I'm new to this board mostly as a research tool. I work in a small pen store in the MD/DC area (which will remain nameless, Im here for pleasure not buisness) and I've started a small collection. From what I've seen so far, Im really excited about this board. It also appears that I'm going to be a young gun around here (Im only 22) so all you old timers please take it easy on me. I've also started collecting Balisongs.... anyone else into high end pocket knives? I feel naked if I dont have a pen and a knife on me. Sometimes as many as 3 or 4 pens and 2 knives if I'm feeling up to it. I cant be the only one. I hope. Got to get back to work now (yes im at work in a pen shop posting on a pen forum. im a geek, get over it) I just wanted to introduce my self and who knows, maybe some of you will come into my store some day and not even know who I am.

Hi Prime,

Welcome to the FPN. I live in NOVA so maybe I'll come by and visit you some time. Oh... I don't know the name of the store yet.
Joining the board will only fuel your pen addiction even more. But it's okay, just remember, your pen addiction is only a disease; so it's not your fault. You're a victim-- so relax.

Blessings,
Dave

Pens I like, have a small selection of Swiss Army Knives, always have one with me. Also a small selection of Stockmans knives including a couple of Case ones. Am a bit of a gadget fan so have a few multi tool including a couple of Leatherman Juices, Squirts and Micras, full sizw multi tools include a Gerber sport and a Swisstool (probably my favourite).

I think a lot of people collect knives and pens, problem is in the UK anything with a blade more than 4 inches long or with a locking blade (including multitools) is technically an 'offensive' weapon, so a bit risky to carry around as a general rule, as you could be arrested.

Nearly forgot my manners, welcome to the forums most pen collectors dream I guess to work in pen shop, lucky you.

Andy

Balisong - isn't that Tagalog?
Welcome to FPN.

Been collecting knives since 1963. Have many Case classics, Hen and Roosters and many pearl handled knives. I was on the Board of Directors of the NKCDA and the NKCDA museum for many years. Just got interested in pens because I have been using a Parker 45 ball point for 30 years. I love the cap actuated pens and that is why I got in to the Waterman Exclusive.

Actually Andy, it's 3 inches. Also of course, any knife that's used in a threatening manner becomes an offensive weapon in the eyes of the law. It's illegal to import a Balisong into the UK, or to purchase, sell or trade one. Fortunately, fountain pens aren't illegal (yet).

Welcome to FPN, Prime.

Hi and welcome. I would be willing to bet that if you always carry knives with you, you probably don't go sightseeing very often. I have observed during my many trips to the tourist sites around D.C. that they make people practically undress before they allow them entrance to certain buildings and monuments.

Welcome Prime! I'm a southern boy that strangely enough doesn't carry a knife with me. I do however have one nice collectible pocket knife. A Jimmy Lyle from when he was alive. Hope you enjoy FPN!!

Welcome to FPN Prime. I am afraid if I worked in a pen show I would just be giving the majority of my paycheck back to the store every week

Enjoy yourself here.

Col,

You are right of course about blade length, brain momentarily disengaged. As you say good job FPs aren't illegal , although if somebody really wanted to they could do you serious damage with an FP (but lets keep that quiet just in case).

Andy

Primer,

You have come to the worst place in the world for a pen-addict. Since I've joined, I've bought one pen, and I'm saving up for another one right now.

So you're 22, you own a small pen-shop. That's cute. How can I set myself up like that?

I'm 20, by the way, so no, you're not the youngest. The FPN has members aging from mid teens to people in their 60s and above. You're not the only teen'n'twenty here.

Thanks for all the replys everyone. Its nice to acctually feel like there is a community of real people on the internet. Glad to see all the positive responses about the pocket knives. Good to see im not the only one out there. And BTW I dont own the pen shop, i just run it. I'm also glad to see that im not the only young guy around. Its nice to see an appreciation for writing instruments in the younger generation. Its been great to meet you all and dont forget to support your local pen shop.

Yap...balisong is tagalog. As I understand it is a region as well as the (in)famous knife. There is a lot of crud about balisongs on the internet so things can be a little difficult to get the right answer for.

Thanks, matthewk.

Welcome...I'm 24 carry a case cv stockman and a "big" folder almost always. I recently added some kaweco pens to my edc. I love balisongs as a type but not a brand...I usually carry a serrated spyderco but want to replace it with something more practical and with a lock I can't close on accident. I've been working on making a balisong from scratch....basically I just have some brass u-shaped handles on a old balisong™ blade......I generally take my time with projects.

matthew

Your welcome...I just thought...it might be a city or town in batangas which is in luzon.....I should really know this stuff better. Kind of like Toledo, Spain...famous for blades.

sorry to trample on your thread prime

matthew

You might wanna try a benchmade with an axis lock. Those knives are really nice and run around the same price as a nice spyderco. And the knives I typicaly carry with me are one of my benchmade or my Chris Reeve small Sebenza. Right now I have a Bradley Mayhem on me. Its kind of an odd shape for a Balisong but it works very well and has an S30V blade. And the area some of you are thinking of for the balisong is the Batangas area of the Philopines.

Benchmade knives are just excellent. I had an RSK Mk 1, and also an Apparition (although that's a spring-assisted locking-liner). I sold them not long ago and wish I hadn't.

I've kept avoiding buying a benchmade....probably going too now.

Welcome to FPN, Prime!
I noticed that you listed as your location "(From: ) The Future" so I was wondering if you've seen the film Primer? (IMDb link here)
It's an excellent film---a real mind-bender....

Welcome to FPN. A nice Kershaw with a locking blade goes with me everywhere I go.