sigh - what to do

TLR

TLR

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Oct 5, 1998
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First and foremost this is not a for sale thread. If it turns in to one I'll shut it down.

So I've gotten into knife making myself and am working through things with a lot of "making it work but it doesn't really work" equipment. I really need to get a real grinder but they are in the $2k range. For me this is a large amount of money. My wife and I are both in fields where we get the pleasure of helping a lot of people however those salaries are not the most lucrative.

So to my dilemma. Through the last 15 years I have scraped and tucked away money here and there to buy nice things when I can. I have had three CRK knives in my possession in that time. All from the exchange. One got sold off to buy some of the equipment I currently have. I have a Busse which is going on the exchange if I don't hear back from someone who I've offered it to first. I'm down to my Umnum which I carry almost daily and a small classic african blackwood which I used to carry but which now is only brought out in the rare occasions I need a dressier knife.

The blackwood is one of the smoothest opening knives I've ever touched and perfect in just about every way. It was my first CRK and while I have debated selling it in the past I haven't been able to bring myself to do it. Not sure that I'm asking for advice as much as needing a place to vent my thoughts with people who understand.

Thanks- Travis
 
You might find the money you need somewhere else but once you sell that special knife, it's gone, you'll never find the like again.
 
Don't sell it the history and experiences with the knife you can't replace.
 
Sounds to me like the sentimental value of the knife is worth far more than any price tag.
 
There are knives you need to keep, and that sounds like one to me! Keep it, I think you will really regret letting it go
 
I sold my Umnum a couple months back to pay for some personal stuff, I still to this day regret it as finding another one without the LBS and writing will be difficult.

If you can sell something else, I would recommend it. I have let go of a: (Sorry not CRK) NIB Moonglow Manix, NIB BM Infidel, CRK Umnum, and a Benchmade Mini-grip display knife I sharpened. Miss every one of them. When I look back at what I bought with the money, I feel stupid. I have plenty of other stuff I sell now to make extra cash. (Having a job helps me too)

I will say though, having a belt grinder, forge, anvil, steel, and woodworking tools at my fingertips makes for some fun.... :D
 
I'm with ya man. There's only so much you can do with a 1x30 and two brick forge! I've absolutely thought about selling my Sebbie to buy an oven or decent grinder. It always comes back to my past experiences trading off knives that I knew deep down that I should keep. I regret it! I miss my first plain 21 immensely, as well as a few other knives.

If you do decide to go for it though, do it with everything you've got! Make it count.

I'm curious to know what equipment you currently have and what you plan on making though. If you have never bought steel, my only advice is buy thin and don't design big knives or chunky handles. Small and thin is in. ;)
 
Don't do it! I rarely use my first sebenza, but I won't sell it, no matter how severe the need for cash is. I would suggest holding on to it. Besides, you don't want to start making knives with a broken heart. Also, have you considered taking pre-orders? I don't know where you are in your knife making career, but taking a deposit is a good way to get some funds up front and many makers do this. I would certainly reserve a spot on your list, especially if it convinces you to keep your first sebenza.
 
Don't sell it. You can never get the first one back. There are other ways to generate the funds. Good luck bud.
 
African Blackwood Classic, keeeeeeeeeep it!
Try at all cost to sell off other items, or somehow justify keeping it.
It's a certain candidate for seller's remorse.
Even if you somehow got it back, it never feels the same.
 
Sell it. I think this is the problem with western civilization. In all cultures outside of Europe there is a love for the transcendence of time on an object and history. You use your edc its a knife. Not the precious...

You also may have a talent amd passion in creating knives. This is a rare thing when you become that which you admire.


Spiritually I think its more important and an adventure for you to sell that knife to help you get a grinder to make more knives. It is after all in the essence of what that knife is a cutting tool. Some might argue are you taking the spirit of that steel away by babying it? Who is to say and everyone is different.

I'm sure I am the minority but that's my opinion.I put value into my family, relationships and experiences. Objects are just objects not some mystic manna.
Your life doesn't end by releasing that knife but it does open up another pathway for you in knife making.

Not to joke but Chris Reeves makes and holds works of art everyday in his shop, then his shipping people packs the things out and ships them off to some random person.
 
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cchu518 said:
Sell it. I think this is the problem with western civilization. In all cultures outside of Europe there is a love for the transcendence of time on an object and history. You use your edc its a knife. Not the precious...

You also may have a talent amd passion in creating knives. This is a rare thing when you become that which you admire.


Spiritually I think its more important and an adventure for you to sell that knife to help you get a grinder to make more knives. It is after all in the essence of what that knife is a cutting tool. Some might argue are you taking the spirit of that steel away by babying it? Who is to say and everyone is different.

I'm sure I am the minority but that's my opinion.I put value into my family, relationships and experiences. Objects are just objects not some mystic manna.
Your life doesn't end by releasing that knife but it does open up another pathway for you in knife making.

Not to joke but Chris Reeves makes and holds works of art everyday in his shop, then his shipping people packs the things out and ships them off to some random person.
Click to expand...

Really? That's THE problem with western civilization? I bet you could name a few others... :D

Just because you place sentimental value with an object doesn't make you... Well, anything. It just means you value what you have. I value certain material (oh I said it) objects, but that doesn't automatically make me shallow or wrong in some way.

I do agree that the action could be viewed with a positive spin if that helps justify what you're doing, but come now, no need to wax philosophical and make the concept of sentiments yet another thing wrong with our society. Seriously, the cup half empty is getting a bit old. ;)
 
Different strokes. The concept of something getting old is important why do you think they say that we live in a throw away society? The value placed on that thing by society is higher if its preserved in its original state.

His user should have more value as its been with him through thick and thin. There are always firsts in one's life. The moment comes and passes. To be a knife builder is like being in the moment always as they are knife building.
 
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