I have owned a very few knives in my life -- diver's kive, hunting knives, etc. When I was younger, I participated in those sports and actually used the knives. Since I don't hunt at all or dive very much any more, I no longer have the knives. I do however shave with a straight and I enjoy collecting what I shave with. My question to those who collect knives is, "Do you actually use them and if so for what purpose?"