To some people knives are just a tool, nothing special, they just cut things, but other people will appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the making of the knife, value the keen edge and admire the flowing lines. The fact you are on this forum suggests you fall into the latter category.
But why ? What bought about your interest in knives.
Ok, only fair I start the ball rolling.
I think my interest in knives began with a fascination with sharp edges, even before knives. One of my earliest memories was of my father sharpening his planer blades (he’s a carpenter). Watching him transform a dull lump of metal into something that could slice a free floating piece of paper was like magic to a little kid. The next step once I learnt to sharpen knives for myself was to find blade steels that kept the edge longer, the next step came with age when I began to respect quality over quantity, enter Spyderco.
So what started your interest in knives, especially the quality ones ?
Walk softly, carry a big stick.
Why ?
-
dialex
- Member
- Posts: 9169
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Campina, Romania, Europe, Terra
- Contact:
I just can't explain why I like knives. Folders, mostly. I bought my first folding knife when I was 7 or 8. My parents never aggreed with this hobby, though I was and am a peaceful nature. Maybe I felt more secure carrying a knife - I was quite a fearful boy - though I think I would never have the guts to cut a human being (or even an animal). A strange thing that I rememeber is that when I first had a balisong in my hand I knew how to operate it. Maybe I've seen it somewhere and subconstiently got into my mind, or there is such thing as previous life and I had something to do with knives, I don't know.
-
vampyrewolf
- Member
- Posts: 7486
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
What started it, was my grandfather...
He grew up in the days when every man carried a knife. He figured I should too, and gave me one when I turned 5. 13 years later, I'm still afflicted...
I started with <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> for my first quality knife 3 years ago, after getting tired of sharpening after pretty much every use. I got back from 3 weeks with cadets(in 99), and had $100(out of the $180 I got) from the government(they ARE good for something) left.
Got home, and that same night went shopping. Asked questions, got a delica, and have been forever infected with the SpydieVirus.
<img src="http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 9AW3jxWudf">
He grew up in the days when every man carried a knife. He figured I should too, and gave me one when I turned 5. 13 years later, I'm still afflicted...
I started with <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> for my first quality knife 3 years ago, after getting tired of sharpening after pretty much every use. I got back from 3 weeks with cadets(in 99), and had $100(out of the $180 I got) from the government(they ARE good for something) left.
Got home, and that same night went shopping. Asked questions, got a delica, and have been forever infected with the SpydieVirus.
<img src="http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/372fcedb ... 9AW3jxWudf">
Started when I was ten. Got a cheap knock-off swiss army for my birthday. Broke in the truck on the way home. Turned around and replaced it, I still have that little folder. Had everything on it. From there I moved on to bigger and better. Just really started collecting in the last four years. It is hard to explain what the facination with knives is. If I go out and forget my knife(Knives), it feels the same as if I forgot my wallet. Only close family and friends have come to understand it. Always joking...but who do they always ask to "just cut this for me please" Collecting knives will be something I will never stop doing, and hopefully I can pass it on to my children someday. By the way great post. Interesting to see how other people got their "start".
CKE
CKE
As strange as it may sound knives are a part of our humanity.
They are what helped humans survive for thousands of years.
They call to the hunter buried deep in all mankind. They enable
use to become "civilized".
I have always carried a knife from about 5 years on. My dad
and grandpa always had a pocket knife. They taught me , and few
cuts by being dumb, how to use a and care for a good pocket knife.
My pocket knives are so much a part of me I get paranoid without
even a small knife. 55 years makes for a strong habit of knife carry.
Will I go without a knife at some point in time.....not willingly. To
the younger folk's here I can tell you there will come a time that your
pocket knife will become very much a part of who you are also.
They are what helped humans survive for thousands of years.
They call to the hunter buried deep in all mankind. They enable
use to become "civilized".
I have always carried a knife from about 5 years on. My dad
and grandpa always had a pocket knife. They taught me , and few
cuts by being dumb, how to use a and care for a good pocket knife.
My pocket knives are so much a part of me I get paranoid without
even a small knife. 55 years makes for a strong habit of knife carry.
Will I go without a knife at some point in time.....not willingly. To
the younger folk's here I can tell you there will come a time that your
pocket knife will become very much a part of who you are also.
5 seems to be a popular age to start learning knives. It was the same with me, I started carrying a knife when I was around 5 and I've carried one everyday of my life sense then. I've gotten into trouble for it sometimes. I've grown for more is better to better made is better. But I never stopped carrying a knife.
I'm not sure how to put it in words but to not have a knife on me is "wrong". The knife is like a useable symbol of my adulthood. I have the responsibility to be prepared for events that may effect me or those around me. I have the ability to help there for I should be prepared to help and a knife is a good tool to have at all times for being prepared.
Not sure if it makes sense but the Riddle Of Steel is not supposed to be definable. It is just supposed to be felt.
"Ne vyklykaj vowka z leesoo, ..... bo tsej vowk maje <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> ." Don't call the wolf out of the forest, because this one carries a <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> .
Edited by - Zabrewolf on 6/24/2002 5:09:10 PM
I'm not sure how to put it in words but to not have a knife on me is "wrong". The knife is like a useable symbol of my adulthood. I have the responsibility to be prepared for events that may effect me or those around me. I have the ability to help there for I should be prepared to help and a knife is a good tool to have at all times for being prepared.
Not sure if it makes sense but the Riddle Of Steel is not supposed to be definable. It is just supposed to be felt.
"Ne vyklykaj vowka z leesoo, ..... bo tsej vowk maje <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> ." Don't call the wolf out of the forest, because this one carries a <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> .
Edited by - Zabrewolf on 6/24/2002 5:09:10 PM
-
Sword and Shield
- Member
- Posts: 2050
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: USA
My foray into knifedom started with Cub Scouts, when I was around 9. I remember being utterly fascinated that this little bit of steel in a plastic handle could cut rope and other tough things that even scissors struggled with. When I crossed over into Boy Scouts at 11, I was given my first knife, a standard Camillus 4 blade Scout knife. After much trial and error, along with an excellent paternal instructor, I learned how to place at least a passable edge on a knife.
Shortly after that, I remember seeing SAKs at the local grocery store, and I simply had to have one. At Christmas, what would appear in the stocking but a Deluxe Tinker in sheath. That was and is a good knife, but I became frustrated with having to sharpen it frequently and began searching for a better knife, a little better matter separator.
Thus, my first "real" knife came to be, an Old Timer stockman that fit, and fits, my hand like it was made for me. I worked that little knife daily at work for 3 straight summers, pushing it to the limits.
Of course, through all this, I was still in Scouts. I picked up a Leatherman one day and the old fascination came back, all the stronger for the novelty of the multitool. However, the Leatherman was lacking and led to another step up, the Gerber 800.
After the Gerber, I began searching for the best and the brightest stars in the knifemaking heavens. I bought a Case Russlock the summer of my senior year in high school, and was indoctrinated into the ways of fine blades.
However, you no doubt ask where <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> comes in. That was around a year and a half ago. I wanted a small dependable knife for Uni, and stumbled upon a picture of the Mini Dyad. I went to a knife shop, and found the Endura. I loved it, and the rest is <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>History.
*Sighs contentedly, remembering <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>*
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
Shortly after that, I remember seeing SAKs at the local grocery store, and I simply had to have one. At Christmas, what would appear in the stocking but a Deluxe Tinker in sheath. That was and is a good knife, but I became frustrated with having to sharpen it frequently and began searching for a better knife, a little better matter separator.
Thus, my first "real" knife came to be, an Old Timer stockman that fit, and fits, my hand like it was made for me. I worked that little knife daily at work for 3 straight summers, pushing it to the limits.
Of course, through all this, I was still in Scouts. I picked up a Leatherman one day and the old fascination came back, all the stronger for the novelty of the multitool. However, the Leatherman was lacking and led to another step up, the Gerber 800.
After the Gerber, I began searching for the best and the brightest stars in the knifemaking heavens. I bought a Case Russlock the summer of my senior year in high school, and was indoctrinated into the ways of fine blades.
However, you no doubt ask where <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> comes in. That was around a year and a half ago. I wanted a small dependable knife for Uni, and stumbled upon a picture of the Mini Dyad. I went to a knife shop, and found the Endura. I loved it, and the rest is <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>History.
*Sighs contentedly, remembering <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>*
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
-
sam the man..
- Member
- Posts: 2936
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
why? ummm, let's see.. I started dabbling with knives at the age of 9 as a cub scout. I was a 7" South African made Okapi. High carbon steel and rusts like mad. well, moving on, I got my first folding knife was a Victorinox Swiss Army knife. Later in my 20s, I got my first folding hunter and that's a BUCK selector.. The knife with a hump and the round-hole came rather late. In the mid-90s, I purchased my first <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> and that's the C-17 Catcherman. Later, I formed a peer group in Kuala Lumpur who are purely knife lovers. Now, I have a coupla handmade and custom knives in my keeps.. I love edged tools and see them as an artform.. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Sam
have bone implant will travel..
Sam
have bone implant will travel..
Hi All,
Well I've been fascinated on and off by knives, but only folders. I dont like the large knives.
Why do i like knives? We'll they're such elegant works of art where forma and function come together at the cutting edge (pun intended!) <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> I've carried around a pocket knife from my teens.
Now the Spyderco Story. Just around 3 months ago i was a frequent visitor at the website (well designed IMHO) and a regular prowler in this forum. Just about a month or maybe earlier i signed up and since then have gained a lot of knowledge and have made at least one good friend.
I asked another friend of mine who was in UAE to get hold of the Millie and bring it down woth me but he returned empty handed with some lame excuse and i was disgruntled <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I guess that's how i got into the whole thing about knives!
P.S. I also have a fascination for guns, specially the Model 1911. IMHO it's the most talked about and studied revolver in history <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> I dont own one though, it's prohibitively expensive around here and people become sheeple if they see even a hint of the butt sticking out from the carry.
Well I've been fascinated on and off by knives, but only folders. I dont like the large knives.
Why do i like knives? We'll they're such elegant works of art where forma and function come together at the cutting edge (pun intended!) <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> I've carried around a pocket knife from my teens.
Now the Spyderco Story. Just around 3 months ago i was a frequent visitor at the website (well designed IMHO) and a regular prowler in this forum. Just about a month or maybe earlier i signed up and since then have gained a lot of knowledge and have made at least one good friend.
I asked another friend of mine who was in UAE to get hold of the Millie and bring it down woth me but he returned empty handed with some lame excuse and i was disgruntled <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I guess that's how i got into the whole thing about knives!
P.S. I also have a fascination for guns, specially the Model 1911. IMHO it's the most talked about and studied revolver in history <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> I dont own one though, it's prohibitively expensive around here and people become sheeple if they see even a hint of the butt sticking out from the carry.
-
dfmccarthy
- Member
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
Sorry, I guess I'm the one Philistine here. I'm just into tools, the handier the better. Lathes are fine, you just can't carry one with you. Started with a Victorinox Tinker, quickly followed by a Super Tinker over thirty years ago. I always modify, (hopefully improve), my EDC tools. On the Tinker the useless toothpick was replaced with a cut down needle file.
My EDC tools currently are a Gerber Touche for quick and sloppy cutting, a much modified Leatherman Wave for general purposes, (clip point blade for getting out splinters, etc.), a Photon Micro Light III (covert) for peering in dark corners (love the new design!) and last and far from least a Spyderco Rescue I'm still modifying for if I ever need a perfect edge to save my life or someone elses life.
My EDC tools currently are a Gerber Touche for quick and sloppy cutting, a much modified Leatherman Wave for general purposes, (clip point blade for getting out splinters, etc.), a Photon Micro Light III (covert) for peering in dark corners (love the new design!) and last and far from least a Spyderco Rescue I'm still modifying for if I ever need a perfect edge to save my life or someone elses life.
-
SpyderNut
- Member
- Posts: 8431
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Hoosier Country, USA
- Contact:
Yog,
For a moment there, I wasn't sure what this topic was about....that header kinda' threw me off for a second or two.<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
In the grand scheme of things, I too must have been bitten at an early age in my life by sharp objects....
So, without more ado whatsoever, here is my humble story of my knife addiction:
I was born and raised in a good moral household, one where everyone was taught to respect one another and to mind our manners. Then that magical age befell me: My 5th year as a man-child! O the joy of it all! My grandfather, (a true patron of sharp objects) thought that it was high time his grandson was taught the usage of a pocket knife. So, he went out and bought 3 small single-bladed pocket knives which he then distributed amongst my brother, sister and myself. Needless to say, we had those babies stuck in many different objects before the day was over. (<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) My father then commenced to confiscating all our knives, and putting them out of our reach. (It was probably during this time of crisis that I developed my intense desire for knives....you know, it was like those people that are deprived from water for long periods of time. Eventually, they go berserk and try to hoard all the water they can!<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) After a few years, my dad finally let us have our knives and we did our best to loose them as only a child can do. (I was only five, remember!<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) This seemingly innocent story has thus led to my addiction, nay, craving for Spyderco knives.<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
My love for Spyderco's really all started a while ago in the wee morning hours of my youth. I never had owned a knife that had exceeded $25 dollars, and I was (at that time!) rather happy with what I had. It wasn't until my freshman year at college, ('01) that I finally saw the light. It all began with this paper I had to do for business class on some company that operated on a global scale. For some reason, Spyderco seemed to pop in my head. I first tried the Benchmade company, but I didn't get much of a reply. So, I tried e-mailing Spyderco and seeing if there was someone who could help me with my report. Thanks to the speedy and helpful service of Joyce, I got all the materials I needed to finish my report. (I even ended up with a 98% grade on my paper!<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>). So, I think that I can base my Spydie addiction from all the wonderful support and help that I received from the Spyderco staff. (Sal included!).
In closing to my lengthy edict, I will say that I am VERY happy with my Spydies, and I'd like to believe that I'll be a Spyderco carryin' dude 'till the day I stop breathing.
Peace out, guys!
Mike
For a moment there, I wasn't sure what this topic was about....that header kinda' threw me off for a second or two.<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
In the grand scheme of things, I too must have been bitten at an early age in my life by sharp objects....
So, without more ado whatsoever, here is my humble story of my knife addiction:
I was born and raised in a good moral household, one where everyone was taught to respect one another and to mind our manners. Then that magical age befell me: My 5th year as a man-child! O the joy of it all! My grandfather, (a true patron of sharp objects) thought that it was high time his grandson was taught the usage of a pocket knife. So, he went out and bought 3 small single-bladed pocket knives which he then distributed amongst my brother, sister and myself. Needless to say, we had those babies stuck in many different objects before the day was over. (<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) My father then commenced to confiscating all our knives, and putting them out of our reach. (It was probably during this time of crisis that I developed my intense desire for knives....you know, it was like those people that are deprived from water for long periods of time. Eventually, they go berserk and try to hoard all the water they can!<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) After a few years, my dad finally let us have our knives and we did our best to loose them as only a child can do. (I was only five, remember!<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) This seemingly innocent story has thus led to my addiction, nay, craving for Spyderco knives.<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
My love for Spyderco's really all started a while ago in the wee morning hours of my youth. I never had owned a knife that had exceeded $25 dollars, and I was (at that time!) rather happy with what I had. It wasn't until my freshman year at college, ('01) that I finally saw the light. It all began with this paper I had to do for business class on some company that operated on a global scale. For some reason, Spyderco seemed to pop in my head. I first tried the Benchmade company, but I didn't get much of a reply. So, I tried e-mailing Spyderco and seeing if there was someone who could help me with my report. Thanks to the speedy and helpful service of Joyce, I got all the materials I needed to finish my report. (I even ended up with a 98% grade on my paper!<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>). So, I think that I can base my Spydie addiction from all the wonderful support and help that I received from the Spyderco staff. (Sal included!).
In closing to my lengthy edict, I will say that I am VERY happy with my Spydies, and I'd like to believe that I'll be a Spyderco carryin' dude 'till the day I stop breathing.
Peace out, guys!
Mike
-
glasshartt
- Member
- Posts: 574
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: El Paso, TX
I guess my affinity for sharp things started when I was a wee little thing working on a fishing boat. You need a very sharp knife for filleting. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Linda
<img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=O> Integrity is being good even if no-one else is watching <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=O>
Linda
<img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=O> Integrity is being good even if no-one else is watching <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=O>
I've always been into knives ever since I was a little boy. The first knife I had was a normal serrated kitchen knife which I 'borrowed' from mum. I guess it made me feel more secure....or more dangerous. hmmm.
I was about 6 then...i think.
Anyway, My interest in knives grew when I got my first REAL knife in my teens...a Victorinox pocket knife. From then, I've kept one good quality knife, and collected other cheap and nasty knives.
It wasn't until I watched the movie 'cliff hanger' that I considered a spyderco. I felt I needed a really sharp, durable and high quality blade that i could carry as an EDC which wasn't as bulky as a pocket knife.
As my love for knives grew, so too, did my love and interest for other 'weapons'. I guess what I find so beautiful about weapons is that you have something so powerful in such a small package. Just knowing how much work has gone into producing such a simple looking thing. All the research into different types of metals and materials, the different shapes, designs. How one part works together with other parts to make the whole thing function as it was designed to.
Sorry if i'm waffling....just in one of those weird moods.
-Impyboy
I was about 6 then...i think.
Anyway, My interest in knives grew when I got my first REAL knife in my teens...a Victorinox pocket knife. From then, I've kept one good quality knife, and collected other cheap and nasty knives.
It wasn't until I watched the movie 'cliff hanger' that I considered a spyderco. I felt I needed a really sharp, durable and high quality blade that i could carry as an EDC which wasn't as bulky as a pocket knife.
As my love for knives grew, so too, did my love and interest for other 'weapons'. I guess what I find so beautiful about weapons is that you have something so powerful in such a small package. Just knowing how much work has gone into producing such a simple looking thing. All the research into different types of metals and materials, the different shapes, designs. How one part works together with other parts to make the whole thing function as it was designed to.
Sorry if i'm waffling....just in one of those weird moods.
-Impyboy