How many knives, multitools or SAKs are enough?

[m47mu74nt]

Being a collector, all of the different models and variations.   

Never going to happen, but fun to try for.

Yeah, i know that, i was happy with my Ambassador-like:

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pre-1975 Windsor (pre 1980 stamping, pre-1975 scissors)
1975-1980 Windsor (pre-1980 stamping and post-1975 new grind and V spring)
1990 Moneyclip (scissors with screw, so pre-1991, but with grooved handle and V-spring with cam so post 1990)
2005-2007 Moneyclip (post 2005 stamping, 1991-2007 scissors: steel pivot)
1990 Ambassador (1975-1990 scissors, 1980-1990 stampings)

... until I discovered there might be Scissors with new grind but old single leaf spring   

[Gerhard Gerber]

I have stuff from all my hobbies that I wish I never wasted money on, I find the items I don't use regularly or at all really poke a finger in my eye.....

Knives are a definite problem, or at least was for the past two years.....

Fortunately I have nothing too expensive, and many knives increased in price by more than a third due to exchange rates.......not that the BK9 was a bargain, but now I wouldn't be able to justify it anymore......

And somehow the BK9 is the perfect example of what I find wrong with my collection, it's not a collectible knife at all, and I'm not using it. If I could sell it locally, I would, but there's no market.

The Chinese folders I bought were the actions of an addict, and not in a funny way 


So first problem is money........the second problem is a biggie.......

All these possessions often end up being a huge burden, if not today, then some time in the future........

[magentus]

I have stuff from all my hobbies that I wish I never wasted money on, I find the items I don't use regularly or at all really poke a finger in my eye.....

Knives are a definite problem, or at least was for the past two years.....

Fortunately I have nothing too expensive, and many knives increased in price by more than a third due to exchange rates.......not that the BK9 was a bargain, but now I wouldn't be able to justify it anymore......

And somehow the BK9 is the perfect example of what I find wrong with my collection, it's not a collectible knife at all, and I'm not using it. If I could sell it locally, I would, but there's no market.

The Chinese folders I bought were the actions of an addict, and not in a funny way 


So first problem is money........the second problem is a biggie.......

All these possessions often end up being a huge burden, if not today, then some time in the future........

Good post GG.

I try to keep a line from a song called 'Between Angels and Insects' by Papa Roach in my head when I find myself wanting something I really don't need; The things you own, own you.

[yud]

 

[Demel]

Good read in this thread. I've wrestled with this time and time again. I almost envy the guy who has had the same "idk what tool this is" multi tool on him for twenty years. Or the guy with the cheap folder that he is completely content with.....but then I feel bad for them because there are so many good tools out there if they only knew. I often wonder if I had to choose a pair or set of tools and kept only what I needed what would I be left with? honesty I'm not sure. In terms of mt it's a dog fight between the Spirit and the Wave. Definitely would keep the Yeoman. And for illumination the Thrunite T10T is still the champ in my case....oh and a folder. Most likely the Spyderco Centofante. I would say for a minimum 4. It's all based on needs I suppose. A multi, a sak, a folder, and a light. that should be more than enough for most people I'd say. Then they find MTO and start looking for backups, alternatives, different brands, higher quality tools.....this is what happens in a great place

[Smaug]

That's an awesome question.

For the average person, 1 is enough, and they don't think of whether it is the perfect one for their lifestyle. They have some ability to focus on the more important things that we collectors don't have.

Also, I have news for you, but if you collect MTs, telescopes, etc., you're not as practical of a person as you think you are. It's not a BAD thing, just a reality check. I'm the wame way, but for me it is airguns, RC trucks and other things.

Anyway, onto your question. From me, it's a two-part answer:

Phase 1: an otherwise reasonable person discovers the wonder of MTs. Or maybe decides to try to find The Perfect Model for himself. He buys what he thinks is closest to perfect, then is happy for a while. Then kind of goes down the rabbit hole and speculates that "Maybe this is better?" "Maybe that is better?"  "I should try one of those". Before we know it, we have 20 or more. So at first, we "need" lots of them, to find out what is "best."

Phase 2: After years of collecting and trying different MTs, we each find out what works for us, and start to favor that setup or rotate between a few favorites. Finally, we find that we only need 2 or 3.

For me, after many years of collecting and trying lots of different models, I settled on:

Vic Executive or Manager for weekday office carry, and Explorer Plus or Spirit X for weekend carry. Sometimes in the summer, I don't even carry the Explorer Plus or Spirit X, and just make do with the Classic on my keys. (see? That's already 5...)

Realistically, I could comfortably make do with just a Manager and Spirit X. There's just something satisfying though, isn't there, about being able to pick the perfect one for the job out of a nice collection, right?

[ThePeacent]

Of course, most of us could have one SAK and one MT and get by, but that's not the fun. We are multitool fans, hoarders, users, collectors...but all of us share the love for them, that' why we are here talking now in the first place.
I have a jutification for every tool I own, almost, and those that are unused and not much loved will soon be gone one way or the other, or just stay where they are in case some day they are brought to life again
 Warning: LONG READ BELOW!

More to help myself than anything else, I'll do like kkokkolis and list all of my SAK below,as well as what do I have them for (better said: my justification or excuse to keep them  )  and that'll help me realise how self-enabling I am... beware! 

Vic Alox Minichamp --- my keychain EDC since day 1 I put it there
Vic Alox Classic - BOB First Aid Kit tool
Vic Classic (x3) - used as keychain EDC before the Minichamp, now all unused (great gifts?)
Vic Executive - Second keychain set EDC (yes, I have two keychains with different keys)
Vic Waiter - nice occasions with drinks, beverages and nights outside, dress knife
Vic  Bantam . stays by the entry door to open mail/packages or stuff just after getting in the house
Vic Mountaineer - Workbench SAK, stays with my files and chisels for metal/wood projects
Vic Champion - Toolbox SAK, remains in the garage toolbox for general stuff
Vic  Swisschamp - My big SAK for no MT days, as a standalone tool or hiking/camping SAK, 'cause of pliers
Vic Climber Opera Mask - My only collectible/unique SAK with singular scale pattern
Vic Explorer - My oldest SAK, only one with inline Phillips + Glass comfortable for pocket carry
Vic Rambler - Previous EDC from keychain set 1, now unused, probably going to the BOB
Wenger S17 - First Wenger I got, stays in the bathroom for nailcare/hygiene/medical aid
Wenger S52 - As with Vic, my big tool for days which I carry no MT, 'cause of pliers

You see, easy peasy! 

[Steinar]

Realistically, I could comfortably make do with just a Manager and Spirit X. There's just something satisfying though, isn't there, about being able to pick the perfect one for the job out of a nice collection, right?

Well said! It's a little everyday luxury. (As for how many are enough? ... One more.  )

[ToolJoe]

I have two MT's. LM Crunch in my work bag and LM Rebar in my vehicle glovebox. LM C33T in my work bag and Vic OH Soldier is in my pocket everyday. My Gerber EAB is floating around somewhere. I have a number of pocket tools in my wallet as well. I think I am good   

The number of being enough can be when the Mrs. gives you the look  when you disclose another is on the way...