GeneL74
Great question! I collect sole-authorship forged fixed blades with natural handles. I have some purchased for relatively little money, and a few that cost hundreds of dollars. Some were created by Mastersmiths and others by talented new smiths who are still learning about their craft and honing their skills. I don't hunt, but I enjoy carrying a fine blade or two when fishing, hiking, and camping. I also like to keep my knives on or near my desk next to the computer so that I can pick them up and admire them everyday. I think all handmade forged knives are works of Art and express the heart and mind of the maker.
I value line, form, and function more than expensive exotic materials and fancy embellishment. So most of my knives are made from plain differentially tempered tool steels and have natural handle materials. I have a couple of damascus pieces and they are users too. All of these knives require some care and routine maintenance. I think the makers intended these knives to be used. I too have worried about scratches and messing up finishes. But its a knife damnit. I try to Only collect knives that I can at least imagine using.
I agree with Boriqua, the joy of owning a Rolex watch is in the wearing of the Rolex watch. The joy of owning a fine sports car is in the care and Use of the car. Would it really be as much fun to keep that expensive beast locked away in the garage? I think of my knives the same way. How can you really enjoy owning a fine tool unless you can use it like a tool?
With time, oxidation of the metal along the edge dulls the blade, so I have touched up the edge on every single knife I own. And I have carried and used some of my custom knives in the field. One of my favorite users was also one of the most expensive. I am not worrying about the resale value. There was an interesting article in Blade magazine recently about a maker who had a customer come in with a knife for refinishing. As he was about to put the blade to the grinder, he turned and asked the client how a particular nick had happened. Turned out there was an interesting story behind that nick. Then he asked about a deep scratch, and that "defect" also turned out to have a fondly remembered story behind it. The maker asked about a blotchy stain. Again there was a story. Then the maker asked the customer "Are you really sure you want me to erase all of the personal history of your knife" and the customer quickly asked for his knife back. He went away happy with his 'used' knife.
I like to think about my custom knives like that. I try to keep them mark free, but sometimes it's just not possible. And rather than obsessing about how I 'ruined' the knife, I try to think about how much I enjoyed using it, how well it performed, and the next time I will put the edge to use again. Some knives are too expensive, embellished, and precious to use. I don't have any of those. Yet.
So far my finances and taste have prevented me from buying a damascus 'gentleman's' folder. These knives really are just too expensive and precious for me to imaging using. I like them. I want one. But, I can't justify carrying and using a $1000 dollar pocketknife until I am able to afford to use it and risk adding some personal history to the knife. So my daily carry knives are production pieces. I alternate between a Boker whittler, a small Spyderco Centofante, a BM850 designed by Mel Pardue, and a Kershaw mini task designed by Ken Onion. I use these knives hard all the time and they still look almost as good as new. Depending on how you look at it, personal history marks can either add or detract value from a knife. Buy what you like and don't think about fine knives as investments. They are tools first. I think an awful lot of folks round these parts (Bladeforums) spend entirely too much time worrying about the monetary value of things and not focusing on the spiritual side of owning fine knives.
Paracelsus
I am neither hunter of Man or Beast, only a seeker of Truth, Beauty, and Understanding
[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 20 November 1999).]
