Defining your collection..

[sam the man..]

Esteemed Spyderfolks....



During the course of my work, I've met plenty of people here in Malaysia who claim that they are knife collectors.. When I visited some of these guys, they only have a handful of knives to show me. Its a collection allright, but a 'collector' per say? Well, by definition, its hard to qualify his claims.. If he had concentrated his collection to let's say, 20 <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>-Enduras in different variations and configuration, that might just meet the criteria and quota.. I once hooked up with a Malaysian Benchmade-nut who has more than 30 BM-940s in different colours and serial numbers.. and that's it.. Say if you are a hardcore <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>-collector, how many C-01s would you keep in your stash? What are the variations and different configurations available? Your input on this debate is highly appreciated!



Sam



have scars will travel..

[java]

Samo,

Can't speak with autority on the C01 but would definitely include the Evo Set and the Commemorative. The gold Ti-nitride blades can still be found as, I'm sure the black Al-nitride. The GIN-1 blade is still available at John F Jensen's. I can pick up an almite handled SE, an aftermarket bone inlaid or orange micarta scaled model also, as well as several engraved versions anytime you want. Workers are still out there and in huge numbers and variations I've found. If you're a really dedicated collector of Workers, consider the Spyderkeys Mini-Workers and go for the PE and SE versions of all handle types. Vampyrewolf should be along shortly to fill in all the huge gaps I've left here. Cheers! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

<font color="BLUE">"A hole-less knife is soul-less knife is a whole less knife" - <i>Javanese proverb"</i><font>

[J Smith]

I would say a collection could be concidered to be 2 knives or more.I now have 13 spydies and a Kershaw Scallion.I would have had over 50 if I keept all the ones I have had but I lean toward the more rare models and alot of times trade 2 or 3 for 1.
The rare models I have include
forum Military
O.d. PE endura
forum blue Natives SE and PE
forum Vesuvius
root beer shell inlay Native
2 blue shell inlay Natives
Soon I will have the 2 forum models for this year.
I don't think a collection can be defined as what you have as long as you have what you like.

I learn something new everyday,even though I don't want to. Jeff

[sam the man..]

Hi Java.. interesting note there! I guess picking up everything that's disc'oed sorta heads to defining a collection.. Now a true and dedicated collector is spot-on in this debate and you do have some pertinent point.. Building a collection based on rarities and variations is like a little treasure hunt.. some collectors took years to build up their collection and if they persist and endured the hardships of time, then the knives are truly an heirloom or sort..

Mr Smith ~ You do have an impressive collection.. I noticed that you are very focused in your selection of <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>s in your collection.. Especially the Natives and Forum knives.. I guess there's plenty we can learn from other in terms of defining the collection.. Keep it coming! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

have scars will travel..

[rycen]

Hi Guys,
I would like opinions if anyone sees a pattern in my collection.
Police G10 SE
Police SS SE (3)
Police CF PE #258
Economy SE
Starmate PE
Starmate SE
"Q" spyder SE
Delica SE
Dragonfly SE
Cricket SE
Tufram Worker SE
Tufram Civie SE
Goddard Micarta CE #857
Spyderhawk SE (endura handle)
Wegner CE
Wegner PE
Endura SE
Rescue Blue 93mm
Viele PE
Walker CE
Moki 921 SE
Rescue Yellow SE mc (3)
Rescue Olive Drab #22 SE mc
Rescue Black SE mc
Rescue Orange SE mc
Delica SE mc
Delica SE mc Black coated blade with rubber pad under clip
Mini Dyad Micarta
Ladybug Yellow CE (2)
Wegner Mouse PE (fish symbol)
Navigator PE
Merlin SE
Endura SE mc
Matriarch SE
Military PE
Delica Blue SE
Claypso jr SE
Toad SE
Rescue orange SE
Rescue jr orange SE
Progrip LWT PE
Delica SE
Catcherman Yellow #3 SE
Catcherman Black CE
"Cut Kit"
JD Smith SE(2)
Executive SE
Claypso PE
Remote Release SE
Mini police necklace #167
Spur CE
Mariner SS PE
Jotsing Khalsa PE
Clip it red SE
Pro Venator
Chinook PE
SpyderSaw #5
Native SE
TRADED
Wegner CE
Wegner Jr PE
Mariner SE lefty
Salsa CE blue #45
Renegade CE(2)
Mini Dyad Micarta


Edited by - rycen on 5/27/2003 10:49:55 PM

[sam the man..]

W<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>W! That's an interesting collection and definitely -- you are a certifiable Spydernut! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

have scars will travel..

[yog]

****, Over 30 different Spydies and I don't even count as a collector <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

I think of myself as a collector of folding pocket knives, I just have more Spyderco's than anything else <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Walk softly, carry a big stick.

[Carlos]

This will sound weird, but I am trying to *not* be a collector. I am trying to build a knife kit of complementary knives of different functions and sizes, akin to the culinary knife kits that cooks build up over time. Eventually to have one knife that fulfills every possible purpose, and continuing to upgrade each slot over time as better alternatives come along.

[Sword and Shield]

I simply try to do similar to Carlos and build a collection for everything.

It's an odd collection, ranging from assorted largish FBs to <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>s down to the somewhat more socially acceptable slipjoints. However, the goal simply is for me to have a knife that can handle almost everything.

The truest part that I would consider a directed collection would be Scout knives. 7 of them currently grace my collection, ranging from 1925 to the present, with a strong concentration in the 1950s-60s.

By the time you read this, you'll have already read it.

[CKE]

Would love to have all the Bob T's and someday I will(hopefully). All of one collaboration/regular production piece would be a collection in my books.
I have around 20 Spydies(can't remember 19,20,21 something like that) but I also have around 15 other what I would call higher end productions folders/FB's. I would consider myself a general knife collector but I have definetly started to lean(fall over)towards Spydies. I will only buy other brands models that really impress me with the criteria being quality/utility/appearance. For example my SERE 2000, MT LCC D/A, BM Pinnacle, BM Sentinel, BM Osbourne, Buck M-9 Bayonnet, Cuda CQB and others.
I will buy any Spydie if the price is right, but will spend most of my collection fund on the Spydies I want. Example I had a Shabaria and was offered a Jot Khalsa for a ridiculous low price so I bought it as a companion piece to the Shab. Together they look awesome.
Samo I think it would be impossible to collect everything Spydie put out there so I stick to what tickles my fancy and the "good deals" out there. Hope all this mumbo jumbo answered your Q?

"everything else is just a jeep"

[Dave I]

Back in the sixties & seventies I collected old Winchester rifles and restored old Harley motorcycles by the eighties I was collecting World War 2 memorabilia which eventualy got me collecting knives. Some people think it's crazy to pay over $25 for any knife yet Stamp collectors pay hundreds & thousands of dollars for a little piece of paper. A collection is what makes you happy. It's your collection & hobby and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks as long as you enjoy it. Some people can afford to have real expensive & extensive collections & others can't. If someone want's to show me their collection whether it's small or huge I always enjoy looking at it. I never make anyone feel bad about the size, quality or organization of their collection!! Everyone has their own idea of what makes an enjoyable collection. I think that's the bottom line.

[sam the man..]

well, with the AWESOME inputs that you guys have posted - its now a matter of quantity and quality.. defining quality is what I'm looking at.. I mean, you can have tonnes of knives in your keeps but that doesn't necessarily means that cheap knives are bad and expensive knives are good.. I get it that defining a collection is purely a state of mind and having a definitive collection means dedication and being focused on a particular manufacturer, for example : Spyderco and the Spyderco Collector's club and a particular maker such as Bob Loveless and those dudes who dedicated their lives to collect every single knife he had ever made or Uncle Bill Moran's masterpieces that can fetch a real good price. Well, as a user, I go for knives that work for a living and as a collector, I go for knives that are contemporarily important and valuable in its own era. Criterias are met in terms of design, functionality, origin and history.. Well, at least that's how I look at it.. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> You guys have a wealth of knowledge! Keep it coming! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

have scars will travel..

[dialex]

IMO, the value is the main argument when you start a collection. Exotic knives are harder to find and are pretty expenive because there's more value (human work with all that it means, not just sweat, but thinking and dreaming as well) incorporated in them. Another thing is the affordability of a certain knife for the collector - you see, you may start a collection for you (and showing it to the others is just the need to share), or for the others (showing your social and finacial status).
I think that a collection is precious considering also the sacrifices you made for it. I guess Bill Gates may get a Thomas Mc Guane Nemo Abyss and use it to clean his boots from dirt. This won't make him a collector, though the knife is a work of art.
There's also the sentimental value to be considered. For instance, I have some knives that may be ordinary for most of you but for me have a special meaning, thus I'll never part with them. Of course, this doesn't qualify me as a collector though I do consider I have a small collection <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>

[Ted]

I'm just trying to get the best knives for a couple of different situations ('survival', camping / city / around-the-house), and I 'collect' a couple of others just for fun.

'survival' = Fallkniven F1 / Sebenza
camping = currently F1 / Sebenza, soon <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> ATR?
city = Cricket (SS ?)
house = G-10 Standard pair of SE & PE
armageddon = Chinook PE <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
future kids = pink + almite Cricket
art = Philippe Starck Laguiole

[sam the man..]

Interesting note there Alex.. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Well I guess that collections can be categorised when it comes to idenfying or evaluating and definitive set of items.. Value? Well, often falling short of speculation, dedicated collectors would not sell their entire collection just to make money.. Speculators come and go, hyping up prices.. But then again, this is a subjective topic.. Thanks to you all who shared your opinion.. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam


have scars will travel..

[dynaryder]

To me,a collection is a group of something that serves a special purpose. They could fill different needs(a heavy-duty FB,a general EDC,and a small blade for delicate work),be an investment(Q's are worth more all the time),serve as an historical archive(Civvie Tufram,ATS-55 no dent,ATS-55 w/dent tip up/dwn,VG-10),or just be a source of pride and joy(look at all these Spydies). A box of razor blades is just stuff,while my Spydies are a collection.

[hawkbill]

I guess I'm fairly limited in my collection. If it's a Spydie & has a downward-curved blade, I collect it in all it's variants (except for Crickets).

"I am what I am, and that's all that I am"....Popeye

[Windwalker]

When I first started buying knives with some seriousness, I bought ones, that I considered unusual. (New opening methods, blade steel, shapes that pleased me.. etc.) I bought a certain number of "cheap" (inexpensive :-) ) ones, and some handmade VERY expensive ones. If they pleased me, I bought 'em! :-)
Then I began to settle down and buy mostly the unusual shapes and ways of opening. If I could buy three medium quality knives, or one high quality, I bought the high..
Now, if it pleases me, it's still fun to play with, I can sit and "twidle" it for hours..... I know I've done the right thing.
Collector? No, not in the true sense. I'm an "accumulator" :-) and proud of it. I have maybe 250 high quality folding knives, and a bunch of cheap folders and non-folders that I can't bring myself to get rid of! Yep, I'm an Accumulator!
Windy

[Jimd]

Wow, I'm getting an education here!
I thought that Spyderco just came out with one or two models of each knife, my idea of variations being if you want metal handle or the plastic.

But I'm hearing mind-boggling talk of "forum knives", different colored handles, various metals....

I never imagine that Spydies were made in so many variations!

I don't have a Spyderco "collection" per se, as I just purchased my first (A Native in 440) a few weeks ago.

Some of my other knives are:
Emerson CQC-7B
Cold Steel Mini-Tanto
Cold Steel Master Hunter
Benchmade Stryker
Gerber Mark 1
Buckmaster Survival Knife

And a bunch of other cheapies.