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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 11, 2013 at 18:42

Lee,

Our prayers are with you also.  Take your time and get better

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Permalink Reply by Lee Smith on September 11, 2013 at 19:41

Thanks Robert. Never realized how much hard work it is to get old. lol

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on September 12, 2013 at 0:17

Getting old ain't for kids! Slow down and take it easy Lee.....no need to act like a teenager anymore! LOL!

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Steve Riordan on September 21, 2013 at 20:54

I have found that in these slower times for money or income, I have been able to go to some of the Flea Mkts. and talk to the knife people there. I bring a box of what I consider culled knives or non name brands, or even less quality or condition knives, and offer to trade multiples of my lesser knives for one or two of their better quality knives.

We both make out better, because he now has some more affordable knives for the knife USERS, that just need a good work knife, and I get the opportunity to acquire a sweet addition to my collection.

Here in Okeechobee Fl. we have a great little Country Station that twice a day they have a Country Store, where you can call in and offer to buy sell or trade anything that you want that is legal or proper, so I go on there and let people know that I am interested in buying, selling, and trading knives. These are some ways to beat the slump folks. At least it helps me!

 

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 22, 2013 at 14:01

Those are some great ways Steve!

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Permalink Reply by Michael D. on September 22, 2013 at 14:04

Talk about “dry spells”. I’ve drifted in and out of knife collecting since the late 1970s! I say “drifted” because I’ve always had to be self-motivated to collect and study knives. I’ve done this in a vacuum without benefit of fellow knife aficionados and in the beginning without the help of any available body of knife literature. Over the years of interacting with folks, I’ve found that the reaction to my knife collecting habits have been neutral at best. Why did this happen?

A large part is due to the local society and cultural norms that developed over time. I’ve lived my entire life in the densely-populated, metro-NYC area along the coast. Dry spells were easy to fall into. People here define knives as tools or weapons and nothing else. The knife is a tool used in the kitchen, for eating and for fishing. Outside of that it’s considered a weapon. Why do you need to carry a knife? I’ve never been a hunter because of where I’ve lived. Update NY, Mass, CT is where the hunters be.

Years ago a co-worker snickered and asked “Do you collect forks also?” Worse is when I would show someone a recent addition. The first question is “how much?” and “why?” Like clockwork the following question was “do you have switchblades?” Always thinking of “killing weapons”.

So I’ve had dry spells indeed! Don’t laugh but the last time I drifted back I found out that Schrade closed a year before! Then I found out that here were new companies like Great Eastern Cutlery and Bear & Son. There were no more German-made knives and the hot items were custom knives (beyond my $$$ range) and tactical knives (which no one in my area could ever carry).

Flea market finds have always been few and far between and what was found is way over-priced. No local clubs ever existed other than a distant one that runs shows which seem to cater to local custom knife makers. But I’ve persisted! If it wasn’t for iKnife I probably would have a dry spell and drifted away again. This site is a blessing. It’s a place to stay connected and always see and learn something new without someone pontificating………… Aside from seeking out kindred folks like you on the internet, I find that I don’t speak about knives to anyone anymore, so much so that today I hide the fact about knife collecting as if I was hiding an illicit behavior problem or a disease.

For now I just buy an occasional EDC about every six months. Over the years I’ve built an “accumulation” and could probably spend the rest of my days cleaning, displaying, classifying, categorizing, studying, etc. them – which I fully intend on doing. So I’m happy, even in the dry spells.

Thanks for listening. I just had to present this view to the collecting community. It’s always bothered me. Yes knife collecting is blossoming but it never got off the ground in my area.Has this,or a similar, scenario ever happened to anyone else?

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on September 22, 2013 at 14:30

Yes, there is no knife collector with in 35 miles of me. I to, had no one to talk to that understood the hobby of knife collecting, besides my cousin and he lived miles away. I had to learn about patterns, brands and steels on my own.

   I am lucky to live near a great swamp, filled with sportsman. They hunt, camp, fish and trap and a good knife is serious business to most of them. Although, they don't collect, they like good knives.

   I was alone in my collecting, until  one day, I discovered IKC and now, I have a bunch of knife collector friends and I have learned a lot about the hobby.

    I hope you spend time here and find the knife collector friends and comradeship, you need.

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Permalink Reply by Michael D. on September 22, 2013 at 14:36

Yeah it's been a challenge to learn about knives. Looking back I would consider that part of the excitement. But if I had a dry spell it was so easy to drift for year(s)! It's definitely been a learning experience for me.

I sometimes wonder why I never was interested in the popular pastime here - golf! :p

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 22, 2013 at 14:36

Michael,

We exist as a site for that very reson.  Your area is tough but there are collectors near by, we have some here that live in your area.  I personally know very well what it is like to hide your passion for knives.  I stayed away from discussing it for years, then I too found iKC.  From day one the folks here welcomed me, no one seemed to notice I am a girl LOL.  They only saw the knife collector Jan.  When our founder decided to move on to other things happening in his life, I could not pass up the opportunity to stay involved here and keep the site growing.

Thanks for being here with us, spend all the time you wish talking knives!

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Permalink Reply by Michael D. on September 22, 2013 at 14:46

Thanks. I feel very welcomed!

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Permalink Reply by Michael D. on September 22, 2013 at 14:59

It's also ironic that this area was once one of the most concentrated areas of knife and gun manufacturers in the USA - the original Remingtons and Winchesters, one of the Schrade companies, Challenge Cutley, etc., ammo, Colts, Rugers, Remingtons, Marlins, Winchesters............... Today I dare only speak to a nephew about knives! He's definitely passionate about them, especially the newer models from Benchmade, Kershaw, CRKT, SOG, etc.Also ironic is that he attended a state technical HS and they were the only schools that allowed knives to be carried, albeit with multiple conditions.

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