u/Sligogreenbottom

My interest in knives has been lifelong. I’m old enough to remember carrying a pocket knife to school with me every day, and having a teacher ask to borrow it in class. I have continued to carry a pocket knife ever since.

I didn’t wear a watch until I began running in my late 20s, first with a simple Casio, then a G Shock. I never owned a dress watch, however, my wife gave me an inexpensive pocket watch for my birthday, years ago, however, I only carried it a few times.

Relatives began changing worlds and I inherited watches and knives from my grandfather, father, uncles, and a cousin, who was a brother to me. All of them well maintained and always used. I kept them in my gun safe, out of sight, for years.

After retiring, I acquired several luxury watches (Rolex and Cartier), a few micro brands (Zelos, Serica, Cincy Watch Co), and found myself reading about watches and viewing various social media reels. I even purchased a watch box. Yet, the watch I wear most often for work around my small farm, is a Timex Expedition Scout.

The knives I inherited were mostly Cases with a few American made Shrades, Uncle Henrys, Queens, and Bucks. I began visiting flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores looking for vintage bargains.

Throughout all this, I began to realize that a number of similarities are shared with acquiring watches and knives:

1. Condition is everything. Mint, near mint, carried, sharpened, polished, replaced parts, blade or case wear.
2. Originality: Factory edge on a knife; original dial, hands, bezel, bracelet, or lume on a watch.
3. Tang stamps vs serial numbers: Both help authenticate and date a piece
4. Mechanics: Walk and talk, snap, lockup, centering,

Much more exists including fakes and counterfeits, manufacturer reputation, service history, display and storage, the thrill of the hunt, forums and communities such as this one, a “Grail” piece, and earned patina vs damage.

For me, however, the story associated with each item influences their worth and importance. I have my great- grandfather’s gold plated Elgin open-faced pocket watch that was made in 1924. He probably paid $12.00 for it and was carrying it when he died working in the barn in 1940. I had it serviced and it still keeps great time. I can’t imagine ever selling it, but I’d give it to the right person.

All this to ask if any of you share this dual interest in watches and knives, and, if so, in what form does it take with you?