Collections

[Backfromthedead]

Books. I love reading, and when I am home I prefer to read an actual printed book as opposed to reading on an e-reader. Not a collector, per se...more of an accumulator... These are some of my hardcovers; when I moved out of Ontario I sold just over 3000 paperbacks, just wouldn't have room for them in my current little house. The third pic is my collection of books on birds and birding.
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Backfromthedead , I like your knives. I accumulate those as well. I have one of those beautiful Cold Steel Taipans as well, along with a bunch of other big ones; always have one with me when I go on an early-morning walk with the dog.

What is that oldster on the far left? Looks like some old model of Puma? Old genuine stag handle scales on it? Very nice.

Thanks! Yes it is what was once known as a puma white hunter, but it actually predates the puma name and is branded PIC-sportsmans knife. Probably 1950s. It is remarkably solid.

The tai pan is a fave of mine. It must be noted that the japanese san mai 3 blades of the past are far superior to the versions they're selling today, but im sure the newer renditions still pack the punch. This is one of those exceptions to the old "knives are tools" mantra--It has no utility value whatsoever, it is a dedicated heart-stopper.

 

[jjohnwm]

Thanks! Yes it is what was once known as a puma white hunter, but it actually predates the puma name and is branded PIC-sportsmans knife. Probably 1950s. It is remarkably solid.

The tai pan is a fave of mine. It must be noted that the japanese san mai 3 blades of the past are far superior to the versions they're selling today, but im sure the newer renditions still pack the punch. This is one of those exceptions to the old "knives are tools" mantra--It has no utility value whatsoever, it is a dedicated heart-stopper.

Yes, today's Cold Steel is a shadow of its former self, but they still make some nice stuff. My all-time favourite is the C.S. Outdoorsman, made for awhile in San Mai III; mine is just AUS8 but still a lovely knife. I also have a Puma White Hunter, and the profile on that knife in your pic was instantly familiar and eye-catching to me. That's probably worth a few bucks to Puma collectors.

Of course the Taipan has a practical purpose: it makes you smile when you pick it up!

 

[Matth05]

Was able to dig up all of my Bicycle Cards from the attic. There’s a bit less than I remember, maybe 80 or so decks. And some of them are definitely worn. But back then I was really just collecting for the fun of it. No real intentions of keeping them pristine.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Yes, today's Cold Steel is a shadow of its former self, but they still make some nice stuff. My all-time favourite is the C.S. Outdoorsman, made for awhile in San Mai III; mine is just AUS8 but still a lovely knife. I also have a Puma White Hunter, and the profile on that knife in your pic was instantly familiar and eye-catching to me. That's probably worth a few bucks to Puma collectors.

Of course the Taipan has a practical purpose: it makes you smile when you pick it up!

The outdoorsman has a beautiful blade shape, sort of like the tai pan if you dont want a blade thats as dangerous to yourself as your target lol. Much more practical too. Personally i am still on the lookout for a recon scout in SM3.

But for the true CS fanboy that i was in my youth, nothing beat when i scored the nodachi, technically speaking more of a nagamaki:

 

[Backfromthedead]

I collect license plates. I’ve gotten a couple from antique stores but most are from car bumpers on the side of the road. Only have 8 right now but it’s growing. I use them as decorations in my room, hang them up on my wall.

I also have quite the comic book collection handed down from my uncle. All in mint condition, probably over 3,000 comics. Very early editions as well, if I went through could probably make quite a lot of money…someday.

i also collect international money, here’s just a couple of my paper money. I have some more. Most are very very old money and probably could never use them.
Russian rubles, Chilean pesos, Argentine pesos, Spanish pesetas, Italian Lira.

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Pretty neat, you might like this: my fiance's grandfather drove an ambulance in 1944 berlin, one day gave a lift to the "old man and the sea" himself.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Was able to dig up all of my Bicycle Cards from the attic. There’s a bit less than I remember, maybe 80 or so decks. And some of them are definitely worn. But back then I was really just collecting for the fun of it. No real intentions of keeping them pristine.View attachment 1524825

You got any of those...ahem..you know, the decks with the pretty ladies on them?

 

[Matth05]

You got any of those...ahem..you know, the decks with the pretty ladies on them?

I’m pretty sure I know which ones you’re talking about. Nope, don’t have any of those

 

[Backfromthedead]

I’m pretty sure I know which ones you’re talking about. Nope, don’t have any of those

Its funny the only two times ive ever won big playing cards was at a poker game featuring a set of rather risque decks, and then when i hit a "lucky ladies" side bet(double queens) playing blackjack in harrahs. Definitely not a coincidence, the ladies must love me lol.

Do you actually play a lot of cards or is it just collecting the decks for you?

 

[Matth05]

Its funny the only two times ive ever won big playing cards was at a poker game featuring a set of rather risque decks, and then when i hit a "lucky ladies" side bet(double queens) playing blackjack in harrahs. Definitely not a coincidence, the ladies must love me lol.

Do you actually play a lot of cards or is it just collecting the decks for you?

I was always more into collecting the decks although growing up I played a little bit. My grandfather use to be a big card player and we would sometimes play on Sunday nights after dinner.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I was always more into collecting the decks although growing up I played a little bit. My grandfather use to be a big card player and we would sometimes play on Sunday nights after dinner.

Theres definitely something magical about cards. I know gambling isnt everybodys thing, but they almost gain this metaphysical power when you hit a great hand and theres money on the line. Its like the image of those cards gets burned into your brain, to reappear later in dreams or passing thought--and give you a hint of that warm fuzzy feeling all over again.

Anyways enough of my anecdotes, it sounds like your connection to them is much more meaningful than petty cash anyways.