Logical Irresponsibility

[Lapedog]

I have long considered the equation of givers vs. takers. At first glance there seems to be nothing but the chance for givers to be taken advantage of by takers.

Upon closer inspection though I have come to realize that a person with a giving personality will always be ahead of a taker and that is because a giver has to make sure they are in a position to give and is often in a mindset of having plenty. Of course what a giving personality takes is the joy in sharing.

A taker on the other hand is often in the mindset of needing and lacking.

Ultimately as with most satisfying things in life there is a give and take. Sharing the knife hobby with enthusiastic friends on the board or in life is a pleasure. Friends who are not interested in knives have other things we share.

 

[Quiet]

Not sure I really understand the point of this thread. If your bills are paid, retirement accounts are funded, what's "irresponsible" about having a large collection of knives? Certainly feeling a little "Why do you need..." going on here, and frankly, that's one of the dumbest questions imaginable to ask on a knife forum.

 

[22-rimfire]

..... 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.

Investing in relationships. I like that. If I actually believed the financial system (US currency) was going to implode, I would put 75% of my liquid assets in precious metals. But, I don't believe that will happen. The stock market may implode, but it seems to always come back as long as you aren't one of the folks that is depending at that value to live on (as a retirement income). Usually takes a couple years.... some don't have a couple years to wait. I hope it doesn't happen again.

 

[James Y]

If the financial system implodes, I wouldn't depend on my knife collection to keep me afloat financially. You'd be much better off investing in gold or platinum.

OTOH, I'm single, and am responsible with my money. As far as luxury spending, it can go to whatever one wants. One could easily ask other people, "Why do you need so many shoes?" Or, "Why do you need so many SpongeBob SquarePants figurines?" Or "Why do you collect so many MLB bobble head dolls?" Or comic books? Or Pez dispensers? Or, or...

As long as the essential things are being taken care of, having lots of knives is not being irresponsible. At least you're not stealing or scamming, being a deadbeat dad or otherwise harming other people (hopefully).

Jim

 

[sipius]

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

Shet, dog, you killed that answer....excellent reply.