Were does it end?

Mike Large said:
This is actually a serious question. Where does this knife addiction end? When do i say, ok, I officially have enough. My first 'good' knife was a mini griptilian. From there I worked my way through the smaller knives until I finally had the nerve to spend almost 200$ on my 940. Three or four 940's later I had to get the para2...of course right? After a huge spyderco bender I finally had the balls to get the 350$ small sabenza 21. I just ordered my 3rd CRK inlay sabenza. I'm almost 5k in the hole! And I in NO way feel bad about. I'm full on addicted friends ha. The serious question is has anyone ever felt 100 percent satisfied with their collection, or is this for life? Because honestly, I see no change whatsoever in the future...
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You missed it. It should have ended when you bought your first 940.
That was IT.

Fortunately for me, so far, I have avoided buying a 940 (oh I want one but . . .) this way I haven't reached "It" so I can continue for a while longer.
See ?
 
After about 5 more, I will be done....I think. And I have spent an embarrassing amount of money on knives!
But CM is right, I started making knives now. It is the way to go.
 
We all have our "addictions". I mentioned in another thread that for a while (like 10 years) I was buying signed & numbered art prints (two of each actually) from this one artist that I liked. (That's 6 to 8 x 2 per year.) I switched jobs and moved, so it wasn't so convenient as it was. It slowed to a trickle and then to zero. I really need to sell some of them and get what I can out of them. There's probably 20K tied up in those things even when you don't count the originals which pushes the number way way up. So, believe me, I understand. One day you'll look back at this and wonder why you ever did it in the first place. You'll know of course. I came to that realization only recently when I finally accepted that I like SAKs and will always carry one. Adding a second more expensive knife to that from time to time. But the SAK is all I need.
 
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Right now, enjoy the ride. It's about having fun and using your knives regardless of how many you have or will have.
The time will come when you'll slow down and be more selective about your purchases. You'll refine the collection you have. That means you'll continue to buy/sell in a more selective fashion. Through your journey down this rabbit hole, as long as you're having fun, that's all that matters.
The way I see it, if I ever get down to owning one knife and only one knife, my addiction is over. Just because you don't necessarily buy knives doesn't mean you're not addicted. Besides, how boring would it be to own just one knife.
 
For me I realized my knife buying was a problem around the 20 knives mark. I pared it down to total of six knives--four folders and two fixed--a year ago. I've since changed what exact knives some of them are, but I've employed the one in, one out rule to stay at that six total. I'm constantly reevaluating whether I need to pare down further because in all honesty six is excessive for my uses. But at this time I feel like it's a good number for me, and each of those serves a purpose.

As an aside, I've progressively moved towards a more minimalism lifestyle the last year or so. Today I made a giant leap in getting rid of all my books (well I have two boxes still left to sell) except for four favorites and a few I plan on reading right away. That's huge for me because that was my only big collection (around 300 books). So as others have mentioned, you can choose to stop the addiction if you want to.
 
22-rimfire said:
....I finally accepted that I like SAKs and will always carry one. Adding a second more expensive knife to that from time to time. But the SAK is all I need.
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Funny you should say that. I'm looking at ways of cutting back but my Alox SAKS are here to stay. Not sure which to carry as secondary blade. Cadet or Soldier/Pioneer.
 
Ajack60 said:
Right now, enjoy the ride. It's about having fun and using your knives regardless of how many you have or will have.

.... Besides, how boring would it be to own just one knife.
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Yeah, enjoy the ride. I agree it would be really boring to only own one knife regardless of whether or not it is "the one" for you.
 
GatorMedic said:
For me I realized my knife buying was a problem around the 20 knives mark. I pared it down to total of six knives--four folders and two fixed--a year ago. I've since changed what exact knives some of them are, but I've employed the one in, one out rule to stay at that six total. I'm constantly reevaluating whether I need to pare down further because in all honesty six is excessive for my uses. But at this time I feel like it's a good number for me, and each of those serves a purpose....
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What happened? Last I knew you were up to seven.

I have to admit, I am more impressed with your small collection than any other I have seen. Very well thought out.
I am curious, what did you own to bring your collection up to twenty knives?
 
adamlau said:
It pauses, or slows to a trickle with major life events (getting married, having children, buying a new home), or can stop completely with the advent of a new hobby (firearms, watches, new girlfriend). Basically, you stop/slow/start based on your current desires/responsibilities and available discretionary income.
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I think ^^this^^ is more or less true. I've been rather obscessed fot the last 15 months or so, since I "discovered" premium knives (Damn you ZT 0450!!! ;)). I had some funds set aside from an old side job, and when it became too difficult to find a baja bug that wasn't beat to crap...well, the first knife I snagged off the Exchange last September was like springing a leak in the damn that held back my discretionary savings. I've been kinda insatiable, wanting to experience everything!

There are still a few blades I want for my collection (a large Inkosi, Hinderer Bowie, Olamic Swish, to name a few), but dang, I'm 3+ deep in each class of my EDC. My collection grew so fast that I've reached the point where I don a vacuous stare wondering what to carry on a given day. I have a couple of nice knives just sitting in their boxes new and unused--why pull them out when I've got other great things to carry?

I think I got the most out of my collection when it consisted of about 6 knives (in addition to a few old beaters) -- 3 ZT's, 2 Spydies, and my 'Zaan. I had all my bases covered and just enough variation to keep it fresh. But I have to admit, I really like stalking the Exchange in persuit of my next awesome knife. Then there's the anticipatory suspense of the mail coming, and the rush of opening the box and pouring over every detail of the new prize!

IMG_2016.JPG

It's definately been fun, but I'm slowing down due to saturation and dwindling cash in he face of occupational uncertainty. I haven't started selling off yet, but I do understand why guys have stuff coming and going, keeping a limited number at any given time (see my 6 knife comment above).

At the end of the day, I look at it like this: I've probably enjoyed the same "rush" as if I've been slowly gambling the same amount of cash at Vegas or with the local tribes. I'd probably have nothing to show for it then. At least this way I've got something tangible and cool to show for it.
 
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For the first time in a while, I'm not really looking for anything in particular. I did recently, however, sell about half my collection and purchase 3 CRKs and a Les George VECP (a grail of mine), so that's a big part of why. Still a lot of newness in my small collection. I still browse the exchange and major knife retailers to see what's out there, but not eying my next purchase. Not to say there won't be an impulse buy if I come across something for a good deal or one that may strike my fancy.
But its not a problem, I can stop anytime I want!!
 
jc57 said:
For me about 2 years ago. I just got sick of spending money buying something I already had enough of.
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I still remember your comment about the traditional forum knife and the choosing process. I know you're 100% correct and for the most part that is precisely how it was done. Oh yeah, they had a poll about what handle material.... big deal. Give them a cookie.

Forgot to reference the quote.... I've slowed down somewhat although I have purchased more GEC's this year than any previous year or maybe it's a tie. I'm just beginning to say.... accepting that I have enough and I have my preferences.
 
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They sold them all in about 2 days, right? So no big fancy polls needed, just someone who knew what the people would like. Freedom of choice is overrated. ;)
 
adamlau said:
It pauses, or slows to a trickle with major life events (getting married, having children, buying a new home), or can stop completely with the advent of a new hobby (firearms, watches, new girlfriend)
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With a wife AND a girl friend who has time (and money) for fooling around with knives. Maybe ducking the ones being zinged your way maybe.
:D
 
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