- Joined
- Jan 12, 2014
- Messages
- 893
Well in the past two weeks I've changed up my "collection" considerably so it's time to update this thread. My original post was on November 3, 2018, and I maintained that exact set of three knives until February 2020. So it was a solid run of 15 months with just those three. Long story short: I only own two knives now and they're both Benchmade Bugouts.
In February I caved and bought a second Benchmade Bugout--this time in the ranger green/grey color configuration--after about six months of thinking about it. I bought it simply because I liked the color combination, but it was also nice to know I'd have an immediate backup if something happened to my original blue Bugout. I bought it with the idea that it would be a test run though. I had been wanting that additional color combo for a long time even though I knew it made no logical sense to own two of the same knife. So I finally just bought it to see how it would play out and if I'd like having to make a choice every morning. I had both Bugouts on my EDC tray, and just grabbed whichever color I felt like carrying that day.
Fast forward to the last month or two, I'd been considering selling my Benchmade Mini Crooked River and Benchmade Puukko, and now I have finally sold both in the last two weeks. I think the Mini Crooked River is an absolutely beautiful knife. I love the look, the lines; I've just drawn to the beauty in it. And I enjoyed the feel in the hand and it's cutting ability. However, I had to come to terms with the fact I enjoy carrying the Bugout more. So there was no reason for me to own it; I can enjoy it's beauty while looking at others' pictures.
The Puukko was an awesome knife, and I have no doubt it could handle anything I'd ever throw at it. But a trip to the Smokey Mountains made me take a hard look at what I truly need. One of the results was I purchased a much smaller hiking pack and drastically cut down on the amount of stuff I carry. The Puukko was one of those things that got the boot. Honestly, I just have no real need for a fixed blade knife outside of the kitchen. I've pretty much owned fixed blades over the years because that's what you're supposed to do. But I've never had to baton wood with a knife, only done it once or twice just to mess around. I carry a gun for self defense. So up to this point in my life it has not been a need for me. So the Puukko was moved on to someone else that I hope can get much more use of it. Having said all that, I actually do have my eye on the new version of the Benchmade Steep Country set to come out in a couple months. I've been wanting to learn how to hunt for years, and I've finally got someone who is willing to take me on a deer hunt this fall. So maybe I'll have a need for a fixed blade after all. We'll see.
Currently I'm down to only two knives. Both of which happen to be Benchmade Bugouts, so it's kind of like I only own one knife. But there's been one other change in my knife carry. As I mentioned before, I've been carrying both the Bugouts; just choosing whichever color I felt like carrying that day. That is until about two weeks ago when I read an article in the Modern Huntsman titled Young Guns by Jillian Lukiwski. A few passages stood out to me, and I'll share one here. "Tools seem to be the face of tradition, the memories we can reach out and touch, the objects we press our faith into, the source of some superstition and luck. It's by using a tool of the hunting trade that we imbue it with story, purpose, history, and worth." This article resonated with me. To me it highlights one of the reasons I most enjoyed about EDCing the same knife every single day which is you gain a sense of familiarity with the knife and just feeling it in your palm brings back memories that it has been along the ride with you. So after a few minutes reflecting on that article, I placed the green/grey Bugout back into its box and in my safe. I wanted to get back to my one true EDC--the original blue Bugout. It might not last; I might decide I want the daily color choice again. Or maybe it will remain in my safe until such time that the blue one is worn out beyond usefulness. Only time will tell. But I will say I've enjoyed the past two weeks of getting back to the just one.
Props to anyone who actually read all of my long-winded update
In February I caved and bought a second Benchmade Bugout--this time in the ranger green/grey color configuration--after about six months of thinking about it. I bought it simply because I liked the color combination, but it was also nice to know I'd have an immediate backup if something happened to my original blue Bugout. I bought it with the idea that it would be a test run though. I had been wanting that additional color combo for a long time even though I knew it made no logical sense to own two of the same knife. So I finally just bought it to see how it would play out and if I'd like having to make a choice every morning. I had both Bugouts on my EDC tray, and just grabbed whichever color I felt like carrying that day.
Fast forward to the last month or two, I'd been considering selling my Benchmade Mini Crooked River and Benchmade Puukko, and now I have finally sold both in the last two weeks. I think the Mini Crooked River is an absolutely beautiful knife. I love the look, the lines; I've just drawn to the beauty in it. And I enjoyed the feel in the hand and it's cutting ability. However, I had to come to terms with the fact I enjoy carrying the Bugout more. So there was no reason for me to own it; I can enjoy it's beauty while looking at others' pictures.
The Puukko was an awesome knife, and I have no doubt it could handle anything I'd ever throw at it. But a trip to the Smokey Mountains made me take a hard look at what I truly need. One of the results was I purchased a much smaller hiking pack and drastically cut down on the amount of stuff I carry. The Puukko was one of those things that got the boot. Honestly, I just have no real need for a fixed blade knife outside of the kitchen. I've pretty much owned fixed blades over the years because that's what you're supposed to do. But I've never had to baton wood with a knife, only done it once or twice just to mess around. I carry a gun for self defense. So up to this point in my life it has not been a need for me. So the Puukko was moved on to someone else that I hope can get much more use of it. Having said all that, I actually do have my eye on the new version of the Benchmade Steep Country set to come out in a couple months. I've been wanting to learn how to hunt for years, and I've finally got someone who is willing to take me on a deer hunt this fall. So maybe I'll have a need for a fixed blade after all. We'll see.
Currently I'm down to only two knives. Both of which happen to be Benchmade Bugouts, so it's kind of like I only own one knife. But there's been one other change in my knife carry. As I mentioned before, I've been carrying both the Bugouts; just choosing whichever color I felt like carrying that day. That is until about two weeks ago when I read an article in the Modern Huntsman titled Young Guns by Jillian Lukiwski. A few passages stood out to me, and I'll share one here. "Tools seem to be the face of tradition, the memories we can reach out and touch, the objects we press our faith into, the source of some superstition and luck. It's by using a tool of the hunting trade that we imbue it with story, purpose, history, and worth." This article resonated with me. To me it highlights one of the reasons I most enjoyed about EDCing the same knife every single day which is you gain a sense of familiarity with the knife and just feeling it in your palm brings back memories that it has been along the ride with you. So after a few minutes reflecting on that article, I placed the green/grey Bugout back into its box and in my safe. I wanted to get back to my one true EDC--the original blue Bugout. It might not last; I might decide I want the daily color choice again. Or maybe it will remain in my safe until such time that the blue one is worn out beyond usefulness. Only time will tell. But I will say I've enjoyed the past two weeks of getting back to the just one.
Props to anyone who actually read all of my long-winded update
