AFAustin
Flashlight Enthusiast
I know this is a subject that has been pondered many times, but forgive me if I forgo a search for all the past commentary. It's Friday night, it's been a long, tough week, I'm tired, and...OK....I've enjoyed a nice glass of wine....
What is it about knives and flashlights? So many of us who have a weakness for one, have an affinity for the other. I know, in my case, I stumbled onto the knife forums first, poked around there and liked what I saw. And then, without even realizing it, I was linked to CPF. The rest, as my wife would undoubtedly say, is history.
So what is the essential connection between these two tools/toys/ pastimes/obsessions?
I will admit up front that I am one of the objects of scrutiny here---I love and admire both. Although I am primarily a flashlight man, I periodically feel the strong tug of the wonderful world of sharp things, most recently SS Spydies and then alox SAKs.
That said, there is a fundamental difference in the two objects of discussion that I find most interesting. Knives, as opposed to flashlights, seem to me to be almost timeless. Yes, I know, knives can and do evolve, and better and better steels can appear on the scene. But, if it takes a fine edge and cuts like the devil, and is an object of beauty to hold and behold, a great knife will be great many years from now.
Flashlights, as any CPFer worth his salt knows, are changing and improving at a rapid pace---a "cutting edge" (sorry, couldn't resist) Luxeon III masterpiece from a couple of years ago can hardly attract a buyer on B/S/T.
So, for someone like me, who enjoys buying, enjoying, and then selling (to finance the hobby, you see), these two connected but different tools, the modus operandi is very different: You can use that beautiful flashlight as much as you like for a few weeks or months, and (as long as you are careful) it will be none the worse for wear. But, you had better put it back on the market before long, lest the newest LED variation make it obsolete.
With that beautiful knife, on the other hand, its good looks, razor edge, and sought after name, will likely preserve its value for a good while. But, if you actually use it in the interim, it will surely show the scars.
So, you can (gently) use a flashlight almost to your heart's content, but time is your enemy. As for a beautiful blade, time will treat you with kindness, but just don't use it!
Random thoughts here, from a lover of both these boy toys extraordinaire. I would appreciate any insights from fellow travelers......
What is it about knives and flashlights? So many of us who have a weakness for one, have an affinity for the other. I know, in my case, I stumbled onto the knife forums first, poked around there and liked what I saw. And then, without even realizing it, I was linked to CPF. The rest, as my wife would undoubtedly say, is history.
So what is the essential connection between these two tools/toys/ pastimes/obsessions?
I will admit up front that I am one of the objects of scrutiny here---I love and admire both. Although I am primarily a flashlight man, I periodically feel the strong tug of the wonderful world of sharp things, most recently SS Spydies and then alox SAKs.
That said, there is a fundamental difference in the two objects of discussion that I find most interesting. Knives, as opposed to flashlights, seem to me to be almost timeless. Yes, I know, knives can and do evolve, and better and better steels can appear on the scene. But, if it takes a fine edge and cuts like the devil, and is an object of beauty to hold and behold, a great knife will be great many years from now.
Flashlights, as any CPFer worth his salt knows, are changing and improving at a rapid pace---a "cutting edge" (sorry, couldn't resist) Luxeon III masterpiece from a couple of years ago can hardly attract a buyer on B/S/T.
So, for someone like me, who enjoys buying, enjoying, and then selling (to finance the hobby, you see), these two connected but different tools, the modus operandi is very different: You can use that beautiful flashlight as much as you like for a few weeks or months, and (as long as you are careful) it will be none the worse for wear. But, you had better put it back on the market before long, lest the newest LED variation make it obsolete.
With that beautiful knife, on the other hand, its good looks, razor edge, and sought after name, will likely preserve its value for a good while. But, if you actually use it in the interim, it will surely show the scars.
So, you can (gently) use a flashlight almost to your heart's content, but time is your enemy. As for a beautiful blade, time will treat you with kindness, but just don't use it!
Random thoughts here, from a lover of both these boy toys extraordinaire. I would appreciate any insights from fellow travelers......
While I don't have the money, those that do also seem to enjoy fine watches, fountain pens, photography equipment, etc. 
