What knife in your collection have/are you contemplating using?

[Starkman1]

Fellas,

Every knife I buy, well almost every knife, I have the intentions that it may someday be used, or at least was built to be used, but they all end up sitting in the safe. It sure is hard to stomach that someday as I leave these knives behind, they may eventually fall into someone's hands that have a lesser appreciation for them as I do, despite any instructions I leave behind.

I tend to buy what I like not necessarily what future value the knife will attain. So, if they are to decrease in value or sold at a significant loss i.e. due to makers market position, style of knife, use, materials etc. Why not get the gratification of using maybe just one or two. I'm not saying beat the snot out of them, but just normal carry/use.

I've seen several knives over the last year sell at an easy 25-30% loss and never even used, so why not take and additional hit and at least use it? I think it would be worth easily a hundred or two dollars for the satisfaction of using it (well at least for me). I've seen several slightly used knives sold on the exchange that didn't show any significant decrease from the makers original price.

I just recently dropped a pretty penny on a custom made flintlock and it has been hunted with and already acquired a few character marks.....why would I be so reluctant to use one of my better knives?

Anyone contemplating using a safe queen? Which one? What would be your final determining factor in using the knife? I believe everyone has to have at least one very nice user (IMHO).

My hats goes off to Jonathon Brand for using/carrying one of those fine Hanson folders he owns.

Bob

 

[betzner]

I, for one, prefer to house my edged weapons in display cases, never in safes. I have the satisfaction of their beauty in front of me on a daily basis, with no desire to use them. I have three or four users that serve just that purpose, for use.

 

[Starkman1]

I, for one, prefer to house my edged weapons in display cases, never in safes. I have the satisfaction of their beauty in front of me on a daily basis, with no desire to use them. I have three or four users that serve just that purpose, for use.

I think that displaying knives may provide a greater satisfaction to the collector as opposed to keeping them hidden away in a safe.....I think I would, but it would have to very a secure way of doing that. Burglaries are very high in our area. I see absolutely nothing wrong with getting satisfaction of admiring one's collection. I'm sure some, or most knives are purchased as investments, or too never be used. My question my not be suited for those with this type of collection philosophy.

Doesn't a collector at one time ponder the thought of carrying/using one of his prized possessions....at least tempted a bit?

Bob, just curious, what are your users?

Bob

 

[betzner]

These days, I only use a blade for light cutting, no chopping. So my users are only folders. All are William Henry carbon fiber linerlocks. They are so light they go unnoticed until needed.

I view my collection as art and devote lots of space to it, so I "love it" all the time. I have no desire to use any of the knives in my collection, other than as pieces of art, to admire and cherish.

EDIT: Though I buy only what I love, as a collector I have certain expectations with regard to the investment aspect.

EDIT: If I had to keep my knives in a safe, I wouldn't collect them. Insurance is cheap.

 

[T.K.C.]

I carry and use the majority of my custom knives. Here are some examples. (If you want to see them all, here is a link to them too.)

TKC's knives

 

[Kevin Jones]

Fellas,

Every knife I buy, well almost every knife, I have the intentions that it may someday be used, or at least was built to be used, but they all end up sitting in the safe. It sure is hard to stomach that someday as I leave these knives behind, they may eventually fall into someone's hands that have a lesser appreciation for them as I do, despite any instructions I leave behind.

I tend to buy what I like not necessarily what future value the knife will attain. So, if they are to decrease in value or sold at a significant loss i.e. due to makers market position, style of knife, use, materials etc. Why not get the gratification of using maybe just one or two. I'm not saying beat the snot out of them, but just normal carry/use.

I've seen several knives over the last year sell at an easy 25-30% loss and never even used, so why not take and additional hit and at least use it? I think it would be worth easily a hundred or two dollars for the satisfaction of using it (well at least for me). I've seen several slightly used knives sold on the exchange that didn't show any significant decrease from the makers original price.

I just recently dropped a pretty penny on a custom made flintlock and it has been hunted with and already acquired a few character marks.....why would I be so reluctant to use one of my better knives?

Anyone contemplating using a safe queen? Which one? What would be your final determining factor in using the knife? I believe everyone has to have at least one very nice user (IMHO).

My hats goes off to Jonathon Brand for using/carrying one of those fine Hanson folders he owns.

Bob

Very interesting topic Bob and thanks for your posting of this thread.

Like Bob B, all my knives are displayed where myself and any guests can see/appreciate them on a daily basics. So in a sense I do consider I get good use/enjoyment out of them. Now there are definitely certain precautions one needs to implement when having your knives on display especially when they are as "out there" in public eye as mine are.

Now if I still hunted to the degree that I use to, then I would be VERY inclined to use my Fisk Gamemaster as IMO, it's particular design, nobby stag handle make it the perfect hunter/skinner for me.

As far as losing 25-30% on custom knives, that most definitely doesn't have to be the case, as both the knives one buys and how he/she goes about marketing/selling them make all the difference in the world. I just sold a Sefreddo and a Hancock hunter on Sunday which I made a profit on each while the buyer received great value and will also be in a position to profit in the future if he sees fit. The Sefreddo was advertised for sale and the Hancock was not for sale. I mention this as I don't see use as necessarily a justification for value for everyone.

I do purchase knives for use such as the Karl Andersen "Brute de Forge" hunter I purchased a couple weekends ago.

Different strokes for different folks!

 

[silenthunterstudios]

All of my production, semi production and custom knives are users. I just got a Kephart from J Neilson, his first, and was going to NOT use it, after I got it. I didn't get to do much, but I did shave some fuzz sticks with it last weekend. All knives are users right now for me. The only reason I got rid of my Mike Obenauf sm model 2, was that I never used it. If I don't get some use out of it, out it goes .

Of course, I am not buying $10K bowies either .

As far as losing money on the knives I use, I don't buy solely on beauty anymore. I buy mainly for use, the looks are an added bonus. If I decide to trade or sell it later on, any money I lose I more than made up for in enjoyment out of using it.

 

[Lorien]

all of mine get used, and I'll even go so far as to modify them after using them to make them work better for me.
I still see all these knives as solid investments.

 

[RogerP]

Hi Bob,

I don't start with the intention of using every knife I buy, nor am I particularly tempted to use most of the knives in my collection. I can't really say that I feel that I am enjoying them less for not using them.

That said - I do very much enjoy using a custom knife when the opportunity presents, but the fact is, I have all the using knives I really need.

The knives below have all seen, and will continue to see use:

If I can ever talk Dan out of this one, I will use the heck out of it!

Roger

 

[Starkman1]

I'm glad a few posted makers. There are obviously some makers that are considered investments, and highly collectible which understandably so. No matter one's income, I doubt you'll see, if ever see any knives used from makers like Hancock, Fuegen, Loerchner, or Loveless, just to name a few. And yes, some knives are made to be displayed and enjoyed...rightly so. Let's not consider the obvious.

There are makers that seem to straddle the fence on "investment" or "collectible." Of course, this all depends on the individual collector. What one deems investment, or collectible, many others may not.

While I was the the Blade show (2008) I ran into a German collector who was waiting along side me to purchase one of Daniel Winkler's knives. He remarked how well the knife performed and how well made it was. He said he cut the fringe off the sheath because it got in the way when carried in the field. Last year's Fisk microshow, one collector was telling me how well his Sendero performed in the field and that he received many favorable comments on the knife. He said he just cleans it up, and if you take care of it it will last forever. It's comments like this that I find interesting.

I agree with Kevin, that you don't have to lose money on a knife, but the reality is, some folks do, and not all knives are collectibles, even though they are sold or priced as such. I don't want this discussion to lead to the investment side, but more towards what motivates someone to use a knife most would consider "too expensive."

I'm glad to see folk's like Roger are willing to use a nice Burt Foster, or that a Fisk Gamemaster may put used for the task it was designed for. I do believe a person gains a lot of personal satisfaction taking one of their pride and joys afield.

I'm curious to know how many makers offer to refurbish, or touch up a knife, perhaps once a year if his client were to use it. I think this benefits both maker and collector.

I was in an Audi dealership a while back waiting 4 hours for an oil change and a sign was posted something to the effect that a person who buys something of inferior quality is pleased that he saved money, but is dissatisfied when he/she has to use the item. But, the individual who paid more for something of superior quality gets satisfaction everytime he/she uses it.....something to that effect. I have a tendency to agree with that statement and try to buy the best things I can afford.

Bob

 

[betzner]

I must admit that this is one knife in my collection that I would just LOVE to try out and use as a chopper, and then maybe as a club. All three edges are sharp, he never did anything half-way. Note: over 3/8" bladestock, antique elephant ivory.

EDIT: But this isn't something you can take back for a refurb.

 

[kamagong]

I'm new to custom knives; I only got my first one this past May. My interest lays with slip joints, and as of today my meager collection consists of three slip joints and one desk knife. I have already used two of those slip joints, one is my EDC and the other is my gentleman's knife for Sundays and special occassions. Barring loss or theft, these two knives should last me the rest of my life.

I picked this up a couple of weeks back. It's my most beautiful knife.

From KnifeArt -

I'm having trouble moving it out of the safe and into my pocket. But I have no doubt that sooner, rather than later, this fine knife will be put to good use. Over the years I've learned that I get the most enjoyment from a knife when I carry and use it. Those knives that were stored away only kept my interest for a short while. On the other hand those knives that I used however, I became quite attached to and became valued and treasured tools. Did I hurt their resale values? Without a doubt, but the pleasure I derived from using them outweighed the potential monetary loss.

 

[Jon Brand]

EDIT: Bob, thanks for the compliment. Its not easy allowing these things to drop in value, but to me its worth it. I really have enjoyed them way more since I've decide to use them. I used to not open my knives with my fingers. I used a chamois for handling. Now that I can take a few of these and just hold them and feel them, I get much greater joy.

I actually had Paul Long make a bunch of leather clip cases for my Hanson folders so I have the option to carry 3 or 4 of them.

This folder gets carried and used lightly but still looks completely mint because the use is so minimal. Its hard to get myself to do much with it cause its so shiney and the walrus is so smooth.

On the other side of things.. this folder has seen ALOT of use and carry. I have carried it to a point that the liners are all scratched up and the back bar/spring is almost black to the point where you can't see the damascus layers running down it. I find that this slip joint is a great shape for cutting and I think I enjoy using it alot more then the top one. Also the ivory is real grippy and since it doesn't have that gloss and is just plain old brown, its way easier to use. Scratches don't really show on the handle. The blade is dark from use and from water which I rinse it off with.

Gonna take some photos of the cases now.

 

[Jon Brand]

I use the two on the bottum right.

 

[RogerP]

There are makers that seem to straddle the fence on "investment" or "collectible." Of course, this all depends on the individual collector. What one deems investment, or collectible, many others may not.

For me, it's not so much the maker as the particular knife. My current avatar knife - a Bailey Bradshaw 11" damascus / ivory engraved / gold-inlayed Persian fighter - is not the type of piece I could really see myself taking out to go hack through the bush:

That's not because it wouldn't cut - but because a forged Bradshaw CMP 3V chopper with a belt finish and synthetic handle material seems to just make more sense.

And use will have LESS of a negative impact on the value of this TYPE of knife, than on a more costly piece with more expensive materials and embellishments.

An excellent custom using knife doesn't have to be super-expensive. And a super-expensive custom knife isn't necessarily going to make a better user than a less-expensive one - particularly if they are made by the same maker.

Although, I do recall a great WIP thread by Burt Foster on an ivory / damascus camp knife that the customer DID in fact use:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=616035

Kudos to that dude. :thumbup: But I'd likely keep that one in mint condition and have Burt make me a kickass Blue Collar chopper for hard work.

Roger

 

[Jon Brand]

Betzner- I would say that if you ever become a pirate and wear an eye patch and own the seas, then that knife would be PERFECT to carry.

 

[JParanee]

I have alot of users and I do use some high end knives

I also display knives in glass . I love to see them.

I have carried almost all my knives but there are a few bigger pieces that I have not but the one that really calls out to me to pack on a trip is The Big Alamo Bowie that Bill made for himself .

I just love the feel of it

 

[betzner]

Betzner- I would say that if you ever become a pirate and wear an eye patch and own the seas, then that knife would be PERFECT to carry.

Jonathan - The scimitar is less related to pirate activity, and more middle eastern in influence (more specifically, in the area of the Arabian peninsula, I believe). So I will wait to become a genie before I put it to use.

Bob

 

[Kougera]

I have alot of users and I do use some high end knives

I also display knives in glass . I love to see them.

I have carried almost all my knives but there are a few bigger pieces that I have not but the one that really calls out to me to pack on a trip is The Big Alamo Bowie that Bill made for himself .

I just love the feel of it

I would have found it hard not to carry that piece Joe! Bills pieces always look like they welcome a workout... No matter how dressed up they are.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

They all get used, no safe queens in this house, I do have a few I've bought to resell later, currently there sits a Rollock Airlight in the box and a Cold Steel Urban Pal, early all steel version with leather keychain, also waits to be resold.