My Knife Philosophy Has Changed Here on BF

[AddictedToGear]

Short (more like long) run down, I am 18 and in college, but I have the same addiction as all you folks which is knives, guns, and gear. When I got on BladeForums about 8-9 months ago (I just read before I joined) my eyes were opened to the knife world and what people spend. I can now tell quality and I understand when handling a knife all the little details that could add up to the price and the value of the knife which also can lie in the beholder. About two years ago I transitioned to buying name brand knives before that I had chinese made knives and Mtechs which still are chinese knives because I could afford them. So I started with value Kershaws and then escalated to entry Spydercos and then to nicer Spydie's and Benchmades. So that brought me up to when I started reading more on BladeForums and then I got a Microtech right before I joined BladeForums.

So that gives you my start, now I did not use the Microtech at first and kept it and a few of the nicer BM's in the safe. I decided to start using them but said to myself I would never spend more than I did on the Microtech and use the knife. However over the last month to two months that has changed. I had heard people say the same thing on how they transitioned or how they always used all their knives and how much they spent on some of them. I did not really change because of that but more of a post on a forum that I read which told be what they were thinking. The most was similar to this "We only live once, and why not enjoy nice things throughout life if you have the chance or ability too."

This really clicked with my as even though I am a college student and do not have a ton of money, I am still very blessed and fortunate and not suffering by any means. So my philosophy has changed not only about knives, but about many things in life such as cars. If I buy a custom or midtech for $500 like a FG Bodega or Jason Clark then I will use it as that is what it is meant for and why not enjoy the nicer things in life. I decided to do this instead of letting them sit in the safe and think to myself what I have and how much it is worth. I will make it worth more to myself buy using it and not freak out if I scratch it (try not to scratch it, but it is not the end of the world if you do). If you have had similar things happen to you or your philosophy has changed or if you want to share your philosophy then do.

 

[HwangJino]

If youre 18 you will make many life changes, especially philosophy.

 

[jeffbird]

Friendly advice, be careful and frugal with your money. It is hard to come by, and goes away quickly and easily.

Buy a nice thing now and then as a treat, but invest in yourself first. Graduate from college debt free if you can and build up some savings.

Life throws surprises on the path for most everyone at some point.

Last, buy experiences more than things.

Good luck in school.

 

[olybears57]

I will make it worth more to myself buy using it and not freak out if I scratch it (try not to scratch it, but it is not the end of the world if you do). If you have had similar things happen to you or your philosophy has changed or if you want to share your philosophy then do.

Hey there bud. Also 18, but working for a year in the woods for the department of ecology between hs and college. I went through the same transformation... My first mid tech was a Strider SNG in Micro Melt PD#1... I babied it for about 2 weeks... and then decided that there's no point to have it if it isn't being used. Plus, I think striders get sexier as they age and get scratched up... Cougars of the knife world?

 

[cchu518]

I think a lot of people share this view in not letting your possessions own you. By and large no matter what you buy and carry. These things are knives and they cut things.

 

[AddictedToGear]

Friendly advice, be careful and frugal with your money. It is hard to come by, and goes away quickly and easily.

Buy a nice thing now and then as a treat, but invest in yourself first. Graduate from college debt free if you can and build up some savings.

Life throws surprises on the path for most everyone at some point.

Last, buy experiences more than things.

Good luck in school.

I completely agree, I am good with finances and am able to control my spending, thank you for the kind words and advice from everyone. I definitely think experiences are more important than things and girls are at the top of the list, but God comes first. Debt free is a big thing as besides a house loan and maybe a school loan which I have not needed yet I think loans are not needed. Why buy something you do not have the money for and an emergency fund is a must. I am a big Dave Ramsey fan too.

 

[miltmaldo]

Nice to see an 18 year like Dave Ramsey . I like his philosophy if you can't pay cash you can't afford it .

 

[bpeezer]

I definitely think experiences are more important than things and girls are at the top of the list

Easiest way to make your money disappear To save some money in college, don't forget that beer is an acquired taste, so you might as well acquire the taste for cheap beer!

But in all seriousness, I'm a senior in college and I wish I would have spent less on food, beer, and girls and more on going awesome places and doing awesome stuff. It's nice to hear that you're getting good use out of your more expensive blades :thumbup:

 

[Sonnydaze]

I usually buy a knife and then have to sell a different one to pay for it. I wish I would start selling before I bought them. It would lower my stress level.
sonnydaze

 

[FordFan]

I completely agree, I am good with finances and am able to control my spending, thank you for the kind words and advice from everyone. I definitely think experiences are more important than things and girls are at the top of the list, but God comes first. Debt free is a big thing as besides a house loan and maybe a school loan which I have not needed yet I think loans are not needed. Why buy something you do not have the money for and an emergency fund is a must. I am a big Dave Ramsey fan too.

Good to see am 18 year old with priorities straight. Keep it up and you will do fine. Also, glad to hear you use the stuff you buy.

 

[charlieq2009]

Good to hear you getting into it! I am 21 and a college student also, been collecting since i was old enough to strike deals in pawn shops and them not question me lol started with SOGS KERSHAWS BENCHMADES anything mid production type stuff QUICKLY escalated to customs and fairly $$$ stuff. I have a couple like my William henry spearpoint and Andrew Bawidaman that would have cost me half a semesters tuition if it was the sweetest deal ever! Keep it up and good luck with your studies!

 

[AddictedToGear]

Easiest way to make your money disappear To save some money in college, don't forget that beer is an acquired taste, so you might as well acquire the taste for cheap beer!

But in all seriousness, I'm a senior in college and I wish I would have spent less on food, beer, and girls and more on going awesome places and doing awesome stuff. It's nice to hear that you're getting good use out of your more expensive blades :thumbup:

Thanks, I do not have to worry about beer since I am a fitness freak (another addiction). Food is expensive because I eat a lot (don't we all) but I do not eat out hardly ever, I cook a lot of my food do to my dietary habits.

 

[bpeezer]

Thanks, I do not have to worry about beer since I am a fitness freak (another addiction). Food is expensive because I eat a lot (don't we all) but I do not eat out hardly ever, I cook a lot of my food do to my dietary habits.

Sounds like you'll do just fine