Use or Collect?

No safe queens for me... but now that I have a safe, I found an exception to the rule.

[video=youtube;GYNoeyCIJeg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYNoeyCIJeg[/video]

By the way, if anyone knows anything about this knife, please tell me.
 
I use all mine, they tend to go into rotation so none end up to worn though. Also if I know I'm going to be beating on a knife I make sure not to carry a fav that day.
 
I have one that I 'collect' and that I'll probably never use, mostly because it is uncommon/discontinued and worth about twice what I paid for it.

The rest are users, but most never see hard use.

I will probably buy more 'collector' pieces if/when I happen to find rare or uncommon production knives that are worth more than asking price.
 
Well, I buy all of my knives with full intention to use each one. However, a couple that I've bought simply don't work well for actual use. Or rather, I've other ones that work exponentially better.

For example, I just got in a LionSteel Daghetta. Gorgeous knife, D2 steel... not fluid in function whatsoever, compared to my SR2... thus the Daghetta has been delegated to dress wear duty where I'm likely to not even use it.
 
I collect until I decide I want to take one out of the collection to use. After all its just a knife when it comes right down to it.
 
I have 2 EDC (Kershaw blur and CRKT M16 spear point) that swap back and forth based on what I'm in the mood for, or whichever one I lay my hand on first in the morning. 1 larger EDC (CRKT M21) for special occasions which also doubles as a hunting backup. Then 2 hunting knives (Kabar BK7 and Mtech cheapo) the mtech finds its use for yardwork.

So my collection is well used, with each knife fully purposed. And as I'm writing this I have a wish list of about 5 more knives.....shiny.
 
I just desided that I am a collector og users.. very easy and very very fun....
 
I buy to use, but sometimes a new knife never gets used for one reason or another. The only knives that I own that I am hesitant to use now are some NIB Randalls that I purchased about 20 years ago. I see no point in using one of these after so many years. Then there is the Northwoods Madison mentioned below...

And yes, I have the same feelings when I buy something that is really nice. An example is the Northwoods Madison in elephant ivory; just can't bring myself to use it when I have another jigged bone version. Knives are a circle game to me.... round and round we go.....

But once you have knives for the various purposes already, most new ones are just icing on the cake. I just try to have fun with the hobby and not worry about it. Use? Don't use? Who cares?
 
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I never have been a collector. I do, however, seem to 'accumulate' a lot of knives. All get used at one point or another.
 
This is a constant battle for me. I love that a knife is a tool, but I also love that they are works of art. Many knife purchases are based on liking the look of a knife, so its purpose transcends its design function and moves it into sculptural art. I appreciate good materials and quality of workmanship and finish.

Just as a person admires a work of art, I admire the different knives I own. My person reality is that living in an urban environment restricts the amount of real use I can put any of my collection to.

The greatest use I have for a knife is in cooking, and a proper cooking knife is much better than my SOG Bowie or Cold Steel Rajah I for cutting veg.

What this means is that the majority of my knives are unused (as in not used for cutting) but are appreciated for how they look.

I do have a drawer full of users and these are either duplicates of my unused collection, or knives I'm not bothered about either way.

My strongest drive to use them is the thought of my eventual demise, and that what is the point in me keeping these knives perfect and as new, only for someone dealing with my estate to then dispose of them or have fun using the knives themselves.

It is a dilemma.
 
Use, all of them.

That's why I don't own silly jewelry knives with uranium and meteorite damascus. While knives like this are super cool, I don't see myself carrying this everyday as a "user."

14869-1.jpg
 
I totally use the bottom 2.

 
How many knives can you use?
In my collection there are a few users.
I like knives - owning them makes me happy.
If I get knives with different handles I don't use them all - that said I do use Endura's in different colors.
:)
red mag
 
I am a collector. I have a few user knives, but I know that some of my knives will never be used by me; they are either artifacts or objects of art. There is nothing wrong with being a collector. You need not beat every knife into a tree to prove your worthiness as a knife enthusiast. The fact is that knives are long lived and if you own more than a couple of knives they will likely suffice and out live you.

n2s
 
Most replies seem pretty similar. :)
I have purchased a couple of knives earlier in life just because they looked cool, and have never used them. Get them out once in awhile and handle them, or show to a friend, etc.
Most of them are for some use, with the majority in the search for the perfect EDC knife. Some are gifts from others that I sometimes feel compelled to carry when I'm going to see that person. LOL
 
Mine tend to go from heavy use to the dresser drawer. I've got a pile of knives in there that once where used on a daily basis. I just don't throw anything away. Lol
 
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