Would you use a pearl handle folder? Need advice

peterinct said:
Sometimes I carry knives without planning to use them for anything other than to show to people:D
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RogerP said:
As for carrying a knife and not using it - that I don't really get. Apart from taking pieces to show and tell with fellow collectors (not what I consider "carrying") I can't imagine toting around a knife that I didn't plan to use.

Roger
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For me, it's wasn't so much not planning to use my knife but more not finding many "uses" for a knife in an office setting.
Opening letters perhaps, if you don't have a letter opener on your desk. On the other hand, I found myself using my carry knife quite often when inspecting construction sites.

I totally get Peter's carrying knives just to show people. Great way to expose folks to custom knives which wouldn't be otherwise. I've actually got two friends started collecting knives just by pulling my folder out of my pocket.
 
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My office knife doesn't see heavy duty use - but it does see frequent use.

- opening letters, packages
- breaking down a cardboard box for recycling
- cutting away a loose thread here and there
- opening the adult-proof heat-sealed plastic wrapping on a lunch sandwich
- peeling and quartering an orange / apple etc.

Not the material for an epic adventure series, to be sure, but my knife is hardly languishing day in and day out in want of use.

I get display pieces - I have a few. I get carry / user pieces - I have a few. I don't really get a carry / display piece that you won't use. Not saying there is anything wrong with it, just not something that has ever crossed my mind to do.

If you put your custom carry piece to actual use, it is arguably a better way to expose people to custom knives. I know of two people - neither knife collectors - who ordered a knife from Mike Alsdorf after seeing me take out and use my little pearl slipjoint.

Roger
 
RogerP said:
Why not have Don make you something in a similar style, but simpler materials? I recently handled a plain Jane wood and carbon steel hunter of his that felt fantastic - I know it's owner will have blast putting it to good hard use - without any angst or indecision whatsoever.

The knife Jon is contemplating was made by Cliff Parker, but i'm sure Don could make any style desired.


As for carrying a knife and not using it - that I don't really get. Apart from taking pieces to show and tell with fellow collectors (not what I consider "carrying") I can't imagine toting around a knife that I didn't plan to use.

Just as I don't understand how you sold that Bump bowie after having it made, engraved and a sheath made?


Roger
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As they say "different strokes for different folks", which comes back to Jon needing to make the final decision based on HIS feelings.

As Kevin mentioned, a lot of people have no conception of custom or collectible knives, which is true for MOST of my friends. Also, sometimes I carry knives i've engraved, so that I can show the engraving to people I may see by chance or meet.

It's ALL good:D

Peter
 
peterinct said:
The knife Jon is contemplating was made by Cliff Parker
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Cliff, then. My point is that you can get a less fancy version of whatever knife from whatever maker and put it to use with dminished - or eliminated - concern about high cost, diminished resale, delicate materials and suchlike.

For example, I have planned a matched set of camp knives from Russ Andrews - one in damscus and ivory, the other in Cru Forge-V and wood. No way I'm scrtaching up the former. Now way I'm not scratching up the latter.

As for carry / use - as I said above, carrying and using a custom knife also accomplishes the goal of exposing people to the craft - with the added dimension of showing them how well the knife can cut.

Roger
 
RogerP said:
I know of two people - neither knife collectors - who ordered a knife from Mike Alsdorf after seeing me take out and use my little pearl slipjoint.
Roger
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That's great and we all benefit from the exposure of custom knives. :thumbup:

peterinct said:
As they say "different strokes for different folks", which comes back to Jon needing to make the final decision based on HIS feelings.

As Kevin mentioned, a lot of people have no conception of custom or collectible knives, which is true for MOST of my friends. Also, sometimes I carry knives i've engraved, so that I can show the engraving to people I may see by chance or meet.

It's ALL good:D

Peter
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Don't you just love it when someone sees their first custom knife and their jaw just drops with amazment?
 
Usually, i would say a knife is a tool, therefore begging to be used. However, in your case the knife is a piece art, begging to be displayed. If it was me I would set it up on a stand or something where you can see it everyday and enjoy it in that sense. It would be a pity to ruin something this beautiful and i think you should also let Don make you the same knife, but one that is not so pricey. A knife that would be begging to be used and displayed in your hand or pocket.
 
RogerP said:
As for carry / use - as I said above, carrying and using a custom knife also accomplishes the goal of exposing people to the craft - with the added dimension of showing them how well the knife can cut.

Roger
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You make a good point, however I'm not so sure how much an impression you can make cutting the below. ;)

RogerP said:
My office knife doesn't see heavy duty use - but it does see frequent use.
- opening letters, packages
- breaking down a cardboard box for recycling
- cutting away a loose thread here and there
- opening the adult-proof heat-sealed plastic wrapping on a lunch sandwich
- peeling and quartering an orange / apple etc.

Roger
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Now cutting hanging 1" hemp rope in two or even better cutting 1" rope in mid air and chopping 2X4s in two in seconds is making an impression. ;) :thumbup:
 
Kevin Jones said:
You make a good point, however I'm not so sure how much an impression you can make cutting the below. ;)
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Well, some seem pretty impressed when I took out a sheet of computer paper and effortlessly sliced off micro-thin slices, time and time again. Or shavied a patch of hair off my arm (I swear I have a permanent bald spot on my left forearm now). You can hear them thinking - and sometimes saying - "My knife can't do that." You don't need to be wailing on something with a chopper to make an impression.

Roger
 
RogerP said:
Well, some seem pretty impressed when I took out a sheet of computer paper and effortlessly sliced off micro-thin slices, time and time again. Or shavied a patch of hair off my arm (I swear I have a permanent bald spot on my left forearm now). You can hear them thinking - and sometimes saying - "My knife can't do that." You don't need to be wailing on something with a chopper to make an impression.

Roger
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Yes, that bald spot on the forearm has almost become like a tattoo identifying and initiating us into the fraternity of custom knife enthusiasts. ;) :D

Slicing a piece of computer paper in 1/2 in mid air gets them too.
At Jerry's, JR did a sharpening demo and then tested his skill by slicing a brochure in 1/2 in mid air.
 
Push cutting paper in fine strips seems to make a VERY good impression of sharpness.

Some of those bubble sealed plastic type packages are VERY tough to cut with typical implements in home or office, and a sharp knife works great.

Also impressive, are knives "hair poppin" sharp, that will cut hair by gently pressing the edge against it.

Peter
 
Jooooonnnn, doooon't dooooo it!!! :D

I was there when you acquired that knife from Cliff. It is an outstanding example of his work and the pearl is superior. The damascus is also wonderful. I know how you cut those acidic apples with your users.

I'll swap ya several nice folders and fixed blades that you can use all day long and the makers will touch them up for you after they are dull and stained. But not this Cliff Parker! :(
 
Guys, I will probably hold off on carrying this one.. for now. But it will always be a possibility or something I will consider as long as I own it. I do have another tactical-ish folder on the way that I plan to make my main EDC for a bit.
 
I agree that there's no right or wrong answer to this question. For me, it would have a lot to do with my current financial situation. If resale value was not a biggie, I would carry it. Unless it were totally abused it would still retain much of its value. I don't think this would be classified as a historical piece that's irreplaceable. The joy you could get from taking it out every day and working with it, as well as the joy that comes from the surprise that registers on people's faces when they see it, is worth a lot. We spend money on stuff like dinners out or theater tickets; this isn't worth any less. I usually carry two knives, one for heavier use and one for very light use. I say go for it! :D
 
yitz said:
Unless it were totally abused it would still retain much of its value.
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I disagree with you there. Using that knife will significantly diminish both its saleability and its value on the secondary market. And the use need not nearly approach "total abuse" for that to happen.

Roger
 
Jon,

You'd be nuts to use that folder for edc. You'd be nuts to risk messing up the damasc even opening boxes with it. Most don't even use their Wm Henry's or CRK's for EDC, let alone a custom with damasc and black lip and an $1,800 table price. If you NEEDED to sell even at one point, you're not rich and can't afford to carry a knife whose price could buy you three nice suits or a beater 2nd car. Buy a $100 case for that. PLEASE!!!
 
BowieBooster said:
Jon,

You'd be nuts to use that folder for edc. You'd be nuts to risk messing up the damasc even opening boxes with it. Most don't even use their Wm Henry's or CRK's for EDC, let alone a custom with damasc and black lip and an $1,800 table price. If you NEEDED to sell even at one point, you're not rich and can't afford to carry a knife whose price could buy you three nice suits or a beater 2nd car. Buy a $100 case for that. PLEASE!!!
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Wait a minute...I'm not nuts and carry my $1,800 table price Don Hanson...cut boxes, opened envelopes, sliced up steak and chicken.

Now because I crosscut the slotted screws, that might cause a hit on the price, but that is my choice

Damascus isn't messed up, pearl looks great, and am pretty sure someone would offer me $1,500 if I put it up for sale...it isn't the end of the world either way, and although Jon isn't rich at this point, he could probably happily eat the depreciation.

Either way, it looks like he has already made his decision.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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