Why I sold most of my expensive knives (anyone else feel like this?)

I had a very large collection ranging from $1k folders and fixed blades to everything in between. Probably close to $20k in knives which pales in comparison to some of my other hobbies LOL. Had to have the latest greatest steels, limited editions, sprint run madness, pre-orders etc!!! There is no end to this stuff

With that being said, I finally found myself carrying a CF ZDP Stretch or 10 year old beat up Sebenza 99% of the time. I also found myself using $20 machetes and $50 Condor goloks and such for chopping duties and coconut hacking instead of $800 Busse's.

I do believe there is a special place for higher end knives and just bought a buddy a CRK Sebenza 25 for his 50th bday. However, that is a special occasion.

If it makes you happy, keep on it. Once it stops being fun, find something else to do.


I sold almost everything except 5 folders and 5-10 fixed blades and find myself much happier with more time to spread out amongst my other hobbies.

The only winners in the next-best-steel race are the manufacturers.
 
I've really only spent a large sum of money on one knife before. I held onto it for about a year and sold it. I probably won't ever spend more then about $250 on a knife ever. I'm just too hard on them and realistically it's diminishing returns after a certain point. A large majority of my knives cost me less then $100 and perform exceptionally well. The only justification to spending much more is if it's for antique or historical purposes, but I'm not made of that kind of money.
 
There seems to be a lot of guilt in this thread about the "justification" of spending money on knives. everyone spends money on something unnecessary. It may be gardening, golf, cars, a/v equipment, video games...something.

The point is, we as human beings must have an outlet, some kind of distraction and release from the norm. We cannot live life working to simply exist, or what's the point? Everyone has to have something to enjoy, or the mundane would drive us mad.

If spending money "collecting" knives (or anything else), is causing you angst or pain, then you should find a pastime that brings you happiness. Find a hobby you truly enjoy, and the money shouldn't matter (within reason). And you'll probably live longer as well. :)
 
I will say that production folders (a lot of them) are getting better and better IMO. Better steels , better f&f , etc. Most of my knives are production folders between $150-$250. And I find them to be exquisite blades. But dabbling in custom territory is still quite alluring to me.
 
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bravodelta said:
I had a very large collection ranging from $1k folders and fixed blades to everything in between. Probably close to $20k in knives which pales in comparison to some of my other hobbies LOL. Had to have the latest greatest steels, limited editions, sprint run madness, pre-orders etc!!! There is no end to this stuff

With that being said, I finally found myself carrying a CF ZDP Stretch or 10 year old beat up Sebenza 99% of the time. I also found myself using $20 machetes and $50 Condor goloks and such for chopping duties and coconut hacking instead of $800 Busse's.

I do believe there is a special place for higher end knives and just bought a buddy a CRK Sebenza 25 for his 50th bday. However, that is a special occasion.

If it makes you happy, keep on it. Once it stops being fun, find something else to do.


I sold almost everything except 5 folders and 5-10 fixed blades and find myself much happier with more time to spread out amongst my other hobbies.

The only winners in the next-best-steel race are the manufacturers.
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No. The "winners" are the guys who want it and buy it.

But I agree with the rest of your post.
 
DistortionSlayer said:
About a year back, I found myself doing some soul searching and realized I just couldn't justify keeping some of the knives that went through my hands. Everything ranging from cheapy Walmart blades to 1500+ pieces. Something just clicked and I found myself asking how I could justify some of the prices. So now here I am, a year later, and I mostly have Spydercos, some Benchmades. and Cold Steels. To me, great blades for the money.

I did get more into firearms in the past year and expanded my collection...so that may have somehting to do with. But overall, I just can't justify what once seemed like a good deal at 400...500.. and so on. There were a few pieces I couldn't part with that I ended up keeping (like an RMJ Shrike), but in general I scaled everything down.

Anyone else have these feelings or experiences?
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I love when price of knife is justified correctly,i do like knives that are outstanding quality,but not overpriced...I 'd not invest into knife more than couple of hundred bucks top,speaking 2-300 bucks top...I think there are very reliable and very good knives out there ranging from 60 bucks up to 150 (ideal price tags for me)...

Paying 4-500 bucks and over,for a single knife,i would feel like i am robbing my own family for my "toys addiction"
 
Also to do extensive research on market about knives will help everyone to invest into best value for money and most reliable knife at certain price category....Many people just click onto webpages of online shops or pay visit to local store and buy more or less on first visual impression from knife,without knowing anything about its maker,pros and cons and any alternatives.... Than many gets upset and not happy, when their knife fails in basic tasks....
 
I'm not married. Don't have kids (vasectomy). I don't drink, smoke, use, or "go out" ... whatever that means. I live alone. Knives/knifemaking, food, and bills.

That's my life.
 
Seriousbladeno1 said:
Many people just click onto webpages of online shops or pay visit to local store and buy more or less on first visual impression from knife,without knowing anything about its maker,pros and cons and any alternatives.... Than many gets upset and not happy, when their knife fails in basic tasks....
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I don't see many "okeydokes" on bladeforums. That's what "Joe Duder" does when he decides he needs him a good "pockit knaf".
 
Landshark99 said:
I think this all relative to one's income and family expenses.
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Yep! I have a friend that is always asking how much I spent on my latest folders. He doesn't care about the knife itself, just how much they're worth. Every time I tell him, he just lectures me about how much food he could have bought his kid, or how many diapers he could have for the price of one knife, and how my knives "aren't worth the price". I could honestly care less, I don't have/want kids so why would I adjust to someone else's lifestyle because they find my life "different".
 
I've sold all of my higher dollar folders because even though the money didn't bother me..
beating up such a pretty knife did... So now I look for cheaper blades with high quality parts.. Like zts or even the new cold steels... Just fits my style better.
 
I've sold off several XM-18's, but I like nice folders. I like CRK's, Southard AVO, Gareth Bull, Jim Burke ROCKSTAR. I also like lots of Spydercos in the 200-dollar range, from Millies to PM2's, Techno, Southard, Slysz Bowie, Sage and Caly series and so forth. I seldom have purchased a folder for less than $100.
OTOH, I have no desire to buy customs that exceed $600-700.
 
Charlie Mike said:
I'm not married. Don't have kids (vasectomy). I don't drink, smoke, use, or "go out" ... whatever that means. I live alone. Knives/knifemaking, food, and bills.

That's my life.
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I'm alone, (my entire family, including my children, are dead.) I hardly ever, (almost never) touch alcohol, don't smoke or use anything. I don't "go out" either.

There's not much left.

Captain O
 
Charlie Mike said:
I'm not married. Don't have kids (vasectomy). I don't drink, smoke, use, or "go out" ... whatever that means. I live alone. Knives/knifemaking, food, and bills.

That's my life.
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I also live alone. I have one son, and I make sure he is taken care of. My child support is always payed on time, plus any other miscellaneous expenses, and we spend every weekend together. I also make sure the bills are payed, and all other expenses are handled.

Beyond that, how much money I spend on my knife hobby is my business, and needs no justification to anyone but me. It makes me happy. That is my life.
 
Captain O said:
I'm alone, (my entire family, including my children, are dead.) I hardly ever, (almost never) touch alcohol, don't smoke or use anything. I don't "go out" either.

There's not much left.

Captain O
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May God's blessings run over you and fertilize the ground you stand upon.
 
Captain O said:
I'm alone, (my entire family, including my children, are dead.) I hardly ever, (almost never) touch alcohol, don't smoke or use anything. I don't "go out" either.

There's not much left.

Captain O
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I'm sorry for your losses and difficulties. Life can sure through some curve balls.

I think you will find out that people on here are good folks and they will lend you support and friendship. In a way it's like having a large extended family. You can always contact me if needed. It would be my pleasure. I hope you know that even though you feel like there is not much left there are more people then you can count that want to see you happy. Take care, and btw thanks for your service.
 
Peak_Oil said:
May God's blessings run over you and fertilize the ground you stand upon.
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Thank you. Sometimes it is difficult, but when you have no one left, life tends to simplify itself.

"From the depths of Gehenna to the steps up to the throne, the man that walks the swiftest, is the one that walks alone." - Rudyard Kipling

Captain O
 
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