Re the watch thing, you are right. I love my Casio Triple Sensor, watch, compass, thermometer, etc etc etc, but I also hang on to my dad's Hamilton wind up pocket watch. It is a jillion years old, but just keeps on tickin' (as long as I remember to wind it). It tells me the time, and can be used as a so-so compass. What more does one really need???

I knew and old man once, he bought a new truck and his wife kept buggin him to be careful about scratching it for days after they picked it up. After a few days he got tired of it and took a hammer and hit the hood once. After that she never said another word about it.

Whats the fun of having a tool and not using it?

I haven't read any other responses to this post yet, but here are my thoughts as of this moment...

I am reminded of my first guitar teacher's immortal words..."If you can't afford a few scratches and dings, then your guitar is too expensive..."

Smart man, that one.

I understand your point though...I've been thinking more and more that I want to get a regular old RSK for EDC...I want to keep my M2 version looking nice...although I don't think it will ever sit around and collect dust. But it's far easier to replace a RSK mk1 than it would be to replace the M2 if I trash it.

I think you have to find the balance between good quality gear, and comfort level in using it for what it was designed for. Also consider how often you expect to use it and how you expect to use it. I tend to like overengineered and over quality equipment. Sometimes a Snow Peak Ti spork is called for, but sometimes a Light My Fire spork will do. The flash drives that I carry on my key chains are San Disk Ti Cruzers...probably more durable than I will ever need, but the cool factor is worth it to me...I have not pinched pennies to replace them with Iron Keys yet...maybe just one of those...cool factor is good, but there's a lot of cool gear to pinch pennies for out there!

If the gear you choose really lives up to the quality and cool factors...then use 'em and abuse 'em...that's what it's there for! And if it doesn't live up to the claims...contact the manufacturer!

Great point Ray...Nicodemus had as his sig line for a long time..."Learn survival skills when your life doesn't depend on it"

I think a similar notion applies to gear...push it to the limit in every day life...so you know what to expect when your life does depend on it.

That's why I try to buy some gear just to test...an extra Heatsheet or Heatsheet bivy...I try to figure out how these things might be used in a survival situation...put it through extreme paces...see if it will work the way I think it should...to fit my needs.

Getting a bit off track now...great point Ray!

I tell this to the kids I work with in martial arts...if you practice weak, your response will be weak...especially when you don't have to to think...just respond. Practice like your life depends on it...because some day, it just might.

i personally go by the following rules:
- Buy the best you can and am willing to afford, we are talking quality, not price. Looks are great, but fuction is what it is all about.
- If I'm not using it, it won't be carrying it, if i won't be carrying it, it won't be there when i need it.
- if it's to heavy, big or expensive, i won't carry it, thus not use it...

Story Time,

Almost 20 years ago, 2 weeks before I got married, I ordered a brand new Chev pickup truck; when my fiance and I went to pick it up at the dealers she accidently put a 3 inch scratch on the passenger door with her engagement ring! Ouch, I went through with the wedding, but have not bought a new vehicle since.

Mike

jenkinma:
don't know if it's the quote you are thinking of, but the question:
'when did you last regret buying the best?' is a good one to ask yourself.
The Sock

You should view all of it as a tool. If you can't use it then it is as useless as if you didn't have it. I carry stuff in my pocket and it show wear but is still in excellant condition. If you can use it get something you can.
cheers