The question....why do you collect knives?

I collect knives because they give me a sense of security in an increasingly insecure world. As well, I appreciate the design aesthetic in knives and the intelligent use of materials to add function and form. Also, I just really, really like knives. :D
 
I collect knives because i'm fascinated by steel and their properties, and characteristics. They are also like art, and useful art at that.
 
I collect knives because I enjoy weaponry,Just a fascination with weapons I guess.Making knives is also enjoyable for me until some sad little person decided to call zoning on me and complain about the noise.
 
I buy some just because I think they look weird. Also buy some just to give away. Just like giving a knife to someone who has no idea what knives they are useing and they learn through the cheapy 5 dollar knife or 20 dollar knife I give them. (Personal choice I like to give have been winchester, and one or two rite edge) I like these brands there cheap and easy to get.
 
Knives came from being raised in a family that carried and used knives in their everyday lives which is the lifestyle I live today. :)

The Collection: It's the Over Achiever part of the above. :D

Really, The Collecting Part started with having enough money to buy, carry and use the knives that I would see but could not afford in the past (for decades).
 
Why does anyone collect anything? To fill the empty spiritual and/or emotional void in our lives with material crap we don't need and that still leaves us unfulfilled and always wanting more, more, more! :foot:

Uh, I meant to say, because knives are cool!:p
 
The Wife said I needed a hobby, this one seemed to play to my natural interests. I suspect that she may regret it a bit. ;)
 
I started as others have, collecting guns until they became too expensive, then on to knives. I learned responsibility as a young boy when Dad gave me my first pocket knife along with a speech that many children should have today. I was wrenching on lawn mowers and mini bikes early on and loved the way mechanical things worked together. I loved learning to machine metal on lathes, drill presses, surface grinders and such. A well made knife just looks fantastic to me, the crisp lines, the smooth movement of the blade, the polish of the scales. I'm a sucker for most any drop point and buy any that appeal to me. I use some of my knives, but have many more sitting in my safe or in curio cabinets around the house. This addiction is not rational, but it sure is fun!
 
I'm gonna echo the consensus and say that I collect knives because it's enjoyable, and because I can. It's also much more affordable than, say, collecting classic cars...
 
My collection has grown because my likes/dislikes have evolved. It started with function as I needed something on my fishing boat to cut line, sandwiches, etc. This resulted in a cheapo useless folder. From there it evolved into finding a "quality" folder for the same purpose. Then the search was for those holy grail knives. When I had those I made the mistake of just wanting to take a look at fixed blades (really bad idea by the way :)) I picked up a few to accompany me to the whitetail woods. Now I am trying to find beautiful customs for the same purpose. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess but the journey has been a fun one. At least I am now in a good support group.

Finn-lander
 
1) I need a specific tool for the job
2) It provides me satisfaction. Like any hobby or collection I enjoy the entire process. All the way from researching and learning, purchasing and finally playing/using them. There is something to be said about the satisfaction gained from just learning about all the knives/steels out there, and then getting one that you have yearned for in your hands.
 
I had my fingernails cleaned by my grandpa with his buck knife. I think that's what started it. He actually had a lot of influence on me. My mother OTOH, was quite liberal and didn't allow me to have a knife until I was 11. It was a blue SAK Classic. She didn't allow toy guns, BB guns, or locking knives. She was constantly confiscating every knife I managed to buy. After I turned 18, she realized that knives (and weapons) were a part of who I am. She stopped being critical about the knives when I got onto Bladeforums 10 years ago. When I joined the Army, her fears faded because I demonstrated that I could use and carry weapons in a safe and professional manner. I think part of it also has to do with the amount of money I have tied up in my collection.

I guess it's a good argument for nature/nurture.

OTOH, it could have been Mom's strict policy that further encouraged me to buy more knives.

My wife says that it's my PTSD that causes me to want to be armed at all times. I suppose that's a factor as well. She has a collection as well, but they are all from me.
 
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Longtrang said:
I normally say I don't collect, I just buy what I use. Of course that is a drawer full of knives later....
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I got one of those... It's my switchblade drawer... for keeping switchblades :D
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Because good tools are like good women-hard to find THE one. Luckily my wife lets me look for THE one. (Knife not woman, got that covered)
 
I agree with the genetic predisposition for sharp things. Always had knives since I was a kid- but I've recently stopped smoking- and so I think I've got a bit of an obsession going the last few months.. I've learned alot, and bought alot of mistakes, but now I'm spending some serious change for knives that are "higher end"- For example- just bought a SOG arcitech-- I know almost nothing about it- other than san mai steel- I've never owned a SOG b4-- I'm just nuts. but liking it!
 
I have no idea. They are not the best investment for sure, just wierd I quess.
 
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