Keep in mind that there are no must have knives but there are many that people like a recommend and your list has a few. One last thing inexpensive stuff is great but your not going to be able to get rid of them as easily as a more expensive knife when you start to pare down a bit. If I were in your shoes I'd stop right now, use the ones I have, then start to look for better stuff that similar to what I have and like.
I get what you're saying about there not being any "must have" knives, especially since everyone's tastes/needs can vary so much. I also get what you're saying about the cheaper, more common knives not reselling as well. I wouldn't be trying to break even or anything like that though. I'm looking at this as a hobby. I'm paying money not only to own the physical knife, but for the experience that comes with ownership... That way when someone on the forum or in real life asks what I think about "such and such budget knife" I will not only be able to tell them the forums general consensus... But I'll also be able to give them insight that only comes with ownership. If I recoup 50% - 70% of the cost of a cheap knife, I'd consider it a win... I basically see it as a cheap rental fee that comes with the added bonus of first hand knowledge of the knife that you get to keep forever.
I am definitely slowing down now. I'm waiting for Nvidia to stop dragging their feet and release the latest GPU for my main PC... And I'm waiting for Intel to drop the i5-8500 and the B360/H370/H310 motherboards for a secondary build, so I needed some instant gratification, lol. Buying knives totally worked.
I don't think I went overboard too badly though... I kept the total cost under $280 for a; Blur s30v, Blur Sandvik (bought for $30 so I can learn to sharpen a curved belly without messing up my s30v blur), Kershaw Dimension, Spyderco FRN Chapparal, Kershaw Leek CF, and a SAK Compact. Add that to the original Leek, Field Pup, Seal Pup, Opinel, Ranger (x2), and Gator and that only makes baker's dozen (techically 9, since 3 of those belong to my fiance now), so that's not too crazy (imo).
For the time being, I'm going to spend a chunk of time playing with the toys I have now (and coming in the mail). Although, I have been giving a very small amount of thought to getting rid of the blacked out Blur (and just learning how to sharpen a curved belly on my s30v Blur... It's not like they're that expensive) and also the Kershaw Dimension so I can pick up a Factor Equipment Iconic (I really want something with Titanium scales to play with), but I don't think I feel right about purchasing a knife that was discontinued for infringement reasons.
Welcome and that was quite an introduction. Nice job. Since you have all those knives already and will be adding more plus the need to keep you daily cutter nice and sharp for work. . . .
Tip: you might want to check out a future investment in a new or used Wicked Edge system such as a mid line Propack II system.
If a knife is purchased for future sales or trading, leave the factory edge on, so you sell the knife at a later date in pristine condition and can trade/sell listed as never carried, never used, never sharpened etc.
Many collectors will buy knives and just leave them in their safe (called safe queens) untouched for future resale and potential rise in value like with custom knives.
And once one has gained experience in putting on a mirrored edge . . . you can offer a choice to a buyer . . . mirrored edge or factory grind? Also, some companies like as example Benchmade, Spyderco, Chris Reeve will put back on a sharpened factory edge for free and they also have lifetime warranty, a nice selling point. But keep in mind, once a knife has been re-sharpened by the factory, you can't ethically represent it as "new in box" and never sharpened.
Putting a mirror edge on a knife with a WE system is a "Zen like " experience adding yet another exciting facet to our hobby.
Most production type knives have an edge that is a quick belt grinded on edge . . . like those from Benchmade, Spyderco etc.
There are many other sharpening systems too plus freehand as others will suggest to you . . . but I went with the WE after researching out most others because in my opinion, its the BMW of sharpeneing systems.
I'm far from an expert with this system, as I have only have about 15 sharpened kitchen chef type knives done and a few cheap folders under my belt. And this is the point now where the diamond stones are just "breaking in" and my finished edges are starting to give me a very fine looking mirrored finishes.
Check out this thread below: One of the members here and posted in one of the pics is Josh from "razor edge knifes". Josh uses a WE system amoung other systems too and he is a craftsman with the WE system.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/super-polished-edges.1265034/page-37#post-17468514
* Disclaimer, I have no connection with Josh or the Wicked Edge company, I'm just giving out kudos to an amazing sharpening system.
Hey thanks! Yea... I've noticed I've been getting carried away with the long forum posts, lol. Damn post operative pain pills make me "chatty" apparently.
Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely keep those in mind before I sharpen a blade that I intend to sell. Regarding the Wicked Edge Propack II system... It's definitely out my price range for the time being, but I'll get some price alerts going and will keep my eye on the Exchange for a second hand system.
Looks like a hell of a setup and there are some damn MAGNIFICENT pictures in that thread. Josh seems to have one hell of a reputation as a knife grinder here!
I think for now, I'm going to pick up a Spyderco or Lansky system to get me by... But I'm a little concerned with the limited angles... Maybe I'll start off free-handing. IDK... Not quite to that point yet, but you can bet I'll be doing a ton of research here at BF about it soon, lol.
If the wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man doesn’t say you’re in the right place, nothing does.
You mentioned breaking down or at least opening a lot of cardboard boxes at work. I definitely recommend the Delica. The thin blade with sharp edge really does wonders on boxes.
And to address the membership issue, it pays to get Gold. It does not pay for me to get platinum although a strong argument can be made for it. But just like Costco membership (speaking as an “executive member”) it pays.
The Delica is definitely on my list! I just picked up an FRN Chapparal the other day though, so I want to pick up something by; Benchmade (Mini Griptilian), Cold Steel (Code 4), Ontario (D2 Rat 2), Buck (Vantage Pro), and Steel Will (D2 Cutjack), before I pick up another Spyderco.
I picked up a Basic Membership yesterday... And I plan on upgrading to a Gold Membership the day I decide to sell something.
Fixall
Looking at your list, you may find something to your liking in the traditional forum. Take a look here:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/lets-talk-gec.1081593/
Thanks for that!!! I know what I'll be reading through tonight!
I actually just found out that the Buck 110 can be customized directly from Buck! Holy cow! I will MOST DEFINITELY be picking up a 110 with s30v and ironwood. So beautiful!
Welcome, do you due diligence of research before you buy a knife and when you have decided on a knife wait a week to see if your decision changes.
Excellent advice! I'll be sure to do this when I start purchasing knives over the $100 price point! For now (well over the course of the next few months) I'll probably jump on flash sales on cheaper, well reviewed knives until I figure out what I really like.
