I'm a one knife at a time kind of guy, but I sit here and drool over your knives because of the sheer beauty and sophisticated elegant manliness of yours. Personally I am lightyears away finacially from buying a custom knife with the kind of price ranges you're talking about, however someday I would like to break into that market. For now, however, I'm perfectly content with my Benchmade Adamas, it just does anything and everything I ask of it.
About 2 and a half years ago I bought a kabar 1211, black frn sheath, man I thought that was the coolest knife, then probably within 1 month I bought a TOPS tom brown tracker KICK ASS fix blade, 1095 carbon steel, black linen micarta, with red liners. Damn was I in love with that....... Fix blades!!! Then 2 years later a buddy at work showed me his Spyderco Endura, with black frn... I said to myself "folders? But it's not full tang!!" Lol. Then started my sickness 11/2013 my very first BENCHMADE GRIPTILIAN 154 cm, black blade black frn typw handle, AXIS LOCK!!!! I was in love and have been sick since!!! I now still own the previous knives, but have added, cpm 154/gray g10 quartermaster qtr-3tt over built flipper, BLACK PARA MILITARY 2 (two of them) ZT 0200 black on black, only new fixed blade is a blacked out MICROTECH ADO, a tanto blur (I chuckled in video because I did the same thing with my blur "magic") and my most recent purchase is a blacked out version of Microtech Socom Delta which I love the shit out of it!! I'm a black blade/black out knife guy! I'm barely now getting into mid-techs and or customs I'm working with David Clark(from your video) to work up a carbon fiber/ti flipper of course black pvd or dlc!!! 😝 I'm on the mid tech list with jake hoback for the 2nd run of the mid tech kawaibacks (again because of your videos) I can't wait until I fondle a full ti flipper or even carbon fiber!!! I'm at the kiddie level but I've been following you for over a year now, and I'm ready for at least mid tech/ starting into customs!! You mailed it when you said, we don't know what we are missing... One of my friends said a frame lock is a frame lock!!! Well a full ti or lightening straight carbon fiber/ti Bodega is a world apart from a kershaw frame lock! I still live kershaw but to get my hands on something high end is a dream!!! I've been following Ramon Chaves, and would love his Redención or even his 228 3" version!!! One day I'll have one. If you talk to him, tell him to put me on his list or back up list!!! Next diamond Jim's live knife show I'm gonna really try to get something precious and badass!!! Love your content, best you tube show! And yes I am jealous of your collection!
Hey, Jim. Younhelped me go to the next level. I was cool before with productions then I wou;d send off to pjmp, Now all I want is hand made Tanic. I have fell in love with Geoff. I got a replacement on his books and i ...in my pants. I got a debt collectoror custom and im on the books. Jason clark im on the books because of you. i could not be happier...thank you
I started collecting knives when i was just a child with cheap chinese ones, now i'm 25 and at the moment i own only production knives from the mains brands. I haven't take the next step yet (even to the midtechs) because the lack of money but i' ve noticed another very interesting phenomenon about how this passion is evolving. I love watching reviews and commentaries on high end custom knives i absolutely cannot afford but since I've always liked craftmanship, for me now (pretty recently so i can't do a lot of things) knife collecting has turned in trying to design and make my own knives taking inspiration from more skilled knifemakers and hints from other knife enthusiasts on youtube. Now the great feeling is not just waiting to see the knife i've just bought but also seeing how the handle scales i'm working on are turning out or how the new self made kydex sheat carries. Let's say i'm humbling trying to become a knifemaker (and i'm starting to realize why customs costs so much...) and even if this will probably remain just a hobby i enjoy it anyway. Even buying knives has changed in time, mainly because of what i'm studing (studied as a mechanical engineer, now completing a master in materials chemistry): would it be productions, midtechs or customs, i only buy knifes which i reputate "technically correct", this a good way to be more restrictive in my buying and not to fall into addiction you talked about in previous videos. Sorry for the long post but the subject really envolved me. Greetings from Italy
You make two valid yet distinct points. Custom requests are not snobbish. Some users want something extra and they're willing to pay for it. Obsessive collecting of anything is another story. What non-collectors fail to note however is that most custom knife collectors are into the artisan beauty of knife-making, not just 'knives' !
I started properly 'collecting' with a spyderco persistence then jumped up to a SR1 then strider (2 striders in 2 weeks!!) then back down to more spydies then WAY up to my Tanic which is the only custom folder I currently own. Now I'm starting to by cheap knives again and am really carrying them, when i say cheap I mean Opinels and higonokamis. No idea why but I'm happy. The best knife in my collection is the one I have on me when I need it, irrespective of price :D Great vid once again!
My collecting has been on the fast track to expensive. Last week I had the chance to play with the proto-type of Stan Wilson's Non-flipper Flipper and I was hooked!!! Now I'm on his book for one. There are still some production knives that catch my interest, but as soon as I get one I start wanting to pimp it. I like a lot of guys need to slow down on the buying. That said when I get to BLADE in a few weeks I'm really in trouble. I have several customs in the $1500 to $2500 range coming. So I guess that my collecting has progressed very fast. Thanks for the videos and keep them coming!!!
I just took delivery of my Gako lage flipper and Coye Forerunner in consecutive days and seeing "out for delivery" was the best feeling. Now having those, a number of Brous Blades and the Elishewitz Gortian Knot I got from you, I can now say I am spoiled. I have my sights set on more mid-techs like Brad Southard's Avo, the Ferrum Forge to come out later this year and more Brous Blades since I can't quite afford many more full customs.
I'm at the production/midtech level with my Grayman dlc ti/ti Dua being my absolute most prized possession. I'm on Andrew Demkos list for my first custom ever. Jim, you are the sole reason I now have the desire for customs honestly. I fell in love with your redencion and contacted mr. Chavez about obtaining one. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to afford one unless my career changes which was pretty upsetting I won't lie, but I'm still enjoying my collection and watching your vids!
Great topic and good food for thought. You hit a lot of points that I have pondered. I am relatively new to collecting and have graduated from Production to Mid-Tech and Custom, largely in part to you. I just ordered a custom from Marty Young and can't wait to see Out for Delivery.
I've been collecting and using since December 2011. I started with a Kershaw Skyline, and still have a deep appreciation for good production knives. A few months ago I made the leap and got a Pretium. While I still have my productions and carry them pretty regularly, I'm not going back. My Pretium, Diskin Fire, and Umnumzaan are the ones I pay most attention to now
It's 2020, and I finally made the jump to the world of customs. My first is Kirby Lambert's dressed Raine. I love it, and am scared at the same time because like you said, I want all the customs that I see on IG!
I'm still relatively young (and broke), but going from United Cutlery knives to SOG knives etc seems like a world of difference (only jumping $30 in price range), I can only imagine the progression from that to say Spyderco then so on and up to customs. I get frustrated with collector snobs of many interests I share but you hit the nail on the head without seeming snobby about it. That said there's still a lot to be appreciated about the functionality and philosophy of use of even super cheap knives. Mora knives being an excellent example. They just work, and work like a mule for what goes into them. Amazing collection and I hope that some day I can hit a 10th of what level you're at.
I've started getting into the lower end of the mid-tech/custom world within the last year or two from production knives and agree with just about everything you said. Hell the more I think about it I agree with all of it. I started with a Winkler II Belt Knife from Triple Aught Design and absolutely love it. I've since picked up one of his Hunting knives and the Dynamis Alliance blade that he produces, as well as a couple of Fiddleback Forge knives by Andy Roy and a Coye Forerunner. I've got a folder and fixed blade being made by Anthony Griffin, a Reate on the way and am really interested in a Ferrum Forge Ferox, which means I won't be able to resist much longer. I love the diversity and all the different styles of makers out there, it really is an endless world of badass stuff. This is one addiction I don't ever see myself seeking any type of help for, besides satisfying the ever growing urge to get my collection to where I want it to be. Luckily high end production knives(sometimes even low end if it catches my interest) and affordable mid-tech/customs still get my dick hard, otherwise I'd be broke and starving trying to pay for things that cut or shoot. Anyways love the channel, let's me get an in depth look at pieces I won't be able to afford until I'm a bit older(24 now) as well as some stuff I was completely unaware of. Quite a few are now on my grail list for the future, keep it up! Jim Skelton
even watching your vids and not being able to afford high end customs, my standards have exceeded my budget a lot! i have a praetorian g on the list that i will definitely get eventually, but what concerns production blades and legal carry issues in my country, there's nothing much anymore that excites me. i have way too many hobbies though, like you with your blades, watches, cars, motorcycles....but i don't even earn a fraction of what you do. a praetorian will satisfy me for a looong time. my custom pipes will satisfy me for a looong time. ..
I started with crkt and sog about a year ago. I had about 5 sub 50$ knives. Jumped to higher end production spyderco and zts. Then 6 months later went to my first higher end and got a sebenza, loved it. But after watching so many of your videos, I realized an almost 500$ production?! Traded it for my first mid tech; cucchiara. Loved the level. I'm on two books right now, pohan and Jason Clark's. After those two I'm done and heading back to productions for more heavy edc tasks. I've never handled a custom, but know when I do. I'll be ruined. Thanks for all your insight Jim. Oh and great collection! ☺
Any true knife collector can definitely relate to what you're saying. I was laughing to myself thinking, man it's not just me. That southard is absolutely beautiful! Your collection in general is something to be proud of. Thanks for sharing.
I remember the blur i had 2,it was cool when they came out with the spring assisted.The first one kershaw did was the black out,they followed that up with the little chive which was a cool knife for the time.All ken onion designs,i know ken for 30 yrs hes a great guy.
I am not new to knives but am very new to the custom or midtech knives. So new in fact that i currently don't own anything higher then my Benchmade 940 (which I am in love with). I am from Toronto and looked up custom knife builders in Canada which brought me to Brian Tighe's website and within seconds I knew I was meant to get into customs. I will be going to the canadian knifemakers guild show in a couple weeks and will hopefully get to meet Mr.Tighe there and get my hands on one of his knives. I don't have much money so I will only be able to get 2-4 knives a year but I think I am hooked. BTW, I have been collecting Buck knives for nearly 15 years and still love them.
One of the first knives I bought was a paramilitary 2. I still love it and appreciate it and carry it today even though my tastes have turned more towards overbuilt knives. I still love n play with my Benchmade and Bradley balisongs but not as much anymore. Now I play with my Medford Praetorian T and my Grayman Satu and look forward to more custom knives.
a tough part of collecting is that makers antiquate their own knives by improving design of old models, releasing new models, and just plain progressing through plateaus the same way we do as collectors. to live on the crest of this wave can be quite expensive and stressful. one needs to look toward makers who have established the look and feel of their knives and have created a distinctive style i.e.: mayo, terzoula, martin, rexford, manaro, cecchini, fisher(s), wilson, et al…these men create instant classics as compared to pop art and the cost of owning one of their knives is well worth the price.
From what ive seen on your channel the battle is my favourite too (closely followed by the bengal), that thing is a masterpiece. Love the stan wilson design as well. The vorhees knife with the blue on it is gorgeous, as is that jarosz on the table. Atm im on super low end production knives having only just started collecting, as much as I'd love to have a collection like yours im more than happy with the 6 I have (all under $50)
This is a great video and poses a good question. I started off with cheap chinese $10 spring assisted knives. I worked my way through Spyderco's, Benchmade's, and ZT. Currently I am actually decreasing my collection. I had about 8 knives that were all $100-$260. Going through college and seeing how much I must hold on to what little cash I have has put that into perspective for me. I sold most of my expensive knives (ZT 561, Spyderco Sage 2, etc.) Currently I am getting my first handmade custom fixed blade being made. Honestly I believe my collection will remain within production and mid-tech. I would like to be able to make my own custom fixed blades and eventual folding knives.
i hope my better part will not read this, for your sake, but you are the reason i m on 2 books right now. cannot wait to get my hand on my first custom.
I have been collecting for 55 years and many of the original knives I purchased still excite me as much as the newer ones that I have even though they are light years apart in construction and materials. Many of my oldest ones even though they are factory, were for the most part hand assembled, tuned and fitted and I still love carrying them and using them. I guess for me I never lost interest in any of my knives no matter the quality level from stamped out hollow tin handled Imperial jack knives to my Rockstead Higo I love them all.
i am one of those people who just wants to buy everything with an edge. However in recent times i have had to discipline myself and spend that money instead on materials to make knives. Sucks but between buying another knife and building myself as a maker i choose the latter.
Im at just about where you are in my collecting jim. I'll be coming up on my 2 year anniversary of knife collecting in the summer. The thing about me is that I am only 19. So money isn't exactly something I have an abundance of. Its really the only thing stopping me from indulging on custom with great frequency. I'm basically at this point just waiting on my custom orders to come through. ( Turpin, tuff knives, hoback, Frank fisher, etc.) I both love and hate the fact that I can buy frequently. It makes the excitement of an inbound knife all the more special.
I prefer a knife for pure function. They are pretty to me. Current "top" knife is my Sebenza. But I'll tell you I sure love picking up my Spyderco PPT every now and then to fondle it. :).
I can't afford to buy every custom I want so I chose to focus on my favorite custom in my price range that I could afford to collect, the bodega. I'm now starting to hit the wall where I want to expand. My bodegas will remain in my collection there still my favorite but I have chosen another maker to throw in the mix. Now I just have to wait on the 4 I have on order. I'm trying to keep my collection focused so I don't go crazy on spending. That said I am very happy with my collection and that's the most important part to me.
Great vid and topic! I graduated into customs almost out of necessity. Since I'm a lefty, I wanted a knife built for a lefty. My first "true" lefty was a production but soon after that it was customs from there on out! My first delivery was a Stout and I never looked back! My goal is to get to 13 customs (my favorite number) and that is where I want to stop. Sure I may sell one to pick up another but that is my goal. While I haven't entered that 1000+ realm and may never get to that point (never say never), I understand that desire you talk about when seeing all of the knives posted on IG and forums. Keep up that desire so some of us can live vicariously through you! You da man Jim!!!
Its just like the guitar market/hobby. U got your imported guitars, then usa made, then custom/handbuilt guitars. If someone proclaims a new pedal or amp the best, everyone jumps for it. But just like knives, you love that top tier, but you always appreciate the not so fancy, quality built usa standards.
it's carrying a piece of art, it's carrying the work of our favorite knife makers and appreciating there craft, I don't buy much production anymore, damn you jim skelton for turning me on to custom cnc products/ custom knives lol
I'm just getting into mid-techs and I'd say I appreciate my high end productions the same as I used to but not so much for more affordable, common productions.
Im still collecting production knives. Very tight budget, but getting a few knives Ive wanted for a long time. My new being a Spyderco Gayle Brady along with a Caly 3 CF for $150 bucks. Had to jump on that price. Both excellent .
Great video bro, love looking at te crazy stuff u get on IG i hope to some day move up to getting custom knives money just isnt there yet but i can appreciate a good knife!
Damn Jim...you REALLY hit the nail on the head at the 12:35 mark up to 17:44...I will have to refer people who don't get it to this video at that point to explain my sickness :) ... oh and that waiting for knives to ship part with the tracking...i am waiting on 4 right now to come in the mail...ones I think are amazing, though at your level, are probably not as exciting but are high end productions and 1 custom.
Hmm.. Five years ago? I was collecting puukko knives. Because I live in scandinavia. after that I progressed to spydercos, kershaws, cold steel and finally microtech. Some semi-customs appear in my collection now and 2 Vandermeulen flippers are going to be added to my collection in a month or so.. That's where I'm at.
I'm currently at the higher end production spectrum, and just recently got on David Clarks books after your video, I can really understand the "keeping up with the joneses" feeling, I see people post pics of Striders about 10 times a day and find myself looking to buy one, Then I realize that I really don't like the design of the blades (not yet) and I get so close to spending 400$ plus on something that doesn't turn me on. I personally find myself addicted to the feeling of getting a deal at this point, I'l see a Ultratech for 160$ in like new condition and I have to jump on it, A Civilian for 100$ and I cant let it slip away, luckily all these are blades that do really turn me on and I enjoy them even more knowing I pretty much stole them. :)
I EDC'd a 14$ Chinese flipper for ~2 years now, sharpening 2-3 times a week. I now frequent areas where police illegally search random young males, so I started looking into legal knifes. I'm waiting for the Lansky Mikkel Willumsem collab knife, the 'World Legal', a ~25$ two hands opened slip joint under 7cm. I became impatient when the local reseller postponed the estimated arrival date, so I started looking around for alternatives. I bought a bunch of cheap flippers on ebay, hoping customs would not detect them, and they all got through no problems. I now EDC the CRKT Edgie and a throwaway peanut knife (sharpened almost daily) for 'in-public' tasks. On my keychain I put a Spyderco bug to have a super-sharp knife for delicate tasks, and a Gerber Hook knife I'm testing out for controlled zip tie cutting. I've been considering the Spyderco UKPK and Pingo, and the Böker Cox, but cannot justify det cost - just yet. Maybe if I get disappointed with my current EDC *and* the Lansky/Willumsen, I am going to pull the trigger on one or more of those. I was really happy to see several youtube channels on this topic, I thought I was going crazy when finding out how picky I was with my EDC knife, its nice to know there are others out there :-)
Can't go Back to Production knives... As much is a like a ZT or a Spyderco Southard I'm going to try to go for the real deal... Ofc i will never get a Southard... Or Will I?? At the Moment I'm at a Dalibor Integral and enjoying the Integral kinda knife, next on the list for Integrals is a Snafu. Customs are here to stay, so Ramon Chaves, Jake Hoback, Dalibor, Budak... I found out that i Like overbuild hard use knives and that is where i'm at atm. Will still get me an Wayfarer for tactical, and i'm still in love with my M35. Can't even think of going back to CRKT... they where so bad quality it still pains me to this day, my M16 broke in like 2 days, my KISS didn't even flick open... From your table I would grab that Strife, it was love at first sight, and I need one! About the Stan Wilson, still out of my league, maybe one day when i win the EuroMilhoes :)
oddly enough I got into knife collecting when I thought that my girlfriend should have a self protection knife to carry in her purse when walking to her car from work. I got her a Kershaw Leek (purple) and I flipped and flipped it and wanted it and so about a month later I couldn't take it any longer so I got my first knife and it was the ken onion ripple. It left me wanting so I thought if I got something closer to what I got her I would satisfy my want, so I got a Kershaw Shalot which I love still but I wanted more and more, then I cam across your channel and I saw all that there was out there and I was like a kid in a candy store wanting and wanting. I got my first custom which was a Solo V4 and I paid a pretty penny for. only months earlier if you asked me if I would spend that much on a knife I would have said you have lost your freaking mind, but I saw that knife and I had to have it! and so on and so on. I have watched as much video on knife making and collecting. That I have recently decided that I am going to try and make my own knives. I am one that if I put my mind to it I have to have the best stuff to accomplish my goals. I am currently saving up for a wilmont grinder and will be trying out my hand at that. Oh I can not wait. I am so excited! I am planning on taking my time on the first knife so that it is as perfect as it can be. I think I have a great design also and very usable! Thank you very Much Jim for opening my eyes to the world of Great Knives! you have been so great with everyone and your ideas and thoughts on knives are spot on IMO! Thanks again Jim and to all Knife makers that support our addictions!
I was into customs big time, even considered myself a knife snob. Then I fell on "hard times" and sold off everything I had to pay off some bills. I started all over again and I really got excited to receive a Cris Reeve Umnazaan a few weeks ago. Shit, I haven't put it down yet. I only have one custom folder(bluephin) and several productions in my collection and I am happy once again. The different levels can be enjoyed all over again if need be, trust me :)
I've dipped into some customs, but I still go to my production knives just because of the guilt factor. There are plenty of production knives that are made with task in mind rather than the art. The only production knife that I'm somewhat careful with is my Rockstead for obvious reasons.
Interesting video, sir. I'm afraid I've begun to get a "mission creep" feeling with knives. I started with cheapish production knives and then, as a form of tithing, decided to support some new and newish knife makers (J. Good, WC Knives, Paul Rathbun, cKc and a few Japanese makers). That quickly put me in the 200+ dollar range. Then I saw the Curtiss F5 series and, well, let's just say it's a good thing his books are closed on that right now...
I'm at that 100$ range with production knives I went down a level and tried a couple cheap knives. Because of that I know my steels that I want but there's not much I like on the market now. I like the m16 but it's steel sucks. I want to jump to custom but my budget is way too low cause I have no job and am 14. Still I think the SOG flash 2 TINI is my favourite and I have everything from the Ashworth turtle to my coldsteel ti lite (original 6"). The only knife I see myself getting is the talon edge but I want to wait till my hands are full grown.
I went from wanting everything I saw last year and buying much of it, to selling everything but maybe 10% and focusing on only a handful of makers. Sure I can buy 2-3 maybe more of the other makes knives for the same money but I like the exclusivity of having a knife know one else has or only a few. Just makes hunt that much harder which at times sucks but when you happen to land a few new pieces its even better IMO! Only time will tell where my addition takes me. Coming from the gun world, it sure is nice not needing to buy safe after safe as your collection grows thats for sure! Now if I only sold some of my other collection that would be fun to see what would happen to my knife collecting..................
My government salary wont allow me to play a lot with customs. I have owned a few but they came from the maker. I cant mess with 2nd market prices. So i enjoy what i have. There is no comparison when it comes to production and custom. Hopefully when i get set up i can be in that group of amazing knife makers. In due time
I've not been a "knife collector" for long really, I am not now either, but I am really getting into it and have my first Brous Silent Soldier on the way. I love the zombie coating on that.
I enjoy vicariously through you and other big-time collectors. I have 10 knives: 2 customs and the rest William Henry, Chris Reeve, Hinderer, etc. And will enjoy them. No more for now. Well, unless a dressed up Lochsa falls into my lap (*_*)
Im still in that 100 to 300 follar production stage but i can still absolutely LOVE a 12 dollar opinel or a 20 dollar victorinox and get the same enjoyment and thrill out of those as i can with a cool spydie or qtmstr or something a like, but im hoping to purchase a les george vecp (stonewash) and a strider CC sng at blade this year
the secondary market is just crazy i watched a video of a maker with a new model it was a proto cost he said would be $375.00 for the knife in his hand saw the knife on a secondary sight they wanted $1695.00 for it
My main collection is in a 1 Hr vid on my channel ...collecting seriously for 30 yrs but can't afford more then Midtechs, most i spent was just over $900 for a RockStead KOU DLC and a Medtech Microtech DOC, with the Black ceramic. I have figured out what I'm after. in use i hate the flat handled knives like the sage ative ..don't get me wrong they do look good but are almost painful to use. i need more to fill my hand without hard edges ..currently giving love to a Matt Diskin.. DA Diskin fire.. Feels nicer in the hand then a Sage or Native. if it wasn't for the FU clip, i'd love the Marfioni D,O,C
One of my regrets in my collecting journey is letting that Anso Cato out of my hands. Glad I get to see it again under your lighting! Take good care of her Jim!
production knives. i just cant seem to take the leap into midtechs, since i like to maintain my own knives, which results in a few unintentional scratches because i like free hand sharpening. I feel like it would be a complete waste of a midtech if i were to scratch it up because of a moment of carelessness when sharpening. I already carry a 20$ 2in. knife to cut all the tape i want, without ruining my main knife, because adhesives are annoying. arguably i should just carry those 1$ disposable razor thingies, but im really not into that. that being said, i think the funnest part of production knife collecting is definitely scrolling through a billion knives and trying to figure out what specs you want, plus it is a much cheaper way to get a feel of what you like or dont like for your next knife (s). still a beginner.
Beautiful knives for sure. However, the problem with such nice knives is they rarely see much use and are thus not all that practical. Basically a heavy piece of art that cuts the odd string :). Looks like you really enjoy your knives though and that is the most important :). Great video and have a great day.
I have just recently made that step up from low-end farmers market knives, mostly skipping over higher-end productions to the mid tech range. Jim I got to tell you the truth, I like it here and I don't see much of a point in moving up and out. I have a case of all my "sentimental knives" and I take them out look at and I still love them so much but I look at the ones that are not sentimental to me and most of them look like shitty knives. It makes me sad that I've wasted my money on them and didn't save it
I just thought I was 'da shit' for buying a benchmade almost a year ago. I want to go custom but I don't make enough yet. I think my collection will be a functional arsenal for the time being
Haven't seen this video in awhile but good luck getting a Battle or NFF for anywhere near the prices referenced here...go ahead and multiple it by 4....i miss the good old days..lol.
I have many many knives and will not go custom for the two reasons money and knife addiction. Yes custom knives they are beautiful, yes they are quality built, yes they have the craftsmanship, and yes they have exotic material and designs but, if you use a knife hard everyday like I do or are a outdoorsman like I am who likes hiking, fishing, hunting, target shooting, and camping I do not see bringing and using a knife that expensive as very practical. When I buy a knife I have several a criteria in mind one is for everyday hard use EDU, another is for outdoor reliable use, and survival/peace of mind use. If I loose a production knife or break a blade most likely they are still available and can easily be replaced not so with a custom knife. Do I wish I owned customs knives? Of course but reality is I don't collect as much as use. I do have some production knifes I will not use but keep as a collection items. So though I admire the knife makers, your collection, and the shows and videos you present, for me, I prefer watching those custom knife reviews while at the same time keeping my production knife collection and continue to use my EDU knives, reliable outdoor knives, and survival knives that serve my purpose well and have for many many years. Thanks Jim for opening my eyes to custom knife makers and custom knifes they are truly amazing artists and works of art.
I passed the mall ninja cheepo knives stage, and went on to good well known inexpensive productions. I love my Cold Steel XL voyager. It may not be nearly as good as the above knives, but for $50 I can have stronger lockup. Tri ad lock. Eventually I'd like to have knives like these, but that probably won't be for a quite a long time. I do believe that I could steel enjoy my cheaper knives.
Hey man awesome vids! Love watching them and listening to your opinions. I'm looking to get into custom knives, I've been collecting production for a few years and have my first midtech on the way (ferrum forge mordax). I'm looking to spend about $600 a few months from now and don't know what makers to check out. Any recommendations for good cheaper customs as users?
Really awesome vid Jim. Like how we were able to follow with your thoughts, as you wrestled with your internal struggle of progressive knife collecting. I think at times it helps to take your head out of the "game" and look at your collection as a lover of knives (and a user) rather than a connoisseur of knife makers and their craft. To remember that regardless of the knife makers standing reputation, his specific designs, materials, and philosophy on knives probably drew you in a tactile sense rather than a purely artful one. At the end of the day I think your enjoyment comes from the tactile use and carry of your custom knives, like your high end watches.Tell me if I'm wrong, but I think once you venture into the 4K and up waters, the knife will cease all of it's utilitarian value and will be completely art, consequently loosing the utilitarian soul that I think drives your passion to own the high speed Southard edc, the hefty Direware, or even the nasty emergency tactical Frank Fischer. At some point will the next venture end up being a painting on a wall, or remain a loyal companion ?
I would agree. Once a knife becomes so expensive you don't use it, it no longer becomes a knife but a decoration. Jim says he never keeps any knife he wont carry or use and I agree with that philosophy. To me gold and bullets are an investment and both you can use as well.
I do think once you bust into the next level its hard to go back. But all depends what your in it for. Collector user thing again. You have some extremly beautiful pieces there. But for me I see flaws not in fit and finish but user type things. Such as plunge lines where they look nice but for someone thats uses and resharpens they are not good. You would have a big chunk of steel near the ricasso or end up recurving your blade just trying to sharpen the whole length of the blade. I went high end gorgeous and relized thats not what I want in my knives and ended up a step back. So basically after time you figure out where you fit in. Beautiful customs midtechs or productions or a combination. You can go from one to another to combination and back to the beginning. All depends on how your use/or lack their of, and personal preferences fit in and tastes change. Not saying collector or user that one is better just it has impact.
Im at a point where im not excited by 95% of the production knives. I sold of most of my microtech, spyderco and benchmade collection and pucked a few knives that put a smile on my face and get my heart beating faster. I bought a adv butcher and im loving it, it was my Dads (R.I.P.) favorite knife so uts always staying with me. For close to 2 years I wanted a kwaiback and got the midtech and it my favorite knife hands down (Jake being the amazing guy he is hooked me up with his pivot). I bought a Shiro hati, as a Russian, im proud that my country men make what are considered some of the best knives. I bought a Van Heerden M16 and A2 collabo and saw the 2 smoothest knives I ever felt, I love the front flipper on the A2, its amazing. I ordered a obe off Clack blades Fortitude and I made a great friend in David, hes one of the nicest guys youll ever meet and im glad to give him my money. And as a Southard fan boy, im on his pre order for the Tolk, it has everything I can want in a knife and I cant wait to get that. My 3 grails, a bodega, a direware and a custom Southard. Once I get thise, I migth settle down, ywah right. I still have a few knives I want to get, 3 to be exact plus David is making a memiry knife in my Dads honor (im telling you, the guy is THE nicest guy you'll meet, if you can, get on his books) so my collection will be pretty set. I will always have at keast one spyderco military, its one of the best knives ever made imo, I love It and want to get back a few sprint runs, plus the spyderco southard is an amazing knife and para2 (yeah, im a spyderco fan biy still, always will be). Plus the camillus jolt which was my dads second favorite knife, I will keep ut for memory sake but I look at it and then look at the A2 with its perfect detent, action, seamless bolsters, amazing hand rubbed finish and its like night and day. Anyone who says no knife is worth more that $300, hasn't held a knife worth more than $300, if they did, they'd see the difference.
I blame Geoff, Dave, Gavkoo, Vance, Sebo, Bob, Derrick, Jasper, John, Justin and you Jim for really lighting the fire in my knife addiction (there might be a few more pushers out there, and you know who you are!). I would also mention some really awesome custom knife makers out there that are pure bliss to deal with, that might be a side effect from not sleeping for weeks on end. When will it stop Jim? Muuhahahaa :P
Trouble is I know so much more now, than when I brought my first knife (Benchmade - part serrated). I'm looking for very different things, that my budget can't quiet manage. Better steels, different blade geometry, higher standards of fabrication. Out of interest Jim if you're gonna have to beat on a knife for a dirty job - whats your go to?
About your camera cutting off, are you recording to sdHC or sdXC? Because the HC cards use a older format and only let you record up to 4GB. So it would just be a matter of replacing the SD card to a sdXC. Hope that's it, we all want longer videos.
I am just moving in to the higher end production knives yet I still appreciate my cheaper Kershaws I think I am about to go to the 500 - 1500 dollar range do you have any advice?
How do you feel about strider knives, ive been collecting for a while and have been thinking of buying a higher end knife just dont have a ton of money
Great video, Jim. It's odd; I've found myself carrying a production Emerson Gentleman Jim a lot recently. It's got a great blade shape for fiddly work, and I use it a lot for deburring kydex after drilling for eyelets. My go-to knife for heavy duty tasks is my Clark Grunt. Years ago I would have winced at the thought of abusing a custom, but I've become one of those people who hates to have something built to handle hard work, and just have it sitting doing nothing. That's influenced my collection. I only have knives I use. I can only use so many knives at a time. If I get something new, I tend to trade out or replace something I already have.
I have the sickness. the only thing I save money for anymore is the next knife. I completely agree. even with my production knives... I must have custom mods done to them. I have a spyderco tuff that I put more in custom mods then I paid for the knife. I just ordered my first full custom. a Butcher from andre de villars. I fear it will be the first of many. lol
Another great video Jim! I appreciate it!
I'm a one knife at a time kind of guy, but I sit here and drool over your knives because of the sheer beauty and sophisticated elegant manliness of yours. Personally I am lightyears away finacially from buying a custom knife with the kind of price ranges you're talking about, however someday I would like to break into that market. For now, however, I'm perfectly content with my Benchmade Adamas, it just does anything and everything I ask of it.
About 2 and a half years ago I bought a kabar 1211, black frn sheath, man I thought that was the coolest knife, then probably within 1 month I bought a TOPS tom brown tracker KICK ASS fix blade, 1095 carbon steel, black linen micarta, with red liners. Damn was I in love with that....... Fix blades!!! Then 2 years later a buddy at work showed me his Spyderco Endura, with black frn... I said to myself "folders? But it's not full tang!!" Lol. Then started my sickness 11/2013 my very first BENCHMADE GRIPTILIAN 154 cm, black blade black frn typw handle, AXIS LOCK!!!! I was in love and have been sick since!!! I now still own the previous knives, but have added, cpm 154/gray g10 quartermaster qtr-3tt over built flipper, BLACK PARA MILITARY 2 (two of them) ZT 0200 black on black, only new fixed blade is a blacked out MICROTECH ADO, a tanto blur (I chuckled in video because I did the same thing with my blur "magic") and my most recent purchase is a blacked out version of Microtech Socom Delta which I love the shit out of it!! I'm a black blade/black out knife guy! I'm barely now getting into mid-techs and or customs I'm working with David Clark(from your video) to work up a carbon fiber/ti flipper of course black pvd or dlc!!! 😝 I'm on the mid tech list with jake hoback for the 2nd run of the mid tech kawaibacks (again because of your videos) I can't wait until I fondle a full ti flipper or even carbon fiber!!! I'm at the kiddie level but I've been following you for over a year now, and I'm ready for at least mid tech/ starting into customs!! You mailed it when you said, we don't know what we are missing... One of my friends said a frame lock is a frame lock!!! Well a full ti or lightening straight carbon fiber/ti Bodega is a world apart from a kershaw frame lock! I still live kershaw but to get my hands on something high end is a dream!!! I've been following Ramon Chaves, and would love his Redención or even his 228 3" version!!! One day I'll have one. If you talk to him, tell him to put me on his list or back up list!!! Next diamond Jim's live knife show I'm gonna really try to get something precious and badass!!! Love your content, best you tube show! And yes I am jealous of your collection!
Hey, Jim. Younhelped me go to the next level. I was cool before with productions then I wou;d send off to pjmp, Now all I want is hand made Tanic. I have fell in love with Geoff. I got a replacement on his books and i ...in my pants. I got a debt collectoror custom and im on the books. Jason clark im on the books because of you. i could not be happier...thank you
I started collecting knives when i was just a child with cheap chinese ones, now i'm 25 and at the moment i own only production knives from the mains brands. I haven't take the next step yet (even to the midtechs) because the lack of money but i' ve noticed another very interesting phenomenon about how this passion is evolving.
I love watching reviews and commentaries on high end custom knives i absolutely cannot afford but since I've always liked craftmanship, for me now (pretty recently so i can't do a lot of things) knife collecting has turned in trying to design and make my own knives taking inspiration from more skilled knifemakers and hints from other knife enthusiasts on youtube. Now the great feeling is not just waiting to see the knife i've just bought but also seeing how the handle scales i'm working on are turning out or how the new self made kydex sheat carries. Let's say i'm humbling trying to become a knifemaker (and i'm starting to realize why customs costs so much...) and even if this will probably remain just a hobby i enjoy it anyway.
Even buying knives has changed in time, mainly because of what i'm studing (studied as a mechanical engineer, now completing a master in materials chemistry): would it be productions, midtechs or customs, i only buy knifes which i reputate "technically correct", this a good way to be more restrictive in my buying and not to fall into addiction you talked about in previous videos.
Sorry for the long post but the subject really envolved me. Greetings from Italy
You make two valid yet distinct points. Custom requests are not snobbish. Some users want something extra and they're willing to pay for it. Obsessive collecting of anything is another story. What non-collectors fail to note however is that most custom knife collectors are into the artisan beauty of knife-making, not just 'knives' !
45 now with a beautiful array of blades. You’ve made some great advancements!
I started properly 'collecting' with a spyderco persistence then jumped up to a SR1 then strider (2 striders in 2 weeks!!) then back down to more spydies then WAY up to my Tanic which is the only custom folder I currently own. Now I'm starting to by cheap knives again and am really carrying them, when i say cheap I mean Opinels and higonokamis. No idea why but I'm happy. The best knife in my collection is the one I have on me when I need it, irrespective of price :D Great vid once again!
My collecting has been on the fast track to expensive. Last week I had the chance to play with the proto-type of Stan Wilson's Non-flipper Flipper and I was hooked!!! Now I'm on his book for one. There are still some production knives that catch my interest, but as soon as I get one I start wanting to pimp it. I like a lot of guys need to slow down on the buying. That said when I get to BLADE in a few weeks I'm really in trouble. I have several customs in the $1500 to $2500 range coming. So I guess that my collecting has progressed very fast. Thanks for the videos and keep them coming!!!
man, this video was great, i normal dont watch these but i will from now on, great job
Great vid Jim. Respect.
I just took delivery of my Gako lage flipper and Coye Forerunner in consecutive days and seeing "out for delivery" was the best feeling. Now having those, a number of Brous Blades and the Elishewitz Gortian Knot I got from you, I can now say I am spoiled. I have my sights set on more mid-techs like Brad Southard's Avo, the Ferrum Forge to come out later this year and more Brous Blades since I can't quite afford many more full customs.
I'm at the production/midtech level with my Grayman dlc ti/ti Dua being my absolute most prized possession. I'm on Andrew Demkos list for my first custom ever. Jim, you are the sole reason I now have the desire for customs honestly. I fell in love with your redencion and contacted mr. Chavez about obtaining one. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to afford one unless my career changes which was pretty upsetting I won't lie, but I'm still enjoying my collection and watching your vids!
Great topic and good food for thought. You hit a lot of points that I have pondered. I am relatively new to collecting and have graduated from Production to Mid-Tech and Custom, largely in part to you. I just ordered a custom from Marty Young and can't wait to see Out for Delivery.
I've been collecting and using since December 2011. I started with a Kershaw Skyline, and still have a deep appreciation for good production knives. A few months ago I made the leap and got a Pretium. While I still have my productions and carry them pretty regularly, I'm not going back. My Pretium, Diskin Fire, and Umnumzaan are the ones I pay most attention to now
It's 2020, and I finally made the jump to the world of customs. My first is Kirby Lambert's dressed Raine. I love it, and am scared at the same time because like you said, I want all the customs that I see on IG!
I'm still relatively young (and broke), but going from United Cutlery knives to SOG knives etc seems like a world of difference (only jumping $30 in price range), I can only imagine the progression from that to say Spyderco then so on and up to customs. I get frustrated with collector snobs of many interests I share but you hit the nail on the head without seeming snobby about it. That said there's still a lot to be appreciated about the functionality and philosophy of use of even super cheap knives. Mora knives being an excellent example. They just work, and work like a mule for what goes into them. Amazing collection and I hope that some day I can hit a 10th of what level you're at.
That Stan Wilson is the coolest fucking knife ever!
I've started getting into the lower end of the mid-tech/custom world within the last year or two from production knives and agree with just about everything you said.
Hell the more I think about it I agree with all of it. I started with a Winkler II Belt Knife from Triple Aught Design and absolutely love it. I've since picked up one of his Hunting knives and the Dynamis Alliance blade that he produces, as well as a couple of Fiddleback Forge knives by Andy Roy and a Coye Forerunner. I've got a folder and fixed blade being made by Anthony Griffin, a Reate on the way and am really interested in a Ferrum Forge Ferox, which means I won't be able to resist much longer.
I love the diversity and all the different styles of makers out there, it really is an endless world of badass stuff. This is one addiction I don't ever see myself seeking any type of help for, besides satisfying the ever growing urge to get my collection to where I want it to be. Luckily high end production knives(sometimes even low end if it catches my interest) and affordable mid-tech/customs still get my dick hard, otherwise I'd be broke and starving trying to pay for things that cut or shoot.
Anyways love the channel, let's me get an in depth look at pieces I won't be able to afford until I'm a bit older(24 now) as well as some stuff I was completely unaware of. Quite a few are now on my grail list for the future, keep it up! Jim Skelton
even watching your vids and not being able to afford high end customs, my standards have exceeded my budget a lot!
i have a praetorian g on the list that i will definitely get eventually, but what concerns production blades and legal carry issues in my country, there's nothing much anymore that excites me.
i have way too many hobbies though, like you with your blades, watches, cars, motorcycles....but i don't even earn a fraction of what you do.
a praetorian will satisfy me for a looong time.
my custom pipes will satisfy me for a looong time.
..
I started with crkt and sog about a year ago. I had about 5 sub 50$ knives. Jumped to higher end production spyderco and zts. Then 6 months later went to my first higher end and got a sebenza, loved it. But after watching so many of your videos, I realized an almost 500$ production?! Traded it for my first mid tech; cucchiara. Loved the level. I'm on two books right now, pohan and Jason Clark's. After those two I'm done and heading back to productions for more heavy edc tasks. I've never handled a custom, but know when I do. I'll be ruined. Thanks for all your insight Jim. Oh and great collection! ☺
Any true knife collector can definitely relate to what you're saying. I was laughing to myself thinking, man it's not just me. That southard is absolutely beautiful! Your collection in general is something to be proud of. Thanks for sharing.
so true about having a hard time controlling yourself once you've made that leap.
Why do we like knives so much? Because they're fucking awesome and then I think "well shit, I gotta have me one of them!"
I remember the blur i had 2,it was cool when they came out with the spring assisted.The first one kershaw did was the black out,they followed that up with the little chive which was a cool knife for the time.All ken onion designs,i know ken for 30 yrs hes a great guy.
I am not new to knives but am very new to the custom or midtech knives. So new in fact that i currently don't own anything higher then my Benchmade 940 (which I am in love with). I am from Toronto and looked up custom knife builders in Canada which brought me to Brian Tighe's website and within seconds I knew I was meant to get into customs. I will be going to the canadian knifemakers guild show in a couple weeks and will hopefully get to meet Mr.Tighe there and get my hands on one of his knives. I don't have much money so I will only be able to get 2-4 knives a year but I think I am hooked. BTW, I have been collecting Buck knives for nearly 15 years and still love them.
One of the first knives I bought was a paramilitary 2. I still love it and appreciate it and carry it today even though my tastes have turned more towards overbuilt knives. I still love n play with my Benchmade and Bradley balisongs but not as much anymore. Now I play with my Medford Praetorian T and my Grayman Satu and look forward to more custom knives.
a tough part of collecting is that makers antiquate their own knives by improving design of old models, releasing new models, and just plain progressing through plateaus the same way we do as collectors. to live on the crest of this wave can be quite expensive and stressful. one needs to look toward makers who have established the look and feel of their knives and have created a distinctive style i.e.: mayo, terzoula, martin, rexford, manaro, cecchini, fisher(s), wilson, et al…these men create instant classics as compared to pop art and the cost of owning one of their knives is well worth the price.
From what ive seen on your channel the battle is my favourite too (closely followed by the bengal), that thing is a masterpiece. Love the stan wilson design as well. The vorhees knife with the blue on it is gorgeous, as is that jarosz on the table. Atm im on super low end production knives having only just started collecting, as much as I'd love to have a collection like yours im more than happy with the 6 I have (all under $50)
This is a great video and poses a good question. I started off with cheap chinese $10 spring assisted knives. I worked my way through Spyderco's, Benchmade's, and ZT. Currently I am actually decreasing my collection. I had about 8 knives that were all $100-$260. Going through college and seeing how much I must hold on to what little cash I have has put that into perspective for me. I sold most of my expensive knives (ZT 561, Spyderco Sage 2, etc.) Currently I am getting my first handmade custom fixed blade being made. Honestly I believe my collection will remain within production and mid-tech. I would like to be able to make my own custom fixed blades and eventual folding knives.
you had me at "midtech razel"
i hope my better part will not read this, for your sake, but you are the reason i m on 2 books right now. cannot wait to get my hand on my first custom.
I have been collecting for 55 years and many of the original knives I purchased still excite me as much as the newer ones that I have even though they are light years apart in construction and materials. Many of my oldest ones even though they are factory, were for the most part hand assembled, tuned and fitted and I still love carrying them and using them. I guess for me I never lost interest in any of my knives no matter the quality level from stamped out hollow tin handled Imperial jack knives to my Rockstead Higo I love them all.
i am one of those people who just wants to buy everything with an edge. However in recent times i have had to discipline myself and spend that money instead on materials to make knives. Sucks but between buying another knife and building myself as a maker i choose the latter.
Im at just about where you are in my collecting jim. I'll be coming up on my 2 year anniversary of knife collecting in the summer. The thing about me is that I am only 19. So money isn't exactly something I have an abundance of. Its really the only thing stopping me from indulging on custom with great frequency. I'm basically at this point just waiting on my custom orders to come through. ( Turpin, tuff knives, hoback, Frank fisher, etc.) I both love and hate the fact that I can buy frequently. It makes the excitement of an inbound knife all the more special.
What in the hell is the noice that that gray ti and carbon fiber flipped made? Oh my god that was amazing! I need
I prefer a knife for pure function. They are pretty to me. Current "top" knife is my Sebenza. But I'll tell you I sure love picking up my Spyderco PPT every now and then to fondle it. :).
I can't afford to buy every custom I want so I chose to focus on my favorite custom in my price range that I could afford to collect, the bodega. I'm now starting to hit the wall where I want to expand. My bodegas will remain in my collection there still my favorite but I have chosen another maker to throw in the mix. Now I just have to wait on the 4 I have on order. I'm trying to keep my collection focused so I don't go crazy on spending. That said I am very happy with my collection and that's the most important part to me.
Great vid and topic! I graduated into customs almost out of necessity. Since I'm a lefty, I wanted a knife built for a lefty. My first "true" lefty was a production but soon after that it was customs from there on out! My first delivery was a Stout and I never looked back! My goal is to get to 13 customs (my favorite number) and that is where I want to stop. Sure I may sell one to pick up another but that is my goal. While I haven't entered that 1000+ realm and may never get to that point (never say never), I understand that desire you talk about when seeing all of the knives posted on IG and forums. Keep up that desire so some of us can live vicariously through you! You da man Jim!!!
Its just like the guitar market/hobby. U got your imported guitars, then usa made, then custom/handbuilt guitars. If someone proclaims a new pedal or amp the best, everyone jumps for it. But just like knives, you love that top tier, but you always appreciate the not so fancy, quality built usa standards.
It is a sickness.....and i love it...
it's carrying a piece of art, it's carrying the work of our favorite knife makers and appreciating there craft, I don't buy much production anymore, damn you jim skelton for turning me on to custom cnc products/ custom knives lol
I'm just getting into mid-techs and I'd say I appreciate my high end productions the same as I used to but not so much for more affordable, common productions.
Im still collecting production knives. Very tight budget, but getting a few knives Ive wanted for a long time. My new being a Spyderco Gayle Brady along with a Caly 3 CF for $150 bucks. Had to jump on that price. Both excellent .
Great video bro, love looking at te crazy stuff u get on IG i hope to some day move up to getting custom knives money just isnt there yet but i can appreciate a good knife!
Framelocks and flippers reign supreme.
Damn Jim...you REALLY hit the nail on the head at the 12:35 mark up to 17:44...I will have to refer people who don't get it to this video at that point to explain my sickness :) ... oh and that waiting for knives to ship part with the tracking...i am waiting on 4 right now to come in the mail...ones I think are amazing, though at your level, are probably not as exciting but are high end productions and 1 custom.
Hmm.. Five years ago? I was collecting puukko knives. Because I live in scandinavia. after that I progressed to spydercos, kershaws, cold steel and finally microtech. Some semi-customs appear in my collection now and 2 Vandermeulen flippers are going to be added to my collection in a month or so.. That's where I'm at.
I'm happily stuck at the production level. But I can't lie. I look forward to my first mid-tech knife!
I'm currently at the higher end production spectrum, and just recently got on David Clarks books after your video, I can really understand the "keeping up with the joneses" feeling, I see people post pics of Striders about 10 times a day and find myself looking to buy one, Then I realize that I really don't like the design of the blades (not yet) and I get so close to spending 400$ plus on something that doesn't turn me on. I personally find myself addicted to the feeling of getting a deal at this point, I'l see a Ultratech for 160$ in like new condition and I have to jump on it, A Civilian for 100$ and I cant let it slip away, luckily all these are blades that do really turn me on and I enjoy them even more knowing I pretty much stole them. :)
I can appreciate customs. I'll see a ton on tables at G6. Thankfully I still like my production knives, because most customs are out of my budget.
I EDC'd a 14$ Chinese flipper for ~2 years now, sharpening 2-3 times a week. I now frequent areas where police illegally search random young males, so I started looking into legal knifes. I'm waiting for the Lansky Mikkel Willumsem collab knife, the 'World Legal', a ~25$ two hands opened slip joint under 7cm. I became impatient when the local reseller postponed the estimated arrival date, so I started looking around for alternatives. I bought a bunch of cheap flippers on ebay, hoping customs would not detect them, and they all got through no problems. I now EDC the CRKT Edgie and a throwaway peanut knife (sharpened almost daily) for 'in-public' tasks. On my keychain I put a Spyderco bug to have a super-sharp knife for delicate tasks, and a Gerber Hook knife I'm testing out for controlled zip tie cutting. I've been considering the Spyderco UKPK and Pingo, and the Böker Cox, but cannot justify det cost - just yet. Maybe if I get disappointed with my current EDC *and* the Lansky/Willumsen, I am going to pull the trigger on one or more of those. I was really happy to see several youtube channels on this topic, I thought I was going crazy when finding out how picky I was with my EDC knife, its nice to know there are others out there :-)
Sharpening 2-3 times a week?!?!? Jesus, what is the blade made out of, butter??
Can't go Back to Production knives... As much is a like a ZT or a Spyderco Southard I'm going to try to go for the real deal... Ofc i will never get a Southard... Or Will I??
At the Moment I'm at a Dalibor Integral and enjoying the Integral kinda knife, next on the list for Integrals is a Snafu.
Customs are here to stay, so Ramon Chaves, Jake Hoback, Dalibor, Budak... I found out that i Like overbuild hard use knives and that is where i'm at atm.
Will still get me an Wayfarer for tactical, and i'm still in love with my M35.
Can't even think of going back to CRKT... they where so bad quality it still pains me to this day, my M16 broke in like 2 days, my KISS didn't even flick open...
From your table I would grab that Strife, it was love at first sight, and I need one!
About the Stan Wilson, still out of my league, maybe one day when i win the EuroMilhoes :)
oddly enough I got into knife collecting when I thought that my girlfriend should have a self protection knife to carry in her purse when walking to her car from work. I got her a Kershaw Leek (purple) and I flipped and flipped it and wanted it and so about a month later I couldn't take it any longer so I got my first knife and it was the ken onion ripple. It left me wanting so I thought if I got something closer to what I got her I would satisfy my want, so I got a Kershaw Shalot which I love still but I wanted more and more, then I cam across your channel and I saw all that there was out there and I was like a kid in a candy store wanting and wanting. I got my first custom which was a Solo V4 and I paid a pretty penny for. only months earlier if you asked me if I would spend that much on a knife I would have said you have lost your freaking mind, but I saw that knife and I had to have it! and so on and so on. I have watched as much video on knife making and collecting. That I have recently decided that I am going to try and make my own knives. I am one that if I put my mind to it I have to have the best stuff to accomplish my goals. I am currently saving up for a wilmont grinder and will be trying out my hand at that. Oh I can not wait. I am so excited! I am planning on taking my time on the first knife so that it is as perfect as it can be. I think I have a great design also and very usable! Thank you very Much Jim for opening my eyes to the world of Great Knives! you have been so great with everyone and your ideas and thoughts on knives are spot on IMO! Thanks again Jim and to all Knife makers that support our addictions!
I was into customs big time, even considered myself a knife snob. Then I fell on "hard times" and sold off everything I had to pay off some bills. I started all over again and I really got excited to receive a Cris Reeve Umnazaan a few weeks ago. Shit, I haven't put it down yet. I only have one custom folder(bluephin) and several productions in my collection and I am happy once again. The different levels can be enjoyed all over again if need be, trust me :)
I've dipped into some customs, but I still go to my production knives just because of the guilt factor. There are plenty of production knives that are made with task in mind rather than the art. The only production knife that I'm somewhat careful with is my Rockstead for obvious reasons.
Interesting video, sir. I'm afraid I've begun to get a "mission creep" feeling with knives. I started with cheapish production knives and then, as a form of tithing, decided to support some new and newish knife makers (J. Good, WC Knives, Paul Rathbun, cKc and a few Japanese makers). That quickly put me in the 200+ dollar range. Then I saw the Curtiss F5 series and, well, let's just say it's a good thing his books are closed on that right now...
I'm at that 100$ range with production knives I went down a level and tried a couple cheap knives. Because of that I know my steels that I want but there's not much I like on the market now. I like the m16 but it's steel sucks. I want to jump to custom but my budget is way too low cause I have no job and am 14. Still I think the SOG flash 2 TINI is my favourite and I have everything from the Ashworth turtle to my coldsteel ti lite (original 6"). The only knife I see myself getting is the talon edge but I want to wait till my hands are full grown.
I went from wanting everything I saw last year and buying much of it, to selling everything but maybe 10% and focusing on only a handful of makers. Sure I can buy 2-3 maybe more of the other makes knives for the same money but I like the exclusivity of having a knife know one else has or only a few. Just makes hunt that much harder which at times sucks but when you happen to land a few new pieces its even better IMO! Only time will tell where my addition takes me. Coming from the gun world, it sure is nice not needing to buy safe after safe as your collection grows thats for sure! Now if I only sold some of my other collection that would be fun to see what would happen to my knife collecting..................
My government salary wont allow me to play a lot with customs. I have owned a few but they came from the maker. I cant mess with 2nd market prices. So i enjoy what i have. There is no comparison when it comes to production and custom. Hopefully when i get set up i can be in that group of amazing knife makers. In due time
I've not been a "knife collector" for long really, I am not now either, but I am really getting into it and have my first Brous Silent Soldier on the way. I love the zombie coating on that.
I enjoy vicariously through you and other big-time collectors. I have 10 knives: 2 customs and the rest William Henry, Chris Reeve, Hinderer, etc. And will enjoy them. No more for now. Well, unless a dressed up Lochsa falls into my lap (*_*)
Im still in that 100 to 300 follar production stage but i can still absolutely LOVE a 12 dollar opinel or a 20 dollar victorinox and get the same enjoyment and thrill out of those as i can with a cool spydie or qtmstr or something a like, but im hoping to purchase a les george vecp (stonewash) and a strider CC sng at blade this year
Don't forget edge geometry Jim. I went from production knives to making custom knives. Kinda skipped steps two and three.
Look up "Hedonic Adaptation" it basically explains what you are talking about in terms of psychology.
This video makes me feel so damn young lol The talk about the Kershaw blur aahahah Im pretty sure those things are older than me!
the secondary market is just crazy i watched a video of a maker with a new model it was a proto cost he said would be $375.00 for the knife in his hand saw the knife on a secondary sight they wanted $1695.00 for it
My main collection is in a 1 Hr vid on my channel ...collecting seriously for 30 yrs but can't afford more then Midtechs, most i spent was just over $900 for a RockStead KOU DLC and a Medtech Microtech DOC, with the Black ceramic. I have figured out what I'm after. in use i hate the flat handled knives like the sage
ative ..don't get me wrong they do look good but are almost painful to use. i need more to fill my hand without hard edges ..currently giving love to a Matt Diskin.. DA Diskin fire.. Feels nicer in the hand then a Sage or Native. if it wasn't for the FU clip, i'd love the Marfioni D,O,C
One of my regrets in my collecting journey is letting that Anso Cato out of my hands. Glad I get to see it again under your lighting! Take good care of her Jim!
production knives. i just cant seem to take the leap into midtechs, since i like to maintain my own knives, which results in a few unintentional scratches because i like free hand sharpening. I feel like it would be a complete waste of a midtech if i were to scratch it up because of a moment of carelessness when sharpening. I already carry a 20$ 2in. knife to cut all the tape i want, without ruining my main knife, because adhesives are annoying. arguably i should just carry those 1$ disposable razor thingies, but im really not into that. that being said, i think the funnest part of production knife collecting is definitely scrolling through a billion knives and trying to figure out what specs you want, plus it is a much cheaper way to get a feel of what you like or dont like for your next knife (s). still a beginner.
Beautiful knives for sure. However, the problem with such nice knives is they rarely see much use and are thus not all that practical. Basically a heavy piece of art that cuts the odd string :). Looks like you really enjoy your knives though and that is the most important :). Great video and have a great day.
I have just recently made that step up from low-end farmers market knives, mostly skipping over higher-end productions to the mid tech range. Jim I got to tell you the truth, I like it here and I don't see much of a point in moving up and out.
I have a case of all my "sentimental knives" and I take them out look at and I still love them so much but I look at the ones that are not sentimental to me and most of them look like shitty knives. It makes me sad that I've wasted my money on them and didn't save it
I just thought I was 'da shit' for buying a benchmade almost a year ago. I want to go custom but I don't make enough yet. I think my collection will be a functional arsenal for the time being
Haven't seen this video in awhile but good luck getting a Battle or NFF for anywhere near the prices referenced here...go ahead and multiple it by 4....i miss the good old days..lol.
I have many many knives and will not go custom for the two reasons money and knife addiction. Yes custom knives they are beautiful, yes they are quality built, yes they have the craftsmanship, and yes they have exotic material and designs but, if you use a knife hard everyday like I do or are a outdoorsman like I am who likes hiking, fishing, hunting, target shooting, and camping I do not see bringing and using a knife that expensive as very practical. When I buy a knife I have several a criteria in mind one is for everyday hard use EDU, another is for outdoor reliable use, and survival/peace of mind use. If I loose a production knife or break a blade most likely they are still available and can easily be replaced not so with a custom knife. Do I wish I owned customs knives? Of course but reality is I don't collect as much as use. I do have some production knifes I will not use but keep as a collection items. So though I admire the knife makers, your collection, and the shows and videos you present, for me, I prefer watching those custom knife reviews while at the same time keeping my production knife collection and continue to use my EDU knives, reliable outdoor knives, and survival knives that serve my purpose well and have for many many years. Thanks Jim for opening my eyes to custom knife makers and custom knifes they are truly amazing artists and works of art.
I passed the mall ninja cheepo knives stage, and went on to good well known inexpensive productions. I love my Cold Steel XL voyager. It may not be nearly as good as the above knives, but for $50 I can have stronger lockup. Tri ad lock. Eventually I'd like to have knives like these, but that probably won't be for a quite a long time. I do believe that I could steel enjoy my cheaper knives.
Hey man awesome vids! Love watching them and listening to your opinions. I'm looking to get into custom knives, I've been collecting production for a few years and have my first midtech on the way (ferrum forge mordax). I'm looking to spend about $600 a few months from now and don't know what makers to check out. Any recommendations for good cheaper customs as users?
Really awesome vid Jim. Like how we were able to follow with your thoughts, as you wrestled with your internal struggle of progressive knife collecting. I think at times it helps to take your head out of the "game" and look at your collection as a lover of knives (and a user) rather than a connoisseur of knife makers and their craft. To remember that regardless of the knife makers standing reputation, his specific designs, materials, and philosophy on knives probably drew you in a tactile sense rather than a purely artful one. At the end of the day I think your enjoyment comes from the tactile use and carry of your custom knives, like your
high end watches.Tell me if I'm wrong, but I think once you venture into the 4K and up waters, the knife will cease all of it's utilitarian value and will be completely art, consequently loosing the utilitarian soul that I think drives your passion to own the high speed Southard edc, the hefty Direware, or even the nasty emergency tactical Frank Fischer. At some point will the next venture end up being a painting on a wall, or remain a loyal companion ?
I would agree. Once a knife becomes so expensive you don't use it, it no longer becomes a knife but a decoration. Jim says he never keeps any knife he wont carry or use and I agree with that philosophy. To me gold and bullets are an investment and both you can use as well.
I just collect production knives. Im way to obsessive for custom collecting. I would go insane and broke.
You say people want another knife right after you order one, that's exactly what I feel after buying a Spyderco PM2.
I do think once you bust into the next level its hard to go back. But all depends what your in it for. Collector user thing again. You have some extremly beautiful pieces there. But for me I see flaws not in fit and finish but user type things. Such as plunge lines where they look nice but for someone thats uses and resharpens they are not good. You would have a big chunk of steel near the ricasso or end up recurving your blade just trying to sharpen the whole length of the blade. I went high end gorgeous and relized thats not what I want in my knives and ended up a step back. So basically after time you figure out where you fit in. Beautiful customs midtechs or productions or a combination. You can go from one to another to combination and back to the beginning. All depends on how your use/or lack their of, and personal preferences fit in and tastes change. Not saying collector or user that one is better just it has impact.
Im at a point where im not excited by 95% of the production knives. I sold of most of my microtech, spyderco and benchmade collection and pucked a few knives that put a smile on my face and get my heart beating faster. I bought a adv butcher and im loving it, it was my Dads (R.I.P.) favorite knife so uts always staying with me. For close to 2 years I wanted a kwaiback and got the midtech and it my favorite knife hands down (Jake being the amazing guy he is hooked me up with his pivot). I bought a Shiro hati, as a Russian, im proud that my country men make what are considered some of the best knives. I bought a Van Heerden M16 and A2 collabo and saw the 2 smoothest knives I ever felt, I love the front flipper on the A2, its amazing. I ordered a obe off Clack blades Fortitude and I made a great friend in David, hes one of the nicest guys youll ever meet and im glad to give him my money. And as a Southard fan boy, im on his pre order for the Tolk, it has everything I can want in a knife and I cant wait to get that. My 3 grails, a bodega, a direware and a custom Southard. Once I get thise, I migth settle down, ywah right. I still have a few knives I want to get, 3 to be exact plus David is making a memiry knife in my Dads honor (im telling you, the guy is THE nicest guy you'll meet, if you can, get on his books) so my collection will be pretty set. I will always have at keast one spyderco military, its one of the best knives ever made imo, I love It and want to get back a few sprint runs, plus the spyderco southard is an amazing knife and para2 (yeah, im a spyderco fan biy still, always will be). Plus the camillus jolt which was my dads second favorite knife, I will keep ut for memory sake but I look at it and then look at the A2 with its perfect detent, action, seamless bolsters, amazing hand rubbed finish and its like night and day. Anyone who says no knife is worth more that $300, hasn't held a knife worth more than $300, if they did, they'd see the difference.
I blame Geoff, Dave, Gavkoo, Vance, Sebo, Bob, Derrick, Jasper, John, Justin and you Jim for really lighting the fire in my knife addiction (there might be a few more pushers out there, and you know who you are!). I would also mention some really awesome custom knife makers out there that are pure bliss to deal with, that might be a side effect from not sleeping for weeks on end.
When will it stop Jim? Muuhahahaa :P
just getting into my "mid-tech" game =] so fun
Trouble is I know so much more now, than when I brought my first knife (Benchmade - part serrated). I'm looking for very different things, that my budget can't quiet manage. Better steels, different blade geometry, higher standards of fabrication.
Out of interest Jim if you're gonna have to beat on a knife for a dirty job - whats your go to?
About your camera cutting off, are you recording to sdHC or sdXC? Because the HC cards use a older format and only let you record up to 4GB. So it would just be a matter of replacing the SD card to a sdXC. Hope that's it, we all want longer videos.
"Gay guys: Jim here!" You will think of this every time you say your intro now.
Just posted my vr to this jim!
That Stan Wilson though.... mmm.
I just bought my first custom last week for 975$
oh no
You said you "modified" that one knife. How did you do that and also where did you get the materials. Thanks.
Im on the level of about a $50 Spyderco Tenacious lol that and the customs Ive made.
I am just moving in to the higher end production knives yet I still appreciate my cheaper Kershaws I think I am about to go to the 500 - 1500 dollar range do you have any advice?
dat pearl inlay though yummy
Still dont get how that Stan Wilson locks, its a backlock? That is a well spent $2500!
U have some of the best knifes on RUclips. But. How much do u pay for you knifes. Or how much is the knifes worth in this video?
A lot of them are well over $1,000.
It is spelled as "Knives" btw, not "knifes" :)
How do you feel about strider knives, ive been collecting for a while and have been thinking of buying a higher end knife just dont have a ton of money
Great video, Jim. It's odd; I've found myself carrying a production Emerson Gentleman Jim a lot recently. It's got a great blade shape for fiddly work, and I use it a lot for deburring kydex after drilling for eyelets. My go-to knife for heavy duty tasks is my Clark Grunt. Years ago I would have winced at the thought of abusing a custom, but I've become one of those people who hates to have something built to handle hard work, and just have it sitting doing nothing. That's influenced my collection. I only have knives I use. I can only use so many knives at a time. If I get something new, I tend to trade out or replace something I already have.
I have the sickness. the only thing I save money for anymore is the next knife. I completely agree. even with my production knives... I must have custom mods done to them. I have a spyderco tuff that I put more in custom mods then I paid for the knife. I just ordered my first full custom. a Butcher from andre de villars. I fear it will be the first of many. lol
i have a zt 0560 and a zt 301 st