At what point does a collection become clutter...???

[cycleguy]

At what point does a collection become clutter?, and what do you do about it?

Think you know what I mean, and think the answer is different for us all.

I've thought about collecting every single offering/version of something and have started out doing so... BUT, always find that after amassing some of it, I've got a big pile of clutter. Not junk, usually some really nice stuff!!! I usually put the breaks on and realize I'm really not interested in owning it all but want to have some time with it to explore it and get to know it; then I clean house and keep only a select few items that appeal to me most.

Now some I know may have hundreds of something and are all for getting more. Since this isn't me, I've always had a hard time understanding them and wonder how it can be that way for some people and different for me.

So what's it like for you? Curious...

CG

[standy99]

I have a fishing tackle room that scares me how much I have, but blows my mates away as they know they could get anything they need at midnight if needed. (Which they do)

I do use a lot and fish a lot

Banned myself from buying fishing lures till 2020

Boxes that things come in that need to be kept are my biggest clutter problem.

[Evil D]

Most of my hobbies happen right here at this computer desk, and for me my collection became clutter when I ran out of places to put knives. I moved them all to an old cedar chest and into a closet. It was nice to reclaim some desk space. My garage is a whole other story though.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

I think the distinguishing line is when the things are disorganized and in a state of chaos, and also they have no real value, though that is subjective. Like piles of trash and waste being hoarded.

[Extra330SC]

Compared to the "other" hobbies that my family enjoys. ....collecting /using knives has been a joy! The actual footprint of a good sized collection is relatively small compared to storing dirtbikes, Boats, etc! Keeping everything neat and sorted is definitely the key to being overwhelmed.


James

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Here is a knife collection question for you all, infact: If a person has a number of knives and some are kept in boxes with the original packing materials, do they have to periodically take the knife or knives out, whether they be fixed or folder, and check them for signs of rust, or, if they are kept indoors, most likely if left in the original boxes they will be okay?

[MichaelScott]

If you can’t recite everything that’s in your collection then it’s likely not a collection.

[wrdwrght]

If you can’t recite everything that’s in your collection then it’s likely not a collection.

I fear you are correct.

[knivesandbooks]

Here is a knife collection question for you all, infact: If a person has a number of knives and some are kept in boxes with the original packing materials, do they have to periodically take the knife or knives out, whether they be fixed or folder, and check them for signs of rust, or, if they are kept indoors, most likely if left in the original boxes they will be okay?

I check them at least every couple weeks. But I also fondle them. Lol. I've only ever had a couple storage-corrosion issues and that was when I forst got i to knives. The trauma lingers to this day.

[knivesandbooks]

If you can’t recite everything that’s in your collection then it’s likely not a collection.

Ugh you're right. Looks like it is time to start selling.

[Crux]

Well, when you decide to relocate all of your knives to one location and you can only round up 90%, it's clutter.

[tvenuto]

This will come off as glib, but you hit the nail on the head: when you decide it is clutter. Does having them stress you out? If so sell of the ones that don’t speak to you.

I have a bunch, maybe 40? Some I haven’t used in years, some more recent purchases that I’ve never used, and I’ll probably sell off soon. I guess I’ve never thought of them as “a collection.” What I mean by that is “the collection” doesn’t hold a special place in my mind. Having more or fewer knives is not the goal. If I generally accumulate knives it’s because Spyderco puts out designs I love faster than I fall out of love with past purchases. But If I don’t see value in owning a particular knife I’ll sell it off, and do not consider “the collection” diminished in any way.

[Mushroom]

I don't think there is some universal point you can get to where a collection just turns to clutter. Like you said, the answer is different for everyone. The extent of what someone considers a "collection" is different for everyone too. I would say, when what you own no longer brings you joy and is no longer personally valued, it could be considered clutter.


If you can't recite your entire collection, then it's not a collection? I definitely disagree with this. So, by this logic if someone has collected every Spyderco knife to date, they should be able to name them all by memory or else their collection isn't valid.

[Daveho]

A collection brings you enjoyment, clutter is a source of stress-
I think it’s the mindframe of the owner that’s more of an issue.

[James Y]

I have knives in various locations in three rooms in the house, but they don't amount to clutter, because they don't take up much space. With a minimal amount of moving of the knives, I can even make it appear as if there are no knives in those rooms at all. Unlike things like collecting books, movies, etc., that do take up more space. Even then, I have designated spots for those things, to keep things fairly organized. IMO, (folding) knives are one of the more compact objects to collect (or accumulate). And because I VERY rarely buy knives anymore, they'll never be a problem for me in that regard.

Jim

[Crux]

A collection brings you enjoyment, clutter is a source of stress-
I think it’s the mindframe of the owner that’s more of an issue.

What if it brings you enjoyment but also stress over misplacing them all the time?

[TkoK83Spy]

I have 2 display stands in my workout/knife room. They sit perfectly on a corner table. I tell myself I don't need anymore knives than they can hold, which is 12 total. I've forced myself to sell the less used knives that don't seem to get as much pocket time. To me, 12 knives is a good amount. It's a solid collection/selection, plenty of options but not overbearing.

[Daveho]

A collection brings you enjoyment, clutter is a source of stress-
I think it’s the mindframe of the owner that’s more of an issue.

What if it brings you enjoyment but also stress over misplacing them all the time?

Why, you lash them to your belt sir.

[Crux]

A bag of carbon steel knives.

[Crux]

A collection brings you enjoyment, clutter is a source of stress-
I think it’s the mindframe of the owner that’s more of an issue.

What if it brings you enjoyment but also stress over misplacing them all the time?

Why, you lash them to your belt sir.

You must not have seen this. This about half of them.