Bored with knives....

[David Lowry]

I have finally become bored with knives. I wasn’t at all sure my attention span would last the 3 and ½ years that it did when I first began this journey. I have bought and sold a lot of knives, and even traded many.

I’m bored with everything to do about knives really. I will still carry one every day, but it will most likely be a smaller model that will do just fine in getting the job done.
It was a neat hobby (if you can call it that) while it lasted. It seemed more to me like an addiction than anything. Don’t get me wrong, I think knives are useful tools, but to the extent I was into them I think it was a bit extreme. I will always appreciate the fine craftsmanship in what it takes to create and put together a good knife.

It took me a while, but I finally realized that there is no “One” knife for you. There is not “The knife”. It is simply and endless search for something better which will never exist. Once I realized this I decided to stop with the knife thing.

I have sold off some of my knives and traded others. I will keep about 12 knives total. Even that’s a lot of knives to have in my opinion. I will eventually give some away to friends and family and probably keep just a few.

I will end up picking up something else to do and using my time differently from here on out.

I wish you all who may read this, and are into knives, a great journey. I hope you find “The knife”. I know you will not, because it doesn’t exist. You simply have to grab a knife, put it in your pocket and use it….and keep using it. Enjoy the knife, enjoy using the knife, and do other things while carrying a knife. Don’t make the journey “trying to find the ultimate knife”. Instead make the journey, the knife you have in your pocket and all the times you use it.

Life is the journey. We all seem to want to hurry to get to a destination of some sort. Enjoy the journey, because when it’s over, you will wish you had treated your journey as your life. Hurrying towards a destination ruins everything in between.

Keep your chin up. Let God guide you, and love with all of your heart.

Yeah......this may be a little deep for some folks......but oh well.

-David

[Doc Pyres]

I'm not there yet but I know what you mean. A while back, it was gemstones for me, before that, die cast model cars, before that, coins, etc.... My interests as a collector shift and change over time, but this knife thing is really enjoyable for me at the moment.

Hopefully your next hobby will bring you as much enjoyment as knives have.

God bless :)

[yablanowitz]

David, I'm sorry your attention span is so short that you can only enjoy a hobby for a few years at a time. ;) The knives will still be here when you come back. :D

Until then, Via Con Dios, amigo.

[Jimd]

David, I hope you'll continue to frequent the forum here and stay in touch with everyone.

[cyberspyder]

Flashlights and Ti. :)

[FLYBYU44]

I know how you feel. I'm kind of going away from the knives as well. I look through tons of knives and don't really find any new designs that I really want to own, or that I can afford. That being said I would love a CF Kiwi and the Leafstorm when it comes out, but after that I don't know what else I really want. I tend to sell my knives if I get more then three kicking around, so whatever I get will have to surplant what I currently own. Right now I have my Lava for a LBK, my Delica for a general purpose, do anything knife and my Saver Salt for a serrated blade. I tend to go through phases with collecting too. I've collected coins, rocks, model cars, etc.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Ay David, We seemed to be a society of collectors and for many it's a way they even value their self-worth...but knives like anything else are just items and objects...self-worth comes from within not what or how many things we collect. I think you have learned that already...The power is within us not some special super duper knife...but this isn't all about knives anyway..is it? I remember the David of yesteryear and I think your journey has never been about knives....but a journey about self realization, growing as a person, and learning to be the best that you can be...man over three years I have seen amazing growth and change on your part both spiritually and emotionally and all for the better...I think the forum members here gave you what you needed..a safe place to test the waters and try out new behaviour and change without the risk of being belittled or attacked...I saw many members support you in all of your effects, as far as I'm concerned they showed a lot of unconditional love...and I think you are fortunate to have found some special people here that allowed you to be you and grow in the process...Your presence here on this forum will be missed greatly and I hope this decision to be bored with knives is no way a decision to be bored with people and this forum where you are well liked and respected. I am honored to think of you as my friend, and I don't think there is anything wrong with moving on...and it's hard to say good-bye no doubt, but my friend it doesn't have to be good-bye forever...I think you already found for you what you thought didn't exist...and It wasn't that "one perfect Knife" for sure....I wish you the best in all of your endeavors...don't be a stranger...You da Man!......Doc:D

[DMgangl]

This is one thing I doubt I will ever get bored of, being that I am a Machinist and want to learn how to be a blacksmith, steel is my life. I rely on my knives more that almost any tool I use, and I am lost when I don't have one with me. I don't consider it an obsession or hobby as much as a tool that I require and I want to know as much about it as possible.

What ever path you choose I hope it is a joyful one.

DM

[ozspyder]

Hey David,

I somewhat understand what you are going through. I have questioned myself about this matter on numerous occasions and wonder.... how many Persians do I really need? Not want... but need ??? I thought 1, 2, 3, maybe 4.... it just kept going, and I will probably continue to grow it along with other collections such as the Kopa.

However, recently some here may have noticed that I started to thin my collection down a bit. Some forumites have benefitted from this via other forums sale/ trade sections. This was partly due to me concentrating on a number of other things in my life.... family, new baby, work, and my latest interest of target shooting.

I will continue to thin my herd until I have what I need, and some of what I want. But as the Doc says, its about the journey and self growth and the friendships in this forum in particular more than the knives itself. I believe I too have gone through some sense of growth and in the meantime learning about knives and the other crazy folk you like the sharp things in life :D

May your journey keep going and you keep walking tall. I hope to meet you one day and can count my blessing to call you friend :) Don't abandon the forum too much or for too long. And keep at least one Para :p

[David Lowry]

You folks here all are great. Like a 2nd family to me.

Dr. Snubnose, what you said means a great deal to me. Thank you for that very much.

Gosh I didn't mean to make people think that I was bored with people or that I was leaving here. I'm not leaving. I'll still frequent as I will still be using my knives......but I see myself popping in just a little less.

So as I originally wanted to do is just pick a knife.....any knife really....and just use it and enjoy it and not be so caught up in what's next. :) I need to have 1 or 2 knives that really look well used and have character. I will never accomplish that buying and using new ones every month. ;)

God love ya all.... you're such a good group of brothers and sisters!

[potterma]

David,
I've really appreciated your posts, thoughts, etc and am happy to hear you will continue to audit the forums.

Technology has a lot to offer in the future. My personal fantasy involves self-assembing nanotechnology.... :D

The future is definitely interesting.... Keep a finger on the pulse.... You may be surprised what you find :)

[JD Spydo]

Now David you get control of yourself right now!!! :D You need to schedule an appointment with our in-house blade counselor Dr. Hannibal Lecter :rolleyes:

Buddy you can't quit at this time >> We are on the verge of Hawkbill History in the making :cool: I do believe that the H-1 Spyderhawk will become a reality very shortly. You're going through a phase I went through a few months back and you'll get through it I can assure you. Although the H-1 Spyderhawk may not be "THEE KNIFE" as you have made reference to but it will most certainly bolster your spirits when it arrives.

David collecting, using and studying the blades of the Great Spyder Factory is way beyond being a hobby. David what you need is a trip down to the BLADE show in Atlanta this next June. Take a break for a while for sure>> but you stop this talk of being bored with Spyderco's finest. Now you go back and re-read the big Hawkbill thread and that's an order!!!!:D

[Marion David Poff]

David - I have not read all the replies, but this occurs to me...

All things have their season in our lives.

Myself, I previously had been very very active on the internet forums, BladeForums especially....

And then I sort of got burnt out by the politics and the flames etc....

So, I had some more real world time, and remembered what I really enjoyed.

And now, I am back, posting and reading, and writing, but only about the stuff I like, the stuff that means the most to me.

You mileage may vary.

[wescobts]

What I think is that this journey for "the knife" has brought you to the realization that they're all just objects and it is "us" that are the "find". We all enjoy your presence here and welcome your insight and knowledge. This is a community of like minded folks who enjoy the company of each other, kind, polite, respect, with many common threads. The knives are secondary, the friendships were always first treasure. Peace

[araneae]

David,
When it comes down to it the knives are just things. It is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of things. I have recently come to the point where I realized I have too many similar knives. I need to diversify, perhaps thin the herd.

Don't put too much time into the pursuit of things- it sounds like you have come to realize that. If you are interested in the hobby and the people, you don't need lots of things. Just an interest and appreciation for the few knives you keep and enjoy using.
Take care.

[Shike]

Knives are objects and in the scheme of things matter very little, however objects can bring enjoyment to people for different reasons. I have been into knives since I was a young kid and I can say I enjoy them as much today as I did back then. I don't get caught up in the what's coming out next thing or let it become an obsession, I simply buy what I like and that's it. I figure I have done without it for 50 years it can wait a little longer.
I believe some folks need to search for different hobbies until they find one that they truly find fullfilling. I think it's good to have a hobby as long as it is an enjoyment and it doesn't consume you.
David, I hope you continue to visit as I enjoyed your posts very much.
Best regards and God bless

Shike

[spydutch]

All the best Dave:cool:

I hope that you'll indeed let hear something from you over here;)

I must admit that I'm not so fanatical about Spydies as 4 years back:o

Still find it fun though:)

[Dr. Snubnose]

All the best Dave:cool:

I hope that you'll indeed let hear something from you over here;)

I must admit that I'm not so fanatical about Spydies as 4 years back:o

Still find it fun though:)

Yeah! You can tell Arend is real old school spyderco lover....real old school spyderco lover means you have more info in your signature lines then you do in your posts....:p:p:pDoc:D

[The Mastiff]

I've enjoyed collecting knives for over 30 years. There have been times when other things in my life assumed priority over collecting but I always came back.I collected guns for awhile but they were more of tools than a hobby like knives.

I've had other hobbies and interests but that didn't keep me from collecting. Interests aren't exclusive or all encompassing.

To be honest I get as much enjoyment in researching the materials, steels, heat treats, strengths , weaknesses and others experiences with the steel. Then, getting to know the steel, it's pecularities and look, both color and grain, and believe it or not, even smell.

Sharpening likes and dislikes, etc. all are part of it.

It's very seldom that looks, colors etc. hold much of an interest for me. I do enjoy classic style handles especially with nice wood, another hobby of mine. Joe

[mrappraisit]

David, I think I understand where you are coming from. I asked myself about about three months ago "how many folding knives does a man need?" the answer is different for everyone. For me I think I am close to that number.

In my case a variety of interests in life are more important that one or two intense interests, thats why I am here less than I used to be. I still love my spydies, but they are so well made I am not sure I need too many more.

Take it easy David.

[RLR]

You are a very cyclical individual. I may be wrong, but I think you've done the Spyderco to BM, back to Spyderco, then left for a while, came back, and now you are cycling out again.

You'll be back. Of that I am sure. Enjoy your Sabbatical.

[Agent Starling]

Well, David, you are always full of surprises and never fail to keep things interesting! :eek::D

But I understand the need to go down other roads in life, everything has its season and I respect that you feel it is your time for a shift...as much as it saddens me to hear about it. As many have said, I value your presence here and consider you one of my forum family, so a departure is never good news...

At the same time I can totally relate. I love music above all other hobbies, even knives, but like you I go through intense obsessions with stuff which sometimes fade away.

I love my knives and look forward to the new ones coming down the pike... but much as I may rant n' rave about them, I know it's all folly and that a material object can never be the be-all and end-all, although I may carry on as though it is, because life is simply more fun that way! :D

Take care,

Agent Starling

[fret]

I think it is the times in which we live.

[Slick]

I am not clear as to what you are trying to say. I also have moved away from buying knives for the sake of the best-est and new-est knife to own and try out. I still value good knives that meet my needs. I have never been a collector except by accident. I still use this forum as a source of information and as a sounding box for my thoughts.

If you continue to buy and use the knives you need and you share your thoughts you will still be a valuable member of this community. Please share your experiences and comments here with us. You do not need to be a collector to be here.

The R2 is my favorite Spyderco knife. The R2 is my favorite knife of any maker. I am not a collector but I still have my favorites and I monitor this forum as a source of information but not as a collector.

My best wishes to you and I hope you will stay in touch with us.

[MANIXWORLD]

This is quite a misterious and intrigueing matter. my thing is that YES,you are never quite satisfied with the knives,or knife you own. i mean alot of us knifenuts,have more knives than t-shirts,socks etc.-which brings me to the question...you will always see another shirt/t-shirt,that will catch ur liking,that you dont realy need,but you will still buy .i guess knives are just that more expensive!! right??

[clovisc]

i admit that knives are more interesting to me at some times than others, depending on what's going on in my life, and what i'm doing every day. and what other hobbies i'm engrossed by. :D flyfishing is a huge priority/distraction at times... :D:D

but i know my interest in spydies will never fade. :D

david, man -- hope you'll still stay in touch with us here!

[David Lowry]

I'm starting to think from all the responses I am getting that I shouldn't have started this thread.

I must have written it way different than I inteded to....not got my feelings across properly.....or people are just taking it the wrong way.

Oh well.....Can't change the past.

I'll just enjoy the good comments and ignore the smart *** ones.

I'm on the verge of freaking' deleting this thread. It has really turned into NOT ANYTHING like I intended it to be. :eek:

[Jimd]

There are some very good posts here.

Personally, I focus on knives much of the time for collecting. I also gravitate to guns, again often going in cycles.

Kind of on the side, I like to collect miniature armored vehicles and aircraft from Dragon Armor, being the insane WWII buff that I am. For a few months, I might slip into that mode, like I did this past summer.

And my artwork is pretty much a constant obsession.

I guess you could say that I cycle through various obsessions, going from one to the other.

David, I hear what you're saying about there not being that "perfect knife" out there. But for me, that's the beauty of the whole thing; I don't want to find a perfect knife, because that would mean the search is over. And, from my perspective, that would really stink! :D

To me, each knife design is like a piece of artwork, a picture, if you will; each one has good points and mundane points. Things that turn me on and things that don't. But each one is different. And I like variety.

For a week or two, I'll carry a tanto at all times. Then drop-points. Then back to tantos. Then shorter blades. And longer ones.

For me, lack of variety just plain sucks. I need different things constantly, in addition to having some old, faithful stand-bys.

[stonefrog]

Hmm,

I'm guessing that in a few years you'll come back and there will be some knives that you'll be annoyed that you missed out on. Anyways all the best and have fun.

James

[scout]

Yeah, finding "the one" has been a challenge. That's why I carry two.:D
I find that my collection is pretty balanced. I know what I like and if I don't, they always find a way into the rotation based on the needs of the day.

[Lord vader]

I have finally become bored with knives. I wasn’t at all sure my attention span would last the 3 and ½ years that it did when I first began this journey. I have bought and sold a lot of knives, and even traded many.

I’m bored with everything to do about knives really. I will still carry one every day, but it will most likely be a smaller model that will do just fine in getting the job done.
It was a neat hobby (if you can call it that) while it lasted. It seemed more to me like an addiction than anything. Don’t get me wrong, I think knives are useful tools, but to the extent I was into them I think it was a bit extreme. I will always appreciate the fine craftsmanship in what it takes to create and put together a good knife.

It took me a while, but I finally realized that there is no “One” knife for you. There is not “The knife”. It is simply and endless search for something better which will never exist. Once I realized this I decided to stop with the knife thing.

I have sold off some of my knives and traded others. I will keep about 12 knives total. Even that’s a lot of knives to have in my opinion. I will eventually give some away to friends and family and probably keep just a few.

I will end up picking up something else to do and using my time differently from here on out.

I wish you all who may read this, and are into knives, a great journey. I hope you find “The knife”. I know you will not, because it doesn’t exist. You simply have to grab a knife, put it in your pocket and use it….and keep using it. Enjoy the knife, enjoy using the knife, and do other things while carrying a knife. Don’t make the journey “trying to find the ultimate knife”. Instead make the journey, the knife you have in your pocket and all the times you use it.

Life is the journey. We all seem to want to hurry to get to a destination of some sort. Enjoy the journey, because when it’s over, you will wish you had treated your journey as your life. Hurrying towards a destination ruins everything in between.

Keep your chin up. Let God guide you, and love with all of your heart.

Yeah......this may be a little deep for some folks......but oh well.

-David

I have done the same thing with other hobbies as well, But the hobby of collecting knives have always been a favorite of mine. Take a break for awhile and you might reconsider.You have a lot of friends in this forum.I am relatively new to this forum and i would also like to consider you as a friend.

[jujigatame]

I must have written it way different than I inteded to....not got my feelings across properly.....or people are just taking it the wrong way.



Such is life when posting on the internet. I wouldn't sweat it that much.:)

[MountainManJim]

Interesting, I have been wondering when I might hit the same point. I love experiencing the different designs, but like Dave said, it seems more like an obsession. A useful and fun obsession, but an obsession none the less.

Jim

[David Lowry]

Let me tell you how about 20 days of doing something else changes everything. :)

Yeah, I was just getting so hardcore into "Spyderco....Spyderco....Spyderco", had some deaths in the family and just point blank busy as heck. Just had to regroup. I then ended up in my sorta "second knife home" which is the traditional forum over at Bladeforums.com. I love that place.

I kinda got back to my roots a bit and picked up a Case XX Stockman from 1999 with some beautiful green pocket worn bone and have been carrying that for a while. It's a damn fine knife.

I'll make another thread here in "off-topic" with some pics of it.

I've been dealing with a stray cat on our back porch and a few days it was -1 degrees F. and I ended up building a shelter for the cat (fully insulated and all) with 3" of straw in the bottom of the thing. I just didn't want it to die and not have food and shelter. I have 3 cats already and 2 of them were strays that needed dire help. They are all good know. So I still have this cat roaming around out back and you cannot get near it. It will come within 6 feet of me but that's it. So I will continue to try.

Plus around Christmas time I rebuild computers for people that need help (friends/family/etc.)

So.....not really so much bored with knives.....just needed a brief change of scenery for a while.

Thanks to you all for your God driven replies and well thought out caring thoughts.

I'm just not gonna say "I'm back", instead I'll just be here when I'm here and not when I am not. ;)

Happy New Year everyone!.....God Bless!


And yes........I still have Para's. I can't let go of my Para's. Right now the CPM-D2 model has been riding with my Case XX Stockman.

[ghostrider]

Hello FOM,

Haven't read all the posts yet, but did read the OP, and am sort of in a similar place as you.

Similar, but not the same.

I think your right that there is no "the knife". That's why I've settled on several:D.

I really haven't bought that many pocket knives over the last year or so, and have moved onto other things. That doesn't mean however, that I don't still get into knives, just not as much. I think I've found a small number of knives that fill my needs. Sure, there are others that I'd like to have, but there are also other things I'd rather spend my money on. I had the same thing happen with flashlights. Sure, there are some that I'd like, but just can't/won't currently justify. Basically, in those two areas, I am at a place where I am satisfied (enough) with what I have that I'm not getting more.

There is of course the exception of the inexpensive Scandinavian knifes I've recently bought:cool:. I might even get one more since I've yet to get a laminated one. :

Because my interests have not been as focused on knives as they used to be, I find myself spending less time on these forums. However that doesn't mean that I don't check in from time to time. Just because you aren't collecting anymore doesn't mean you can't visit. Of course it might be too much temptation:D.

Whatever you do, God Bless, and enjoy.

Happy New Year.:)

[fret]

Hey David, I have a stray cat living here on my porch too. I couldn't let him starve or freeze so I put a few boxes together for him to live in. He comes to me when I whistle and he is becoming my pal. I feed him and let him roam free and do what he wants. I think he has finally adopted me...

[grunt0331]

dude, that cat has 4 other people fooled, same as you. he's shopping!

[OuchThatsSharp]

Hey, David, I can relate. I go through phases. I get into a hobby and I get into it good. I have to have everything and the best of everything. After I get it and use it, play with it, look at it, after awhile I just lose interest in it and go onto the next hobby that catches my interest. I've liked knives since I was a kid. I collected Case Whittlers and I was buying all of the Case Classics (and I had a lot of them). I got bored with them and sold them. I bought my first Spyderco (Native III)several years back and got into knives again, collecting the different Natives. I just got my hands on two CF Natives and a Pink Native. My collection is complete and I'm pretty sure I will keep them. I had purchased a bunch of other Spydercos but the Natives were my favorite and I sold the others. I bought some other expensive knives and several full customs. After losing one, well, I'm reluctant to carry those and will probably sell them off. I'm at that point where OK, I'm done with the knives thing, time to move on to something else. So, I'm getting interested in a couple of other things now and the knife collecting has come to an end. However I still check in here and at other knife sites once in awhile to see what's going on. I guess I'm a "lurker" now.

[Lord vader]

Hey, David, I can relate. I go through phases. I get into a hobby and I get into it good. I have to have everything and the best of everything. After I get it and use it, play with it, look at it, after awhile I just lose interest in it and go onto the next hobby that catches my interest. I've liked knives since I was a kid. I collected Case Whittlers and I was buying all of the Case Classics (and I had a lot of them). I got bored with them and sold them. I bought my first Spyderco (Native III)several years back and got into knives again, collecting the different Natives. I just got my hands on two CF Natives and a Pink Native. My collection is complete and I'm pretty sure I will keep them. I had purchased a bunch of other Spydercos but the Natives were my favorite and I sold the others. I bought some other expensive knives and several full customs. After losing one, well, I'm reluctant to carry those and will probably sell them off. I'm at that point where OK, I'm done with the knives thing, time to move on to something else. So, I'm getting interested in a couple of other things now and the knife collecting has come to an end. However I still check in here and at other knife sites once in awhile to see what's going on. I guess I'm a "lurker" now.

I have a native with the S30V and i love it.It`s easy to put in the pocket,easy to get it out and easy to deploy the blade, easy to close it. What more could anybody ask out of a knife. :)

[Jimd]

The Native is my favorite Spyderco model, hands down. Great knives.

[gldfshkpr]

...
To me, each knife design is like a piece of artwork, a picture, if you will; each one has good points and mundane points. Things that turn me on and things that don't. But each one is different. And I like variety.

For a week or two, I'll carry a tanto at all times. Then drop-points. Then back to tantos. Then shorter blades. And longer ones.

For me, lack of variety just plain sucks. I need different things constantly, in addition to having some old, faithful stand-bys.
This is my philosophy as well.

David, I'm quite surprised by your post! I've always valued your take on knives. Your YouTube post about the compression lock is the only description to teach me how the thing worked without ever having seen one first-hand. Your interest in the Para Military is what peaked my interest.

There were nights your signature lines really hit home and I appreciate your presence on this forum. Life has a way of distracting us along our journeys, and distractions aren't always a bad thing. More often than not, they teach us something. Thanks for your post.

[psimonl]

Hello David....

I had just spend an hour handling all my :spyder: knives in the basement knowing some of them are some forumites graal (Big Persian, Lil'Temp, Walker, MIcarta Jester, ZDP189 Delica first run,...)

Anyway....

I too relaxed on the buying spree, but I will never forget how Spyderco and its forum gave and still give me a good feel. It's like coming home.

People are changing. Tastes and hobbies change. One thing that remains is memory.

And I think this forum will always be on your mind. You've been here in another life. Something happened and we welcomed you back. Feel free to be yourself.... Like Cobain said, Come as you are....

Take care..

Simon

[Billy]

Hey David, sounds like you got it figured out, like Ghostrider, in that maybe you're not so much bored with knives as you are with Spyderco collecting. I'm at that phase right now too. There are absolutely NO Spyderco's in my immediate future. Instead, I have discovered a new obsession with HI Khukuris. Awesome, handmade blades by craftsmen in an "untouchable" caste in Nepal. If a knife can have a soul and/or personality, these big choppers have it in spades. I just love handling, sharpening and using these things, just like my Spydies. So for now, in both cases (I now have 5 different models of khuk ranging from 9" OAL to 18" OAL), the search is over and I am very satisfied and content with what I have. I will just use them and continue to enjoy the heck out of them each and every day.

Oh yeah, as for the search for the perfect knife, I found mine. It's the BG-42 Military and I can honestly say, if I had to pick one to "marry" for the rest of my days, that knife would be it. All the rest are just there for a change of scenery. :D

Glad you're gonna stick around. I've always enjoyed reading your posts.