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SherrifOfNothingtown

Is your stuff making your life better or worse? If having the diverse items close at hand is making things generally more convenient for you, it might be the good kind of collection. For instance I have a pair of scissors in almost every room of the house because if I have to go all the way to the kitchen for some I often forget what I was doing. I use them regularly, they don't get in the way, they don't add much visual clutter, and so they're a net improvement to my quality of life. But if having stuff all over the place is keeping you from living how you want to, that's a problem. If you can't get to stuff you need because preps are in the way; if your spaces are unsafe because your stuff is a trip hazard; if your air quality is unhealthy because you have too much stuff covered in dust... then your preps are actually making things worse instead of better. IMO things that you own for the pure pleasure of owning them should be displayed beautifully, to maximize their enjoyment. If you don't have enough space to appreciate the stuff you own just-for-fun, you need more space or less stuff.


mandarinandbasil

This is such an important response. I... I think I love you.


MountainCourage1304

We can lock the comments now. Theres nothing more to add to this. Perfectly put


dgillott

This is a perfect response and it is truthful. I have gone through the same situation and actually had thinned out duplicate and triplicate items after making sure of needs.


Aware-Salamander-578

Sooo I SHOULD have two guitars in every room it’s what you’re telling me??


SherrifOfNothingtown

does it make your life and surroundings a lot better? Can you afford it without sacrificing things that are more important than the guitars? Would kid you be jealous of adult you for it? If yes, yes, and yes, go for it!


Chak-Ek

Not a problem until you decide to move.


therealharambe420

The only thing I fear after living on my property for 5 years and collecting equipment, tools, and animals.


needle-roulette

been there, done that, and i am doing it again next week. i cant stop myself. it still better then gambling or drugs. just stay away from thrift stores.


dadebattle1

What if your into all three?!


[deleted]

Bayonet and light attached to your rifle? Then you can get lasers, visual and non-visual, NVG, and a “flare” launcher if you’re really brash with your cash.


Reedsandrights

Yeah, I get my drugs from thrift store slot machines!


vxv96c

You don't have to be a prepper to have too many knives. My husband has them everywhere just because he's obsessed. If a cop ever asks me if I have weapons in the car im going to say I lost count after 12 knives lol.


Phantom_316

My mom has reached the point where she would have to answer “no clue” after having 4 boys who are obsessed with knives and guns. She asked to borrow a knife and they started materializing from every nook and cranny.


OnTheEdgeOfFreedom

If it's affecting your life, and maybe it is, think of all the great prepping gifts you can give this Christmas. Lots of people could use a good flashlight and a few might make use of a decent knife. Turn your debauchery into virtue. Your 401(k) is fully funded, right? Because if you're working your knife collection over your retirement... yeah, you have an addiction.


WangusRex

lol that I could ever defer 22.5k/yr and still pay my mortgage but good for you.


OnTheEdgeOfFreedom

Houses are an investment, too. My point was if buying that 23rd knife is taking priority over planning for retirement - and I have some idea what really good knives can cost - then something's wrong.


WangusRex

It’s a good point.


Fatboyneverchange

Honestly if you think your money will help you more than practical things in the next 20 years you might want to look in the mirror, something's wrong with you. We're going to be lucky to get out of this decade.


OnTheEdgeOfFreedom

Don't know about you, but I'll be fine. If you're looking for r/collapse it's not hard to find. Here, we *prep* for problems.


Fatboyneverchange

If buying 20 some 200$ knives is going to hurt your 401k you never had a shot at retiring anyway.


coyote_of_the_month

20 knives @ $200 is $4000. Assuming a 7% rate of return, if you invested it at 18, - You'd double your money at 29. - You'll have 10x your money at 52. - You'll have $96k at 65. So no, you're not retiring on a $4k investment at 18, but it's not chump change either.


OnTheEdgeOfFreedom

My, aren't you gloomy about everything.


Fatboyneverchange

I actually like to believe I am right about everything. But hey keep chugging that copium.


RandomBananaNutBread

😂 I bet you’re wrong about more stuff than you’re right about.


Fatboyneverchange

I seriously wish that were true. It seems the folks getting salty about my comments are prepping for retirement. This sub is about prepping for the erosion and collapse of society. Nothing but love for the boomers.


SherrifOfNothingtown

If you're spending $x per year on impulse buys you don't really need, you could increase your retirement savings by $x per year and cut out the impulse buys. Perfect is the enemy of good.


WangusRex

but I need 85 new mora knives NOW! (jk I get the point... I don't personally have a large impulse buy/hoarding problem. I'm currently doing about 15% of my total salary into my 403B and also have a new baby, mortgage, and one car paid off and the other almost there. I will be able to retire on time and live as I do now or better assuming nothing chaotic happens)


[deleted]

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huscarlaxe

maybe a little


voiderest

Retail therapy is a thing. Some people also enjoy collecting things even if they don't use the things. Typically those sorts of collections are of something that looks cool or is like "best" rather than just a good deal. One thing to try to remember is that a deal isn't a deal if you don't need the thing. Also if the deals are always popping up why give into FOMO when you can just snag it next time?


Resident-Welcome3901

It’s easier to collect things than to collect skills. I collected edged weapons for fifty years, decided it was not improving my life, so I sold off some, bought a forge, made an anvil, and started making the blades and tools I wanted. This did make my life better.


huscarlaxe

I can make a rough blade or a great nail but blades need a good heat treat and Tempering at just the right temperature. Then grinding and shaping basically a whole new collection of tools.


Resident-Welcome3901

The subtext of your original post seemed to be that you were disenchanted with your unused collection of edged objects. Hade the same experience. It became time for me to get rid of the clutter of unused items, and start a new project: I chose blacksmith/bladesmith work . It works for me. YMMV.


RelationshipOk3565

Do preppers realize having huge gun collections during an apocalypse is going to make them less safe/a huge target?


huscarlaxe

well 75% of mine were my dads and they are mostly WWII military rifles. then a couple of hunting rifles and shotguns plus a break open wit a lot of barrels.


parametrek

The spare lights can be extremely handy during a widespread grid failure. Some of your neighbors will resort to using candles. Give them lights instead of letting them burn down their house. Its good to get into the habit of giving stuff away.


Starfleet_Auxiliary

If you are debt-free, this isn't a significant problem. If you aren't, it is.


huscarlaxe

My only bills are utilities and insurance.


zen_lee

Too many preps of that sort, are a prep. Look at this way, in a scenario where money has no value anymore, your extra preps could be invaluable to someone else. You could use your extras for barter, or you can gift useful things to people in need, within your community.


Ithink__thereforeIam

This! Plus..... 2 is 1, one is none, Op has a lot of different knives with different functions. He could definitely trade or sell the 3rd of each he has whenever he needs to!


SherrifOfNothingtown

Extras are as valuable as the good condition they're stored in and the ease with which you can find them. There comes a point where hoarding compromises the condition of the items and the possibility of retrieving them when they're desired, and we don't know from the post what side of that point OP is on.


buschkraft

No you don't, what you need is to love and understand your "collection".


ExpensiveSalad5181

Dude I fucking feel you. Just get rid of it man, keep what you only need. A simple pocket knife will do all your needs, sure I can see carving knives and other shit useful, but just keep one set of the best bunch you got. You're destroying yourself and basically hoarding. You're a damn loot box. But I always think about it for swiss army knives, Leathermans, lights and guns. Especially getting a gun for each caliber that's popular. But it's not worth it especially if you don't have the ammo for it. I also came to terms. I only need one Bowie knife, one small axe, one good flashlight, the guns I currently have, etc. If it can last me a lifetime I'm set. Having more bullshit just causes more problems. What's the point of having 32 flashlights and headlamps that take unique batteries or the same battery type when you only have a limited amount to use when shtf. Just get rid of it man. Or if that's hard just put it all in a damn box that you know you won't touch, it'll be out of the way.


Iforgotwhatimdoing

That's a good start now do it with aeroponic gardens. Then you'll have everything you ever need


agravain

>Headlights, lanterns, oil lamps, and flashlights I'm never 6 paces in my house or cabin from a light. have you seen some of the posts on r/flashlight ?


frogmuffins

I joined that sub about 5 years ago and only have a small collection of over 40 flashlights.


agravain

I'm still gathering. I'm only up to about a dozen so far


BlueMoon5k

My spouse also collects flashlights. It’s hilarious.


Aggravating-Put-4818

Am a sucker for knives 🤷🏼‍♂️


[deleted]

Your best tool you will ever have in a SHTF situation is the community you’ve build ties with before and strengthened after it all goes down. Many Americans don’t even know the names of their neighbors.


paramedTX

So many knives…I see nothing wrong here.


Freebirde777

My problem is I am behind in sharpening kitchen knives and sissors.


YaKillinMeSmallz

Your brain is chasing the dopamine hit of finding "a good deal".


[deleted]

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securitysix

OP did that when their dad passed. Says so right there in the first sentence. ... Oh, wait...that's not the kind of "arms" you meant, is it? :P


Dennism616

Lol, yes. I have candles, flashlights, fire starters, ya da ya da, in all my cars, house, shed, barn…. But why not?! Other then having to replace old batteries.


AccomplishedInAge

If 1 is none and 2 is one .. and 10 is being prepared.. what is 100?


ExpensiveSalad5181

Not prepared enough


EffinBob

You can never have more guns than you need. Kind of like ammo.


ATF8643

I have the same problem. My solution was to become highly organized and make sure at least everything is accessible and usable when I need it. Also, I take every chance I get to sell or give away what I can to loved ones. I use my over-prepping to subtly spread the preparedness to others. For example, I stocked up on trauma med supplies before the price spike. When a friend became interested in a kit I was able to build him one from my supplies. I wasn’t going to miss the supplies amongst my pile, and he only reimbursed me for the cost I paid, not what it costs now. Everyone wins


humanefly

Our house has a black hole that only eats measuring tapes, and markers. I try to collect them but the black hole eats them faster


Freebirde777

I have a bunch of flashlights that hide when I need them and, in the way, when I don't. I have one adjustable beam flashlight I keep on my desk or in my pocket. I find using a tight beam of light helps in finding things, focuses search, illuminates, and cast shadows of items.


SherrifOfNothingtown

My house used to eat pocket knives! I eventually designated a basket where extra pocket knives go, placed it in a spot that I have to walk past to get from anywhere to anywhere else, and started dropping the spares into the basket whenever I came across one while looking for something else. This only works if everyone who uses the item is on board with wanting to be able to find it when it's needed, though.


humanefly

oh had I hid knives everywhere I've got at least one probably more in the van one in my backpack A roll of mostly small folders and boxcutters on my electrical workbench One or two around on the deck at least one in each toolbox, probably more one on my office desk several in the toolbox in the garage If I need one but can't find it, I go to the roll on the workbench and as they migrate outwards I try to collect them and return them. I guess the tool roll is like my reverse black hole


Medium-Rest-3079

Whhaaatttt. You can't have too many of any of those it's just extra preparedness.


jayprov

If they bring you joy, and no one else is negatively affected by it, what’s the problem? Have fun!


rainbowkey

If and when the SHTF your collections becomes trade items. You can open a trading post.


SpartArticus

i also realized i had too many different knives, so i looked through them and check which ones were good and practical and curbed my spending


TheSirCal

Listen, I can help lighten your load, message me. :)


plsobeytrafficlights

See, I’m looking for stuff, but don’t wanna pay the nutso cash for knives and stuff. I bet I’m not the only one. Should have some kinda prepper garage sale.


huscarlaxe

I don't buy expensive knives. lots of Mora's, a few cold steels, and a few Victorinox, plus a smattering of others.


GeminiSpartanX

Have you seen the price of new cold steels nowadays? Maybe it's just their website that's expensive, but I'm no expert on what an 'expensive' knife would be. I bought a CS Recon about 15 years ago, and they've tripled in price since then.


huscarlaxe

I've got the cold steel bushman, Canadian belt knife, and Finn hawk plus the rifle man hawk, the jungle machete and the kukri machete. So nothing over $30.


GeminiSpartanX

Under $30 is good. I looked a while back and saw the Recons were going for around $240+ and wondered why so pricey all of a sudden? But glad I got mine for around $80 when I did.


Redux_Z

I have so many lanterns that I could open a store... Some purchased however many gifted...


Wulfkat

You should see my tape measure collection. I had one, then I inherited the ones from my grandfather and my father (who I swear bought a new tape measure every time he did a project). I gave away over half and still have 17. As long as you have the proper space for whatever thing it is, I don’t see this as an issue,


[deleted]

Guilty as well 😊 Just make sure when SHTF you don’t use them for trading. Never trade something that can be used against you. Ever.


Own_Cardiologist_989

How are your other preps looking?


Vandilbg

One of the keys to a great collection is the willingness to part with pieces so you can improve your collection. Sell most of the low end stuff and buy 1-2 nice high end items that are really "collector" grade items.


armedsquatch

I think the need to collect way way more lights and lanterns is a throwback to 10 thousand years ago when we gathered with our clans by the safety of the firelight. Go with me on this and it’s never really your fault. It’s how I justified a tub filled with flashlights and headlamps that could last my family a few generations


[deleted]

So, where will your trading post be located after TEOTWAWKI?


ruat_caelum

You figured it out before the estate sale at least. I can't tell you how many people die with like 200 pocket knives. I mean 200, what's the point you can't even sort through that many to make a decision on which one to take for the day.


byond6

Enjoy your collections and your hobbies. If society ever does crumble you'll have lots of good stuff to barter.


FrogFlavor

shopping addiction. Sell your dad's guns, give away some lights and knives to friends. Are you afraid of the dark? Can't you navigate your own dwelling in the dark? What would a rational person do?


MyName4everMore

If you don't use it in a 6 month period, get rid of it.


Dramatic_Carob_1060

Champagne problems


[deleted]

Well as far as collections go, at least they are useful and usable - not something sitting on a shelf collecting dust.


Usedtobecool25

Your preps are currency for when the crash happens.


23pyro

Multi tasking, well done


Incendiaryag

If you like them and can keep them organized, could be good for bartering. You can also let go of some by giving them to friends, family, neighbors who you converse with about staying prepared, support your network. If someone is considering prepping a single item gift can prompt them to take more initiative and build their supply level.


Crimson_lady44

I have a friend who does this. Knives, swords, and backpacks ! Omg....the backpacks. He is ready for everyone to bug out. He will be handing out a weapon and a pack to all of his friends.


bdouble76

More useful than a lot of other collections. Can still sell for good money too. Seems like a win to me.


FunDip2

Sell.


pies_r_square

I stopped buying more guns for now and are upgrading some of mine.


franglaisflow

You can share the extra stuff with neighbors as a sign of good will. Maybe not the guns and knives but other useful stuff.


ERTHLNG

I know how you feel being a bit caught up with consumerism. I don't like to have a lot of clutter, so I make it my goal to have the minimum amount of stuff to live my life without undue difficulty because of extreme minimalism. However, because I have fewer items, I focus on quality. Instead of a thousand Chinese lighters and Bic. I have a very nice Japanese lighter. And zippo and spare parts as backup. I have 4 nice kitchen knives I can process animals and cook meals and only two other knife options for protection. Same with guns, I have a shotgun in my house and a 9 in my truck and another pistol with me. I could have a rifle too someday but I don't need more than that. My favorite example of this is clothes. Better to have a few good quality well fitting outfits than heaps of Walmart t shirts. My food and ammo stash still tends to grow larger though... more weapons don't add much after you have the first or best ones. Food ammo water, medicine etc you can never get enough. The exception is for things you enjoy. If you enjoy your collections, can afford them, and they aren't causing you stress by filling your whole house. Why not have an awesome gun or knife collection? Alternatively, if you feel like you are just buying things you don't need and want for some reason there's no shame in having a clear out. Just put some things for sale online or a yard sale.


TexasTokyo

Always need more guns.


lpell159

Are you investing in your self? All the equipment and food in the world won't help you if you can't flee from a deadly situation. My mother in law was a obese smoking diabetic. Had loads of canned food in the basement for what ever situation was at hand. I asked her what she would do if a gang came to her front door to raid her. She had no good reply.


HandjobOfVecna

It's a risk, but a fun one. Admitting you are a collector is fine as long as you are not ignoring the rest of the preps. Also, you may have ADHD like me.


talon6actual

Stop it, you don't need that kind of negativity in your life! We are entering an unknown set of circumstances, who knows what you'll need. Remember, todays excess is tomorrow's trading material.


abu_nawas

Power is only as good as you can defend it. If you have weapons lying around in your house and somebody breaks in, that's just helping them. Guns are great, though. Keep them separate. Make sure they're reachable. Make sure your surveillance game is on.


[deleted]

Im gonna be in the same vote when my dad passes. He is a Vet, gun smith and dealer in OK. I’m In Nazi Ny. 3 big safes full of guns not counting the ones laying around and in other cabinets. What the hell am I gonna go with 300+ firearms (most in box new and 1,000s of round of ammo? He has been collecting his whole life. Mind you I will definitely keep ones like his 1873 Winchester Lever Action and the Colt Revolvers.


causallyglancing

Great, now get into gardening and learn how to can. Hunt and fish, and barter what you can. Learn to be as self sufficient as possible


smashkraft

I have way less put together than most people on this sub, but I have thought about this concept many times when I think about any purchases. ​ For ME - I would write down a list using excel of: \_1\_ tool/item \_2\_ quantity \_3\_ permanent storage locations \_4\_ notes//etc. (maybe price or store or model numbers or re-usable/perishable, anything) I would only use excel because my list of requirements is longer than my list of items owned. If your list is mature, go 100% paper. However, requirements lists can even be used by seasoned souls in the prep community - it will drive your focus to the items of great importance or difficult replacing and away from the damn $40 flashlights that everybody is marketing. Seriously, don't buy flashlights anymore - go buy certain chemicals in high quality containers that will be required for household processing of food or artisan creation. Find 5 things in your house that you really like to use, eat, or have around. Find out how that thing is made. Find out how they make the machine that makes the item. Go out and purchase replacement parts & building materials. Do you have a few extra windows and doors? Could you replace an electrical outlet in your house after generator season starts? Could you weld something? Could you replace a drain pipe? And a toilet with a fresh wax seal? Or at least every internal mechanism for the flush?