The pleasure of fine things

[steve white]

Some may not like it, others may love it, if we were all the same it be kinda boring...

Heirloom(?) After some familial personalization?
Gift(?) To that PH/Outfitter/Friend?
Trophy(?) Mounted in the Game Room on Display?
Use it(?)

We are about the finer things in this thread.

View attachment 729896

That is artful, but I would hate to clean the gore out of it after use.

 

[Kharn]

That is artful, but I would hate to clean the gore out of it after use.

Gore? I wouldn't even think to try & use this knife for skinning... Lopping off an Elephants Tail sure, but that isn't exactly a messy operation either with a sharp edge.

 

[Ryan]

A Loveless design handmade knife and City Sport caps.
This knife is actually made by a maker named Mike Lovett, but he worked with Bob Loveless so long Bob gave him permission to use his patterns and similar logo. This is the Loveless drop point in classic black micarta handle with red spacers, tapered tang and ATS-34 steel. It's an amazingly well designed and crafted tool. I found one other maker who also worked with Bob in the same manner and was given the same permissions. I am having a semi skinner made as I write. Both will be used, unlike virtually every Loveless made knife, which are collectors pieces.
As for City Sport Caps. Amazing quality, materials and proper fit. Plenty of caps around, but few compare in my opinion.

 

[Arac]

The Loveless drop point is a timeless classic - excellent choice Ryan.

 

[steve white]

We may all be able to have some of the finer things, according to the proprietor of Jackson Arms in Dallas, tx. He stated that because all us boomers are croaking, the finer drillings, Mannlichers, combo guns, anything blued steel and walnut have ALREADY gone down more than 50% to the newer gen X, Millenial crowds. The even younger generations may come to appreciate quality, but don't have the disposable cash at this time. He does the buying for the shop.
Wow. He said what I thought was an absolute steal on an engraved, carved Mannlicher the other day was close to actual selling price, GunsInternational listings not withstanding! That if I had bought it then sold it 6 years ago, I could have sold it for 5-6K. That he knew of a pin-less sidelock, heavily engraved and stocked in marble cake walnut, which would cost 40K to replicate, would probably languish until it was let go for 6K.
So, it is a buyers market if you want such things, but not the redneck 401k we might have anticipated?
Who cares, I like owning them!

 

[steve white]

I think that real quality will only depreciate so much. There are always right reasoning people out there to appreciate it.

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

I had this hand-engraved on silver for a Euro mount I'm having done with a buffalo my dad shot. It will tarnish of course which I think will look awesome.

 

[PCC600]

We may all be able to have some of the finer things, according to the proprietor of Jackson Arms in Dallas, tx. He stated that because all us boomers are croaking, the finer drillings, Mannlichers, combo guns, anything blued steel and walnut have ALREADY gone down more than 50% to the newer gen X, Millenial crowds. The even younger generations may come to appreciate quality, but don't have the disposable cash at this time. He does the buying for the shop.
Wow. He said what I thought was an absolute steal on an engraved, carved Mannlicher the other day was close to actual selling price, GunsInternational listings not withstanding! That if I had bought it then sold it 6 years ago, I could have sold it for 5-6K. That he knew of a pin-less sidelock, heavily engraved and stocked in marble cake walnut, which would cost 40K to replicate, would probably languish until it was let go for 6K.
So, it is a buyers market if you want such things, but not the redneck 401k we might have anticipated?
Who cares, I like owning them!

I am pushing 70 but shoot a lot with younger guys in their 30s . Got them into driven pheasant and walk up quail . Subsequently took them out for water buffalo . I always shoot with English guns and double rifles . These young guys are all doing well and have learned to appreciate these firearms of mine . They are all buying good firearms eg Westley Richards , H&H and are continually trying to buy my good stuff - price not an issue . So I do think there is an appreciation for the finer things amongst the young . I think my firearms pass on to people who appreciate them . But I never purchased them with the idea that they are an investment . High end firearms are a volatile and fairly illiquid asset class . Invest in shares and property . They will pay for lifestyle choices like firearms . My 2 bobs worth .

 

[Kharn]

@Kevin Peacocke - Stetson Cotton Pith Helms.

 

[Rare Breed]

I am very proud to own a Premium pith helmet as part of the Carruthers Group!!!

 

[Grandpa Moose]

Grew up poor and studied hard received scholarships for a very good education. Worked hard never made a great income but worked my way up. Have lived many dreams and hunt with Premier grade firearms that are a joy to own

 

[PCC600]

Grew up poor and studied hard received scholarships for a very good education. Worked hard never made a great income but worked my way up. Have lived many dreams and hunt with Premier grade firearms that are a joy to own

Sounds very similar to my story too . Full academic scholarships at school and university Then worked like the drovers dog for over 50 years . Love my lifestyle (including firearms) all the more because I know how much effort went into being able to afford them .

 

[Tanks]

I have been eyeing the Buemont desk by Carbon Designs for a while now. Decided to pull the trigger, getting the 96" wide version. I should have it in about 6 months as they make it to order.

Originally, I wanted the one below, but it got vetoed as "my steampunk era is over" it seems.

 

[Troubleshooter]

The even younger generations may come to appreciate quality, but don't have the disposable cash at this time.

Perhaps so, but I suspect that many of us did not have the disposable income when we were their age either. I know that I didn't!

It will come with time, hard work, thrift, and the power of compound interest (a.k.a. Franklin's "8th Wonder of the World").

 

[Kharn]

It will come with time, hard work, thrift, and the power of compound interest (a.k.a. Franklin's "8th Wonder of the World").

OMG...... Every single passing year is ONLY going to get more difficult.
This year is already proving to be harder & tougher than last year.

 

[Pheroze]

This is an interesting thread. I very much appreciate fine craftsmanship. I am a bit of a peacock and I enjoy fine clothes. My tuxedo is bespoke. I spend a lot of money on shirts and jackets! (Yes I tie my bow ties)

And firearms. I would dearly love a classic but I have settled on two semi custom rifles. I love the fact that an artisan has carved the wood and fit the metal. It’s such artistry. I have made specific provision for them in my will because I cherish the thought of some decent, who only knows me by name and reputation, hunting with them in my memory. What a honoured position.

I would love a Westley Richards or similar but I don’t think that is in my future.

 

[LimbNoMo]

I love some fine things, but how do you balance what you would like and what is necessary? I feel like my dad would roll over in his grave for some of the things I consider spending money.

Edit: damn that is a nice tuxedo jacket. Blue too.

 

[PCC600]

This is an interesting thread. I very much appreciate fine craftsmanship. I am a bit of a peacock and I enjoy fine clothes. My tuxedo is bespoke. I spend a lot of money on shirts and jackets! (Yes I tie my bow ties)

View attachment 747034

And firearms. I would dearly love a classic but I have settled on two semi custom rifles. I love the fact that an artisan has carved the wood and fit the metal. It’s such artistry. I have made specific provision for them in my will because I cherish the thought of some decent, who only knows me by name and reputation, hunting with them in my memory. What a honoured position.

View attachment 747035

I would love a Westley Richards or similar but I don’t think that is in my future.

Who doesn’t like wearing nice threads in the appropriate circumstances ! Good on you . I hope you can get a WR at some stage . They are worth it .

 

[Altitude sickness]

@Pheroze, any meaning to the Die-Lock anchor chain bracelet ?

 

[Pheroze]

@Pheroze, any meaning to the Die-Lock anchor chain bracelet ?

it has sentimental value - my wife and I got engaged while on a backpacking trip through Europe. I was a student and didn’t have much money. We went into a jewelry store during that trip and she liked the bracelet for me but didn’t want to spend what it cost. I think the owner took my refusal to buy it as a negotiation and the price kept coming down until it was just too good of a deal. Best negotiation I never meant to have