My Collecting Strategy.

[sing]

We all want more knives, right?

After awhile it's more custom made knives. Well, the cost adds up pretty quick.

Without thinking about it, I noticed that I started shying away form custom folders which generally begin in the $350 range. Instead, I pick up folders by high quality, innovative manufacturers like Spyderco or Benchmade which are generally in the $150 plus range.

On the custom end, all my recent purchases have been with fixed blades. Many custom makers have 2"-5" blades in the $150 range. And for less than the price of most high end, custom folders, you can get a mega fixed blade like a Jerry Hossom Millenium Bowie.

I've been able to stretch my custom collection a little more with this approach.

sing

AKTI #A000356

 

[Brian C]

Have you been looking over my shoulder, Sing?

We seem to be following a similar pattern of quality vs. quantity. I have been trying very hard to avoid buying standard production pieces in favor of hand-made ones; however, there are some quality production folders that I just couldn't pass up.

So far this year I've added a BM 720, a Commander, a mini-SOCOM, a Sifu, and a Spydie Lum. Despite these additions, I'm still down something like 20+ pieces versus this time last year.

Being a fan of neck & other easily concealed FBs, there are plenty of great choices in the ~ $150 range... too many choices at times!

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Cheers,

--+Brian+--

He who finishes with the most toys wins.

 

[Strider]

My strategy has taken a backward curve. I have decided as far as production knives such as BM and Spydie etc go I have no more need for more one handed black knives since I already own quite a few. As far as customs go rather then buy for the sake of buying I find one piece I really want and make that my goal instead of having a bunch of under $200 fixed blades. The main scope of my collecting has gone full circle right back to collecting traditional patterns by Case,Winchester etc. I have been concentrating on my favorites which are jumbo wharncliff whittlers and sowbellies.The other direction I remain true to are autos.
Bob

[This message has been edited by Strider (edited 04-08-2000).]

 

[PhilL]

Sing, I like your strategy also, it's great to have a plan. I'm weaning myself away from production knives, I've only bought two handmade fixed blades so far this year and have a custom due any time now, also a fixed blade. I pretty much know what my next four or five next purchases will be. Next is a production knife, a CS Black Bear Classic that I'm going to have Jake Evans customize with stag scales. For me it's an affordable alternative to a handmade Loveless style knife. If all goes according to plan, I should be looking for custom folders some time next year. There's no hurry, I plan to be collecting knives for a good long time.

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"Will work 4 Knives!"
Homepage: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=254126

 

[sing]

Bob,

Can't agree with you more about not wanting another "black knife" from the production company.

Broke down and ordered a BM Ares because it has an interesting colored scale and contours and because I don't have an Axis lock yet and want to try that. I am interested in the new lock(s) that may be coming out from Spyderco. Other than that I don't get too excited about production folders.

With fixed blades, I guess I have enough small ones. I am interested in 4-6 inch type tactical ones like a Lightfoot, Polkowski. I ordered a Jerry Hossom. Perhaps, I'll move from this fixation at some point. Seems to me your collecting strategy has evolved. Most of us will too at some point.

sing

AKTI #A000356

 

[blademan 13]

I am also shying away from those common, black tactical production knives. The exception to this is the upcoming MT LCC which just looks to good to pass on, and I also feel the need for a MT auto (probably mini SOCOM). My main concentration at this time is getting into custom folders. Should be receiving my first next month (after a VERY long 5 month wait) and have the next 4 or 5 planned in advance. I have fallen in love with the 4 currently available small Marble's fixed blades as they are very high quality knives, affordable and look killer with stag ( PhilL

). Oh yeah, and then there is the annual Sebenza purchase (fully dressed 2000 inlay this year). Well, now you all know what my knife purchases will be like for the next 2 or 3 years.

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It's only a mistake if you fail to learn from it!

 

[Strider]

Sing
I forgot about the Ares. I was playing with one at the NCCA show last weekend and your right it is a cool knife.Since I don't have an axis lock folder yet HHMMM.....One knife that has had my attention or should I say fixation lately is a fighter by that Mayo guy. When Uncle Sam season is over and Tom hopefully stops worrying about winning contests

I hope to add on of his pieces to my collection.
Bob

 

[not2sharp]

Sing,

I don't have a strategy. I just picked up whatever happens to strike my fancy at the time. My only criteria has been that the item be interesting and fairly priced. If I wasn't sure what it was at the time of purchase, that's fine. It gave me more reason to go back and do more research on knives.

As you would expect my "accummulation" is evolving into a few (about 3-4) distinctive "collections" over time. Today, I can take credit for building up one of my collections. But, between us, I will honestly admit that I had no idea what I was "collecting" until I found myself with a "collection."

I suspect that many great collections have evolved this way (not to imply that my collections are anywhere near great - but, who knows, they might eventually get there). Despite what some pundits like to pitch, its really not a bad way to approach collecting.

In a few years one of my collections may become decidely more advanced then the others and 2-3 of my other collections may be traded or sold to help build up that collection. I'll just have to wait and see which way this goes.


(just sitting back enjoying the ride).

 

[nifrand]

Still collect auto's except the cheapies.Collect custom folders but stay away from the "Tacticals"Have gotten into the traditionals again in doctor,trappers,and swing guards.I find that a well made traditional by a custom maker is also hard to pass up.
Just picked up a Sheffield pattern by Richard Rogers.Georgous!!!!!

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have a"knife"day

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

I have a collection strategy more or less. I am trying to hold back until I get my Sebenzas. I also want a Microtech Lightfoot Compact Combat. On a less fancy level, i want a plain edge CPM 440V Native. I also hope that the Military Jr. test batch comes out before the year is over and I can get my hands on one.

This is my strategy but my problem is that there are always lots of neat knives coming out that I wasn't planning on, and it is hard as heck to say no!