One trio for a year.

j williams · Apr 15, 2009

Hi guys!

I hate to admit it, but I have become bored with new blades.

I know, I know...Hear me out though.....

I have had the extreme pleasure of testing and owning several, literally hundreds of cool blades. Blades of every size from most every maker and company. Getting new steel just isnt what it used to be. I think I have over saturated myself with blades.

I dont wanna bring up a bike referance, but it fits here. When I decided to switch my bike to a singlespeed 5 years ago, it was because I was feeling some of the same feelings. I wanted to find away to simplify, and rekindle my passion for biking. Which after riding mtn bikes avidly since I was 8 years old, had dropped signifigantly. I believe it was due to an oversaturation of the next cool gadget. It cheapened my riding experiance.. It worked. It made the riding feel new, and more simple, yet challenging if that makes sense...:thumbup:

So, I think I need to do something new. I am gonna see if I can make due with one trio. One trio for a year. Simplify, and challenge myself to make due. I talked with rescuerielly last night about it, and he made some good points. This is no feat of excellance. Any one of us could do it. Its been done since the begining of time. However for me, I feel it will help me to focus more on the joy of being outside in the dirt, and less on what im packing. I truely believe I will be a better outdoorsman when I come out the other side. I am not burnt out on the outdoors. Its been a major part of my life since childhood.

Now, we all see the threads like the one on 3 knives till the end that my man Pitdog wrote, and everyone has contributed to. Everyone has an idea of their personal preferances in tools, and we find those through trial and error through many outings with several brands of steel. I want to do something a little differant. I want to take a knife Ive never used, and make do with it. I know my preferance in grind, and ergos, and steel etc.. However, I also need to take into considration my EDC needs. I am also not counting axes and folding saws into my trio. These to me are truely specialized camp tools, that fill a role. Im just talking the blades I carry everyday, and on all hikes.:thumbup:

This comes for me at a good time. I just got a D2 spyderco paramilitary recently that hasnt left my pocket, and I have a new blade coming at me next week.

So... Here is my trio for one year. Am I nuts?

Leatherman Charge-- I opted for a multitool because I edc one when I ride and at work. While some(including me) prefer a farmer for woods and most tasks, the leatherman is very valuble to me for on trail bike repairs and adjustments, and some work related tasks. It just is a smarter choice for an urban EDC, and it can do anything a SAK can do in the woods.

Spyderco D2 paramilitary-- I havent had this folder but a week. I cant picture not having it. Its a great, super sharp folder, legal in most places. So it is gonna fill my small blade role.

Gossman PSK Xtreme-- This is a fairly new model from Scott. 5in blade, all around field knife based off his super popular PSK line. Its like a supersized PSK. Green canvas Micarta, O1 steel. Convex grind. I chose this blade by chance. I have been on Scotts list for almost a year waiting, and this is the model I opted for. I chose it because I know Scotts tools are up to the chalenge, and it fills the role of a blade I have never used or handled yet.

I know this isnt a huge deal, and if youre still reading, I thank you for listening to my ramblings...:thumbup:

What are your thoughts on my choices? What are your thoughts on this simple idea? I am a hard headed SOB. If I set my mind to it, I can do it. Sure, my other blades might get lonely, but I will whore em out to some bros to get em dirty if I need to.

I will start with a full review of the PSKX when it arrives. :thumbup:

pitdog · Apr 15, 2009

Great idea buddy and with those you have chosen I'm sure you will cope just fine !

I am actually planning on doing the same with my next knife only I'm going to try and limit it to just that one for 6 months !

peripatew · Apr 15, 2009

Sounds like a great challenge. I've been working at getting to a point where I can do this. Mentor's challenge inspired me, among other things, to simplify my collection, and find what works best for me. Unfortunately, I'm far away while I wait for my Krein XL Bushcraft.

Good choices! I love my charge, though I'm moving to a juice s2 for a while since I carry a big folder all the time.

Good luck!

KuRUpTD · Apr 15, 2009

sounds great and wish you luck bro ... can't wait to hear how they work out.

I just find it really difficult to stay "faithful"

tknife · Apr 15, 2009

J, I hear you man. I may be ready to do something similar myself :thumbup:

texastonydobbs · Apr 15, 2009

I think what your going to do is a great challenge, I for one get caught up in the Gear aspect of what I have packed and it is a crying shame to ramble thru 20-50 FB and head out the door with a chosen few. Good luck and keep us updated...

j williams · Apr 15, 2009

peripatew said:
Sounds like a great challenge. I've been working at getting to a point where I can do this. Mentor's challenge inspired me, among other things, to simplify my collection, and find what works best for me. Unfortunately, I'm far away while I wait for my Krein XL Bushcraft.

Good choices! I love my charge, though I'm moving to a juice s2 for a while since I carry a big folder all the time.

Good luck!

Thanks man!

Is the s2 a non locking model? My wifey carries a purple juice in her purse, I won from Rockywolf a loong time back. I like it, just wish the tools locked.

Big Mike · Apr 15, 2009

Jake, youre one crazy MoFo

but I can see your reasoning. :thumbup:

:thumbup:

My choices would be different, but then again so are my needs.

I wish you all the luck.

"If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space."

Big Mike

j williams · Apr 15, 2009

pitdog said:
Great idea buddy and with those you have chosen I'm sure you will cope just fine !

I am actually planning on doing the same with my next knife only I'm going to try and limit it to just that one for 6 months !

Awesome!! Any idea what the next blade will be?

KuRUpTD said:
sounds great and wish you luck bro ... can't wait to hear how they work out.

I just find it really difficult to stay "faithful"

F-A-I-T-H-F-U-L-L

Thanks man!

tknife said:
J, I hear you man. I may be ready to do something similar myself :thumbup:

It kinda makes sense dont it?

texastonydobbs said:
I think what your going to do is a great challenge, I for one get caught up in the Gear aspect of what I have packed and it is a crying shame to ramble thru 20-50 FB and head out the door with a chosen few. Good luck and keep us updated...

It is Tony. Dont get me wrong, I love gear. :thumbup: You guys know that!!

ust feel like its that time for me....:thumbup:

j williams · Apr 15, 2009

Big Mike said:
Jake, you’re one crazy MoFo…

…but I can see your reasoning. :thumbup: :thumbup:

My choices would be different, but then again so are my needs.

I wish you all the luck.

"If you're not living on the edge, …you're taking up too much space."

Big Mike

Thanks Mike. When I make it out your way, if Im not packin this trio, kick me square in the grapes.

What do you think you would choose?

kgd · Apr 15, 2009

J - I understand your situation. I don't necessarily agree that limiting yourself to three blades is the best strategy, but I do agree that you should try to focus more on dirt time and less on equipment procurement.

Maybe your commitment to just 3 blades will help you keep that focus. However, and if I can use myself as an example, the bigger issue is the lust for consumerism and the thrill of getting a new blade. If you aren't getting satisfaction with that any more than stop buying and give it a rest. Perhaps thin the herd of your current collection and again try to think about dirt time more so than buying more equipment. Why you want to zero in on just 3 blades for a year - I don't fully understand. Make sure you get the first step above first, and don't simply move buying knives to buying gear. I think that will help you more and not necessarily limit flexibility in activities as you already have a large collection.

Here is a challenge for you. Take your existing collection, figure out which ones you want to clear. Don't do it right off the bat, just separate them out. Now take what you have left, that which you want to keep, divide them up into categories of three (EDC/folder, medium blade, chopper etc). Now the next time you go out, randomly choose three blades from each of your keeper pile. THERAPY - don't agonize about which one you will choose from a given category. Use a random number generator (e.g. in MS Excel Forumulae: =rand(1...10) ) let fate decide which you will choose. This way you will learn to appreciate your collection and perhaps re-capture what you loved about each blade you have.

Well that was just a thought. Good luck!

j williams · Apr 15, 2009

kgd said:
J - I understand your situation. I don't necessarily agree that limiting yourself to three blades is the best strategy, but I do agree that you should try to focus more on dirt time and less on equipment procurement.

Maybe your commitment to just 3 blades will help you keep that focus. However, and if I can use myself as an example, the bigger issue is the lust for consumerism and the thrill of getting a new blade. If you aren't getting satisfaction with that any more than stop buying and give it a rest. Perhaps thin the herd of your current collection and again try to think about dirt time more so than buying more equipment. Why you want to zero in on just 3 blades for a year - I don't fully understand. Make sure you get the first step above first, and don't simply move buying knives to buying gear. I think that will help you more and not necessarily limit flexibility in activities as you already have a large collection.

Here is a challenge for you. Take your existing collection, figure out which ones you want to clear. Don't do it right off the bat, just separate them out. Now take what you have left, that which you want to keep, divide them up into categories of three (EDC/folder, medium blade, chopper etc). Now the next time you go out, randomly choose three blades from each of your keeper pile. THERAPY - don't agonize about which one you will choose from a given category. Use a random number generator (e.g. in MS Excel Forumulae: =rand(1...10) ) let fate decide which you will choose. This way you will learn to appreciate your collection and perhaps re-capture what you loved about each blade you have.

Well that was just a thought. Good luck!

I hear ya kgd, and that is a very sound idea. :thumbup:

I just dont want to make the choice. Even by random number. I just want to make due, kinda see what it would be like to slap one blade in my hand, and make due with it for an extended period. By doing this, I can kill 2 birds with one stone persay. Simplify, and learn some dicipline along they way. It also will make or a very interesting experiment to evaluate when im done, and along the way....:thumbup:

If for some reason this doesnt work for me, then I am totally gonna give your advise a try. It sounds very interesting.....Thank you!

I am very well setup with gear right now, and I really havent been buying anything new for awhile..... In fact I have been thinning the ranks on that front alot!! hehehe

Big Mike · Apr 15, 2009

j williams said:
Thanks Mike. When I make it out your way, if Im not packin this trio, kick me square in the grapes.

What do you think you would choose?

Jake, Ive posted these in Pits tread, but Ill ad them here in response to your question.

Bark River KSF Custom Bowie (50-100B).

Jim Stewart Custom (S30V).

Bob Dozier Custom Folder (D2).

"If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space."

Big Mike

pitdog · Apr 15, 2009

j williams said:
Awesome!! Any idea what the next blade will be?

F-A-I-T-H-F-U-L-L

Thanks man!

It kinda makes sense dont it?

It is Tony. Dont get me wrong, I love gear. :thumbup: You guys know that!! ust feel like its that time for me....:thumbup:

My next blade will be the one I designed for JK to make me !!!!

j williams · Apr 15, 2009

Damn Mike!!! Those blades are sweeeeet!!!

I have lusted after a folding Dozier for a looooong time..

That custom is very nice looking, as is the barkie!

I cant wait to check out some of your blades when im out there. You have nice stuff!

mtnfolk mike · Apr 15, 2009

wow Jake...

are you feeling okay man...

haha... i hear where you're coming from, but don't know if i can bring myself to do it as well.... i enjoy the variety and spice of different knives, for different tasks....

though now that i think of it.. i'm not far from it.. i have been EDCing the same Benchmade mini-grip for about 5-6 years now... it's proven itself many times over...

j williams · Apr 15, 2009

pitdog said:
My next blade will be the one I designed for JK to make me !!!!

ooooooh...I cant wait to see that!!

j williams · Apr 15, 2009

mtnfolk mike said:
wow Jake... are you feeling okay man... haha... i hear where you're coming from, but don't know if i can bring myself to do it as well.... i enjoy the variety and spice of different, for different tasks.... though now that i think of it.. i'm not far from it.. i have been EDCing the same Benchmade mini-grip for about 5-6 years now... it's proven itself many times over...

All good brotha... All good. :thumbup:

Im not saying that I will last a year, but Im hoping for a valuable experiance along the way... :thumbup:

misanthropist · Apr 15, 2009

I think it's a good idea.

We overcomplicate knife stuff here because we like knives. But you could easily cut down to ONE knife, FOR EVERYTHING, for a year.

I know I reference my old man the prospector fairly often but he is a good example of a guy who is not a gear whore, but who has done a lot of things gear whores like to do.

He lived in the bush for a long time, and he put no special thought into which knife he took. I think when I asked him he said "a jack knife of some kind." He didn't take a fixed blade at all. And he LIVED in the bush and got resupplied every 3 weeks by helicopter.

Let's face it...if we all wanted to, we could probably go the rest of our lives without ever needing more than a swiss army knife. We have knives because we like them, not because we need them.

carrot · Apr 15, 2009

Sounds like a great experiment!

PS: Like you I decided to try singlespeed (fixed actually) and it has made cycling a lot more interesting. I'll give up my fixed-gear over my dead body!!!