are made to be used.
With that said, I do have knives that fall out of rotation for long periods if time for one reason or another (usually in favor of a newer knife). I often forget I have a Damascus Kershaw Skyline in my box because I never carry it anymore. It was my go to gentlemens folder at one time, but doesnt see much pocket time anymore. The only reason I still have it is because it's in that grey area where it's a user in decent condition, but still difficult to rehome or trade out for something I might carry. It's on the lower end of trade fodder, so I hold on to it until the right situation arises, or one of my friends/family members needs a knife and I can just hand it down.
 
This isn’t exactly thread relevant, but I have several nifty automatic knives that I love but don’t carry due to legality reasons in my state. My Microtech and Protech knives come to mind. They are wonderfully crafted knives. It’s a real shame, because my Protech automatic knives lock up solid as a bank vault. I wish I could get my hands on a flipper version of the TR2.

In light of recent events, I’m not so sure that I’ll be carrying my Benchmade anymore.
 
Use every knife I own
It’s a matter of “tool for the job” for that day
Don’t scape gaskets an hack into cement bags with a CRK
An I don’t carry a Buck 110 for a night out on the town
Bought my knives to use, all of them
Just a matter of the right knife at the right time
Why usually pair a modern and a traditional every morning
Don’t need 4” of blade to open the mail
An not going to cut cable ties all day with a slippie
 
I have knives I rarely, if ever, carry anymore. Not because I want to keep them pristine, but because I don't particularly like them (usually too large and bulky for pocket carry) and have others I prefer to carry. Since I really don't want to be bothered with trying to sell any, I keep them around and some day I may start to use them (it'll be like getting a new knife:rolleyes:). That way, it has changed the way I buy knives and will only buy something now, that I know (or would be fairly certain) to use.

As far as marking up a knife, I was sharpening a pristine 0450cf (it wasn't exactly sharp from the factory) and the knife slipped off the little 4 inch stone I was using. Put a nice scratch on the blade and took some of the DLC off of the scale. Oh well, can't sell it now anyway.:D
 
Interestingly, I find that up to a point, the more I spend on a knife the more likely I am to use it. I'll let my $30 CRKT's and others sit in the drawer and collect dust, but won't hesitate to carry and use my Benchmade Nakamura regularly. Kind of a weird phenomena.
 
Today I have my PM2 in pocket, breaking the spell. I could fall on ice (it’s Minnesota) or meet a princess. Absence of further musings on this topic could mean either.
 
My fixed blades (not incl. neck knives). Open carry is not really acceptable in area or lifestyle, I can't find a safe/comfortable way to deep conceal one, and a blade stored in my bag loses half its utility for me.
 
Unless it's a show piece that will never get used, you have to use your knives. You don't have to beat them up, but if you don't put them to the test you'll never know if the heat treatment is right or if it needs to be sent back to the manufacturer and checked out.

I've had knives I safe queened in the past, but when I started using them I realized I didn't like them at all. They were sold and now I only have knives I really like.
 
DamianXVI said:
All of my knives are users, and I tend to use the more expensive ones the most. Granted, my most expensive knives are still under $200.

If I don't use a knife I get rid of it, unless it's a 'just in case' knife (ESEE-5/Junglas etc.)
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You sound like me.

I don't think I've spent $200 on a knife. If it's priced close to two bills, I try to find it used for less.

My problem is that I have way too many 'just in case' knives. That includes doubles of my favorites.
 
Two out of seven are users, the xm18 and the Phaeton. The rest are safe queens.
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MarkN86 said:
Unless it's a show piece that will never get used, you have to use your knives...

I've had knives I safe queened in the past, but when I started using them I realized I didn't like them at all. They were sold and now I only have knives I really like.
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Your comments have merit. My problem is that I really like most of what I own. Even though I only normally use three, maybe four, I have backups of some that I use all the time. Others will get passed on when I die or I get old and can't open and close the folders. I do have one knife that I plan to be buried with.
 
I've been struggling with the decision of whether or not I want to get into the safe queen world. I'm really tempted to tell the wife that I want a CRK for my birthday, I never ask for anything like that, so I know she'd do it, but I'd feel bad carrying a $3-400 knife. What if I lost it? So if I got one, it would almost definitely be a safe queen that I might carry on really special occasions or something. I was raised that knives and guns were tools, and should be used as such. My papaw would probably roll over in his grave if he knew I paid that much for a pocket knife when any one of the other, MUCH cheaper knives I have laying around would everything I need a knife to do.
 
If I find a knife which may be several hundred years old and a collector’s item I generally don’t use it in the traditional sense of the word.
 
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