[ReadyFreddy23]

I started my collection at Christmas 2006.

I currently own:
Benchmade Skirmish (S30V)
Benchmade Auto Stryker (154CM)
Benchmade Griptilian (154CM)
Emerson Combat Karambit (154CM)
Spyderco Native (S30V)
Spyderco Endura Wave (VG-10)
Buck 110 (420HC)
Buck Strider Military (420HC)
Buck Hartsook Ultralite Neck Knife (S30V)
Gerber ?
Gerber Fatty (440A)
Kershaw Whirlwind (440A)
Kershaw Outcast (D2)
Cold Steel SRK (Carbon V or AUS8)
CRKT M16 (free with LaserMax)
Leatherman Juice S2

Coming Soon:
I just ordered the Boker Trance and Boker Subcom F (desert tan) a week ago and awaiting arrival.

Next on my wish list:
Chris Reeve Large Sebenza
Graham Razel
MercWorx (not sure which one yet)
Benchmade Rukus (S30V)
Benchmade Doug Ritter RSK Griptilian (S30V)
Ontario Rat 7 (D2)
SAK (not sure which one yet)
Ka-Bar Dozier (D2)

Any thoughts or suggestions about Great Knives under $400. I'd prefer under $200.

[MOSINS]

How about a Spyderco Spydercard?

They are always there when you need it.

:D

[Colt46]

Most functional, well designed knives I've come across. You can pick up a well made, plain variety for $30-40 . Nicer, handmade examples are true works of art and are much more expensive.

[ReadyFreddy23]

what is the Spydercard? Do you have any pictures? How much?

Who makes the Puuko?

[Baba Louie]

Freddy freddy freddy... you poor sonofagun you. Suuuure, you start out buying the inexpensive stuff (nice 8 month old collection BTW) but by this time next year I can tell you're gonna be lookin at some serious steel.

Muahahahahaha!!

I too fell into that trap. I could stop at any time. Randalls, Drapers, CRK's, Striders, a Dozier or three, old Liles, 6 or 7 Dawsons... AG Russell emails weekly...

Attend a BLADE show with a clean credit card and $3000 cash and you know what? You can walk away broke, in debt, jonesin' for more and you don't even care.

Get yourself a KaBar 1217 for historic reasons and honest use. Good, Cheap steel that holds an edge, is easy to sharpen and you don't even think about scratches and wear/tear.

Whatever you do, do not go over to BladeForums, do not become a member, do not lust over the sharpened pieces of beautifimous steel you'll find there, for that way lies madness. MADNESS I say. ;)

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=734
Look at Dennis H's green micarta puuko in his thread "Some blades, D2" thread. Scroll down to post #5. But I warn you... don't open any other threads...

Still and all, knives are, generally, cheaper than guns and you don't have to feed them as much as firearms...

[ReadyFreddy23]

Baba Louie,

I'm not addicted. I can stop anytime. It doesn't matter if the local knife stores all know me by name now. I've even been offered a job because I discuss knives with them that they've never heard of.

Seriously,

I have 3 kids. One is going to college in 3 years. So, I won't be buying any "serious steel" for years to come. When they're done with school, the gloves come off.

I am very interested in the Ka-Bar 1217. BTW, all of my knives at this point are working knives. I don't believe in "safe queens" yet.

It's too late. I've already joined Blade Forums. Am I foaming at the mouth yet? I've also joined Candle Power. I love knives, guns, flashlights, pens, and sunglasses.

I already get the AG Russell emails too.

I don't want to commit blasphemy, but I've never heard of "old liles", "Drapers", or "Dawsons".

Everyday I'm reminded how much I don't know.

I saw Dennis H's knives already:what:. They are beautiful. I don't even want to know how much they are.

[MOSINS]

what is the Spydercard?

It's a CC size knife,

search for it and you should be able to buy one, off ebay.

:)

[hso]

I started my collection at Christmas 2006.

Yep, you've got the bug. Welcome to the club. :evil:

Look, if you're willing to spend $200 -$400 on a single knife you can get into some serious collecting instead of the acquiring you've been doing. There are tons of good knifemakers out there that make knives under $400. Matter of fact the majority of handmade knives produced by talented craftsmen are available for under $400.

Look at the Breed group buy I set up or MV's group buy of the Peasant folders. Both handmade knives under $200.

What's the largest big city to you? I'll tell you how to start finding custom makers. (A mixed blessing at best. ;))

[ReadyFreddy23]

hso,

I live near Jacksonville, FL. I'd spend the money for a Chris Reeve Large Sebenza. I really like the Graham Razel. I love the look of MercWorx. Beyond that, I don't have a clue. I've been reading Blade Magazine, Tactical Knives magazine and reading the forums. I've been doing this since Jan 2007.

[hso]

You need to attend one of the numerous knife shows in FL.
The Gator Classic is a brilliant start.
Check into the knife collecting clubs in FL for fellow steel addicts. They'll show you all the ins and outs.
Start reading Knives Illustrated and Knife World as well as Blade and Tactical.
Collecting is about value whether it's the sentimental value or the technical value or the historical value or... Focus on particular areas of value to you.
Considering that autos are legally no different than a standard pocket knife in FL you might want to concentrate on autos.

Don't be surprised at the quality of work you find modest makers producing. Modest unrecognized makers at that.

Also, don't be surprised at the value of their knives once they refine their style and receive some recognition for their work. I've collected makers that I paid $200 or $300 for their knives and then they set up their first table at Blade Show and suddenly people are offering me $400 or $700 for their knives. As long as the maker appreciates your friendship with them most of them will "remember" you when they get to be more widely sought after. While I won't pay a penny less for a famous maker's knife, I won't have to wait the 3 or 5 (or even 7) years to see a knife from them (one very famous makers with a 5 year wait usually hands a knife to me at Blade after only a year or so wait).

[ReadyFreddy23]

hso,

Thanks for the tips. I'll definitely use them.

[Colt46]

It's a traditional utility knife.
try Kellam knives
Brisa.fi
Ragnar's ragweed forge

[cracked butt]

How about a Spyderco Yojimbo or Ronin?

I am just absolutely fascinated by how such a simple blade design cuts so well.

[ReadyFreddy23]

I'm going to add a Benchmade 710 to my wish list. I keep hearing great things about it.

[xMetal]

You know, this is just my opinion, but looking at your list of knives, I would sell as many of them as you need to just get the Sebenza. You've got a lot of knives from the same mid-range makers, and once you get the Sebenza you will honestly not want to use any of those again.

I've had a small Sebenza in my pocket for over a decade and it's in just as good shape as the day it was new. I've used it for every purpose imaginable, have NOT been kind to it (AT ALL, I mean, this thing has been used hard), and I don't think it will ever give up. I fully expect it to be in my pocket in 20 more years.

I don't normally advocate too strongly for consumer goods, but Chris Reeve seems to put some real heart into their stuff, and they take care of you once you buy their products. They are designed perfectly, with no frills or unnecessary parts, you can completely take it apart with an allen wrench (which goes a long way in preserving it's life) and it just works.

Mine's got polished bolts, and flame-anodized scales. The other knives only get used when I've got dress pants on.

http://www.modernjoe.com/images/knives.jpg

[22-rimfire]

You probably need to start looking at Randall's. They hold their value and appreciate. Fine blades too. My latest custom maker that I buy from is Bob Dozier. He has a web site. Take a look at his stuff. Well made knives. Trying to decide on the handles for a Dozier Wilderness knife... I'm thinking either white or yellow micarta... or good old stag.

[MVF]

In your price range I would definitely recommend Dozier and Bark River. You can also afford Scrap Yard, Swamp Rat and even some Busses, if you like them.

I would agree with starting to check out customs. Dawson is very prolific and affordable and a really nice guy and so is Burt Foster (and many other makers).

If you have read this far, you are already in serious trouble! As far as Randalls, unless you do the 5+ year wait and get them from the factory, they seem pretty steep to me- more than twice the factory price.

Also, it depends of course on what you're looking for, but check out a Mnandi before you pick up a Sebenza- it's one of my favorite folders.

[ReadyFreddy23]

just received my Boker Trance and Boker Subcom F (desert tan PS). I love them both. Only $50 for both. I'm fortunate to live near a guy that owns a well known knife website and I can pick my knives up in person.

[TMM]

For being into knives for less than a year, you have VERY good taste. it took me a long while to see the difference between junk and quality.
happy collecting
~tmm

[22-rimfire]

Definitely attend some knife shows. They will open your eyes to what is out there. Lots of really good stuff.

[ReadyFreddy23]

I finally got a new digital camera and took a picture of my collection.

[Corndogg]

started my collection about a year ago, although i have been carrying a knife for many years now. love simple, solid knives with good materials and clean aesthetics. try and do my research as much as possible. for production knives, love benchmade, kershaw and SOG, hate spyderco and CRKT (although of course, theres good knives to be found there). will add some pics later, more in depth review and more pics available upon request if youre interested...

Own:
Benchmade Nimravus with tanto point, black plain blade (fighting fixed blade)
SOG Gov-Tac S21T, black plain blade (tactical, all-around fixed blade)
M.O.D. "Ayoob" Razorback with black partially serrated edge (concealed/EDC fixed blade)

Emerson HD-7, black plain blade (hard EDC folder)
Chris Reeve Small Classic Sebenza with cocobolo wood inlay (gentlemans EDC folder)
Kershaw Ken Onion Chive, Black Boron (small gentlemans folder)

Microtech Assailant, Credit Card, Titanium, Black DLC Coating, Serrated (CC knife)
A.G. Russell Ringer Knife Skinner Blade, and A.G. Russell Ringer Knife Hawk Blade (backup finger knife)
Cold Steel Skean Dhu, Nightshade Series (plastic knife)

Leatherman Super Tool, Leatherman Blast (multi-tool)

Brass Knuckles (well i keep these with my knives so um...)
Lexan Knuckles

SOG Pentagon (dagger)
SOG Seal Pup Elite, Black TiNi, Plain Edge (survival)
Benchmade Mel Pardue w/Axis Lock, serrated
Kershaw Ken Onion Whirlwind, serrated
Kershaw Ken Onion Chive, Plain Stainless
Kershaw Ken Onion Leek, Plain Stainless


Wish List:
Cold Steel Spike Tanto
Hideaway Knife
Chris Reeve Shadow IV or Mark VI
American Tomahawk Sibert Comanche Long Tomahawk 18"
Microtech Ultratech, Double Edge, Black Moly Coat, no serrations, "Black Tactical" hardware finish
Emerson Super Karambit BT
Wilson Tactical - Model 23 and/or Cop Tool
as many Peter Atwood tools as i can get my hands on

[ReadyFreddy23]

It's been almost 3 months since I started this post. Since then, I've added a few more to my collection.

Benchmade 710 (154CM)
Boker Subcom
Boker Trance
BK&T Brute
BK&T Campanion
BK&T Combat Utilty
Ka-Bar Kukri
Ka-Bar Dozier Large Folding Hunter
Spyderco Spydercard (Thanks for the tip Mosins)
Gerber Gator (fixed)


I'm new to knives and here's my collection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I started my collection at Christmas 2006.

I currently own:
Benchmade Skirmish (S30V)
Benchmade Auto Stryker (154CM)
Benchmade Griptilian (154CM)
Emerson Combat Karambit (154CM)
Spyderco Native (S30V)
Spyderco Endura Wave (VG-10)
Buck 110 (420HC)
Buck Strider Military (420HC)
Buck Hartsook Ultralite Neck Knife (S30V)
Gerber ?
Gerber Fatty (440A)
Kershaw Whirlwind (440A)
Kershaw Outcast (D2)
Cold Steel SRK (Carbon V or AUS8)
CRKT M16 (free with LaserMax)
Leatherman Juice S2

Coming Soon:
I just ordered the Boker Trance and Boker Subcom F (desert tan) a week ago and awaiting arrival.

Next on my wish list:
Chris Reeve Large Sebenza
Graham Razel
MercWorx (not sure which one yet)
Benchmade Rukus (S30V)
Benchmade Doug Ritter RSK Griptilian (S30V)
Ontario Rat 7 (D2)
SAK (not sure which one yet)
Ka-Bar Dozier (D2)

Any thoughts or suggestions about Great Knives under $400. I'd prefer under $200.

[Sl2squeeze]

Cold Steel AK-47
Cold Steel Gunsite

Cold Steel Master Tanto (VG-1 San Mai III)
Cold Steel Recon Tanto
Cold Steel Outdoorsman (VG-1 San Mai III)

[auschip]

Cold Steel AK-47
Cold Steel Gunsite

Cold Steel Master Tanto (VG-1 San Mai III)
Cold Steel Recon Tanto
Cold Steel Outdoorsman (VG-1 San Mai III)


Yeah, but what do you think about Cold Steel? :neener:

[Sl2squeeze]

I've had nothing but good experiences with Cold Steel!

[Zeke/PA]

Knives????
Yeah!!!
I can't seem to get enough of 'em either.
Respectfully, Zeke

[auschip]

I've had nothing but good experiences with Cold Steel!

Psst. It was a joke. Of your 8 posts, 7 of them have been praising Coldsteel. :D

[Valkman]

You need some customs if you have that much to spend! Check out my website - nothing over $300. :D

[wuluf]

check out this website too. Was in their store in September, i needed a drool towel....

http://nordicknives.com/index.php

[feedthehogs]

If your going for quantity of mass production, then your headed in the right direction.

Good collections consist of much more than that.

[JTW Jr.]

Knives ? Man those things are dangerous ;)

yeah , I got a few...I can stop when I want.... wait ...no I cant :)

http://members.cox.net/jt.vegas/july6.jpg
Front Row ( L to R ):
First knife I ever made ( 01 tool steel )
First S30v knife I made ( paul bos HT )
Knife I made for my son ( oldest son )
BM 210
Trace Rinaldi Matrix
Jim Burke Necker Prototype
Burke/King Snitch
Simonic Bitteroot
short row : Ken Brock Whole Knife & a Allen Folts Baby Bear

2nd row:
|ZERO| Knives White Lightning
Blackwood Henchman blank finished by me ( Given to me by Neil )
BLackwood Custom Henchman Hand satin D2 , CF Scales with red liner and engraved " NO-1 Henchman "
154CM Camp Knife I made
Simonich Urban Raven
Jerry Hossom Dogtag
Simonich Crowfoot
Strider WP ( reground be me , scales by Coogler )
Folts Utility ( finished by me , a gift from Allen )
Strider ED

Last Row are 3 Strider MFS , each engraved with my 3 sons names , a gift to them from the crew at Strider a couple Christmas's ago.

Have a few folder laying around:
Strider AR
Strider PT
Tarani Masters k-bit
handful of Case
Queen Mt Man in D2
Al Mar Osprey
LoneWolf Loveless City Knife
heck I cant even remember all of em

Strider AR , PT , Matrix are my main carry blades daily.

Wait till you start getting into custom folders , custom fixed blades , slipjoints... yeah its a long way back once you do :)

[Corndogg]

cuz i was bored, my EDC stuff:

emerson HD-7, peter atwood prybaby XL, and emerson lanyard keychain :p. at work, i carry my chris reeve small classic sebenza with cocobolo wood inlay (sans lexan knuckles (http://www.lexanknuckles.com/))

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/7344/edc01smih9.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5686/sebenza03smpl3.jpg

more in a bit...

[Corndogg]

SOG gov-tac
benchmade nimravus, tanto point
MOD ayoob razorback, partially serrated
kershaw ken onion chive, black boron

swiss utilikey (crap)
microtech assailant CC knife
crkt ringer, hawkbill (have the regular straight blade as well)
peter atwood mini-keyton w/ area 51 grinds

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/4836/collectionpartial01smne9.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2452/trio01smjs9.jpg

[jahwarrior]

mmmmm.......knife porn.......