Why Collect Knives?
Why indeed? Why collect anything? Because we, or at least most of us, seem to have an inner need to hoard things and classify them. Some people collect beanie babies, some collect used postage stamps, and some even collect intangible things such as locomotive numbers. Its an addiction, so let's face it and admit it. Most collections have a tangible end, and a collector often strives for completeness. Completeness is possible with some collections, but with others we just have to be satisfied with a few samples. Who has a complete collection of Van Gogh paintings? See what I mean?
Why collect knives of all things? They are nasty, sharp, and are associated with weapons. They can do harm! In fact, that is often the first response when you tell someone that you collect knives. She people are much more likely to have that reaction. And yet, strangely, the people who use and collect knives most often are females. They use them every day in the kitchen and at the table. Heck, we all use them every day without giving them a thought! Come on, your cutlery drawer is full of knives, and I'll bet there are some different ones in there too. Some ordinary dinner knives, steak knives, old knives, new knives, and your favourite knives. You already have a collection. Yes..... read that again... "your favourite knives". In the kitchen you have all sorts of knives, of all shapes and sizes. Right? Are they nasty horrible weapons? Of course not. Well, they could be, but that isn't their prime purpose. Then I'll bet that you own a few other odd knives too. Camping knives, fishing knives, hunting knives. They all have a purpose. What's more, you will already have your favourite ones. Perhaps because they just do the job better than others, because they feel good, because they just look great, or perhaps because that special one was your grandfather's knife.
Folks, there is nothing wrong with collecting knives. The only problem you have is which ones to collect!
Photographs by Rod Neep