What knives should be in every Knife Knut's collection?

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What knives should be in every Knife Knut's collection?

i'm thinking more along the lines of the "classic" style knives, what knives are the perfect examples of their kind that no self-respecting Knife Knut should be without?

since my extremely limited experience is only with folding knives, here's what *I* think the classics should be, as far as folders go;

Swiss Army Knife (Wegner or Victorinox); any SAK would qualify, i'd lean more towards the "classics" than the "toolboxes"

Buck 110 or 55; the classic lockback, long, rich history, relatively unchanged since it's introduction, built like a tank, and can take a wickedly sharp edge, seems to have a mind of it's own, and a propensity to "bite" it's keeper, approach with caution and respect, this here's the granddaddy of folding knives....

Spyderco Endura/Delica; the knife that introduced one-handed opening (ambidextrous too), the pocket clip, and the serrated blade to mainstream knifedom, not the "prettiest" knife (at least to the sheeple), i think Spydies are quite attractive, clean, industrial lines, you can tell these tools are meant to be *used*, not "look pretty"

some form of assisted-opener, maybe a Kershaw Onion-series

keyring knife; i'm partial to the Spyderco Cricket or Buck Metro, small, disc-shaped keyring knives, but they're not strictly "classics" per-se, maybe a SAK keyring knife would qualify....

what other suggestions do you have for the "backbone" of a collection, fixed blades, assisteds, multitools, they're all welcome....
 
I'm going to start this off with a Benchmade Griptillian or Mini if you like smaller knives. Just choose the opening method you like stud/hole and go for it. If you've never had an axis lock i think you'll like it.
 
Well, you could do worse than getting a Benchmade 710, the first axis lock knife. One of their butterfly knives would be appropriate, (Model 42?).

Other Spydercos to consider would be the Police and Military.

The original Leatherman multi-tool (not sure of the model) would qualify. Not the best IMHO, but more than good enough (it did instigate the rest).

One of the Case Stockman models (ideally in CV as the common steel is s$#@, IMHO).
 
I'm sorry, but I think it's a silly question.

You can define a "collection" in many ways. Some people only collect hand-forged, fixed-blade, bowie-style knives. Will you say that because such a person don't have a Buck 110 that his collection is in some way incomplete or inferior?

I submit that there is no such thing as a knife that "should be in every Knife Knut's collection." The collections are as different as the knife knuts who assemble them.
 
Mactech, take your time and learn what you like, then start collecting and the "classic's" will make them selves evident...
 
Gollnick has a point.

Many knifenutz gravitate to a specific maker, type of knife, etc.

That said, I have owned (notice the past tense) knives that could be considered "classics" in their respective classes (be it by maker, type, etc.). And I still own some of those initial knives, as they meet my current taste in what is a good knife.

I moved on (matured?) in my tastes.
 
You have to first decide what you want in a knife. Then decide if you really want to collect or accumulate... there is a difference. If you choose to collect, you'll waste a lot of money if you don't focus.

If you are primarily a user, then you'll select the knives that best suit your needs. Most collectors don't have a need for the knives they collect, many couldn't legally carry their collection anyway and most wouldn't want to carry.

I'm a user, though I do have a bit of a predilection towards Buck knives (110, 300 and 500 series) and the Swiss Army SoldierKnife that may turn into a focused collection someday. Those Bucks come on the side. My main focus in knife buying is to find a functional piece that will see use. Right now I've developed a strong bond with my new BM710, so the next knives I buy will probably be some older Bucks to add to the collection, until I find a new EDC candidate.

I think starting out with knives, it's best to see what all there is and decide if you truly want to collect. My fondness of the Buck 110 is sentimental, it was the first knife I owned 18 years ago. I think a collection without a sentimental beginning isn't a true collection, it's more of an investment. It's something that'll turn a profit someday. My 110s are special to me, but not to anyone else... they have a deeper meaning than the surface knife, and that's why I have so many of them.

This is the reason that I highly doubt we'll see any true collectors of "tactical" knives for a very long time. I love my Spydercos, but there's not a lot of sentimental attachment to them... not yet anyway.
 
I agree with Gollnick, but we all know that no one is saying any knife is a real "must have". That is just a term and not to be taken literally.

These are generally considered "must haves" for a knife collection. (that doesn't mean everyone actually has to have one) In other words, these are standards.

Buck 110
Buck 119
Spyderco Delica and/or Endura (I submit that a Salt-series or even a Native or Calypso can take the place of these)
Benchmade AFCK
Benchmade 710
Benchmade Balisong or some sort (especially the BM42)
KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife
Victorinox Soldier
Victorinox Tinker, Super Tinker, or Deluxe Tinker
Victorinox Classic
Protech Godfather
Kershaw Leek
Strider SMF/SNG
Chris Reeve Sebenza

Obviously some are more "standard" than others, and I am leaving a lot out.

Also, I want to note that a collection can be for the joy of collecting, or the joy of use, and not as an investment.

I collect knives to use and to enjoy using. I do not do it to turn a profit. So for me, good users take a priority to limited editions and customs made by big names. I also like variety, so my knife collection shows a lot of variety.

What knives a person should buy depends on what he wants, and why he is collecting. If he is doing it as an investment, then few if any of the knives on my list would be a good choice. If someone is only into slipjoints, then a Strider isn't a good knife for them.
 
This has been asked before but I don't think it is a silly question.

My picks:
Buck 110
BucK 112
Spyderco Endura
Spyderco Delica
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, maybe the Spartan
Kabar Fighting Knife
Case Stockman
A Leatherman tool

I apologize in advance if anyone is offended that I may have labeled their collection as inferior. :rolleyes:
 
Gollnick said:
I'm sorry, but I think it's a silly question.

You can define a "collection" in many ways. Some people only collect hand-forged, fixed-blade, bowie-style knives. Will you say that because such a person don't have a Buck 110 that his collection is in some way incomplete or inferior?

I submit that there is no such thing as a knife that "should be in every Knife Knut's collection." The collections are as different as the knife knuts who assemble them.
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more. I know some collectors that have the bug for "display" knives. Knives that are fondled and looked @ but never used (for any real practical use anyway). However to them a buck 110 wouldn't fit their idea of a collector. I myself love Moras/puukkos. I own several and use all of them. I'm sure my idea of the essential collector knife is different than everyone else's.
 
I'm going to suggest that rather than focus on specific knives that you acquire folders with different types of locks and see which works best for you. I really like the axis lock and lock backs, but there's many different types out there. Good Luck!
and definately get a fixed blade or two. :D
 
I am with Hair, his list is a compilation of classic quality cutlery that has an attraction to everyone.
Meaning that whatever form of knives an idividual collects they will agree that Hair's list is a good cross section of what modern quality cutlery has to offer.
I would include a H.I Khukri and a fancy custom handmade and an example of the Swedisch cutlery industry
 
Every collection is different. I couldn't agree more. So what are the knives that can transcend the collecting interests of most knife people? I think that is the point of the original poster's question. Heck, I don't even have half the knives on the list I posted.

It is true there is no specific knife that should be in everyone's collection. Just as there is no best knife for hunting, or best knife for fishing, or best knife for camping. But it is fun to ask the question and see the responses of others in the knife hobby.

I think Hair said he best when he used the work "classic". What are the classics of the knife world? In school most of us read Mark Twain and William Shakespeare. Their works are considered to be classics by many. Is there a knife equivalent of Tom Sawyer or Romeo and Juliet?
 
Knife knuts are not necessarily collectors they are just knuts for knives. That doesn't mean they don't end up looking like a collector because of volume.

Collectors to me are guys focused on specifics and detailed to one or more types or brands of knives that sit in a safe unused in mint condition. They store them in a special place, in a special way with all the special care of a fine coin. That is a true collector.

Knuts on the other hand just buy what they like regardless of brand, name or point of origin and for the most part use the hell out of them and enjoy them. They just like and buy knives, any knives, regardless of collector value, or anything else a true collector looks for. Collectors are picky, knuts can be too but not in as single minded a fashion I don't think.

Most knife knuts I know have at least one Buck110, and at least have owned one or more Spyderco Delica or Endura models.

Many have had at least one Schrade Old Timer knife (the 8OT usually)and most have had at least one Case knife of some kind in the way of a small pen knife or old companion usually from their youth.
Still others have owned or carry a small gents lock back folder from Buck.

And still others from another country of origin outside the US have had something like a Puma or some other Soligen made brand of slip joint or traditional locking folder. In most cases with knuts it seems to me the knives they have see pocket time and use. Unlike a true collector that might let you see his stuff from behind a glass panel.

STR
 
I don't think its a silly question at all. Maybe for a "collector" however you want to define that term, its not an important question, but I think it is for the beginner. When I first got interested in knives, I had no idea what was good, what was not good, and more importantly, I didn't know WHAT I was interested in, specifically.

After reading what people thought as "classic" examples of a bunch of knives, I obtained many of them (such as KaBar USMC, Spyderco Delica, Shrade Sharpfinger, Buck 110, HI WWII, a few SAKs, etc.) and learned what I liked and wanted to get more of and what I didn't. To me, that was a valuable learning experience, fun and not silly at all.
 
Shann said:
I don't think its a silly question at all. Maybe for a "collector" however you want to define that term, its not an important question, but I think it is for the beginner. When I first got interested in knives, I had no idea what was good, what was not good, and more importantly, I didn't know WHAT I was interested in, specifically.

After reading what people thought as "classic" examples of a bunch of knives, I obtained many of them (such as KaBar USMC, Spyderco Delica, Shrade Sharpfinger, Buck 110, HI WWII, a few SAKs, etc.) and learned what I liked and wanted to get more of and what I didn't. To me, that was a valuable learning experience, fun and not silly at all.
Click to expand...
Shann worded it better than i did in my OP, this is what i was trying to get across....

i'm already finding myself focusing on 2 main brands, Spyderco and Buck, Spyderco for pure functionality, knives that are made to be *used*, and Buck for their rich history and classic designs....
 
Don't get caught up in the semantics. Collecting is different than accumulating in that you are trying to get something...not because of what you get. If I don't care about knives, but my knife nut best friend gives me a custom knife for every birthday and christmas, well, in 10 years, I'd LOOK like a great collector. But I'm merely an accumulator. Conversely, it is some people's idea to collect tin cans, phone books, etc. These have no real value. They are collectors.

I believe the two terms have been completely misdefined.

But I digress;

You gots to get a minigrip
para
710HS
a Bump variant
something weird from Eric Glesser
A benchmade bali
an m16 variant
something sebenzaesque. I don't want to advocate spending the vast amounts of money on a sebenza, but in that class of knives (including Sebenza)...Mayo TNT or mini Skirmish, for example
a neck knife. A HAK, a SPOT, a KISS...something like that
a HI Khukuri
 
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