Today, a more philosophical video on the constant search for 'better' in EDC, and the kinds of things that stop us from finally finding that perfect piece of gear and reaching gear Nirvana.
That really is the key. If you think your happiness is going to come from your next purchase, then you'll never be able to buy enough and ironically will be less happy with more stuff. Staying disciplined with your purchases allows you to enjoy them more.
I recently purchased an Ontario Rat Model 2 in D2 steel to replace a 20 year old Husky pocket knife. As soon as I held the R2D2 in my hand I thought "This is it! I found the perfect knife for me!" No more wanting another knife, I found my peak
This is why nick is such a great guy. Has so many fans. And is a great youtuber. He hakes great content, is honest, doesnt let anyone influence what he does or doesnt like/do, and on and on. I love your vids nick. Keep doing what you love and bringing us along.
That is just part of our society and values as a society. The perfect thing and therefore feeling is just one purchase away. I don't have muchmoney so I can only buy two or three knives a year, but boy do I find satisfaction in any one that I own! I like using them, playing with them and building memories with my stuff rather than getting my satisfaction from getting more and more. The less you have the more you value what you have!
I appreciate and enjoy your philosophy videos. Thank you. I will soon be heading into full retirement and am looking at accumulations of fountain pens and folders/pocket knives. Most provide a bit of joy when I use them, and I do try to have a rotation where I use them on a semi-regular basis. That said, I, like the majority of Americans have too much stuff. Part of the problem for me is that I didn't always know what I needed/liked, and when I discovered it I didn't immediately get rid of things I didn't need. The larger problem is the human ability to rationalize and create needs where none exist: "a high-end, heavy duty, dress knife for weddings and funerals" should not be a thing.
The only person I’ve ever seen do it successfully is Matt Armstrong from the Pen Habit. I remember at the time people were upset that he just closed up and walked away. I think maybe that’s the only way to get out.
I’m not looking for “better” or “ideal.” I’m building a collection. My goal is variety in terms of manufacturers, materials, design, etc. This is not about “enough.” This is not about how many knives I need to cut boxes, branches, or open packages. If that were the case, I’d use a box cutter and a pair of shears. As long as the materials are good, the design interesting, and the price reasonable, this will go on.
This podcast really hits home for me. I have gone down this rabbit hole before with stereo gear, watches, shoes and boots, ties, and lately, Swiss Army knives. Many of us have a problem, though we don't realize it until we have taken things too far, then wake up one day wondering where all of our money, or maybe our living space has gone? I don't know what triggers me to go from enjoying something to obsessing and collecting it, but I think it is genetic. When my Dad passed some years ago, we found in his house collections of stuff we had no idea people even collected. Now, don't get me wrong. My Dad was a great man, but man he had a problem when it came to collecting. And though not all of his collections were complete junk, many of them turned out to be pretty worthless monetarily given the amount of time and effort that went into amassing these collections. But this is from the perspective of his ungrateful heirs who didn't appreciate these collections for what they were or the work that went into amassing them, which was considerable. You touched on some of this in your podcast, but I think for a lot of us, it comes down to this. For gear especially, guys like it because it is useful and cool. And the first of any one thing is tremendously useful. If you go from zero good knives to one good knife, your life is a lot better for it. Same with time pieces, same with razors and so on. Then you start looking for reasons to get more, and for awhile, the quest and the knowledge is as good as the having. But at some point, you turn around and find your life doesn't really get all that much better, and maybe gets worse the deeper you get into the hobby. Take watches. So you get into the watch game where before, a watch was either a tool to keep time, or a fashion accessory to match what your are wearing. Then suddenly, you develop an appreciation for mechanical watches, or worse, expensive mechanical watches, depending on how much money you make. At a certain level, this is a good thing. Something that was just there is now something you get real pleasure from every time you check the time, or when you get dressed in the morning. But inevitably, you take things too far, and you start justifying just one more watch. Maybe you fixate on a certain brand, or maybe a certain type of watch, or maybe try to cover the bases with, for example, a dress watch, a sport watch, a chronograph, and so on. Never mind that you wear jeans and sweatshirts every day so don't really need a dress watch, and never venture beyond the shallow end of the pool so you don't need a dive watch. But no matter, you have to have one, and maybe an expensive one like a Seamaster or Submariner because that is what serious WIS do. But at some point, when your collection starts growing and your bank account dwindles, and you start spending thousands for repairs, or have to keep most of your collection hidden away in a safety deposit box, AND nobody except you and a handful of watch nerds even notices or cares, then you wonder why you bought more than one or two watches to begin with.
I'm the orange knife guy. I found what exactly "enough" is in my usage and carry. Anything else I buy/carry is a higher peak but I can be content with my view from the SpyDK any day. I've echoed this sentiment in my posts explaining why I post it everyday. That little orange FRN slip joint is my center. Anything it dramatically over performs isn't worth my time. Anything that dramatically overperforms it is nice, but just extra. I'm lucky to know where my center is in this crazy EDC life we live. Any "chasing" I do is more like a vacation rather than my journey. I know exactly where home is if I get to the point that I don't wanna chase anymore. Great video as always sir.
I found Nick at 30k subs. I can’t believe he’s almost to 100k. Huge congratulations, Nick. You’ve come so far and improved so much. The quality of your content is so professional now. Keep killing it!
I have had a continuous succession of EDC knives going back 50 years. When the one I have gets worn out or lost, I get a new one. I'm always searching for the next perfect knife to replace the one I have and love now.
This was a very enlightening and nice video! This is exactly where I am with my gear. I have been selling like crazy and keeping the knives and watches and other stuff that I really love. It feels great. Thank you
We sold our happiness and satisfaction in life for the chase of something better. If we constantly look for things we really don't need, the advertising will succeed in convincing that we do need something new. And, shortly, that won't be good enough.
We’ve morphed into a full blown consumer culture. 40 plus years ago consumer spending was perhaps 25% of our GDP. Today consumer spending constitutes closer to 80% of our GDP.
Nick, I found your channel because I was looking for a newer better pocket knife. The Endura that I carried since 1991 was a bit large, and I had a couple of beater knives (turns out they were both made by Benchmade) that weren't all that nice. After a year of watching, the CRKT LCK debuted and I got one with the stabby blade because my local retailer didn't have the reverse tanto. Then you convinced me that I needed a Chaparral. I've got access to a wholesaler and they didn't have one, but the Native 5 lightweight was available and seemed to be the same design, a little larger, and in S30V instead of XHP. Good enough for me. I love it. It does everything I need it to do. I think I'm done for a while. Maybe not 30 years as in the Endura, but I'm good. Still continue watching your channel anyway because I appreciate the education and your opinion.
Really good stuff Nick. I'm fortunate not to have too many vices, but I do like sharp stuff. For my 62nd birthday a bought myself a MassDrop Keen (plain bronze) and as soon as I held it and fiddled with it I knew that "I'm done ". While I would like an original Slysz Bowie I found my pinnacle. Then I stumbled onto this video and it really rings true. Thank you for fueling us and grounding us.
I got into wet shaving several years ago. I've accumulated a few over the years. I bought the Feather razor as well and like it a lot. But in the same week I ordered a Rockwell Razors 6S. That's their stainless model with multiple heads. I found the one that works for me and I stopped because it works for me like no other. For knives, I just like them so I have a massive collection of knives but I also recently stopped not because I found the best, but because I have so many that are good enough that I just don't need to spend any more money. I think after 31 years I've also reached that point with guitars. I don't even know how many guitars I have. (over 70) but I have enough to cover any musical style ever. So until another hobby comes along, I think my collection/searching days are over. My bank account appreciates this greatly.
This video definitely gives me something to think about, for sure. I suspect I may actually be closer to enough than I ever previously expected. Thank you! 😃
These philosophical videos of yours are my favorites. As someone who literally, just yesterday, took an objective look at my knife collection, and who then looked at the 4 knife packages that arrived in the mail, and who said to himself, "Damn, how many knives does one guy need?" this video came at the perfect time for me. I need to take a break. I need to curb this addiction. I need to explore the satisfaction in what I already have as opposed to hunting for the next thing. So... I'm still probably going to lurk, but I'm going to try my darndest to stop pressing the "Buy it Now" button. Some practice in self-restraint and appreciation for what I've already got would be good for me at this moment in my life. Thanks, Nick. This meant a lot.
This one really hit home for me. It’s something I’ve been pondering for quite a while now actually, since I realized that I had basically plateaued at a few items that were essentially my ideal. I’ve been buying new stuff looking for something that eeks out just a little bit more perfection, but at a certain point that becomes very difficult to do. And unfortunately, once you’re there, the mail calls where you just say meh get to be far more common than the WOWs. I have a lot of great knives from Ontario’s up through several thousand dollar customs. But the gold standard knife for me that I compare all other knives to the the Brad Southard Avo. Despite its issues, that knife for me is the about as good as it gets. I love the design, love the look, love the steel, I love the action, and most of all, I love the ergonomics. It’s like it was literally designed for my hand. I’ve got customs from Brad and many other makers but none quite do what the Avo does for me in hand. It isn’t a perfect knife, but it is a perfect knife for me if that makes sense. For several years that’s been the knife I always compare new acquisitions to. but I find that even some of the knives that objectively better in a lot of ways, the majority of them don’t see the pocket time that the Avo gets. Nothing seems to be able to knock it out of the pocket for very long, with a few exceptions. After a while I just sort of realized I was chasing some abstract perfection that I was unlikely to ever find. It was just a fruitless search that very rarely ended up with the desired outcome. It’s still something I battle with as I still occasionally buy something thinking ok maybe this is the one that finally does it. But I’m a lot more conscious of it now. I’ve recently been trying to slow down with all the new stuff since it often doesn’t bring the desired satisfaction and it can cost quite a bit of money to always be chasing the next thing. I’m trying to take stock and better appreciate all the amazing gear I’m lucky enough to own already. ‘Enough’ is a tough thing to grasp since there is a lot of joy in the hunt and the euphoria when something does make you go WOW is wonderful. My most recent experience with that would be the TRM atom. It was a knife I initially assumed was another heavy hype flavor of the month type blade. But after getting it in hand I realized how dead wrong I was. The knife itself is great and it’s even better knowing that it came from a whole company full of gem people. That knife was another I just found I didn’t want to take it out of my pocket. It started making me consider whether I needed a lot of the other knives I have at all Sorry for the long winded comment. Your video just kinda got me reflecting on how I’ve been feeling for quite a while. And you hit it on the head. I don’t see myself leaving the hobby any time soon and I’m finally making the trip down to blade this year, but I’m starting to be more considerate in my purchases. Im starting to really ask whether it’s something I need to have or if it is just something I want this moment to fill the void. Is it going to be something I can’t do without, or just another one to sit around while I carry the few favorites. It’s a tough mental hurtle to get over because everybody enjoys getting new stuff and there is always the allure around the possibility that maybe just maybe this one will finally be THE one. Anyway, I really enjoyed this video. Love the channel and always enjoy the philosofical examinations like this one. Keep doing what you do Nick
Brave of you to do this video. Very philosophical. I'm trying to do just this and it's working for now. Maybe I'll buy 1 or 2 knives this year but only if I'm selling 1 or 2. It's a good starting point for everybody: limiting for example to 10 knives. If you want another one, you got to sell one. It makes you think and question every potential buy.
Honestly, my goal is that with every knife in my collection I am trying something new. New lock, brand, steel, opening mechanism, or design intent/purpose. For every knife in my collection that I have searched for myself, I have an envisioned of its usefulness. I'm glad that I'm starting to slow down on collecting knives since I'm starting to move on toward knife maintenance and hopefully I'll get to the point of doing good customizations.
Thanks, Nick. Out of you many, enjoyable videos, I enjoy these philosophical 'discussions' the most. I find that the older I get (actual, bona fide retirement may be in the real future 2- 3 years out), the more I take a "value" approach. By necessity, it's a personal decision as to what the value is but I find that what's good for me at a good price is nirvana. My recent example was dipping my toe into automatic watches. I realized that I, personally, am quite happy with the Hamilton Khaki automatic even if it "only" gets + 5 seconds/day. I know I could spend many thousands ($$$) more to get it down to 1-2/sec/ month -- but if I wanted that much accuracy, I'd just go for a solar 'atomic' watch. So, happily, I find myself more and more in my local nirvana!
Ladies and gentlemen...and the award for the vid of the decade goes to... that's right N.Shabazz! In Spanish we have a saying "you put your finger on the wound" meaning right where it hurts. I love my knives, I can spend hours going through the geometries, lines, locks etc., but for some months now I've been thinking about an old Wallis that I used for everything, everything and that and a Victorinox were my only blades. I missed that feeling of just having one knife for everything. Now I'm on a different path of collecting I guess, of course there's still this strong pull to keep on buying and good thing I'm economically limited otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation. I enjoyed everything from this video from Maslow to Bodhisattva to Moore to an obsession to contentment. Just gotta say ... Thank you Nick!
Collecting knives made me (as you said), "feel uncomfortable" when I added up my purchases. The total was MUCH higher than I had imagined. So I began to focus on the knives I love and have begun to sell off the ones I am disappointed with, now that I have found better. So, I am now growing to appreciate what I have and what's "good enough" for my needs. Nick, this is a great video. It helped me to realize that I spent many months, (and many dollars) learning about this industry/ hobby and now I have found some "gems", and I'm in a good place.
Now the overconsumption and the "enough" are more important than ever because of the environment impact (direct and indirect use of resources, created pollutions, etc.) of the products lifecycle, we have to combat the greediness and selfishness in ourselves.
i can proudly say that my knife collection is done. I got 1 frome every kind i was intrested and with the laws here in germany there is no point in sinking more money in knifes. Watches on the other hand ..... oh boy
@@poisonousnut Its my dads fault i will end up in poverty. His sweet Breitling fascinated me when i was a child and now that i got money .... rip me i guess
Great vid. I do enjoy the conceptual side of your reviews. I think too that we can rotate on different axes (had to look the plural for axis) at the same time. I enjoy the chase, that is certainly a part of the equation, but I also enjoy the mental effort I put into choosing a knife for the day - intended use, local knife laws, exposure to moisture, how recently it was carried, and compatibility with what I am wearing all have input into which knife I choose. And that process, while it takes less than 5 minutes daily, really stimulates my mind and keeps my mind fertile and sharp. And not all knives are created equal, there is a special feeling I get when I am carrying one of my favorite knives, which I otherwise tend to pamper. Ultimately, whatever your poison, I think you are right and that we should be Mindful when it comes to our obsessions; I don't think it ever hurts to ask Do I really need more? and I can easily imagine times it would hurt not to ask that question.
Razor: Gilette butterfly mechanism Knife(s): Spyderco Native (design) + Kizer Mini Begleiter (design and steel, yes. It's CM154. But I'm good at sharpening it. I have trouble with the S35VN) Flashlight: WIP Keyboard: Planck with box browns Headphones: I think I'm settled on the Sennheiser HD650 for open backs. IEMs are a WIP. Watches: Casio Mudman + Seiko SKX Motorcycle: Currently working on a Harley Sportster. So. My WIP is a WIP.
You really ought to check out the IWC Aquatimer Automatic IW329001. I think I want to see you review it more than I think you'd keep it. It's my grail watch.
For me, the ultratech is that local maximum you mentioned. For the last year or so I’ve been checking them out and window shopping. Yesterday I was at the Indy 1500 gun/knife show and there was a 204P Ultratech in grey with a plain edge/serrated combo. Considering grey is my color and I’ve been wanting one so bad, I pulled the trigger. I don’t think this will permanently take me off the chase for that next peak, but I can definitely say it feels like a weight has been lifted from my chest (and wallet). Good video Nick.
I think the best way to think of your role in the gear world is as a Gear Bodhisattva - someone who has reached the precipice of gear enlightenment, but avoids taking the final step to help guide others to that point and into gear enlightenment because they get more from helping others find what they truly love than they would from their own personal enlightenment. It's an important and valuable role, especially imo the way you approach it, since you're constantly encouraging considerations of use, of value, of why, of what sparks joy, rather than just going "hey this is new and shiny and i like how new and shiny it is so go spend money on the new and shiny." There's a lot to be said for obtaining a lot of knowledge and experience in a realm and using it to help others figure out exactly what it is they love about it, be it the raw utility for their personal life, what the realm represents to them in a metaphysical sense, or in the cyclic chase for perfection we all so often find ourselves trapped in if we're not consciously aware that's what we're caught up in. edit now that i got further in: lmao same thought! i don't think not claiming to be one makes you not one just bc anyone who claims they're a bodisattva most certainly Is Not, given it's a title others need to give. Cringey? Probably, but what's the fun in not being needlessly pretentious!
I dipped into pens last year, and after trying the Jotter again and some disposable pens, I quickly realised nothing was going to beat what I had already (Uni-ball Eye Micro). Frustrating at the time, because I wanted the same writing experience with improved aesthetics, but it feels like a relief to have steered clear of that rabbit hole for now.
Nick, Nick, Nick. Although I like that you bring up being happy with what you have, which shows that you have a mature outlook on life and the kind of ideals that distinguish you from most American consumers. If you have decided you have everything you could possibly need, then you are likely not a collector, of anything. There will always, always be something better, but if you do not have the money...being happy with what you already have is a good choice. As a collector, I don’t feel I have to look for that grail, but instead a variety of that represents what is available in the prices I can afford. That, to me , is the joy of collecting. I can’t afford many of the higher end knives and customs are just not going to happen...but I still love the knives that I have been able to accumulate into a collection. If I had unlimited funds or just lots of extra cash I have no doubt that I could find some knives that I like better than what are currently in my collection.
I am in the good enough camp at this point. I love the research and the hunt and I know I am only going to buy one time. That adds enough pressure for me. I do love to watch the videos even though I would never buy the item. Also nice to know that if one of my devices break or I lose it I am ready to replace it with a new item that is better and/or cheaper than what I had.
Looking for and trying new things, and constantly comparing them, is what keeps me in all of these hobbies. Sometimes finding something that really speaks to you and fear of missing out on that thing- it's frustrating when, as a newcomer into a hobby, you find something that really speaks to you but isn't as obtainable anymore. Of course when I actually did experience that, I found flaws in the item and was back on the hunt again......
Good discussion Nick...I think I may have reached the point of complete saturation and satisfaction with my gear (watches --knives --guns etc) as I rarely see anything on the market that is better than what I already have. Watching reviews on the newest gear I tend to compare the various items to my acquisitions and they don't quite measure up to my established standards.
Boy do I need this video today. I'm hoping I'm at the point where there's just a few pieces I'm pretty certain that I want an I can just enjoy the hunt of waiting for the right deal to come along at some point. That being said, I did buy a massdrop prism last night just to scratch an itch.
Nick, amazing content! And it hits especially close to home for me right now. I may have found edc nirvana. I just lost interest in knife videos one day, and couldn’t figure out why… turns out, I’ve found what i need. I have my camping knife (Gerber strong arm), hiking knife(manix or PM2, office knife (bug out or SAK compact & leather man bond), and travel knife (SAK classic SD with the blade removed)… i still watch videos about new steels and locking mechanisms, but my credit card doesn’t sweat as much as it used to. Same with watches… I’ll watch a video and think hat that would be a nice watch it buy, but that means that i can’t wear my favorite watch… and what fun is that? What to do as an American when consumerism fails you…. Read? Have an adventure and actually use my EDC gear? Watch more RU-vid? Scary times, not being distracted by the next new thing… but also, somewhat comforting…. I think I’ve arrived. Great video as always. Keep ‘em coming. Signed satisfied in MN.
Thank you Nick Great message to receive My biggest downfall is buying duplicates, 2 of same model...1 to use, 1 to save...end up not using the either one 😒 just saving each
I like variety and tend to collect different styles/specs of whatever gear that might be. As I learn more about the item that I find myself collecting, I tend to want to try out the different aspects of that item (watch movements, knife steels and locks, synthesizer oscillators/filters etc.). I tend to use everything I buy and keep a rotation which I find lets me use the gear while keeping it all in good condition. I've bought a few "grail" items from my interests, but I find myself using them more sparingly than I should if having the best of something was really what I wanted. I think what really brings me joy is the experience of handling and using various designs or materials that I've learned about. As far as what is enough (since there will always be something new and different), I've found that limiting my collections to a certain space or quantity as defined by a container works the best for me. For instance, I have a 12 place watch box. If I see a new watch I want, a decision needs to be made. The earlier I set this type limit when I find myself collecting, the better.
I’ve always been a collector, what I have collected has changed over time, and right now while I still have a few knives that I would like to get I’m working on being content with what I have. It’s hard when there are always things that are cool coming out, but I think I have narrowed down to 1 or two things that I’ll get this year and just focus on those. There is so much coming out every month it would be insane to think I could keep up. So I’m going to live vicariously though RU-vid
We entertain ourselves by looking, I'm usually happy with what I have untill I start looking. My things are motorcycles, guitars , guns ,and knives. They kinda define my passions. I'm older and probably already own the best I'm gonna find . But we entertain ourselves by looking, I'm looking instead of enjoying what I have. Thanks Nick.
Well, I would say with gear it's similar to looking for an ideal life partner. There is always a chance of finding someone better. But most of us can tell that this particular one is good enough and you start investing in the relationship. BUT what I wanted to say there is a species of fish that found an interesting approach to finding the best partner. For the first third of their life they look for relationships - the more the better. They don't look for a stable partner, they just want to try as much as they can. Then the second third of their life they look for life partner which is better than all of the partners in the first third of their life. In the ideal world they find it and spend the last third of their life with it. By the way I love your videos particularly for one thing and that is how educated you are, sir! Throwing around terms like Maslo's pyramid of needs and computer algorithm optimisation. I respect you!
I've reached knife Nirvana with the CRK Mnandi in CF scales (BladeHQ exclusive) and the CRK small Sebenza 21. Despite that, I still buy knives that catches my fancy. Though more selective and critical now. I see my self stopping later on. Maybe in the near future. Just like any problem, once this is resolved another will pop up. I believe my slowing down with the blade collecting stems from my burgeoning interest in backpacks. Each cost a pretty penny as well. Hahahajaha. 😁👍 My wallet is taking a good hit. I am still thankful to you for introducing me to nifty and functional gear. One thing I learned from you is never skimp on quality.
You and bladehq got me into knives but once I got a Benchmade 940, a Spyderco manix 2 in maxamet steel, a salt series Spyderco, and a sog Pilar I have all my needs met from EDC to salt life to camping and havent bought anything new on awhile
Great topic. Having the mental control to stop buying knives when you enjoy knives is very difficult. One way you can adopt the attitude of "I have enough", is to have a great reduction in income. Retire, or lose a job, and finances will make you limit your purchases. You can still buy way too many inexpensive knives, so limited income isn't a magic cure.
Thanks for this Nick! I think this sort of thing is very healthy for the knife community. I thought it was a bit inspiring when they released the CQI Kapara, and Bryan (SliceyDicey) was just like, "no I don't need that, mine drops shut just fine". It got me asking myself on every new release, is the difference worth a whole new purchase? The answer is very often, "you don't need that"!
I haven't bought a knife since May 2019. It came down to nothing left to purchase. 150 Quality knives should be good. I do have plenty of other collection addictions though. Nice video Nick. Thanks. 😎👍
I always buy the best first time and done. My first Spyderco and Benchmade was a PM2 and 940. Done. Been a carpenter 40+ years I only buy Rolls-Royce tools one time. Just sold all my tools all worked perfectly after 25+ years using my last kit. I got into Airguns, bought about 30 in two years and stopped after I completed my list, done.
I like the collecting aspect of EDC items like watches and knives. I am however, right at this moment, happy with where I'm at in both collections. I never really wanted to find some perfect item. I have super expensive watches and cheaper watches, and I like them both for their different looks and different qualities, the same for me with knives. It's just fun for me to check them out and collect them, but after doing it for a long time now I acquire new stuff slowly.
I caught this really quickly in watches (Orient Sun & Moon), pens (Tactile Turn), wallets (andar card wallet), headphones (airpods pro), and keychain tool (leatherman squirt). Knives are the only thing that keep me chasing, somehow.
I have been through this cycle numerous times: watches, cars, boats...now knives (by far the cheapest vice! on the list). Now, I have limits on the size of my collection--one in, one out. I also make sure I use my things. When I sold my watch to buy a vintage car (dumb), I kept the watch I've worn all over the world on my best adventures. I do the same with knives now... it gives the permeant pieces in your collection meaning.
My life has been about the chase. I call myself a serial hobbiest - Each hobby or passion is intense and all encompassing for a few months, then it is onto the next one. If I like something enough - Watches, wallets, knives, computers/overclocking, tech gadgets, photography, etc. it will come back into rotation every several months, year or two. It keeps me out of trouble even if it is horrible for my budget.
Of course I do beer! I’m in Czech rep. - that’s what we do :-D Good vid Nick. Having like 10 knives I find myself sticking mostly with 2, like 95% and was thinking to sell some already. But I’ll keep watching at the same time and maybe there is another pinnacle in sight, who knows? :)
I was fortunate in that I found my perfect watch on my second purchase, and it's under $100. I've finally stopped with fountain pens as well. Time will only tell when I find the perfect knife, but I think it'll be soon (I'm looking at you Pena, release a second batch of those X-series Front Flipper Trappers!)
Well said... I went through a stage where I "needed" to buy the latest and greatest even though what I had was plenty good enough... Now I have 3 safety razors, 7 pocket knives, 5 multi-tools, and several higher end flashlights... Strangely, I only have two watches... My dress watch is an Obaku Harmony which is only 7mm thick and tapers to 1mm at the edge... Plus I have my awesome Casio G-Shock Ga 100cf which I wear every day and has been a beast for over 4 years... I'm done... I'm all set and have more gear than I need... My razors shave, my knives cut, my multi- tools work, my flashlights produce light, and my watches tell time... The only thing I might upgrade is my iPhone 5... I'm waiting for the iPhone 14 to come out... Shouldn't be long...
Inkosi small was my end game and knife nirvana for me. It's rather plain, but it does everything I need it to and puts a smile on my face. I think big factor in reaching this point was getting through the though that I needed a knife to do a huge number of tasks. Reality is I only use a knife for very very limited situations, and acknowledging made all the difference. I'm starting to hit the similar end game point for me with watches now I think. The Tudor GMT serves all the functions I need in my life and puts a smile on my face, and Omega Speedy is a classic that's a bit more understated that I can proudly wear no matter the situation. I have few other watches, but I think I'm already in the watch nirvana with these two and my watch journey is coming to an end as well.
You and Steve Guttenburg are my two favorite gear reviewers, and both of you have released videos addressing this topic. However, I still continue to spend copious amounts of time and money on knives and audio components. I guess I can't blame the reviewers.
I found gear nirvana in my Benchmade M4 freek, a homemade pry bar, Leatherman wave, and a cold steel tuff Lite. I really do not need anything more. I'm perfectly content with that set up.... But I can't stop!
I tend to agree with Nutn's concept of "2nd Type of Cool". Meaning, some things just interest you. Maybe it's the color or the form factor. Maybe it's how it fits into a collection. Maybe you like how it feels in your hand. Or, maybe we just like knowing that we own it. These are the things that bring us "joy" in our life. With that, I think its "a beautiful thing" - as Nick would say...
I started my knife hobby with the PM2, pm2 s110v, slysz bowie, techno, techno 2, delica, dragonfly, chaparral, kapara (And other knives) and all the way to the grimsmo norseman, and actually owned one. They are all sold and now I only own and use a rat 2 d2.... But I do miss the PM2 and may buy that.
For me its my Omega Planet Ocean and my Koenig Arius'. So nice I bought two and contemplated selling one but couldn't let go of either. I still want more knives and watches, but I have a feeling none will top either of these.
I found my dac/amp in the ifi micro iDSD Black Label and my headphones in the Fostex TH-X00 and Mr. Speakers Aeon. No end in sight for Knives, but I'm hoping I'll find mine eventually.
Totally true God knows how much I've spent on knives in 57 years..my first knife ever which I still have was a camping knife.. over the years I've used SAK's but always chased prettier knives now for the last 5 years my go to knife? A SAK TINKER..now I just collect them in different colors ...
I review flashlights (in written form, not video), and I think I just found a temporal maximum for an everyday carry pocket light for myself. By temporal maximum, I mean I'm fairly certain there's nothing I can buy right now at the start of 2020 that I'd like better for the purpose, but I can imagine ways it could change to make me happier. Of course, that doesn't mean I'll stop reviewing stuff. The light in question is the Zebralight SC64c LE.
Keep in mind what you now have is something you once wished for. For me it has always been about the chase and learning more, but I now ask myself is this knife or pen basically a duplicate in performance of what I already have or is it something different? This perspective makes it easy for me to continue the chase and learning without the desire to own that new knife or fountain pen. Thanks for the sharing your perspective and your excellent reviews. Have a great day ---- Life is much too short to have a bad one.
To me, feeling "enough" can only mean one of the three thing: lack of money, lost of interest, or human society/knowledge/technology have no improvement.
Im not into expensive knives dont want to spend the money (Scottish what can i say). My thing is carvind, spoons and dudhist figures, id like to say i sell alot but at the moment i collect my own carvings. Enyhoo, i do have a small collection of traditional kmives mostly rough riders. These knive are grear for whittling and almost all of them can satisfactorily remove wood and they are great for scratching the itch!. About a year ago I started using japanese chisels and built a collection of them. I made do with the knive i had.......... then recently i developed an eye problem so i had to sell my motorcycle and my carving took a hit, simple spoons and less detailed jizos. I stumbled on a youtuber, nick shabaz! and SHABAM!!!.i decised to buy tha falkniven gents pocket knife for stupid money. Cheers buddy. Ive admired this knife for years but unlike the rough riders it not realy a user its a fibget toy. But i do love it. Im back on rough riders, the expensive knife taught me a lesson. £20 knives are more functional. Excuse any bad spelling, meyeyes.
