There is a lot of great stuff efficiently packed into this post. It highlights a difference between *needing* a set of knives (especially for pro cooks) and wanting to explore the world of knives due to curiosity. And of course having the financial means to explore.
For me, the endgame -- if the game was simply to have much higher-performing knives then the old soft stainless Wusthoffs -- was reached within the first year, after obtaining 210 and 225 Hiromoto AS gyutos, and parer/ utility/ suji from Pierre Rodrigue. In the 12 or so years since, it has been mainly about buying various (and unneeded) knives from many western makers. I don't *need* them, and few function any better than those first knives, especially since the Hiromotos both got Dave Martell's 'spa treatment'.
These days when it's time to pick a parer, I mentally tick through the list: "Hmm, the Harner today, or the Ealy? Nope, going carbon damascus and picking up the HHH. Yeah, Randy's a great guy. I hope he's doing well. Damn, it's been a few years now since I last talked to him. Delbert, too. Glad we have Butch fairly local to us; I love his XHP blades."
The last couple of years I've decided not to buy any more knives, so that has resulted in picking up no more than 4 or 5 each of those years. A few were KKF group buys knives from makers that were not easy to get knives from, so it was worth giving them a shot (and the two knives are very nice), Some were from makers who have faded from the spotlight, and the owners needed to sell; great chance to add something from that maker to the collection finally.
I try not to buy into the hype these days, similar to the stock market. Keep $ set aside, and when an opportunity presents itself be ready to act. I picked up a few Martells from Dave when they were languishing in the BST subforum; fantastic knives, and surprisingly underappreciated. I have added DTs when the customer who ordered a knife backed out.
For the most part the knives I have added over the years are artisan knives. Usually they are from makers I have talked with/ corresponded with in the past. I am happy to support the craftsmen/ artisans who make kitchen knives well. It's a really tough way to make a living. Even if their gyutos sell for USD $1000 most still do not earn what is considered a decent hourly rate, and (if in the US) don't have healthcare coverage unless the spouse has it through their work. Making all elements of the knife is amazingly inefficient. The Japanese have it right when they use a handful of different people make the knives, so one excels in forging, one in sharpening, one in handles, etc. That leads to lower prices for the consumers while improving the ability for the makers to earn a living. The western makers that do it all solo have the deck stacked against them. But, to me at least, it is a more desirable product to own. And some can combine talents to help a bit, such as Randy Jr making damascus that Randy then turns into finished knives.
The other aspect that keeps me in the knife game is social. I've met a lot of people through ITK and KKF over the years, and some are good friends. The forums attract the whole spectrum of professions and personalities. Some are professional cooks and chefs, some are engineers, some work in the trades, some are medical professionals and lawyers, etc. It's a great mix of people. I've met many people at the old ECGs (when still in PA), and try to add more each year. I've met a dozen or so KKFers from out of town when they visited DC, and even hosted a couple of them.
It's become more of a people thing for me than a knife thing. There are a lot of new makers throughout the world, and I enjoy learning about them and seeing their work progress. I'm amazed at how many makers there are in the DC region these days, and how talented they are -- yet most are completely off the KKF radar. I definitely enjoy meeting them and hearing stories about their journeys. And, when possible, supporting them buy buying a knife.
If the people/ social aspect disappeared from KKF, and threads were only about knives and their characteristics, it would hold no interest for me as I already have way more knives than I need. The people are what keeps it as an ongoing hobby (pursuit?). The knives bring/ tie the people together, but the people keep it interesting and worthwhile.
And who knows, maybe
@MontezumaBoy will make it here for an ECG -- There will be quite a few people happy to finally see him in person. And if not, maybe he'll come to DC for work or vacation, or I'll wind up out his way, and we can get a nice dinner somewhere.
