Safe Queens?

Sosa said:
Buying a safe queen is like buying a car you never drive. It rots in the garage while you hope its value appreciates. Then the flavor of the week changes and you're either stuck with it or sell it at a loss. Or you gets lucky. I use every one of them. Sentimental value is no good unless you use it. I lost grandpas knife damn it. How many knives you think he lost?
Click to expand...

I respectfully don't agree. I have quite a few knives that I could sell now for slightly more to considerably more than I originally paid for them (not accounting for devaluation in the US dollar).

I have many more knives than I will ever need or use, but I buy/collect/accumulate knives because I like them. I enjoy the craftmanship involved in making them and the numerous variety of knives in the world. They impart a sense of adventure and self reliance to me, and I view my nicer knives as works of art. Of the well over 1,000 knives I own, I have only ever "used" around 30 or so, and by "used," I mostly mean that I carried them more than once or twice. I see no need to use a knife in order to justify owning it, however, I don't own any knives I wouldn't use should the need arise. As for my "safe queens," I frequently get an urge to take certain knives out of storage and admire them. I put them on my desk for days or weeks at a time, then back in the safe they go and I pull out some others to play with for a while. When I have knives out, I will use them for opening mail or packages, or whatever non-damaging cutting needs I have. If I have to use a knife to do something that might dull or scratch it up, I'll use one of my regular carry knives, as I don't want to damage my "safe queens" when I have plenty of other knives to use for rough stuff. I guess my main aversion to using my "safe queens" is the same as not wanting to scratch and dent up a new car.....They look nicer without the scratches and dents. Plus when my wife or kids sell them once I'm deceased, they can get better prices if the knives are in good shape.
 
I have a couple I won't use because my sons chipped in and bought them for me. Had their initials engraved on them. Never forget the looks on their faces when they gave them to me. I do carry them.....dress up knives!
Everything else gets used and loved!
Joe
 
I appreciate everyones comments. I guess I'm still trying to figure out where the line is for me and I'm reluctant to try and hunt down particular knives that might wind up locked away. It helps to hear what other people do though.
 
I would say 75% plus of my dozen knives are safe queens, and some a super-safe queens, knives that I would hardly use even if my life depended on it... I call those "beyond TEOTWAWKI". Price or value plays little role, but availability does, and none are cheap knives.

The reason is usually sentimental reasons, edge thinness/steel quality, impossibility of replacing, or sharpening/refinishing work that was unusually good, successful, or hard to replicate owing to the knife's unfavourable geometry (such as on daggers).

Except for deep hollow grinds, because those have some "reserve height", a portion where the edge stays the same thickness, using knives gradually makes them duller and duller, and eventually destroys their performance and usefulness... Hollow grinds with thin edges (0.020") will last exceptionally long before this inevitable dulling happens, but I know of only Randalls to be made that way consistently among fixed blades.

Very few knife owners will fess up to having knives they will not use, yet most pictures I see from them show their "users" to look more pristine than my shelf queens...

Many owners also underplay the damage that actual use causes to blades, because they use them so little or so carefully...

I am always mystified by this... Ever seen a scratched up Sebenza or recent vintage Randall?

Gaston
 
Don't buy anything I don't use. If I don't use it, it'll leave my collection shortly after. I'm currently edcing a ebony damascus mnandi. No safe queens here.
 
knives are tools and tools are to be used. why buy the best quality knife and not show it the respect of use. every blade I buy (mostly busse & kin) I put to the test by throwing it into my target stumps and batoning a few logs. use your blades or lose your blades......;)
 
Many of my nicer Spydies are safe queen (Vallotton, Millie fluted Ti, Szabo...), as their materials are not rugged enough for how I use my knives. I don't mind carrying my Seb 25 as EDC as it is really rugged.
I guess for me a "safe queen" is a nice knife of delicate construction that will be scratched or dented easily, or that I like to own as a collector but that is not suited to my daily needs.
 
Knives intended for using will never be safe-queen'd for me, and that includes some $1,000+ knives like Rocksteads.

However, I probably wouldn't use something that crosses into the "art" category like a fully engraved folder with scrimshaw'd mammoth ivory, mosaic Damascus, etc.. What would be the point of carrying such a knife? Because I can? That's just showing off...

I know, I'm weird:D
 
I only have one safe-queen, a superblue Stretch sprint. I like my user so much I just had to get a backup, should something unthinkable happen to it!

2015-05-19072806-small_zps1f9ceaf9.jpg
 
Last edited:
Brock O Lee said:
I only have one safe-queen, a superblue Stretch sprint. I like my user so much I just had to get a backup, should something unthinkable happen to it! Inexpensive, limited edition rare steel in a model I really like, it was not a difficult choice.

2015-05-19072806-small_zps1f9ceaf9.jpg
Click to expand...

Is that really considered a safe queen though? Lets say your user magically disappeared just now... Poof! Gone!

You're left with your safe queen Stretch, but now it's your only other option to replace the original. Does it suddenly become not a safe queen under these circumstances?

If that's the case, was it a safe queen to begin with?

I'm just being theoretical, not trying to argue with your choices. It's funny how we all can't agree on a simple concept:D
 
Phixt said:
We're not even on page 2 and people are already, "Devolving."



I agree with this part. My grandfather would want me to use his knives even if I lost or broke them. I enjoy adding to the patina he put on them over the decades. The knife my dad got me for my 16th birthday is scratched to hell and back from use too.

To answer the OP:
1) High end scales (i.e. mammoth molar/ivory, meteorite)
2) Hand engraved (especially by renowned artists)
3) Excellent scrimshaw (http://artknives.com/peter_pruyn.html)
4) The obvious holy grails from the obvious makers
5) Hand polished blades too sexy to mar
6) Delicate/valuable antique (I'm talkin really old)
7) If I ever bought a REAL katana/waki/tanto
8) A knife covered in precious metals and gems

The knives I don't use are on display throughout my home, because you know, they're works of art and they look a lot cooler than anything you'll find at kirklands.

Why the hell am I awake? Happy Father's Day!
Click to expand...

Ditto! There are more than a few reasons for these. Everyone has their own I am sure. I have ~10 SQ's for the reasons Phixt mentions. I also have a Platts Jumbo swell center that is a SQ. It has been used over the past 100 plus years but not again in my lifetime. I am happy to be the temporary owner of this piece of history.. Nice thread BYW :thumbup:
 
honorearth said:
knives are tools and tools are to be used. why buy the best quality knife and not show it the respect of use. every blade I buy (mostly busse & kin) I put to the test by throwing it into my target stumps and batoning a few logs. use your blades or lose your blades......;)
Click to expand...

No offense, but This is quite a ridiculous comment and very narrow minded. Knives may be hard use tools to you however there are different types of knife people. Not everyone works in an environment that they need to stomp on a knife all day. I, like many here, admire the craftsmanship that goes into a high quality knife, and I'm a businessman so my daily activities don't include batoning logs or whittling. Therefore a lot of my knives sit in a display case and come out only to be fondled and flicked. I do carry most of them, but I'm very careful, especially with my very expensive and rare stuff, not to damage them, and if I do carry something high end for the day I always have a Victorinox alox cadet in my pocket to do any kind of cutting that needs to be done. Although the most that I would be using a knife for would usually be opening mail or cutting a tag off a new shirt. Doesn't mean I should hand over all my knives so that a "real" knife person can show me how a knife should be treated.

Now a days knives have become more than just a cutting tool used by hard labor workers. The craftsmanship of today's knives can be admired by people of all different types. High end edc items are very popular and I would think that most people that are spending big money on exotic carry items are not running around beating their stuff to death. There has never been a better time to be a part of the hobby of knife collecting as there are so many beautiful offerings out there to enjoy.

For example, There are guys that buy a vintage Ferrari and get just as much enjoyment out of it just polishing and admiring it in their garage, then there are guys that will take that same car out to a race track and beat on it. Doesn't mean either one is right or wrong. It's what brings joy to the person that spent their hard earned money on the item that's important.
 
Blues Bender said:
Knives intended for using will never be safe-queen'd for me, and that includes some $1,000+ knives like Rocksteads.

However, I probably wouldn't use something that crosses into the "art" category like a fully engraved folder with scrimshaw'd mammoth ivory, mosaic Damascus, etc.. What would be the point of carrying such a knife? Because I can? That's just showing off...

I know, I'm weird:D
Click to expand...

Hey Blue,

I am always interested to see what you have to say on a particular subject. Can I ask if you have always been that way with safe queens? I ask because I just picked up my first custom. (It arrives tomorrow!) When you first started getting into the higher end knives did it take awhile for them to find your pocket or have you always just used what you have?
 
My feelings towards knives are different than some on this forum, and in the knife community.

I don't romanticize knives. Nor do I bestow upon them human characteristics like a soul, or feelings. A knife is not going to feel sad or offended if it isn't used.

There is no GREAT RULE BOOK OF KNIVES to define and dictate what they are or what should be done with them. There is no "knife bible" with "knife commandments" and eternal damnation for people who break those commandments. It will not offend THE GREAT KNIFE GODS if a knife goes unused.

Knives are not "meant to be used", they are designed and constructed in a way that they can be used. Knives do not have a destiny, they are not made by angels with a divine, preordained purpose to serve in the great scheme of life.

Knives do not have expiration dates. They won't disintegrate or explode if they go unused. And I know of no manufacturer, or custom maker, who would refuse to sell a knife to someone who says "I'm a collector, I'm never going to use it".

To each their own. Whatever people choose to do with their knives is their business. If it's YOUR knife, then as far as I'm concerned whatever choice you make regarding it, whether you use it, or bury it in a time capsule, or paint it pink, you can never be wrong, because it's YOUR knife.

That's my point of view, and I would never suggest that others share it, nor would I criticize them for not sharing it. Sometimes when I'm on this forum I'm reminded of religious fanatics who believe that their way is the right way, the ONLY way, the ONE TRUE right way, and anyone who believes or does differently is not only wrong, but also a betrayer of the GREAT RELIGION OF KNIVES.

I say- it's just a knife, an inanimate object, with no soul, or fate, and it's only purpose is what it's owner decides it to be. If people want to believe otherwise, then more power to them. But don't judge or criticize others simply because they believe and act differently than you. There's plenty of room in the knife community for all different beliefs and persuasions. :)
 
Last edited:
killgar said:
My feelings towards knives are different than some on this forum, and in the knife community.

I don't romanticize knives. Nor do I bestow upon them human characteristics like a soul, or feelings. A knife is not going to feel sad or offended if it isn't used.

There is no GREAT RULE BOOK OF KNIVES to define and dictate what they are or what should be done with them. There is no "knife bible" with "knife commandments" and eternal damnation for people who break those commandments.

Knives are not "meant to be used", they are designed and constructed in a way that they can be used. Knives do not have a destiny, they are not made by angels with a divine, preordained purpose to serve in the great scheme of life.

Knives do not have expiration dates. They won't disintegrate or explode if they go unused. The sun won't stop shining, the Earth won't stop spinning. And I know of no manufacturer, or custom maker, who would refuse to sell a knife to someone who says "I'm a collector, I'm never going to use it".

To each their own. Whatever people choose to do with their knives is their business. If it's YOUR knife, then as far as I'm concerned whatever choice you make regarding it, whether you use it, or bury it in a time capsule, or paint it pink, you can never be wrong, because it's YOUR knife.

That's my point of view, and I would never suggest that others share it, nor would I criticize them for not sharing it. Sometimes when I'm on this forum I'm reminded of religious fanatics who believe that their way is the right way, the ONLY way, the ONE TRUE right way, and anyone who believes or does differently is not only wrong, but also a betrayer of the GREAT RELIGION OF KNIVES.

I say- it's just a knife, an inanimate object, with no soul, or fate, and it's only purpose is what it's owner decides it to be. If people want to believe otherwise, then more power to them. But don't judge or criticize others simply because they believe and act differently than you. There's plenty of room in the knife community for all different beliefs and persuasions. :)
Click to expand...

Very well said.
 
Ruggdogg87 said:
Hey Blue,

I am always interested to see what you have to say on a particular subject. Can I ask if you have always been that way with safe queens? I ask because I just picked up my first custom. (It arrives tomorrow!) When you first started getting into the higher end knives did it take awhile for them to find your pocket or have you always just used what you have?
Click to expand...

Hey Rugg,

Congrats on the custom, what are you getting?

For me, my first "expensive" knife was the ZT 0454 release. Previously, I spent a lot of money on knives, but that release was my biggest knife purchase at the time. To be honest, I was excited to put that 0454 into my pocket and tote it off to work. After breaking the ice on my first $500 knife purchase, I went into the deep end and exclusively started buying CRK's, customs, etc.. They all got used/pocketed within 24 hours of ownership (after I decided if it was a keeper or not).

I have a custom coming up next month, and it's a fully engraved zirconium-handled knife with gold inlays and a damascus blade. It's going to be costly, and I don't think I'm going to carry it due to its intended design (art). Price is not the reason I won't carry it, I just don't see a need to carry what will essentially be "art". This will be the first knife in my collection that I intentionally will not use/carry often, if at all. Carrying such a piece for edc would be like wearing an expensive 3-piece suit to go mud wrestling:D I have other clothes that are better suited for that, so I'll keep my suit nice and clean for a very special occasion.
 
Blues Bender said:
Knives intended for using will never be safe-queen'd for me, and that includes some $1,000+ knives like Rocksteads.

However, I probably wouldn't use something that crosses into the "art" category like a fully engraved folder with scrimshaw'd mammoth ivory, mosaic Damascus, etc.. What would be the point of carrying such a knife? Because I can? That's just showing off...

I know, I'm weird:D
Click to expand...

+1 on this. My fine unique pieces, whether an engraved Bowie that can probably tear open the door of a F350, or some very strong swedish hunters with precious materials, or my antiques, no matter how sturdy they are, won't leave the drawer.
I don't molest art or antique pieces, even if some of them are cheaper than some of my midtech. I will never have them back if I tear them up.
On the other hand, kick a tree and you'll get dozens of Sebs on the ground.
As I stated in a previous post, if I can't replace it, then I won't use it. The rest is just a matter of your own appreciation on value.
 
I own one knife that I consider a safe queen; a Northwoods Madison Barlow with elephant ivory scales. It is the first elephant ivory knife that I have ever owned. I bought it just to "have it". Bought a jigged bone version to use of the same knife model. I like the knife and suspect elephant ivory handled knives will become more valuable. Certainly they are interesting, and likely will remain of interest to collectors. That said, I have never sold a knife and may never sell one.

In general, I do not purchase knives intended to be saved in unused condition, but I have a fair number of unused knives. I do not consider them a collection but rather a knife accumulation. The money or value aspect is not very important to me relative to some future sale.

I would say buy what you like first and if you choose not to use them, just maybe the value will increase; but don't count on it. You really need to like the kinds of things you collect.
 
Last edited:
Hi. This has been discussed sometimes and it’s interesting for me, specially because I came to know and understand the term “safe queens” here :). By reading the many posts here about this topic I came to my own conclusion that a knife becomes a safe queen when the object is stripped of its meaning as a tool and is given a meaning as collectible item (for all the very many good reasons listed in this thread also :)).

Knives for me are tools and collecting it’s not my thing; we barely have a few paintings on the walls and just a couple of art objects displayed in our home. We’re pretty minimalists as a family :D. I really have a problem with any type of stuff cluttering and objects accumulation, so it is quite easy for me :p. Knives for me are tools and they get well used. One of the thing I like most from this hobby it’s really try the blades out, get knowledge about how they perform, try to understand the different geometries, materials, steels, ergos, etc. I don’t abuse my tools but I use them for good and maintain them properly. They last years and not only the knives :thumbup:.

Safe queens for me would be a suffering, like a kid in a candies shop, allowed to look at all the fantastic shapes and colors but being prevented to enjoy the taste :(. So, not for me, but it’s nice to look at all your wonderful collections here. Thanks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top