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

[Lorien]

I'm often amazed by how fragile some people seem to think knives are.
A good knife ought to be pretty damn durable.

If a knife is made as an Art piece, (which is VERY rare, imo) then it sort of transcends the mundane use a knife is known for. There is a certain implied responsibility to maintain it as it was created, (even though the owner COULD do whatever he/she wanted with/to it)

The disconnect happens, I think, when a knife is construed as a piece of Art when in fact, it is not. I see this all the time in here. A knife, (albeit expensive and handmade) is clearly designed and made as a tool, but all too often, it is seen by some people as Art. It's like people sometimes misconstrue something that is expensive as being Art, simply because of its cost or collectibility- holding the object is a misplaced rarefied air. I guess this is ok, I just personally find it ridiculous to hear how this or that knife is 'ART', when it clearly isn't.

The idea of collectibles retaining value or appreciating in value is something else, and obviously there is often value in maintaining the knife or other item as a mint condition object. This helps preserve the value of the item, which is what it is.

 

[jjtjr]

I use a couple of Phil Wilsom customs and a Trace Rinaldi knife in the kitchen.

I carry a couple of slipjoints made by my buddy Dan Warren, JS as well as a Jerry Fisk, MS prototype Fiskmuk folder. I don't mind using that one since Jerry carried it for about a year and broke it in. I also switch out a couple of other custom folders on occassion.

Most of my knives I have no intention of using, but if I would ever use a really fancy knife it would be my Fisk NLT Roho Grande. It has an 11 1/4" blade, but it is so well balanced and light in the hand that I would love to use it as a camp knife. I will make it a user the day after I hit the Powerball Jackpot. I can't wait.

Jim Treacy

 

[betzner]

I'm often amazed by how fragile some people seem to think knives are.
A good knife ought to be pretty damn durable.

If a knife is made as an Art piece, (which is VERY rare, imo) then it sort of transcends the mundane use a knife is known for. There is a certain implied responsibility to maintain it as it was created, (even though the owner COULD do whatever he/she wanted with/to it)

The disconnect happens, I think, when a knife is construed as a piece of Art when in fact, it is not. I see this all the time in here. A knife, (albeit expensive and handmade) is clearly designed and made as a tool, but all too often, it is seen by some people as Art. It's like people sometimes misconstrue something that is expensive as being Art, simply because of its cost or collectibility- holding the object is a misplaced rarefied air. I guess this is ok, I just personally find it ridiculous to hear how this or that knife is 'ART', when it clearly isn't.

The idea of collectibles retaining value or appreciating in value is something else, and obviously there is often value in maintaining the knife or other item as a mint condition object. This helps preserve the value of the item, which is what it is.

I think, clearly, as they say, art is in the eye of the beholder. If you do not "see" or behold it as art, it doesn't mean it's not art. It's just not art to you.

EDIT: A cave wall is a cave wall, but when ancient man applies color to it, is that not art? The canvas, the posterboard, the KNIFE, they are but artist's palates. ART IS ART.

 

[Kougera]

I'm often amazed by how fragile some people seem to think knives are.
A good knife ought to be pretty damn durable.

If a knife is made as an Art piece, (which is VERY rare, imo) then it sort of transcends the mundane use a knife is known for. There is a certain implied responsibility to maintain it as it was created, (even though the owner COULD do whatever he/she wanted with/to it)

The disconnect happens, I think, when a knife is construed as a piece of Art when in fact, it is not. I see this all the time in here. A knife, (albeit expensive and handmade) is clearly designed and made as a tool, but all too often, it is seen by some people as Art. It's like people sometimes misconstrue something that is expensive as being Art, simply because of its cost or collectibility- holding the object is a misplaced rarefied air. I guess this is ok, I just personally find it ridiculous to hear how this or that knife is 'ART', when it clearly isn't.

The idea of collectibles retaining value or appreciating in value is something else, and obviously there is often value in maintaining the knife or other item as a mint condition object. This helps preserve the value of the item, which is what it is.

I agree with everything you said except one thing... To define something as art is completely up each individual person. If you see it as usable art is another thing. My .02

EDIT: Betzner beat me to it.

 

[betzner]

I agree with everything you said except one thing... To define something as art is completely up each individual person. If you see it as usable art is another thing. My .02

EDIT: Betzner beat me to it.

Kourgera, then I added an edit, after yours, LOL

 

[on_the_edge]

I have no desire to use any of the knives in my collection, other than as pieces of art, to admire and cherish.

Please indulge my curiousity--if I were to buy an unused knife from you that I intended to use and I told you that you could go out and take a few swings with it on that dead tree that needs to come down...or if I said go ahead and use it in the kitchen once or twice before you send it to me...would you do it??? And why or why not?

For the record, all customs I buy I intend to use, and if they are not as of yet used, it is only because I have not quite yet found the time to put them to use. As "odd" as it may sound, the simple act of using my knives gives me one of life's greatest pleasures. As for the monetary ramifications of using a knife, I start from a position that every knife I buy is a complete monetary loss? Why? Because I don't ever intend to resell them (although in reality, that does happen from time to time), but only to gift them to my family some day.

 

[SBranson]

If a knife is made as an Art piece, (which is VERY rare, imo) then it sort of transcends the mundane use a knife is known for. There is a certain implied responsibility to maintain it as it was created, (even though the owner COULD do whatever he/she wanted with/to it)

The disconnect happens, I think, when a knife is construed as a piece of Art when in fact, it is not. I see this all the time in here. A knife, (albeit expensive and handmade) is clearly designed and made as a tool, but all too often, it is seen by some people as Art. It's like people sometimes misconstrue something that is expensive as being Art, simply because of its cost or collectibility- holding the object is a misplaced rarefied air. I guess this is ok, I just personally find it ridiculous to hear how this or that knife is 'ART', when it clearly isn't.

Though I don't necessarily believe that "art" is solely in the eye of the beholder you seem to have very definite ideas on what constitutes art.
I don't believe that the cost is the determining factor either but if someone makes a knife to the best of their ability with the intention as a statement of their artistic nature, then that in itself qualifies it as "art". Maybe not "good" art but it's still art. The intention to build a "tool" is a different frame of mind. A statement like "...when it clearly isn't", I think is not really as objective as it purports to be.

Have you ever read Yukio Mishima's "Sun and Steel"? It has some interesting ideas on functional art.

I'm often amazed by how fragile some people seem to think knives are.
A good knife ought to be pretty damn durable. ...

...The idea of collectibles retaining value or appreciating in value is something else, and obviously there is often value in maintaining the knife or other item as a mint condition object. This helps preserve the value of the item, which is what it is.

I think your first statement is in part answered in your last.
If the depreciation is worth the use of the knife then go for it. As one who can only afford to keep a very limited number on hand, I tend to use very few of the knives that come into my possession. As buying and selling is cheaper than going to a show, I do it to learn and see first hand the work of different makers.
I admire that you are willing to use the knives you get but for me, I will have to feel that I am planning to keep it to actually use it. Often I search for user knives so that I can use it and still move it along without loss or much loss.
I mention this as I think this is more the attitude than the thought that the knife may actually "break".


That all said, I usually buy a knife thinking it's "perfect" and I will use it and keep it for ever.

The next 2 incoming for me are these two, which I think are "perfect" statements of art and utility. (well the B.Foster one isn't made yet, this is a photochop)
I hope to use them.

J.Knight

B.Foster

The one that I do have that I use is this Farr hunter. I bought it as a user so there was no thought of not using it. I will keep this one forever for sure.

 

[Lorien]

I think, clearly, as they say, art is in the eye of the beholder. If you do not "see" or behold it as art, it doesn't mean it's not art. It's just not art to you.

EDIT: A cave wall is a cave wall, but when ancient man applies color to it, is that not art? The canvas, the posterboard, the KNIFE, they are but artist's palates. ART IS ART.

ok then. What if we are talking about a picture of the object- is the object Art in the eye of the beholder, or is the picture the Art?

If I see a 2D representation of a 3D object, am I qualified- by having an eye- to deem it Art?

Art is Art, but what do you call that which is not Art? Is then everything Art? Depending on an individual's perspective of it? Do individuals have the 'right' to define certain things as Art? Or is that a right? A perception?

Found Art-now that's interesting. But it's assembled, either into a photograph, sculpture, painting by a person or people.

Does Art come down to the individual? Or does a community of individuals invest the meaning of Art into objects or actions? What if no one but the creator ever see it? Can the creator claim that it is Art? Does it matter?

I'm just playing devil's advocate. Musing out loud. I appreciate Art in many varied things. Even in the painting on velvet of dogs playing poker

 

[SBranson]

ok then. What if we are talking about a picture of the object- is the object Art in the eye of the beholder, or is the picture the Art?

If I see a 2D representation of a 3D object, am I qualified- by having an eye- to deem it Art?

Sure the photo can be art if it furthers on the information contained in the original work of art. I think that's why Coop's photos are more than just "records" of the knives as he captures the best of what the knife has to offer visually.

Art is Art, but what do you call that which is not Art? Is then everything Art? Depending on an individual's perspective of it? Do individuals have the 'right' to define certain things as Art? Or is that a right? A perception?

Found Art-now that's interesting. But it's assembled, either into a photograph, sculpture, painting by a person or people.

Does Art come down to the individual? Or does a community of individuals invest the meaning of Art into objects or actions? What if no one but the creator ever see it? Can the creator claim that it is Art? Does it matter?
....

Well if it ain't art then it ain't. In some ways, everything could be called art but that depends on the artist conveying the information.
The label of "art" is a decision and the only difference between a successful artist and one who alone thinks their work is art is the agreement of others.

Artists, dealers and collectors all try to influence what art is for varying versions of the reason of being successful in getting others to agree with them. That may sound cynical but that's not the intent.

 

[Ben B]

I use my Burt Foster kitchen knife every day. Customs in the kitchen are a great way to regularly use a knife.

 

[betzner]

Please indulge my curiousity--if I were to buy an unused knife from you that I intended to use and I told you that you could go out and take a few swings with it on that dead tree that needs to come down...or if I said go ahead and use it in the kitchen once or twice before you send it to me...would you do it??? And why or why not?

For the record, all customs I buy I intend to use, and if they are not as of yet used, it is only because I have not quite yet found the time to put them to use. As "odd" as it may sound, the simple act of using my knives gives me one of life's greatest pleasures. As for the monetary ramifications of using a knife, I start from a position that every knife I buy is a complete monetary loss? Why? Because I don't ever intend to resell them (although in reality, that does happen from time to time), but only to gift them to my family some day.

Glad to indulge you - if you had purchased a knife from me and asked me to use it, I would do so. Why? Because you would have purchased it from me and heaven forbid that I should not agree to your request, since I would have made a profit selling it to you.

EDIT: But the less I profit, the less swings I take!!

 

[betzner]

ok then. What if we are talking about a picture of the object- is the object Art in the eye of the beholder, or is the picture the Art?

If I see a 2D representation of a 3D object, am I qualified- by having an eye- to deem it Art?

Art is Art, but what do you call that which is not Art? Is then everything Art? Depending on an individual's perspective of it? Do individuals have the 'right' to define certain things as Art? Or is that a right? A perception?

Found Art-now that's interesting. But it's assembled, either into a photograph, sculpture, painting by a person or people.

Does Art come down to the individual? Or does a community of individuals invest the meaning of Art into objects or actions? What if no one but the creator ever see it? Can the creator claim that it is Art? Does it matter?

I'm just playing devil's advocate. Musing out loud. I appreciate Art in many varied things. Even in the painting on velvet of dogs playing poker

Musing out loud? I call it asking a question, rhetorically. Which requires no answer. Thus.....................

 

[Lorien]

food for thought
hopefully.

 

[Kohai999]

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.....

Mostly my daily carry knives get the snot beat out of them AS normal carry/use.

Just about every custom that purchased is destined to be a safe queen from the start....mostly because of the art/craft involved...because if I buy them, imo, they are beautiful....and connect me with the knifemaking methods and craft of the maker.

SOME were purchased to be used and thrashed...Howard Clark Wakizashi and Bailey Bradshaw Katana for starters....that Bradshaw Katana is imbued with a belligerent character....it HAS to cut and be used for lack of a better description.

But I wind up using knives that I don't feel like selling or giving away...started with Pat Crawford tactical liner locks, then a Sebenza, Kit Carson small model 4, John W. Smith Large Evolution liner lock, Allen Elishewitz e-lock Kaiser, one-of-a kind R.J. Martin Havoc with heat colored frame and a ti-ni blade coating, Ken Coats white micarta Shadow.....

For fixed blades, I have a Steve Mullin Pack River Camp Knife, Mike Ruth Trail Boss, custom Shane Sibert Scout, Ed Caffrey EDC drop point, two Murray Carter Kiradashi knives, Al Pendray Wootz utility, Steve Agocs Tactical Grapfruit Cutter, Matt Diskin composite damascus Louisiana Fighter with silver/nickel damascus handle and sheath....

Tend to retire carry folders after a year of hard use....to just maintain, enjoy and reflect

This does not include many custom neck knives or my custom kitchen knives....yeah, I use a few customs.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[John T Wylie Jr]

As "odd" as it may sound, the simple act of using my knives gives me one of life's greatest pleasures. As for the monetary ramifications of using a knife, I start from a position that every knife I buy is a complete monetary loss? Why? Because I don't ever intend to resell them (although in reality, that does happen from time to time), but only to gift them to my family some day.

I feel the same :thumbup: When considering a purchase I am honest with myself , will I use it ? If no , I pass. While I get a small level of enjoyment of looking at knives , I get a high level of enjoyment using them.

Be it using it for light use ( my Blackwood Henchman that I use for cutting food , steak , etc ) , medium use ( Alan Folts utility that works pretty well on my leather working bench , hard use ( Rinaldi Matrix - its scratched & scuffed but now has character , refurb will never be needed ) , mine all get used.

Years back a large group (30+) of friends gathered at a Casino Buffet on the strip ( during a knife show ). When they attempted to give us buffet cutlery , we weren't having any of that , customs were used. Blackwoods , Kreins , Rinaldi's , Simonich's , Carson's , Emerson's , Terzoula's , Burnley . Onion's and a couple Jones Bros knives as well. Nobody cared about getting their knives messy .

I wonder how just many makers wish their knives would be used ?

Nothing wrong with not using them if that's your gig , more power to ya.:thumbup:

mini rant
What cracks me up is to see someone continually post about their newest custom , how it is gonna be used , NEW EDC , GRAIL KNIFE ! , etc , only to see it for sale months later , advertised as mint , never used , never carried.
Just be honest with yourself with your intentions, cause ya' aint foolin us

And please don't brag how well it performs if you have never used it , other wise it is just like bench racing , what HP you think it puts out in theory doesn't mean that is what you are going to see on the dyno printout.
mini rant over

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

Although I do not regularly use all of my knives, I do cut paper as soon as I get a new knife. I have to know that it will cut in order to consider it a knife worthy of my collection. I am sure I would do the same even if I was gifted a ten thousand dollar knife. Why- because that is what a knife is to me. I enjoy using my knives, and if I had not gotten a Fiddleback Nessmuk in Lacewood for my birthday I was planning on taking a mirror polished, green Mammoth ivory with mosaic pins knife out hunting this Monday.

To each their own but I do not get not using a knife, at least not mine.

 

[Shoki]

Just got a MMHW short-sword-huge-knife-thing in the mail today that I'm going to run out and chop down a street lamp with. Also got a Bradley Alias II auto that will probably be tucked away in the collection and never used. I guess I really only use knives that I buy if they have been used before. I don't need to use the Bradley because I already have a similar EDC that does the same job but I don't have anything like the MMHW thing which has a lot to do with it too.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

At this point I have absolutely no intention of using any of the knives from my collection. I have dozens of users as it is.

 

[brightred]

i made a quick group shot of the knives i have used. some have seen very little use, others are used intensively on holiday trips or in the woods. the kitchen knives are used every day. one of the two shadley folders is always in my pocket.

as soon as i hold a new knife in my hand i know if i will ever use it. unfortunately there aren't enough opportunities, so there's some kind of waiting list. sometimes i "create" opportunities just to have some fun.

money that i spend on knives is considered lost. therefore the price i paid for a knife is not important when i decide to use it or not. same for rarity/availability (e.g. fikes, zowada) or degree of finish/value of materials (e.g. cashen). it's the feeling, some knives just beg to be used!

best regards,
hans

 

[r connally]

The only custom I've ever used from my collection is the Gary Wheeler bowie below. It was owned by Kim Breed so you know it had been exercised already. Plus, Gary and Kim will touch up their knives should they need it from hard use.

I am looking for the right custom folder that will become my EDC user. Jon Brand is my hero when it comes to this, carrying Hanson's in Paul Long sheaths The problem is every time I buy one of Don's knives it's so damn nice I want to keep it minty fresh

Gary recently got his JS stamp. This knife was made prior.

Took me 2 swings here. Recently did it with one on a similar branch.