Warmest of welcomes
I was literally where you are when I joined. 21 year old College kid with a shoestring budget but had always had an interest in all things sharp and pointy.
The amount of knowledge I have gained from BFC has not only furthered my education on knives but also really helped shape me as I grew from a young man into...well, we'll call it a more seasoned and mature young man
As I round the bend of 40 this week, I can't help but appreciate all the fine folks I have been so fortunate to meet and call friends on this board.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask away. Lots of very learned folks here eager to help. Don't be shy and don't feel any hesitation to ask about anything here.
I remember when I first joined, I wanted to buy a khukuri. I contacted several manufacturers via email but the only one who wrote me back (within minutes) was Uncle Bill Martino of Himalayan Imports. I must have asked him 7 different questions over as many emails about a $70 khukuri. I apologized but told him the only reason I had so many questions was that I was a poor college kid and $70 was pretty much me borrowing from Peter to pay Paul for about a year's worth of spending cash on a knife. Uncle Bill told me, "Don't worry about it so much. One day you will graduate and be rich. The cost of this knife won't matter so much then, but it will still serve you well if you take care of it."
Bill passed on over 15 years ago, and I did graduate (still working on that "rich" part he promised
). However, I still have that khuk. It still serves me well (along with a collection of about 100 more), and I am super proud to be a member of this community all these years later.
My suggestion is: Find a balance that works for where you are in life. Don't get stuck on garbage beater knives forever, or else you'll miss out on the real joy of this hobby. However, don't feel the NEED to plunk down $450 on a Chris Reeve Sebenza right out of the gates. There are a ton of quality knives on a college budget. As yout rarning power improves, so will taste in knives when it comes to budget. Even still, don't take this as meaning it is a race to the top and mo' is betta. Some guys top out spending less than $100 on a knife. Some guys edc a $4,000 custom without batting an eye.
Go slow, read, ask, and enjoy life where you are right now. Enjoy what you can afford and never forget to take the opportunity to use the time you have now to go out and use your knife collection.
Once again, welcome
