I treat some knives like tools and others like treasure

[Blahd]

There's a real difference between the knives I actually use and the ones I just appreciate and at some point I had to admit those are two separate relationships not one. The carry knives get used, resharpened, worn down and respected the way you respect any tool that does its job. The collected pieces are different, those get studied, handled occasionally and stored properly, more like something you preserve than something you reach for.

Both relationships are completely valid on their own, the mistake only shows up when you blur the line between them, when you start treating a carry knife like it's too precious to actually use or too special to risk scratching. Use the tools like tools and preserve the collectibles like collectibles. The trick is just being honest with yourself about which one you're actually holding.

Any thoughts?

 

[Wingmaster]

Several years ago my kids got me a Case Stockman for Christmas. After carrying it for a short time I decided that it was too nice to use as an every day carry. And the blades didn't lock so I put it up. Since then I recognized the beauty of Case knives and have bought several more.

I carry a Benchmade that I've had for at least 15 years. It has cut everything from summer sausage and apples to heavy rope and lots of things it wasn't made for like scraping gaskets.

There is definitely different uses for different knives.

 

['Ol Red]

Most of my knives get used for their intended purpose, whether it's skinning, gutting or caping. I only have two that are just show. One is an Alaskan ulu. The other one has a custom elk antler handle. A friend of mine took the knife to put the handle on for me. When it was returned, he had carved an eagle in the burl and painted it. He has since passed away, so it does not get bloody anymore. I have several other knives for skinning, gutting and caping anyway.

 

[CoachChris]

I have a lot of Martial Arts related blades that will never see a day of use, hopefully.
My hunting knives, bushcraft knives and Swiss Army knives are tools to be used and enjoyed.

 

[Pro_John]

Several years ago my kids got me a Case Stockman for Christmas. After carrying it for a short time I decided that it was too nice to use as an every day carry. And the blades didn't lock so I put it up. Since then I recognized the beauty of Case knives and have bought several more. I carry a Benchmade that I've had for at least 15 years. It has cut everything from summer sausage and apples to heavy rope and lots of things it wasn't made for like scraping gaskets. There is definitely different us...

After you start appreciating the craftsmanship, it’s easy to move from not wanting to use a nice knife to actually collecting them. Different knives naturally end up serving different roles and that’s just practical over time.