To use or not to use?

burddogg · Feb 23, 2009

How does it happen? How do I go from wanting just a good folder and fixed blade to what most would call an obsession. It started with a nice Grip, (oh, and then I found this website called BladeForums) then a Breeden, then a few Spydies, a Kershaw here and there, a Farmer of course, then some more Breedens, then RATs, then more Spydies, more Benchmades, now some limited editions productions and other customs. Knives are tools and are designed to be used, right? My old Chippewa friend says you only need as many knives as you have hands... well, i guess that's true... but i still can't stop myself from seeing what's new at BF.

My question is what % of your collection do you actually use? Do you lock up the limited editions and customs, or do you put them to good use? My favorite users are also the ones that will probably gain value... I almost feel like I'm cheating the essence of the knife by just locking it up. What do you think?...

Thanks to all my BF friends for turning me into a knife-junkie. I guess it could be worse?...

...just one more knife,, c'mon, one more i swear; then i'm done...

Glock19C_Gunner · Feb 23, 2009

Yea......I tend to buy high-dollar knives, and lock them up, and fondle them every other day or so.....you think you bad? I have two MOD CQD Mark 1's, and they've never seen any use or been carried.....good thing is, they discontinued the MOD CQD Mark 1....so yea....I got two NIB that someone may pay good money for some day....

ElectrikHellfire · Feb 23, 2009

I hear you. I've been gradually trending up in the price department starting with SOGs, Kershaws and Spydercos and just recently ending up with a BM Rukus for a hundred and a half. Its a sickness.

(I dont even count it when I buy a Victorinox anymore. Its becoming almost as common as buying bottled water.)

babakanoosh45 · Feb 23, 2009

I use everything I buy. I have had some Doozies but they all get pocket time!!! It would hurt me inside to not carry a Knife I have purchased... Just my two cents...

supasuprab0b · Feb 23, 2009

my collection right now consists of four kershaws, and i use them all.

in my mind, even with customs, a knife is a tool, and if you arent going to use it, why purchase it.

i respect the oposite opinion as well though.

Ozy · Feb 23, 2009

Imagine what its like for the people over in the forums that collect knitting needles

T.K.C. · Feb 23, 2009

I use my customs. I get the most pleasure out actually using my customs.

tsiloics · Feb 23, 2009

99% use.

Jason B. · Feb 23, 2009

No matter what it is if I didn't use it then why did I buy it?

I love knives because I think of them as working art and what better way to find out if they work then use them.

ericb445 · Feb 23, 2009

I have always had a love for knives as far back as little kid running around with a Buck 110 thinking it was greatest knife EVER. Then I got a little older joined the Air Force and worked with a few high-speed soldiers over seas, they showed me some of their Strider's. It was all over from there, I now have a good job that allows me to buy nice knife now and then. I buy my knives to use and carry. The good thing is with high end knives is they pretty much hold their value if you take care of them.
-Eric

donny bee · Feb 23, 2009

burddogg said:
How does it happen? How do I go from wanting just a good folder and fixed blade to what most would call an obsession. It started with a nice Grip, (oh, and then I found this website called BladeForums) then a Breeden, then a few Spydies, a Kershaw here and there, a Farmer of course, then some more Breedens, then RATs, then more Spydies, more Benchmades, now some limited editions productions and other customs. Knives are tools and are designed to be used, right? My old Chippewa friend says you only need as many knives as you have hands... well, i guess that's true... but i still can't stop myself from seeing what's new at BF.

My question is what % of your collection do you actually use? Do you lock up the limited editions and customs, or do you put them to good use? My favorite users are also the ones that will probably gain value... I almost feel like I'm cheating the essence of the knife by just locking it up. What do you think?...

Thanks to all my BF friends for turning me into a knife-junkie. I guess it could be worse?...

...just one more knife,, c'mon, one more i swear; then i'm done...

Its all mental illness.

Samael · Feb 23, 2009

Most of my time is spent in Denver, where 3-1/2" is the legal limit. Most of my knives are bigger than that. So yeah, a very high percentage don't get used, or get used very rarely on trips to the mountains and such. Even then, they get carried a whole lot more than they actually get used.

ChasHOG · Feb 23, 2009

Knives make for poor investments, I think. If you going to speculate on something, there's got to be more profitable ways to do it. So, what really is the point of a safe queen if not for resale? Knife as aesthetic object?

My own view is that knives are tools and should be used. Not using a high dollar knife is like never driving the Ferrari in your garage. I use my limited edition Busses, no question, and I have a blast doing it (though I certainly don't do what Noss likes to get up too...).

Samael · Feb 23, 2009

I think you'd be shocked at how good an investment some knives can be. For the most part, though, I'd have to agree with that statement.

Knife as an aesthetic object? Oh yeah, some of them. Absolutely.

mdauben · Feb 23, 2009

burddogg said:
My question is what % of your collection do you actually use? Do you lock up the limited editions and customs, or do you put them to good use? My favorite users are also the ones that will probably gain value... I almost feel like I'm cheating the essence of the knife by just locking it up. What do you think?...

Personally, I use all my knives to some extent. I agree with your sentiment that it feels almost wrong to relegate a knife to storage as some sort of useless collectable. For example, I have a couple of favorites pocket knives for EDC, but all my folders get into the rotation at least once in a while. Likewise I love to tuck one of my fixed blades into my pack, or hang it from my belt, when I'm out in the woods. Of course, while I have a numbert of high-end production knives, I don't have any true custom blades. I might feel different about a knife I paid $300-400 or more for!

Now, I don't make a habit of getting into knife fights, so the few tactical knives don't perhaps see the use that they were intended for. Still, when I am feeling devilish I might slip my Cold Steel push-dagger in the back of my pants under a jacket or sweatshirt while I am working in the yard. Or hang a Gerber Mk II on my belt when I am outdoors somewhere and can get away with openly carrying a sheath knife.