There is a rule in collecting, whether knives, coins, or anything else: as soon as you plump for a real beauty, you will soon see something that you think is better, and you start having doubts about your purchase. Trust me, that is the way of the world.
In the world of collecting there is the added pressure of having to make quick decisions, as nice examples disappear quickly. I've learned to buy using the best info available, and don't sweat it if something "nicer" makes an appearance. Use what you bought, and by that I mean use in two ways, also use it to refine what you are ultimately looking for in knives. You can always sell or trade down the line.
There is no perfect knife for all people: for some the older knife is perfect; for others the 25, and for others, some completely different model. So knife collecting is as much learning about yourself as it is learning about knives.
I'm feeling philosophical today; forgive me.