Sometimes, it's all in the Gettin'...

[Gary W. Graley]

I don't know how many of you guys and gals may be plagued by a similar problem of mine, the Gettin' portion of knife buying For many many years now, well my grandmother told tales of me sitting out on the curb in St Albans WV while only 4 or 5 and rubbing a small boyscout type knife against the curb, sharpening it, so it's something I've had probably since I was born.

Growing up, I don't recall having a lot of knives though, but teenage I'd manage to get one or two here and there, learned to throw, always a fun exercise. But now that I'm older, physically not mentally, I seem to WANT different knives all the time, but, once gotten, most seem to lose their luster for some reason. Now it's not buyers remorse, not really, as I find nothing "Wrong" with them but another knife comes into view and the jone'sin begins until I'm able to get said knife into my metal warehouse. Only to sell her within a very short time.

I may be one of the few on BladeForums with groupies lol as after I make mention of just getting a knife, I often get emails asking to be put in line ALREADY, preparing themselves to buy my knife as they know me so well. It would be funny if it wasn't so true!

So, as I'm hoping I'm not alone, and that you also browse the forsales threads, comb your favourite on line dealers to see what latest offerings they provide. If it's not one, it's another, if it's not ivory, hmm ivory oops there I go again! I think you can see a pattern! I thought I'd see if anyone else has this affliction, which I've nicknamed The SteelVirus, it's quite contagious and I've sparked a few outbreaks all by my lonesome at work and with friends, it hasn't been deadly...yet... but there's still time! Right now, mainly due to funds, but even so I still scour the web looking for one to wink at me in that 'come hither' way and then I know I'm lost, at least until the package arrives, only to find a couple weeks later that it turns out I could actually live without having it in my life, who'd a thunk it! My collection, I'm much more a user than collector any day, is now narrowed down to a select few, but I find that lately I'm looking to fill the empty spaces with a variation of the ones I have; have the ivory handled, need a stag or jigged bone or snakewood or ebony etc covers, it's all good and I could rationalize it easily as a required difference. BUT I'm trying my best to stand firm and just hang onto the ones I have for now and to not cave in, at least until I see something truly nice that I obviously can't live without.

So for those of you that benefit from my adventures, you are of course most welcome and I hope you enjoy all the ones I've passed along already and I hope that the ones I now have, will stay put...it's a start?

Opps there's the door, must be another package arriving
Share if it makes ya feel better!
G2

 

[Daniel Dorn]

It really is the thrill of the chase. I've noticed the same thing. It's a seratonin high or something chemical that we get from the anticipation. It happens to me, as well, but I've learned to tame it a bit by picking higher priced items that take longer to save up for. That draws out the anticipation to some extent. I still have the occasional lapse and find myself buying an item off ebay on the spur of the moment, and get that rush of waiting for the mailman. I have been able to keep myself to only buying knives that are on my Want List for extended amounts of time, and are more than likely something I "really" want, due to the fact that they take so long to save up for. If it doesn't stay at the top of the list for long enough to get it, then I didn't really want it.

I find that it's way too easy to justify ANY purchase, so it's taking some will-power and education to keep things under control. Having four school-aged boys helps, too, as I know I have to provide for them, first.

 

[FarmKid]

I'm the same way. I want to be a one knife guy and carry one knife till it wears out or I lose it etc. Every morning tho I put a different knife in my pocket. I'm on a quest tho finding the perfect knife. My all time favorite knife is the uncle henry 885. I know I can still get em but I have a peeve of I will not carry a knife that has been discontinued or not made anymore. I don't like customs bc I know I wouldn't carry it. That's why I don't carry expensive knives bc I know deep down I wouldn't carry it. I like the lowest level of production knives. Case yellow, brown mules, bokers, yellow german eyes, or any knife that's under 40 dollars. I'm not a knife snob, heck I like using bear and sons knives. There is just something bout a knife that has poor fit and finish that flips my switch. I'm rough on knives; I use and abuse them not on purpose tho. So until I find my grail knife. I know I know I'm weird don't laugh but I have a sickness called" Imaknifeknuta"!

 

[habitant401]

Smart move Daniel: buying higher priced items in most fields of collecting likely means buying more exclusive and desirable items. These often appreciate over time and there will likely be someone more than willing to take these off your hands if the time comes to sell (unless your tastes are uniquely your own). If you buy anything and everything you can expect have trouble selling at anything but a deep discount to your original cost. Just because my Tidioute has a serial number on it, I don't expect it to triple in value during my life time.

 

[CJZ]

I'm not sure. I see a knife, often times I don't get it. I think twice about buying. But certain times, deals come up on the Exchange that I just can't refuse. And whem I get the knife, it really just sits there. I may carry it here and there, but I definitley have my facorites and least favorites.

For example, my favorite slipjoint, a Case 6207. Beautiful handles, half stops, just right backsprings and good F&F.

And one of my least favorites, a Schrade 80T. Mine has pretty bad blade rub, sometimes the blades fight wih me to open, and it rusts if I look at it funny. Most likely going to sell this one.

 

[Blueberry815]

I am just like you I love the Gettin of a knife. But being a poor student doesn't allow me to buy as many knives but I still manage to buy one or two new ones a year. So if someone wants to donate to a poor college student I wouldn't complain

 

[coaltrain]

You are not alone Gary.

I'm new here and have amassed 6 knives already in 1 month already. Of course this is a new thing for me and I know there is an infatuation factor going on along with the thrill of finding that next knife. Been there - done that for many years now with camera equipment. I just had to try all those lenses, plus then it goes on to other gear. There are some acronyms we commonly use on the forum I frequent: LBA (lens buying addiction), GBA (gear buying addiction), and so on - you get the idea. But like you, I knew I would sell most of them - some sooner - some later until I found my perfect kit.

Now enter the knife world. I've never "collected" anything, and came into this with the intent of a couple knives that would be strictly users. But something happened along the way......and I see the same pattern repeating itself. I've spent countless hours absorbing everything I can read here on the forum, and found myself lost a couple times with so many choices of knives. I think I am starting to find what I like now though which really helps for something to focus on.

And as you say, I find myself combing the sites with the discontinued traditionals for sale. Trying to keep a lid on it all, I make a list of what appeals to me as I look through the pics. Most times I will not make an impulsive buy, then look at the list the following morning and find that I didn't really need most of what is on my list. If a knife still stays on the list then, it is closer to me buying it soon.

Then of course there is the anticipation after pulling the trigger - thank goodness for package tracking! I'll watch it as it is scanned at different terminals as it gets closer and closer. Then I will actually arrange any schedule I might have for that delivery day to be sure I am waiting on the porch for it.

So far since this is new to me, I haven't sold anything yet. I know myself all too well and if something jumps off the screen that I have to have, I used to end up selling something to help justify the cost to myself. I did that a few times with lenses, only to miss that certain lens enough to buy it back again - not the best financial moves!

And that brings another point - I am always a firm believer in supporting a forum like this where I gain so much knowledge and find many very good people who have helped me. But, I haven't upgraded my account to Gold status yet because I know that will open the door for me to sell some knives off to help pay for others - something I am trying very hard to avoid this time around.

Yep - you are not alone Gary..........

 

[jc57]

Coaltrain, you've got a couple on the way for you to play with, so that should keep you from getting the shakes for a while. .

And you can at least upgrade to purple to get rid of the banner ads.

 

[coaltrain]

Yeah JC - just having a couple on the way takes care of most of it!

Banner ads - what banner ads?

 

[Edm1]

For me it is the hunt. I strategically plan and purchase then put it on a shelf. I have bought 16 knives in the last 30 days. I still carry the same ones. I do rotate the knife in my left front pocket, but waistband,watchpocket and back pocket knives stay the same...i know....i just like knives. I seriously consider some to be works of art. I just enjoy them.

 

[Pete1977]

I used to be like that. I am not anymore though. I don't have the disposable income to spend on knives anymore. I think I have bought 2 knives in the last 4 years. I have gotten used to making due with what I have and although I am not a "1 knife guy" I have used the same 3 knives for the last several years- a Leatherman PST, a Queen Mountain Man slipjoint and a Byrd Rescue knife. I love looking at the photos people post here and some day when I have the cash to burn might buy a nice knife but for now these 3 knives are getting the job done. I can relate to the working man with his one knife now. And for what it's worth, the bone on my Queen is getting nicely pocket worn.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Like a drug man.

 

[LeatherMan64]

I enjoy the chase, but my favorite thing by far is finding a knife in need of a little (or a lot) TLC and bringing it back from the dead. Shell handles missing handle covers, busted blades in need of reshaping, blades rusted shut, that's where it's at. It also helps keep the price down. I got my current favorite knife for the princely sum of $10. All the blades were rusted shut, but I took a gamble and, when I got it all lubed up, it was solid as a rock. I much prefer carrying this knife in the condition that it's in than, say, the same knife in brand new, unused shape.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Appreciate your stories guys, and I'm still trying to settle down, one of my VERY bad habits is getting small fixed blades, as I truly keep forgetting that I really don't carry them I tell my new son in law that I'm as fickle as a little girl when it comes to knives...but I do think I'm getting better.

I made a BOX to hold my French Opinel collection and being not as costly I think they will tend to stick around more, of course some of those can be pricey too, but overall not bad at all.

Right now, I've nothing inbound, which is a little crazy for me, but, I am trying to save up for the Ashokan Seminar coming up in Sept, always good to have some dollars in the pocket when you get there, looking for a 'good' straight razor that won't break the bank!

Again, thanks guys and Dan, you may be onto something there!
G2

 

[wouldestous]

yep, its fun 'gettin' a new knife. you maybe read about something here or come across something window shopping and make an order. its nice knowing you have a new knife on the way. and its a kick to open the ups box and see your new knife.
sometimes i will carry it right away but most often they need sharpening so i put it aside until i have time/am in the mood to do so. once its sharp its pretty fun to carry a new knife, deciding how it feels to use and how easy it is to carry and stuff like that.
sometimes the most satisfying part to me is figuring out if and in what way you like a new knife. the 'getting to know it' phase.

 

[coaltrain]

I had to Google Ashokan Seminar - found the web page - congrats on being an exhibitor Gary!

I've got to find a knife show sometime within striking distance for me.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Thanks coaltrain, it's quite the weekend there, happens every Sept, more like what's called a hammer-in kinda thing, with folks doing demonstrations and open forges at night for people to try their hand at forging a knife, to see how it feels to move metal under a hammer you swing yourself, also some inherent danger too so you do need to be careful

here's a link to a bladeforums thread that shows who's going to be on hand this year. It's held near Kingston NY about the closest largest city around that parts, but it's deep in the woods just past the Ashokan Reservoir

Also here is a thread full of photos I took a couple years ago, you can see how much in the woods this place is. There are also photos other people took that they added so not all are mine in that thread...

and as you noted, this is the first year that I'll be giving a lecture,
G2

edited to add, LeatherMan64, that's a pretty cool looking folder there! thanks for sharing

 

[coaltrain]

Thanks for the links Gary - looks to be a great event where all the craftsmen can share their work. While I would just be a bystander it would be ever so interesting to see the various stages of knife building.

To get back on the subject at hand - off to check the tracking on the knives jc57 has so kindly sent my way to try.

~Stan~

 

[NoNameNomad]

After initially buying a few knives in a relatively short timespan I've now cooled off and haven't ordered a knife in a few months, aside from a couple I bought in person since then. But those recent purchases were an Opinel for a friend, and a Case stockman for myself just so I could finally have a Case. Been getting the fever bad again lately though but so far I've held off on another purchase. Can't let myself get carried away now that I've decided to go back to school and money will be tight. It's given me time to enjoy the knives I have and become more attached to them at least.

I'm probably going to finally order a new knife over the next couple of days though, likely a GEC single blade 73, and I've been planning this purchase for a long while as this pattern is calling out to me strongly. Letting myself look at all the many options, different cover materials (probably stag for this knife, but maybe black micarta), different blade shapes as even the single blade 73s seem to have many blade styles. Also trying to decide on slipjoint or linerlock (having to keep my thumb over where the blade closes is iffy to me, even if it's only to the halfstop, but the linerlock version still calls to me for some reason). So I've time to make it a good choice before buying.

After that I might order a pocket size Arkansas stone but I don't need it or consider stones to be feeding the addiction so that's a tad different.

 

[pinnah]

Gary,

When I read your post/question next and read it in light of your signature, I thought of the Blind Willie Johnson song, "Soul of a Man", which I learned from listening to Bruce Cockburn. From that song...

"I read the Bible often
I try to read it right
As far as I can understand
It's nothing but a burning light"

It's that second line that gets me. The "read it right" bit is the chin scratchy part for me.

I make more than the US Federal poverty standards, which in the global scheme of things, makes me a wealthy man. I'm not at all sure how to live with integrity as a wealthy man. Knives are tip of the ice berg for me. They pale in comparison to bikes and skis and backpacking gear.

Knives are like shoes though. Or a watch. They're something I touch every day and something that I show to those around me every single day. Funny things that cut in 2 directions. They end up saying something about me to those around me (whether I want to or not) and then they end up shaping me and making me into something (whether I want to or not). So, I'm convinced the choices matter.

I grew up Nazarene and that tradition emphasizes (or emphasized) simplicity of dress. Wedding rings were forbidden at one point in our history. I'm a lousy beer drinking Nazarene now but I have a hard time shaking the influence. I begin to feel uneasy when things are too nice, whether they be pants, cars, watches or knives.

I'm not sure where I stand actually. I try to be satisfied with my Opinel and am most days. But, I just got done polishing up a new to me Schrade 51OT that I have no real use for. I guess it's time for me to read the work of another Pennsylvanian, Richard Foster. He's a good Quaker. The book is "The Freedom of Simplicity".

Object of contemplation?

opinel-9 by Pinnah, on Flickr