Logical Irresponsibility

[Old John]

I have no figures for proof, but I rather suspect the collection of knives and edged tools far surpasses the collection of guns. Forget about the proliferation of guns used in combat situations. What I’m referring to is private hands. There are several reasons why this is so. Before the advent of the gun there was only the blade or something with a point and a rock or two. So these have been a part of man’s survival from day one. Then you have to consider that some sort of knife is the first priority on a young boy’s wish list since a gun is generally out of the question. Throughout most of the world where guns are banned from the citizenry knives are the first and maybe only resource. But the biggest reason lies in the usefulness of a knife in everyday activity whether in the kitchen or outdoors.



Some years back before my wife died she asked, “How many knives do you need?” It was a logical question to which I gave an illogical answer. “That’s the wrong question. It’s how many knives do you want?” She had a good point when one considers finances. I had to curb my appetite in the interest of financial stability and domestic tranquility. Most of us in the blade community have undoubtedly faced this dilemma.



There is a certain advantage to being either single or being old and single. Without the restraining wisdom of one’s better half (and she was the better half) it is possible to become completely irresponsible although I don’t like to think of it that way. I prefer to think of myself as an investor. After all, knives do have value. But there’s more to it than that. They say (whoever they are) that it is better to give than receive. Well, maybe; but it’s also fun both ways.



In most cases family members are the first recipients of benevolence and generosity with friends and acquaintances following. Giving does pose some problems however. It has also been said that you should give something you would be glad to receive. Hmmm. Yes, I see where the problem lies. Well, I’ve done that with the end result being that I had to replace some of the ones that were given. But the upside is that often this would become reciprocal. And, in some exchanges, the result was a new knife collector added to the group.



After much parting and trading I discovered that there were a number of knives costing $15 or less that I really liked and had that made others happy. So I began to acquire more for future handouts. You’d be surprised what a good investment that becomes. I get invited to dinner. My lawn gets mowed. Painting gets done. I get help moving things around. Us old guys ain’t too dumb.

 

[eveled]

I know knives are the only thing I’ve enjoyed for my entire life. I’ve been through dozens of hobbies. Knives were my first passion and still make my heart happy.

A part of my collection is for giving. I don’t have any knife stores around me that carry quality knives.

So I bought every Buck and Becker and Kabar model so I could lay them out and have my nephew pick the one he wanted. Then I replaced it. It would have been easier to take him to a store and let him browse. But that was not an option.

So I had to buy all those knives. I think this the logical irresponsibility you refer too?

 

[not2sharp]

I do not consider knives an investment, but they are a form of entertainment that retains a high residual value. Not just a monetary value, but also the knife lore/historical knowledge, learning materials science behind our hobby, and the many practical application of very useful tools; and of course, as with most hobbies, the many interesting people that you meet along the way. Logical irresponsibility factors into every form of consumerism; but a collector's desire to learn, acquire and preserve and pass on our collections rises above mere consumption and adds something of value in the activity itself.

n2s

 

[Hickory n steel]

My knives are not an investment, but tools I continue to acquire because I like them and justify owning them because they're all different.
I'd say I'm still looking for the perfect knife but I can't even pick a undisputable favorite out of my current accumulation.

 

[GIRLYmann]

I do not consider knives an investment, but they are a form of entertainment that retains a high residual value...

That said, its more likely to break
a knifenuts bank if left unchecked
But i do agree with OP that some
"investments" are measured not as
financial returns but rather the likely
return of affection, love and concern ;-)
I guess it goes to proof that sometimes
genuine relationships can be formed
through the benovalent gesture of
periodic knife giving. ;-)
As the saying goes, "its not the price of
the gift, but the thought that counts".
A sound investment for one's social
well being, i would say!

 

[jackknife]

Knives are an investment. An emotional investment and maybe even an investment in the future generations.

Of my three kids, all three are knife carriers, and I attribute that to them growing up under a knife nut. Some of it rubbed off, and they know the value of having a small sharp tool on hand. Two of my grandchildren are knife people now. My grandson, Ryan, who has grown up in Mission Viejo California loved having a small sharp knife on him. He's in the IT field and is a whiz on computers and security, and he just married a gal in the IT security field. On long weekends they go up to the Sierra Nevada mountains for trout fishing and a knife is very needed. At home, he goes out to the beach for surf fishing and again a knife is needed. Ryan has a .22 rifle in the closet, but rarely uses it. But he collects pocket knives, a bad habit he caught from me. He seems to prefer small Boker pen knives and case peanuts in various handle materials.

Old John is right in that a knife is used much much more than a gun. You don't often need a gun, but you can't go through a day without using a knife for something, even it's just to make dinner. Almost the whole world is now encased in plastic wrap now, and if you buy anything, you'll need a sharp knife to get at your purchase. I can't recall the last time I needed a gun to get at a Slim Jim. But I find that with senior citizen fingers, I can't tear stuff open like I used to, so a knife is a nice thing to have handy.

 

[BenchCo Spydermade]

I have no figures for proof, but I rather suspect the collection of knives and edged tools far surpasses the collection of guns. Forget about the proliferation of guns used in combat situations. What I’m referring to is private hands. There are several reasons why this is so. Before the advent of the gun there was only the blade or something with a point and a rock or two. So these have been a part of man’s survival from day one. Then you have to consider that some sort of knife is the first priority on a young boy’s wish list since a gun is generally out of the question. Throughout most of the world where guns are banned from the citizenry knives are the first and maybe only resource. But the biggest reason lies in the usefulness of a knife in everyday activity whether in the kitchen or outdoors.



Some years back before my wife died she asked, “How many knives do you need?” It was a logical question to which I gave an illogical answer. “That’s the wrong question. It’s how many knives do you want?” She had a good point when one considers finances. I had to curb my appetite in the interest of financial stability and domestic tranquility. Most of us in the blade community have undoubtedly faced this dilemma.



There is a certain advantage to being either single or being old and single. Without the restraining wisdom of one’s better half (and she was the better half) it is possible to become completely irresponsible although I don’t like to think of it that way. I prefer to think of myself as an investor. After all, knives do have value. But there’s more to it than that. They say (whoever they are) that it is better to give than receive. Well, maybe; but it’s also fun both ways.



In most cases family members are the first recipients of benevolence and generosity with friends and acquaintances following. Giving does pose some problems however. It has also been said that you should give something you would be glad to receive. Hmmm. Yes, I see where the problem lies. Well, I’ve done that with the end result being that I had to replace some of the ones that were given. But the upside is that often this would become reciprocal. And, in some exchanges, the result was a new knife collector added to the group.



After much parting and trading I discovered that there were a number of knives costing $15 or less that I really liked and had that made others happy. So I began to acquire more for future handouts. You’d be surprised what a good investment that becomes. I get invited to dinner. My lawn gets mowed. Painting gets done. I get help moving things around. Us old guys ain’t too dumb.

Ive given away a number of knives and some of my friends jokingly call me "the knife fairy". The guy that owns the coffeeshop i go to wont charge me, so I've initiated the knives for coffee barter system. I think its great. I have found that I get upset when I give away knives that i considered "mine". I am very sentimental about my knives, regardless of their cost so I try to only give ones I buy just for gifting. Yet, as someone who is very emotional about knives, when I decide I want to give someone a knife, I can become a bit impulsive and if I give someone a knife its cuz I think theyre awesome! But I also always remind myself that materialism is a disease and not to worry.

I sometimes think If i could only keep a few knives I would be spiritually closer to them. It was certainly the case with the first few I owned. Cheap knives that I valued more than any pricey ones I have now.

My knife collection is the only thing i have that is truly materialistic now that I think about it as I am against people accumulating things beyond their needs. But I dont think I will ever be able to let myself part with my collection as it would bother me deeply forever. Ill do some time in purgatory if I must, surely my collection isnt nice enough to send me to hell

 

[Mrgauth]

I have definitely spent more than I ‘should’ and continue to do so. Guilt and necessity, as I approach retirement in two years, has caused me to try and trim the collection to 5-10 quality knives and only buy new if one of the others go. I actually see me getting completely out of it before long because the frustration/disappointments lately have risen to a level equal to the enjoyment. If it ever exceeds, I’m out.

 

[Lesknife]

My collection or rather accumulation of knives is not a large amount compared to some but probably more than most people have. Nor are they very expensive, elaborate, or particularly rare kind of knives. Most all my knives are users and only a few are set aside for sentimental reasons because it was my dads or the memories that I treasure. I also like to support the business and heritage of USA made cutlery.

As I’ve grown older I have gained some self control and I’ve become more financially stable so that makes a difference. Once in awhile I will see a knife that is really nice and well made. Sometimes I will buy it and other time I pass on it. I usually consider what my intent is and is it justified and go from there. I don’t get upset or anxious about it if I can’t swing it or if I miss the opportunity on a special run. There are a lot more important things to be concerned about so I keep in mind it’s just a tool and I have plenty for my needs.

I like giving knives to family and friends and enjoy seeing the appreciation or the excitement of their first knife. I remember the excitement of my first knife and I want to pass that along to others. They are a part of life skills and I like to teach what I know so they can benefit from having good knife skills and how to care for them. And a good well made knife is best if I can afford it and a cheap, poorly made knife will give you trouble when you don’t need it.

 

[22-rimfire]

I grew up in the country and knives and guns were fundamental or central tools that were needed for many of my outdoor activities. Knives came first but I had a real interest in firearms from an early age. BB guns followed. Every gun had to have a purpose at that time; long guns came first. I became very into firearms and collecting Colts in particular. This phase of my life has waned and I am mostly in the selling phase. It was a very fun journey and I still have the urge to buy another one. I resist because I pretty much have everything I need and more at this point and I don't want to park $1,000+ in a gun for 20 or 30 years any more. I don't have fantasies of fighting a war on US soil for any reason.

I have always been a revolver guy. I never cared if I had 12 or 15 rounds available in the magazine except when plinking. I like the functionality of revolvers. They just have always clicked with what my sense of what a handgun should be. That doesn't mean I don't have pistols (semi-auto) as well. They are part of the fun, but I have never had the urge to collect pistols other than perhaps getting all of the different models Colt made in 22 LR/rimfire. You can pile up a pretty big number of handguns if you collect every model and model variation which I tried to do. Now I shoot 22 rifles more than anything but keep two S&W M63's (22's) available for plinking or just general woods carry. I don't even have holsters that fit the majority of my handguns, so without effort, carrying them is not an option. That could be changed pretty readily if needed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think most gun nuts like knives to some degree. It is logical and as you said the knife probably came first. When I was a pre-teen, I pretty much felt that I had to have a knife. But it was ONE knife, not 30 or 50.... So, the knife thing started and it has and had a logical progression from pretty much pure tool (even though I liked them), to hobby. At the hobby point, you start acquiring knives that you simply like or think you like. But it took me years before I would just buy a knife because I liked it. I never owned a fixed blade knife outside the kitchen until after the Rambo movies appeared in the early 80's and it still took years before I bought one. I simply have not become accustomed to using a fixed blade knife outside the kitchen.

I am not a big gifter of knives. I generally feel that you should create your own journey. But I have given young kids knives that I might spend time in the woods with because I see the need and they were lacking basic tools. A knife could save your life. They instinctively knew that. These knives were all "appropriate" from my point of view. They can buy their own switch blades, auto knives etc.

 

[James Y]

I would say that as long as your knife purchases are not negatively affecting your necessary expenditures (bills, taxes, basics of living, etc., etc.). there are certainly worse things to spend your extra money on, such as gambling and drug addictions, etc.

Unfortunately for me, there is nobody living in my family who is into knives. So eventually I will either have to sell them off or have them sold, because nobody I know will want to inherit them. On the brighter side, knives (or at least folding knives), for the most part, take up relatively little space. Even the contents of a drawerful of knives is still fairly compact.

Fortunately for me, I do have multiple interests, which is something to consider. I still buy knives now and then (though I don't actually 'need' any more), but infrequently. I've gone years without buying a new knife. I like many things, so my passions are not completely wrapped up in knives.

Jim

 

[danbot]

Knives are an investment. An emotional investment and maybe even an investment in the future generations.

Of my three kids, all three are knife carriers, and I attribute that to them growing up under a knife nut. Some of it rubbed off, and they know the value of having a small sharp tool on hand. Two of my grandchildren are knife people now. My grandson, Ryan, who has grown up in Mission Viejo California loved having a small sharp knife on him. He's in the IT field and is a whiz on computers and security, and he just married a gal in the IT security field. On long weekends they go up to the Sierra Nevada mountains for trout fishing and a knife is very needed. At home, he goes out to the beach for surf fishing and again a knife is needed. Ryan has a .22 rifle in the closet, but rarely uses it. But he collects pocket knives, a bad habit he caught from me. He seems to prefer small Boker pen knives and case peanuts in various handle materials.

Old John is right in that a knife is used much much more than a gun. You don't often need a gun, but you can't go through a day without using a knife for something, even it's just to make dinner. Almost the whole world is now encased in plastic wrap now, and if you buy anything, you'll need a sharp knife to get at your purchase. I can't recall the last time I needed a gun to get at a Slim Jim. But I find that with senior citizen fingers, I can't tear stuff open like I used to, so a knife is a nice thing to have handy.

Guns have just as many uses!

 

[AshesFall]

I believe knives can be investments and so can firearms. All depends on what you do with them. I was a firearms collector before I was a collector of knives. I started getting into firearms with my brother and we bought one every once in awhile to shoot at the range and hunt with, anything from handguns, shotguns to rifles. We then started getting into building AR's together and I have a few I've built in different calibers. It was definitely an experience.

Then came the time where firearms were getting too expensive and I had to stop buying and I actually sold a few to family members. Knives started to interest me not long afterwards and that began a whole new journey into the realm of knives and different designs, steels and so on. I accumulated a small collection over 2 years now and I've just started slacking off a bit because I feel I'm getting too far into the addiction and it's becoming just like the firearms addiction I had. Now I still buy one every once in awhile, but not like I used to. Sometimes you have to take a step back and realize if you're not rich than finances for more important things are what matter most, but it doesn't hurt to spoil yourself every once in awhile.

Now onto my thoughts on investmenting. I have a 5 year old son and he is already interested in my collection and loves when I show him a firearm or a knife and likes when I talk to him a little bit about each one. I can see the investment in my collection because he will maybe one day want to go hunting, fishing and camping with me and he'll have quite a few options to pick from. Plus when I pass I'm sure he'll take pride in inheriting my collection for his own enjoyment or if he's ever in a tight spot for money he could fall back on those for some extra income. Either way I feel my journey with collecting firearms and knives are justified and will serve a good investment purpose either for my boy or even if one day I would get into a rough financial situation and would need to sell some. But I know one things for sure, that I don't regret a single knife or firearm I've bought. Enjoy the journey everyone!

 

[dirc]

to old johns original post - yup

the difference is people who know about theory vs practise - which tend to value tools and physical reality more than stock certificates
(both are fine, but the latter requires longterm trust in the system) a tool on hand makes a difference now, when you need to do things

like most things, it doesn't need to be an either / or decision : ) luckily

 

[22-rimfire]

.....Now onto my thoughts on investmenting. I have a 5 year old son and he is already interested in my collection and loves when I show him a firearm or a knife and likes when I talk to him a little bit about each one. I can see the investment in my collection because he will maybe one day want to go hunting, fishing and camping with me and he'll have quite a few options to pick from. Plus when I pass I'm sure he'll take pride in inheriting my collection for his own enjoyment or if he's ever in a tight spot for money he could fall back on those for some extra income. Either way I feel my journey with collecting firearms and knives are justified and will serve a good investment purpose either for my boy or even if one day I would get into a rough financial situation and would need to sell some. But I know one things for sure, that I don't regret a single knife or firearm I've bought. Enjoy the journey everyone!

Knives have value. They are POOR investments in general unless you get lucky. Buying knives for your 5 year old son is not investing. Knives like most hobbies are a black hole financially. Accept it. You like knives, so enjoy the ride.

Guns can be an investment if you choose carefully or get lucky. You "invest" in things to make money, not loose money reselling.

 

[AshesFall]

Knives have value. They are POOR investments in general unless you get lucky. Buying knives for your 5 year old son is not investing. Knives like most hobbies are a black hole financially. Accept it. You like knives, so enjoy the ride.

Guns can be an investment if you choose carefully or get lucky. You "invest" in things to make money, not loose money reselling.

I don't buy knives for my 5 year old son. I have a collection that he admires and will maybe one day take interest in for outdoor enjoyments. One day he will have a nice inheritance of firearms and knives he'll receive if all things go smoothly financially for me. To each his own though, you have your opinion and I have mine and yes I do like knives and firearms and am indeed enjoying the ride.

 

[James Y]

Knives have value. They are POOR investments in general unless you get lucky. Buying knives for your 5 year old son is not investing. Knives like most hobbies are a black hole financially. Accept it. You like knives, so enjoy the ride.

Guns can be an investment if you choose carefully or get lucky. You "invest" in things to make money, not loose money reselling.

Yes. I've heard of a few instances: For example, one man accumulated pocketknives over his lifetime from a certain name brand; not only because he loved them, but because he thought they were an investment. When he died and it was up to his daughter to handle his belongings, she found that the pocketknives, some of them rare, weren't worth anything as a financial investment, other than the enjoyment they had given him in life.

Jim

 

[Robinson1]

I know knives are the only thing I’ve enjoyed for my entire life. I’ve been through dozens of hobbies. Knives were my first passion and still make my heart happy.

Couldn't have stated this any better myself.

I've got a safe full of guns, fully equipped wood working shop, hunted everything from squirrels to elk. Spent nearly every weekend for over 3 years on the ATV trails. Following by the next 3 years worth of weekends hiking and camping.

The one thing that was there for all of it. A Buck 112 on my belt. Sometimes with a 119 for good measure

 

[eveled]

I’ve invested in my kids future by buying them good high quality American made knives guns and tools.

The way things are going. There won’t be any high quality items being made anymore. When they are adults.

 

[Old John]

Ahhh. I see some of you took the investment phrase too hard. I'll put it this way. Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay. That is why some folks able to afford a $500 knife have no trouble buying it while a person of less means opts for something else. But that's not exactly where I was going. What I had in mind is something different. In this case it was the establishment of relationships. What starts out as a gift by one often becomes an exchange by two. I have a mechanic friend to whom I have given many things of value. He was familiar with my collection and received a couple knives. One day he asked me if I would find a good skinning knife for which he would pay me. He understood that I knew more that he what might be suitable. Being a mechanic in a poor area, his finances were limited. I found a nice blade for $50 and told him it was $30 dollars. He was happy. But his dad liked it so much that he gave it to him. Now he needed another. I found a deal on the same knife if I bought two; and because I liked the knife as well, I ordered two. Only one arrived. I sold it to my friend for the $50 it cost me and waited three months for the other knife that never came. But the company sent me an upgraded version that cost twice as much. I offered to pay the difference; but they refused stating that they were unable to get the other and because I had been patient the knife was on the house. Short story long, my friend knew I was in the process of moving and wanted me to pick out and order two of the same knives (one for me and one for him) and he would pay for both. He wanted something that would bind the friendship. I found two identical knives for $50 each; and he paid me. That kind of investment is priceless. Others have reciprocated in various ways. However, as for my grandson who owns over half my collection, I told him his bank account is in his room if the need arises. Then there is the possibility (NO!! Probability) that the financial system will implode. That's when tangible property becomes an asset. So much for that argument.