The problem with justifying knife collecting

[Boats]

Being in a family of five, I have always had an easier time justifying my interest in knives rather than guns. Even the higher end ones I am interested in from time to time are at worst the price of a SP-101 or a WASR and require no further cash feeding/bleeding.

Additionally, my wife is always asking me if I can cut something or my kids hound me to open up a battery compartment on a toy using my Leatherman Juice or various SAKs. They never ask me to shoot anything, especially since they don't care for game meat.

My knives, as are my guns, are all users, and I use them way more than any gun I have ever owned.

 

[KenWP]

As to cheap knives. There are a few people who take the blades from cheap knives and put better handles on them. A lot of the time the blades are pretty good but the handles suck.

 

[orionhawk]

a knife is arguably THE most basic tool. I hate being without one. I justify the number I have in part because I have a number of them scattered about my home, vehicle, and person. I have more than one good EDC folder because when I deploy, if I break one, I will be otherwise unable to replace it.

there is also the fact that even just within the category of folders there are different tools for different tasks. I keep both a large, very sharp combat folder (Spyderco Military model), and a smaller, sheepsfoot serrated blade (a Byrd knife I don't remember the name of) in my truck, secured within reach of the driver's seat. the Byrd for seatbelts and such, the Spyder for... social purposes.
in addition to a fixed-blade hard-use belt knife (usually), I always have a standard tac folder (Spyderco Tenacious). I also occasionally have what I call a "Polite Company tool" - a very small knife for if I want to open a package in, say, a restaurant, without getting any odd stares.

 

[Cannonball888]

Well, as far as edged weapons go, I only really COLLECT bayonets although I have a few knives for PRACTICAL purposes. My justification for bayonet collecting and for limiting my collection are my guns. Every gun that I have that takes a bayonet MUST have a bayonet with it or it's not complete, right? And I have a lot of guns that take bayos. I think my bayo count is up to 12 so far.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I've been collecting knives for probably 40 years. I sold, bought, and traded the whole time.

Some of the things I have noticed the last 10 years, or so, is that the "good stuff" has become pretty scarce. Can't really find em at the flea markets too much. Yard sales have a bit better offering, if you ask "do you have any knives?"

Even the guys I see pretty regular, have a lot of the same stuff- for awhile.

I doubt I've bought a knife for "collecting" in a year or more. I try to limit myself to rarer patterns, at a VERY good price. Being the thrifty sort, that pretty much means $20.00 or less. My days of paying $100.00 to $150.00 for knives is long past.

Unless...

 

[KBintheSLC]

at least the knives are usefull

Yes!

I have see some pretty ridiculous adult collecting habits in my life... toy cars, trains, figurines, dolls, products made of dead Jews from WWII, etc...

At least you picked a collection of items that have some practical use. Granted, I only "need" one good knife... but in todays world, we don't really "need" most of the stuff we own. Beyond air, food, water, shelter, and a few basic tools, our lives are really more about "want" than "need".

So, if you are going to succumb to the ways of material desire, you might as well do it with items that are of good use.

 

[usmc1371]

Duke of Doubt. If the knives you have but would like to get rid of (to make room for more new knives i assume) you could take them to a local boy scout meeting and pass them along. You could also pass along some of the knoldge of knives you have gained through a lifetime of being a "knife" guy. How to safely use and sharpen them and what the are best suited for etc. Just a thought.