Obsessive Collecting PT2: Overpaying. How much is too much?

We've all been there. We find our "grail of the moment" and it's the only one we have the chance to buy... and that seller damn well knows it. Will you pay that extra premium to have it? What's your threshold and how do you justify the purchase?

[@anthonyp7051]

Soo much flavor!!! Said it before and I’ll say again,,,you are the 1st reviewer that really connected with me on beauty and function when it comes to knives. Thankfully that hasn’t changed and still have some of the most wanted knives I never knew I wanted! My dreams are on your table and that DireWare is off the chain and those Begg knives are nothing shy of WOW

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

Anthony P Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@MrSteveo357]

I have seen friends destroyed from drugs and alcohol...If you overspend here or there on a nice blade Its ok. Remember when you purchase something that is hand made with thought and care you support your fellow man and artist. This is a good thing know-matter how you look at it. I get the point of the video is when is it too much to pay too much? especially after market but in the end it really doesn’t matter if you have the means to do so and it brings you Joy. Excellent collection BTW

[@SuperPeleke]

When you picked up that direwares knife, I swear to god I thought it was a dinosaur egg.

[@pyaoliang]

I love how you put into words what we're all thinking, but perhaps are not ballsy enough to say. The only knives I've ever overpaid on were some Hinderers and those were actually decent deals. Now the market is flooded with Hinderers and people have wisened up not to pay for the crazy secondary prices. The other knife I overpaid on but made most back was on a VECP. Most other knives were through shrewd trades, and trading up. Of course value is always in the eye of the beholder. Good vid.

[@snorkelfish]

$1300 on a knife and I'm trying to save for a Sebenza 21 lol

[@anthonyp7051]

For me each knife I own I have made bonds with their makers you bet that goes the longest way in final finished creation. Again,not in the folder buys yet. Over 30 custom and semi customs fixies. So that means I gained bonds with scale makers,leather craftsman,kydex craftsman,custom fire rod makers going the extra mile and carving horn and other materials for handles,the list of these accessories are endless and what the outdoors knife community is all about for me. Yes I get a incredible functional tool and some times I go to my one guy for such exotic themed pieces that have great steel and heat treated optimal for its most hard use limits but I won’t be bringing them in woods thrash on or even to make feather curls. I have less then 10 makers all who are very quick to respond and once I’m locked in a design it happened where I waited over 2yrs and some will work one up in a month for me. There’s not a single knife that I own I see being able to part with. There’s no reason to give up a knife that was made to do its task. I only go ask for a similar to be built again and it would be by a separate maker and that’s if I want his take on it or that flavor that he does that signature whatever it is. The folders you keep on your table are the ones I’m after. Their makers have been able to change with the times but respectably without going total rainbow ti just to scream look at me and mean while the edge will never cut. Those Begg knives are the right amount of just about everything while keeping its main duty active and that’s to open,cut,close. My 1st folder has to be a Sabenza large 21. It’s the knife that gives us the statement of what a folder is meant to be. Not yet owning or have held these class of knives yet,,,my 5yrs of review watching still adds up for the large 21 to be the must have. When I go to my bulldog confirmation shows the judge has their knowledge of facts of what the breed standard is. This is what your individual animal entered is being compared to. So to have the best you need to know 1st what the best is.

[@tacfan72]

Your Lightfoot is by far my favorite knife that I have seen in your collection because of the awesome handle with the sharp contours and blue twill is one of my favorite exotic composites.

[@SilverStackers]

the TANGO looks like a KIZER. looks like the same pivot and scale screws that kizer used too. even the thumb stud and over travel stop look identical.

[@coleprivett4651]

They took that custom knife design lol

[@willywills2010]

Great video I liked these types of videos

[@rlsjunior797]

I'm more of a ZT, Benchmade, and Spyderco guy but that bodega is tempting.....the only reason I don't want to buy one is because I know once I get that first custom it won't end there.

[@d3pHc0n]

It's interesting to hear a collector's perspective.

[@TheFlyrodder68]

It's insane. Having said that, if one has a disposable income as such and this collection is what makes someone happy I have absolutely no problem with that at all. People have been known to collect jewelry, shoes, cars, whatever etc so I don't see knife collecting weird at all. Sure it's a tool but it's a tool that can be customized and great degree of craftsmanship, passion, and artistic talent can be incorporated while maintaining functionality. It's cool man. More power to those who can pull it off. Ha,ha, $1200+ for a pocket knife as a good value, insane! Thumbs up for a great collection, congratulations!

[@Toniba75]

And yes loved both videos. The one thing I will add is that collecting is all about feeling. We all know that if a knife does not give you that excitement , then you will most likely sell it. Also I tend to be a collector of super functional knives, which is weird. But take the rockstead , I know if that thing is in my pocket , that its edge will long outlast any and every knife. So for me it's about beauty and function. A samurai sword wasent just made to be pretty.

[@BahmannBlades]

Great video, i have to agree with you on that. If you dont have anything for that knife to compete with and you really want it for your collection... and have the funds and the wiggle room if it were to go south. I say go for it, after you have done your research and feel confident with it.

[@RageForSeven]

great video as always, what the brand / name of your watch, it looks really nice.

[@dougstanley6103]

you have some absolutely beautiful pieces,I have a small collection but nothing close to what you have,I collect more of the survival or bush knives but I think the most I've spent is around $200 for a Topps,I've been disabled for around 5 years so the money situation isn't the greatest but I'm happy with what I have anyway just wanted to say great collection....

[@mhoward180]

O gee thanks. There I am relaxing to watch another of your interesting knife vids and you have the audacity to(at one o'clock in the morning no less) to knock me out of my chair by flashing a glimpse of that killer watch which instantly became my new holy grail. So after faithfully watching your vid to the end I began an Internet search for the grail. Found it and it's on the way. STOP doing that, you're spending my kids inheritance(just kidding). Thanks for the vids keep them coming.

[@boxers311]

God im crazy over that umnumzan, your a lucky man! Great video as always jim!

[@KnottyEagle]

I'm loving this more philosophical based videos. I can pretty much justify the price of anything.

[@nosaj03]

Great vid Jim! I always say a knife is always worth what you are willing to pay for it. Some knives just demand a premium. Rexfords and Burch to name a few will fetch high numbers but sometimes the hot new makers will get some good money as well

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

Wow, thanks, I really appreciate it. I can easily justify the cost of a Bodega (and have in my Bodega videos). It's one of the very few knives that I classify as "perfection". I own both a Bodega and a Glimpse and I still couldn't tell you which I like more. I prefer the slightly larger handle size on the Bodega, better for EDC for my hand size, also a bit less slippery in the hand as well.

[@leterrible1172]

I just recently bought a Brian Tighe dagger with Damascus blade and Mokume handles. Think this is one of the expensives knives I´ve purchased since I bought one of my first (a camo 4 dollars chinese) 17 years ago. What is the process I have experimented during this time? My sense of the knife art has increased since then. I only can explain that the art marks the difference between a cheap factory knife and a "expensive" custom knife. I use an Omega instead a Swatch because the first give you not only the time but the sense of human art and high technology.

[@Toniba75]

What's is that watch your wearing? Love it! Rockstead is in a whole other class in my opinion .

[@tabby151]

I buy knives for usually 2 different reasons, either it looks awesome or as a functional edc. The two knives that are the most responsible for curbing my collecting bug are my Todd Begg Bodega and my Southard Avo, both for the same reasons. These are both flippers with nice smooth actions that don't slam open, the ergos are perfect on both and the build quality and tolerances are excellent. Another thing to note is that I've carried both for the past 4 years and they're the only 2 knives which have had NO changes in solid lock up, detent or blade play. The lock up has stayed at 35/40%, the same when new, no lock stick and they both hold great edges. I own a coupla Curtises, a coupla Brouses along with a few custom old school Pat Crawfprds and a William Henry for a dress knife. But my Bodega and Avo are the only ones that function the exact same way after some hard use as they did brand new

[@91a2jettavr6]

Are you purchasing your Tei straight from Rockstead? I'm picking one up to go along with my Higo and negotiated a better price as well.

[@huntergreen99]

Wow,, just awesome is all I can say. Speaking of justification, I just started collecting.. I mean just started, as I only have a

[@ar1368]

I have the same ideas about collecting. I really don't mind over paying for a Direware or Burch because I enjoy the knives. Direware's books are still closed.

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

You are indeed correct!

[@jackdarippa8119]

So stoked on the Hyper 90 that I got coming soon hopefully. dont know if I'll be able to use it though since the resale value is so high now.

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

Thanks bud!

[@Akpil2003]

Great videos- based on them I've purchased 4 Brous knives and subed. But, my question is this: Using the purchase price of the large Sebenza at $415 as the Gold Standard, how would you compare the Bodega, the Lightfoot, etc.? Price of the large Sebenza($415) and great vids like yours is how I evaluate whether to buy or not.

[@erikxroads]

I just found my wall that I will not go over again. I am the one that just paid for the tanto TuffKnives left handed Tanic. But here's the thing I am right handed. I wanted one so much I was willing to get a Left handed version of it. how messed up is that. lol

[@behemothsuperknife]

What some makers started doing. Is charging the approx secondary higher market price from their tables. But usually they also have a lottery to just buy one of their blades.

[@Akpil2003]

Thanks for your very prompt reply. Still thinking about buying the Bodega but several reviewers said that it's an expensive mid-tech. If you had your choice: Bodega or Glimpse? Please keep the vids coming- you're the only sub I have.

[@TheDreamtimezzz]

You say "overpay". An object is worth what someone is willing to pay. The difference is whether you collect for personal enjoyment or investment. If it is for enjoyment, and you are never going to sell it, than the value is immaterial. How do you value enjoyment? When you only focus on value, then you are more investor than collector. It also is dependent on your disposable income. A $2500 knife has a different impact on a university student vs. Bill Gates. It all comes down to if you and the seller are both happy.

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

I was right there ten years ago. And like I say... no matter the price or name on the blade, if YOU enjoy it, and it does what you need; that's all that matters!

[@sosakhitman]

My Holy Grail knife was a Tom Mix pocket knife because I watched Father Mulcahy on M.A.S.H save a soldier life with one. I have gotten a cheap knock off of it but never one that was given away to advertise the radio show.

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

I've yet to find a Martin that really tripped my trigger. Outrageous quality, no doubt... just need one design to sing to me is all

[@martis445]

I know that im not going to be able to afford one of these beauties in the next 3-6 years... The most expensive knife that i have is a simple, beat up CRKT M16-13SF (i know... That knife isnt even worth mentioning), but one day i might be holding a greg lightfoot custom or a beatifull yuna hard 2... Keep up with the videos, loving them!

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

I still believe, as I said in my Sebenza video, that the Sebby is still one of the flat-out best knives money can buy. Darn near perfect IMO. The Bodega is a step up in overall design as a beautiful, yet functional large folder that just has more personality.

[@Blueesteel_]

How do you like that Brous??

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

I have it! The obsession I just bought a large sebenza 21 on a credit card, I have $200 left to pay off, I’m going to my favorite knife shop this Saturday I want the small sebenza box elder burl I gotta have it so I’m going hoping I won’t buy one this week and add more debt to my card $200 is easy another $525 on top of thAt? Not so much

[@cung704]

What is that knife in the top right corner?

[@pipboy8787]

The watch he is wearing if I am not mistaken is the Chase Durer Special Forces 1000XL UDT.

[@experimentjon]

I overpaid for my first XM-18 since I'm not mil/le/etc. It ALWAYS bothered me while I owned it. And eventually I sold it for just about what I paid for it b/c I couldn't justify it to myself. Recently, I missed the knife, and picked up a different XM-18...also overpaid, but to a MUCH lower extent--the price on this second one was essentially the price of the new knife + new CF scale + shipping--but in lightly used condition--I think I can live with it.

[@c0nsci0usness]

That Yuna Hard 2 looks amazing.

[@Fresnocp1969]

I'm at the same stage my self, I can control my self a lot more than I used to.

[@huntergreen99]

(Sorry)) cont- a few knives total. Three CRKT Elisgewitz knives, all under $100 each. And one Damascus folder too. After looking around a bit, and thinking about it for about two weeks, I finally located me a ZT-0560 CBCF. I compared prices around various sites, as well as eBay, whose prices on this were between $400-$500., which may not be much to someone thats a knife collector of your caliber . But, im still just as happy. I now understand what you said about buying blind. Lol

[@mussolini1944]

I'd be interested to hear your opinion on the Tango after all the evidence that has come out that they aren't exactly what Tim has been marketing them as. I don't think they'll be going up in price unless someone unfamiliar with the whole situation felt it was worth it for whatever reason.

[@TheNjb2010]

today someone put up 3 direwares all around 1700 blows my mind they mark them up that much when they probly paid incredibly less. Ive never seen or handled a direware but I havent been that blown away by it. I just dont see how I cant get something better for that price. Will I overpay on some items sure but not to that extent. Your medford is such a 1of a kind piece I feel like its bout as special as it gets

[@7redi]

Wow that briten tango looks soo much like a kizer knife, or am I missing something here?

[@dawhitecastle]

+7redi It really does.

[@ethelmurtz3117]

this is one of the sweetest collections I have ever seen in my life. I want to give up collecting knives after seeing this shit, damn. ;)

[@dacathey]

I can pretty much say that I've never overpaid. I have a lot of patience and have waited years for the right deal. To me paying more than retail would actually bother me more than having it now and knowing that I could have done better.

[@tacfan72]

My knife that I can justify spending the money on and use it without caring about resale is my Microtech Mini Matrix especially since there were a couple blemishes from manufacturing that didn't make it a perfect specimen but it is still a user that I will baby so I can keep looking top notch for myself and not everybody on the Internet

[@MrNiceKnife]

I recently got my first custom knife and feel that I slightly overpaid, but it is unique and my first so sentimental value makes up for it ;^)

[@pohpatebazuk1767]

Ooooooo super klass

[@jeffgothro1147]

My cap is about six hundred dollars, I can't afford any higher, and not being a super serious collector I really can't justify any knife above my cap price. My holy grail knife is probably a James Coogler Nemesis karambit (about six hundred dollars).

[@SuPpAvIlLiN]

To answere the "how much is too much question". For me, its spending more than the second market value. Because if you are on par with the second market,your not really spending as much as you are investing.Even if its way over the makers price, it doesnt matter,getting it off the maker is a lottery chance with the real grail makers and thats not gonna happen.As long as the knife is demanding that price and I can get my money back than im not over paying.I have a video uploading on this actually

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

No, I was fortunate to find an individual who wanted to sell his.

[@huntergreen99]

Btw I also just subscribed. Keep up the good work. Great vid. Even if it was "Merlot" motivated. Haha

[@markp1234567]

Personally im gone completely off custom knives in the secondary market. I find it has become a game of trading lately. I personally like to use and carry knives and I feel i cant do that when I pay an inflated dealer or trader price.

[@drumrboy80]

I'm with the "wait and have money to buy three down the road" and not the "pay the premium and have it now" group.

[@CrowPollock]

I manage to always underpay. :D

[@TheArtrans]

I like you video's and you show some really nice knifes but I have to say if i hit the lotto I think 1700 dollars is outrageous for a pocket knife.In my mind 3-400 would be my limit. I understand and respect the time it takes to build them. But for what it is in my view its just crazy. i guess there is market for them. I have paid 200 plus for knifes and I do use them because I am afraid I will lose it. 1700 I would lock it up in a safe lol. I am a big watch fan but that is different a watches have ser # numbers and a market to buy and sell. The knife market is limited and to find a buyer would be much harder to find then selling a watch.

[@mcole6507]

Merlots are okay but pretty mediocre. Try some good red blends or Meritages. You'll thank me! After a while all the knives look really good!

[@SlavaT]

Rhetorical question. and how much are your feelings or good feelings and your health? it's a passion, addiction.this health.no limit.always have to aspire to evolve.

[@drumrboy80]

I recently sold a knife for $2600, before I even had the knife in my hands, and they were more than happy to pay, because the maker was only making 12.

[@michaelflamion9954]

hey jim-im disabled and live on a fixed income of $835.00 but yet somehow i manage to aqiure leagally and morally randalls-dozier-chris reeve and medfords just to name a few-so it definitly does not ever get better..m.n.f

[@konkelkent]

There is a Direware Hyper 90 flipper on ebay right now going for 1300 bucks, that aint too bad

[@MycoMatty]

Not gonna lie Jim but I was super surprised to hear that the Rockstead made you question where you want to take your collection, is it really that incredible? I mean you have some absolutely superb pieces and of all i think the Rockstead would've been my last guess that would make you question where you wanted to take your collection.

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

It's true. Also in the months since I made this video, I have taken my collection up to a higher level... yet my SHIN is still in my top favorites. I would suggest to anyone looking for something very special to get any Rockstead that they can get their hands on. You'll never be unhappy

[@JPCinDrock]

I don't ever plan to sell a knife i have or going to buy..But at the same time resale is one of my biggest factors in a knife purchase. So no i could never justify a knife i have overpaid for, but at the same time i'm a cheap ass...LOL

[@franksworld9922]

I am a amature knife maker and hope someone like you will one day review my work.

[@jeffcon123]

I can only justify maybe 3-400 on a Knife I plan to beat up.. Got the tanto umnum and now I do not see the point of spending another 400 on ANOTHER knife.. I love knives just don't get why some people have thousands invested in knives that just sit in a safe..

[@deadbeatbillionaires]

Jeffcon123, your problem is, fortunately, you have more sense, than dollars. Save your money and buy something that you are not afraid to use every damn day!

[@jeffcon123]

I try to keep it real I wanna buy more I just can't! It's hard to imagine having a safe full of knives I don't wanna thump on

[@BrotherNkosi]

600 dollars for a knife. I want to be like you when I grow up.

[@jamesgixxer1k816]

You say $650 is a more than fair price for that knife. In all seriousness how? What can that $650 knife do that, for example my favorite edc a $70 crkt m16-13t can't do? Do you or have you ever used that knife? I've bought some knives basically just for fun but the most expensive being $140. I never use that knife. It just sits and fondle it occasionally. Do you actually use that knife for anything?

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

Keep in mind that your comparison is like asking why a Bentley costs more than a Subaru (they both effectively "do" the same thing) or why a Nighthawk Custom 1911 costs more than a Lorcin. Quality components create a better product. Quality of the steel equals longevity and durability. A hand tuned detent, careful attention to lockbar tension, lapping of pivot hole in the blade and thoughtful placement of a thumbstud or flipper tab create a more desirable action. A custom knife in CPM3V or ZDP189, Stellite 6K, etc will hold an edge longer and take a keener edge than a low priced budget knife with AUS8 or 310 steel. Custom makers will tend to heat treat more effectively creating greater edge durability. Custom makers aren't grinding at top speed and burning through their heat treat like many production knife companies. The list literally goes on and on. I still own a few production knives, even still have my good old $30 Spyderco Tenacious (and carry it from time to time). I have knives as budget-friendly as $30 and several as high as the mid-$2,000's. Each have their own unique qualites. My tastes took a long time to evolve. In the 80's and 90's into the early 2000's i was perfectly happy with sub $100 knives and couldn't understand WHY a knife would cost more... until I bought my first custom.

[@aniqadam1847]

+Jim Skelton what was your first custom!

[@sharpshizz]

Bodega... keeper. Rockstead... keeper. *crickets... Yuuup.

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

pfffffffffft, you love my voice. It's like an angel

[@markp1234567]

Lately im seeing alot of people who are getting hinderers and other lotto knives for the soul reason of flipping them for profit so they can purchase something more expensive or saught after. That really pisses me off because im living internationally and very rarely get the oppertunity to get the knives i want at the manufacturers price.

[@brianminkc]

I am on a damascus kick... but I can not afford these customs. Makes it hard on my budget. I just love how sharp damascus can get... like a razor. Thats also why I like D2 ... it gets really hair splitting sharp too. Seems like the steels that really get sharp are the ones you need to take care of to avoid rust. Could kick myself cause I hesitated for one day on a damascus Kershaw skyline under $100... sold out today. dammit.

[@waynelindsey5520]

I only have to justify purchases when my wife bitches about it...haha

[@samn6201]

I wish i could by expensive knives but i just dint have the money to by anything above 100 dollars every 6 months or so

[@tovsteh]

sam n where do you live?

[@samn6201]

I live on the moon.

[@WideOpenThrottleC6]

sam n i believe it. Buy*

[@Cynsham]

not gonna lie, but I don't like that Rockstead. It looks like a suped up version of a kitchen knife, and that just doesn't excite me. But if you like it, that's great.

[@91a2jettavr6]

Tim from BF, I presume ;) . If so, I thought about his but wanted new.

[@glytch5]

man I really do NOT find those Todd Beg knives attractive, especially the wood grain looking one. Really don't dig the look just my opinion but I've never held one so what do I know. Out of these knives here I really like your pimped umnumzaan, it just comes together so nicely I think. I looked up stock umnumzaans after I saw your vid on it, and man the stock one just doens't do it for me at all, as do most Chris Reeve knives. I want to buy something in the 5-7 hundred dollar range not sure what to get...

[@WideOpenThrottleC6]

Max Savino it looks like burl wood. looks nice to me.

[@tuffthumbz]

:)

[@semperfipt]

If I found something I really wanted I would overpay to a point. But when it gets ridiculous double or triple the makers price, I won't do it. Though money is more of an issue with me than probably you. But what I really am learning is paitence is the name of the game in the knife world. If you can wait you'll more than likely wont overpay. Too bad I have the paitence of a 5 year old lol.

[@tengc]

*droool*

[@SuPpAvIlLiN]

When your spending thousands you have to be into knives for more than just their ability to cut. It has to be way more than just a tool to you. If its just a tool you might as well buy a home depot knife right? Or only own one good production knife with a lifetime warranty that will serve you for ever.

[@Sugardaddy501]

Ill stay to hard to break budget knives that are ugly; I need ugly as shit tools not safe queens.

[@BilletMignon]

I think it's overpaying when you're afraid to use the knife due to the price you paid. Yes, art knives have their place, but I can't think of spending thousands on a tool that I can't use. But that's just me.

[@markp1234567]

It has become less about the love of knives and more about the thrill of the hunt. I remember the first custom Mick Strider SnG I purchased from a dealer for 800 now the dealers are charging 1300 for pretty much the very same knife. Im sorry but im not going to help these guys get rich any more.

[@strikeeeR34]

*obsessive

[@JimSkeltonKnives]

Had one, made a video, got rid of it

[@stevemota58]

1,100 Rockstead Shin 1,200 Begg Bodegga 1,800 V2 Direware flipper 1,900 Burnley Kwaiken damascus. Obsesive ? :-P

[@asambi69]

That direwares kinda ugly, it reminds me of the grimso knives, such ugly blades.

[@BilletMignon]

First.

[@tuffthumbz]

jim...stop talking