Been there done that but a later date than you'd think. When I was a kid it was the Boulder Western that got my attention, ther were the Camillus and New York, Schrades etc but they were all from out east. I was a Western kind of guy living in California when California celebrated an old west/mexican heritage or as much as an 8 year old could celebrate. I was a Military Brat and when not quite a youth we went overseas to Europe and in Germany I was all about German Bolker, Kissing Crane and especially German Eye (I was fascinated by the blade etch). Those were very different just Post War days but I wouldn't' trade for anything. Aside from the SAK tinkerers that were constant with me well into my 40's when I picked up a couple of Bucks and maybe a Gerber before they went wild. in the 90's I used what I had and needing some kind of new blade in the 2000's reluctantly entered the "tactile" world. Wasn't informed of the whole GEC, Queen, etc lines until 2012 when I bought my first GEC. Thinking back in the time line I may have been mid 30's for my first OT, I think it was the Sharpfinger and I'm sure a 34 followed shortly so yea, I've been there done that but OT was never on my short list it was just a tool. I've had several other minor diversions but collecting never entered my mind as a hobby until I found you enablers. I have never been a case guy either.
Well, that's my contribution to the porch. Always stand out in the street and listen, might come up the steps and throw something in, thought I'd come on up and maybe not sit down but more than stand and wave as usual. You're a great bunch of guys, see you later.
Jim