Philosophy on When to "Let Go"

B

BK14

Joined
Sep 13, 2016
Messages
449
Hi everyone,
So after a few years of very controlled, (nothing too crazy), but steady, knife acquisition, both through buying and directed gift receiving from loving family on holidays and the like, I've developed a pretty satisfying (for me) collection of modern folders. However, as I referenced in a recent thread, I find myself choosing the same one or two knives over others just about every day. There are still more knives I want to try, but have been feeling almost guilty about acquiring new ones while the ones I have (and really like) don't get carried more than a few days a month if that. I have never been much of a seller, but have recently unloaded and looked to unload a few knives. So my wordy post leads to this question: how, for you, do you know when a specific blade (or even type of blade) has reached the end of the line for you? Do you guys buy and sell often, or is it a big deal to sell a knife? If you do sell regularly, how long does a knife get used or carried before it gets moved along? As one who's relatively new to this hobby and just recently reaching a selling mindset, I would love to hear how your views and practices in this way have changed over time, and where you stand on this topic now. Can't wait to read the replies!
 
For me it's simple... a) Do I ever use this one? and b) Do I want to replace it with something else?

I can financially justify purchases easier if I send one I never use (or am tired of) out to pasture.
 
I've never sold a knife. I have given away plenty.

I usually move one or two that I don't carry often to my car and then if I see one of my friends or relatives has an interest in knives but has never carried anything better than the gas station junk I give them one of the spares.
 
jimmyd1982 said:
I've never sold a knife. I have given away plenty.

I usually move one or two that I don't carry often to my car and then if I see one of my friends or relatives has an interest in knives but has never carried anything better than the gas station junk I give them one of the spares.
Click to expand...
Great reply. I personally have sold 2 knives, and given away 5 (one of which was more valuable than either of the ones I sold) so I definitely get this! I also get great joy from helping someone who has yet to experience decent knives find a good, reliable tool.
 
I'm in the process of scaling down my collection right now. The current method I am using to justify my keepers is by pinning them to locations and expected usage scenarios. One for each BOB (four), toolbelt (two), backpack (three), bedside (four), desk (four), car (two), keychain (five) and EDC (two). So twenty-five total essentials less kitchen edges. One comes in, one goes out is how I plan to handle future buys. I always give what I have away as well. Just last week, I passed on a Nuclear EDC to a friend and a NMFBM to a cousin in exchange for nothing more than a smile.
 
Skrapmetal said:
For me it's simple... a) Do I ever use this one? and b) Do I want to replace it with something else?

I can financially justify purchases easier if I send one I never use (or am tired of) out to pasture.
Click to expand...
Pretty much exactly what I do. A few knives are forever keepers that get used. The rest either get used or they get sold.
 
When I started actually collecting, early 80's, I didn't see myself selling any.
20 years later I wanted to change over from traditional blades to more modern folders.
I decided to sell most of my collection to pay for my new knives. It has been fun the last 15 years trying out new knives as I slowly sold (and gifted) the old ones.

It also allowed me to buy gifts for my wife, daughters and grandchildren. That's the best part.

As for a philosophy on which knives to keep, if that's what your asking.
If I don't use it I don't keep it, barring gifts.
 
Thanks for the replies so far guys! For all those who say they sell what doesn't get used, how much use does it need to see before it's not worth it, in your opinion? I carry my Spyderco PM2 about 2-5 times a month I would say. That's the main one I'm thinking about currently... I love it, but given the use or lack thereof, it may be time for it to go on to greener pastures.
 
Unless it has some sentimental value, a knife I don't use gets cut from the string. Tastes change, life situations change.
 
Let it go when you need the money you'd get for it more than the knife, or when the presence of the knife in your home is causing clutter, either physical or mental, or both.
 
Easy to figure this out.
Lay out a knife you rarely carry on the bed that you are contemplating selling. Designate selling as heads and keeping as tails. The stipulation is that if kept, you have to carry that knife as your main carry knife (or sole carry) for the next 2 - 4 weeks straight.
Take out a coin and flip it. The point is that as soon as the coin is starting to drop, you will often start to realize that you want one side to face up more than the other.

This is what you Really want to happen.

Plus, if it you truly do not care either way, then your decision is made by the coin.

Or

B) Force yourself to carry it in place of a knife that you have grown accustomed to. If you cannot, sell it.
 
I tend to move on very quickly from knives that won't be permanently sticking around. It usually doesn't take me long to figure it out. Sometimes I can't even articulate the reason the knife isn't for me. For example, I sold off my BBS Spyderco Domino for reasons I still don't understand. Nothing wrong with the knife and it checked a lot of boxes for me. Just wasn't it. Everything that I keep gives me a little grin when I take it out to put it in my pocket. Doesn't have to be carried all of the time for me to justify keeping it either. If it brings me joy when I do carry it, then it's a keeper.
 
I went through a phase where I actually wasn't allowed to carry a knife at work (at a high school) and so my knives were things I put in my pocket after getting home or on the weekends, so I didn't have much chance to carry any.

As my career changed (I'm a distiller now) I found myself able to carry a knife all the time. At the same time, my tastes started to change and my interest in knives started to be all about use and functionality more than something that looked cool or was spoken highly of. I'm not really sure why. I used to have a list of knives I "wished for" or "needed" some day. At this point, however, I've found one knife that I love, a Sebenza 25, and have been slowly working on finding that magical second knife for a little variety. I also have three traditionals, all of which have sentimental value but do occasionally get carried and used as well.

Honestly (and I don't want to get on a high horse, get preachy or suggest that this is the "right" way to be) I'm a much happier knife enthusiast taking a more minimalistic approach. I think it has a lot to do with being able to use a knife at work, and also being able to now carry some higher end knives that I really love and appreciate. Things have become slightly less about getting and more about having and using. Of course, the hunt for that elusive, second "perfect" knife is ongoing but I have one in the mail now that might fit the bill. I also think it's important to note that this shift happened on its own. I didn't try to be happier with less and I didn't try to clean shop and get rid of a bunch because I felt guilty or like I was too materialistic or anything. One day it just felt right to trade or sell everything off and focus on less knives.

Anyway, my hobby has progressed and changed and I've loved it and this community all along. I will say, though, that I'm happy now to have that small little collection that brings me so much joy, and that I can actively use and watch as they become even more "mine".
 
JB in SC said:
Unless it has some sentimental value, a knife I don't use gets cut from the string. Tastes change, life situations change.
Click to expand...

If it has great sentimental value, I keep it. If it is a gift, I normally keep it. If it fills a true void in the collection, I keep it until it no longer needed.

Beyond that, it should go away if it has not been handled or used within six months or a year, tops.
 
If you don't use it and then see it again and realize you hadn't missed it in the intervening time period that is a clue to move on.
 
I have been collecting/acquiring/accumulating metal tools of all sorts since 1975.

I have never had a knife/sword/machete/garden tool reach the point that I would sell it just to get rid of it. I have worn a few out or broken a few. But then I replace the handles that break on my axes, hoes, earth forks, mattocks, mattaxes when they fail.

I have never sold a knife that I bought for use or collecting purposes. I have never sold a tool either, except for a couple of cheap Chinese-made earth forks that my father bought for cheap and then the tines bent - those I threw on my scrap metal recycling pile and sold them.

I have given away dozens of knives and sold less than 100. I do have a tub out in the shop with 100 to 200 knives that need new homes. I just haven't gotten motivated enough to sell them yet.

The knives I have sold and intend to sell (see above) are those that I had no use for when I bought them and knew it - I will buy a lot of knives to get one or two specific knives in the bunch and then pass on the rest.
 
Yeah i have all but stopped "collecting". I have two knives i am keeping and im aelling off the rest. It just gets to a point where if i want to try something new ill sell whats in my pocket to offset the cost and do that over and over. I basically lease knives. But i actually am very content with the few i have and if im not using sonething its useless for me.
 
It's like any other binge buying hobby in my experience. I've experienced the same with guitars/amps/drums/PA gear, also watches, motorcycles and guns. Eventually you realize that the experience was worthy but you finally realize what is important and the rest must go. It's liberating!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top