New to collecting... Hell of a forum you have here! *updated*

[Sonnydaze]

You might just spend a heck of a lot of money here, but you'll enjoy every minute of it...
This is an EDuCation in itself, and nothing good comes free....well, almost nothing.
Welcome. Have fun. Do NOT go into debt here. Use cash that you have. (from experience, almost crashed several times.)

 

[Mr.SATism]

Pace yourself please haha, not so much because of your wallet, but make every knife purchase an experience, so you don't feel overwhelmed by the number of knives coming your way. And it might numb you TBH. I don't know how experienced you are with knives (I've only been collecting for the past year), so take your time with each knife before moving onto the next one.
As far as recommendations go: I think you're doing fine choice wise but I'm going to be a little stickler and give you some alternative options
Instead of -> My pretentious recommendation
Spyderco Delica-> Spyderco Native 5
Benchmade Griptilian -> Benchmade Freak/ Griptilian-1 (or the exclusives)
Spyderco PM2/Manix 2- PM2/Manix 2 in s110v

 

[P2P]

You need some Spyderco in your life. Welcome!

 

[Fixall]

welcome. nice collection ya already have. my advice take your time enjoy and use what ya got before ya go crazy and end up with too many too fast. ask me how i know this....

Thanks! That sounds like some hard earned, good advice you're passing along.

Welcome to the fanaticism.

Funny how it creeps up on ya after years of level-headness, right?

You might just spend a heck of a lot of money here, but you'll enjoy every minute of it...
This is an EDuCation in itself, and nothing good comes free....well, almost nothing.
Welcome. Have fun. Do NOT go into debt here. Use cash that you have. (from experience, almost crashed several times.)

Will do. We've been planning/paying for our wedding without using any credit so our budgeting has GREATLY improved over this last year. These purchases are actually coming from a hobby fund for mountain biking I've had set aside for this year (no biking for all of 2018 because of the shoulder surgery now though...).

Pace yourself please haha, not so much because of your wallet, but make every knife purchase an experience, so you don't feel overwhelmed by the number of knives coming your way. And it might numb you TBH. I don't know how experienced you are with knives (I've only been collecting for the past year), so take your time with each knife before moving onto the next one.
As far as recommendations go: I think you're doing fine choice wise but I'm going to be a little stickler and give you some alternative options
Instead of -> My pretentious recommendation
Spyderco Delica-> Spyderco Native 5
Benchmade Griptilian -> Benchmade Freak/ Griptilian-1 (or the exclusives)
Spyderco PM2/Manix 2- PM2/Manix 2 in s110v

That's a good point. I don't want to start purchasing knives so quickly that they just get thrown into a drawer as soon as I get them. I'll definitely check out the native 5! The main reason I'm thinking a Delica next is because it will get me a Spyderco with decent steel (vg-10 if I remember right) for like $70... And I can get it in a Wharncliffe which I know I'll love. The Griptilian/PM2/Manix 2 I pick up will almost definitely be exclusives or have upgraded steel. After having the Leek and quickly wanting to switch to the CF or Composite, and then getting the Blur in S30V AND Sandvick... I can already tell I'm going to be a steel/exclusivity snob, lol.

You need some Spyderco in your life. Welcome!

In the works (although I had a Tenacious years ago) and thanks!



So if I hold off on that Kershaw Dimension for $30, is the general consensus that I'd be able to get another (or similar knife with full titanium scales) for around the same price in the future? I also found a Spyderco Chaparral Lightweight in FRN locally for $70 +tax that I almost jumped on... I think I want to wait for a carbon fiber version though... It'd go great with my wedding suit.

 

[Mr.SATism]

So if I hold off on that Delica for $30, is the general consensus that I'd be able to get another (or similar knife with full titanium scales) for around the same price in the future? I also found a Spyderco Chaparral Lightweight in FRN locally for $70 +tax that I almost jumped on... I think I want to wait for a carbon fiber version though... It'd go great with my wedding suit.

That's on you for your collection wants, because from what you have told us, you are golden for knife steels for right now. If you want to pick up the CF Chap, make sure you try one in hand before you bite the bullet, because it does not look like a comfortable backlock haha, and this is coming from someone who has cold steels

 

[Eric5273]

I’m new to knives as well. After watching so many YouTube videos on various knives, I decided that instead of getting a whole bunch of cheap knives, I’d rather have one really good one, so after lots of research, I bought an Olamic Busker. Now I’m already thinking maybe I’ll get one more really nice knife LOL. Maybe something that contrasts the Busker.

 

[Fixall]

That's on you for your collection wants, because from what you have told us, you are golden for knife steels for right now. If you want to pick up the CF Chap, make sure you try one in hand before you bite the bullet, because it does not look like a comfortable backlock haha, and this is coming from someone who has cold steels

I meant to say Dimension in that last post not Delica. But yea... Unless someone hops in here and is pretty confident that I probably won't be able to find a comparable knife with full titanium scales in the near future for around that price ($32 after tax), then I think I'll hold off for now. Thirty bucks just seems SO cheap for something with real Ti scales.

I think I'm going to go back to the mom and pop sporting goods store and pick up that Spyderco FRN Chaparral Lightweight though. After looking around online, that seems like a really solid price for the knife and I like supporting small businesses like that. If I don't like it, I imagine I'll be able to recoup most of the cost buy selling it on the Exchange. I also tried out the back-lock and didn't find it too bad. I have small hands/fingers so maybe that helps, lol. This review of it has really piqued my interest:

https://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtopic.php?t=76647

I’m new to knives as well. After watching so many YouTube videos on various knives, I decided that instead of getting a whole bunch of cheap knives, I’d rather have one really good one, so after lots of research, I bought an Olamic Busker. Now I’m already thinking maybe I’ll get one more really nice knife LOL. Maybe something that contrasts the Busker.

Lol! I'm sure I'll get to the point where I want to pick up one or two really nice pieces to use as my main EDCs... But I figured buying a wide range of all the "must have" cheaper EDCs would give me a chance to figure out EXACTLY which style of knife I should drop more than a couple hundred dollars on. It also has the added benefit of giving me some physical items that can be gifted/passed down as my collection grows. My past hobbies have been very expensive (snowboarding, biking, high-end computer components) but haven't left me with much to pass along besides knowledge.

 

[lieferung]

The heart wants what it wants... If that Dimension is being discontinued, grab it now and call it a day.

 

[Padad24al]

You will meet some incredibly nice people on here! Welcome!

 

[GoPappy]

I’m new to knives as well. After watching so many YouTube videos on various knives, I decided that instead of getting a whole bunch of cheap knives, I’d rather have one really good one, so after lots of research, I bought an Olamic Busker. Now I’m already thinking maybe I’ll get one more really nice knife LOL. Maybe something that contrasts the Busker.

I decided the same thing when I decided I wanted a nice EDC knife. I bought a Benchmade 940 on the Exchange.

Then I decided I wanted a quality knife for working around the farm, and bought a full size Griptillian on the Exchange (with orange handles in case I lose it in the woods).

I bought both of them used because I didn't want to be hesitant to use them. And that's why I probably won't ever have a really expensive knife - I want to be able to use them. Everything I've bought so far has a specific use (except for a couple of Kershaws that were part of a package deal).

 

[Fixall]

The heart wants what it wants... If that Dimension is being discontinued, grab it now and call it a day.

Right? To be honest, I probably wouldn't use the Dimension for anything other than a high end "fidget spinner"... But $30 seems like a very low cost of admission to get to play around with some Titanium scales. I think I'm gonna go ahead and purchase it. Before I found out I needed surgery, I had planned on dropping a chunk of money on my bike this month... So I'm still well under budget. On top of that... I just found out the Allen Edmonds I'm picking up for my wedding shoes are going to be on sale for $175 off in a few days! Brb... On my way back to the store to grab that Spyderco FRN Chaparral for $70 too, lol! But after that... I'm done for at least a little bit (for reals)! Gotta spend some time getting to know what I have.

You will meet some incredibly nice people on here! Welcome!

It certainly seems like a very welcoming, very knowledgeable community!

I decided the same thing when I decided I wanted a nice EDC knife. I bought a Benchmade 940 on the Exchange.

Then I decided I wanted a quality knife for working around the farm, and bought a full size Griptillian on the Exchange (with orange handles in case I lose it in the woods).

I bought both of them used because I didn't want to be hesitant to use them. And that's why I probably won't ever have a really expensive knife - I want to be able to use them. Everything I've bought so far has a specific use (except for a couple of Kershaws that were part of a package deal).

I'm right there with ya! 99/100 times, I am function over form. That's kind of the reason I'm focusing on sub $100 (street price) EDCs at the moment. I don't want to purchase something I'm too scared to use... Or even worse, drop a large amount of money on something just to find out I hate using it.

 

[sabre cat]

Do yourself a favor, set a limit as to how many knives you plan to have. Either how many you purchase in a year or how many you plan to own. The advantage of this is that you will gain a better understanding of what knife traits and features truly meet your needs without spending tons of cash.

Many of us here had to learn the hard way. Early on, we went crazy and bought tons of knives because they looked cool, not because they could meet our needs. Now we have lots of knives that we will never use.

Many members here have an "Add a knife, lose a knife" policy so their collection stays reasonable in size. You may find that you enjoy the knives you own more and you will certainly save a wad of cash by doing something like this.

I wish someone would have suggested a plan like this to me years ago. Not that I would have listened but, I still wish someone would have tried.

 

[Fixall]

Do yourself a favor, set a limit as to how many knives you plan to have. Either how many you purchase in a year or how many you plan to own. The advantage of this is that you will gain a better understanding of what knife traits and features truly meet your needs without spending tons of cash.

Many of us here had to learn the hard way. Early on, we went crazy and bought tons of knives because they looked cool, not because they could meet our needs. Now we have lots of knives that we will never use.

Many members here have an "Add a knife, lose a knife" policy so their collection stays reasonable in size. You may find that you enjoy the knives you own more and you will certainly save a wad of cash by doing something like this.

I wish someone would have suggested a plan like this to me years ago. Not that I would have listened but, I still wish someone would have tried.

Great idea, and something I'll take to heart! I've actually been talking to the fiance to set up some loose "rules", lol.

There are about 10 - 15 sub $200 knives (most in the $50 range) on my list that I would really like to own and get a feel for. For now, while I start building my collection with those cheaper "must haves", I'm going to try to limit myself to no more than one to two knives a month (and probably no more knife purchases for the month of April since I'm likely gonna pick up that Dimension and I already snagged that Spyderco FRN Chapparal). Occasional exceptions will be made for exclusives that pop up or knives that are marked 30% or more off. No knives above the $150 - $200 mark MAX in the immediate future.

Once I have 20 - 30 knives in my collection and know what form/brands I really love, I'll very likely start paring it down by gifting/selling on the Exchange and will then focus on a few higher-end knives.

 

[Anaries]

Buy what you love or use, avoid the 'basement' and the trolls.

Welcome!

 

[3fifty7]

Welcome aboard, sounds like you are knee deep in an accumulation phase. That's the most fun. Soon you will refine your taste and increase your budget exponentially. Enjoy the ride.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Welcome, and nice collection! There are LOTS more...

 

[sabre cat]

Great idea, and something I'll take to heart! I've actually been talking to the fiance to set up some loose "rules"...

...No knives above the $150 - $200 mark MAX in the immediate future.

Once I have 20 - 30 knives in my collection and know what form/brands I really love, I'll very likely start paring it down by gifting/selling on the Exchange...

"No knives above the $150-200 mark MAX..."

LOL. I think we have all said something like that ourselves. At some point you will go above that, or, at least you will have a desire to exceed the $200 mark.

If you end up with 30 knives, you're well on your way to become a blade junkie. Personally, I don't really know how many knives I own. My guess is somewhere between 35 to 55. Maybe a little less because I am trying to scale back. There are, at the most, only about six, maybe eight, that I normally reach for. Everything else is scattered between the house, shed, toolboxes, autos, camping gear, and the 72-hour kits.

Seriously, if I had to, I probably could get by with six, including multi-tools:

1. Budget dress/travel knife.
2. Small budget EDC folder.
3. Large budget EDC folder.
4. Multi-tool.
5. Small quality dress folder.
6. Fixed blade.

Of course, this does not include family heirlooms or knives I keep to pass on to offspring.

 

[Mecha]

Buy what you love or use, avoid the 'basement' and the trolls.

Welcome!

And just what's that supposed to mean?

 

[Fixall]

Welcome aboard, sounds like you are knee deep in an accumulation phase. That's the most fun. Soon you will refine your taste and increase your budget exponentially. Enjoy the ride.

That's the plan.

Since the best knife I've owned previously was a Spyderco Tenacious (that was stolen two weeks after I purchased it)... I'm still really awed by the cheaper budget knives. Lots of cheap fun to be had! I'm sure that will change rather quickly, lol.

"No knives above the $150-200 mark MAX..."

LOL. I think we have all said something like that ourselves. At some point you will go above that, or, at least you will have a desire to exceed the $200 mark.

If you end up with 30 knives, you're well on your way to become a blade junkie. Personally, I don't really know how many knives I own. My guess is somewhere between 35 to 55. Maybe a little less because I am trying to scale back. There are, at the most, only about six, maybe eight, that I normally reach for. Everything else is scattered between the house, shed, toolboxes, autos, camping gear, and the 72-hour kits.

Seriously, if I had to, I probably could get by with six, including multi-tools:

1. Budget dress/travel knife.
2. Small budget EDC folder.
3. Large budget EDC folder.
4. Multi-tool.
5. Small quality dress folder.
6. Fixed blade.

Of course, this does not include family heirlooms or knives I keep to pass on to offspring.

Hahaha! I made sure to put "...in the immediate future" at the end of that for a reason! As soon as I figure out exactly what knife suits me best as an EDC I'll probably drop a few hundred on something nice. I'm hoping to be satisfied with the budget blades I've been picking up for a decent amount of time... At least until I start to really learn what I truly value in a "good" knife.

The cool thing about this hobby is the knives hold their value very well (and occasionally even increase in value)... Makes it a little easier for me to justify some of the purchases when I can sell them in the future or pass them along as gifts. I've been a high-end PC enthusiast for the past fifteen years or so, and that's a whole different beast! I've purchased a GPU (Maxwell Titan X) for $1000, only to have the value drop to $600 within a few months and will become almost worthless in just a few short years.

Throw in a single high-end, luxury EDC (small, non dressy) and a SAK to go along with the multi-tool and that's basically the list of knives/tools I'm hoping to have once I refine my tastes.

 

[sharp_edge]

Welcome OP! Forget about kershaw (if you insist, buy just one). Take the good advice of several posters and look at Spyderco and ZT. Or if I were you I would pony up and buy a Hinderer or Sebenza. Wish someone gave me this advice from Day One.