Until my divorce, I was an art collector, or more specifically, animation art. Production cells, pencil drawings etc. Or, other artist’s interpretations of animation art such as Warhol. After that, art in general (my field) and books. I don’t think of my books as a collection because I can’t imagine not having them.
Just one collection really. After my big D, I became very involved in knives - specifically folding pocket knives. I’m a rank amateur compared to many, just like stereo gear. But, I like the ability to have my entire collection in one or two cases. While I started with production knives as most do, I soon started buying customs.
I love the various materials, almost all are custom forged/fabricated. Timascus, Mokume, Mokuti, Damascus, San Mai Damascus... Carbon fiber has made huge strides because of the industry. A few years ago, all the CF was sourced as surplus from places like aviation. Some of the CF now looks nothing like the basketweave my motorcycle has or tripods are made out of.
Is collecting photo gear a collection?
Oh, one popular material is micarta (before plastic). While there’s some really talented people making it today, the hot stuff is vintage, of course. One popular one is Westinghouse micarta. It’s hard to believe, but the desk tops we were carving our initials and other things in back in the 60’s and 70’s, that were junk in the 90’s is now worth a fortune. Some of the micarta used as electrical insulation can be worth thousands. Resin and cloth. Go figure!