Hey -- get off those CiCs, youngster. That's my turf.
I’ll wait for the old man to finally retireHey -- get off those CiCs, youngster. That's my turf.
Great post. It's been too long since I read a "Ben book." Hope you are doing well my friend.Interesting topic actually and I like the thread idea. That OP comemnt could be taken multiple ways... if meaning "singles collecting" this particular forum is more gear in the direction of set bulding rather than collecting singles... though many set collectors also do have healthy singles collections as well.
in terms of a collection of sets.. seems like time for a good ole "Ben Book"
Mine is going to be a bit different than most... "variety is the flavor of life" I guess covers the way I built my collection...
While many here may make a statement like "THC/TRK or nothing!" Or "only collecting leaded chips" I feel like I have always been the opposite. As a chip collector I want to give my players the opportunity to experience the different products that the gaming world has produced. That meaning vintage clay (very different then the feel of current products which have much more plastic built into the concoction they call clay), modern clay (which has several different manufacturers that all carry their own uniqness, feel and look), house molds, leaded/unleaded, ceramics, hybrid ceramics, plastics, different sizes, shapes in the form of plaques and octagons.
Some people here have 5 different THC or RHC sets that are built with the same breakdowns to cover their games... yup different spot colors, a different inlay... but generally the same thing over and over. Some despise CPC while others have entire CPC "customs or nothing" collections. Not that any of those people are wrong in ANY way... remeber the aged statement of "if we all loved the same thing this hobby would be extremely boring!"
Of course collections can evolve over time... with any time at all spent here on the forum will likely yield the feeling that "Paulson is the best!" So maybe you set your sights on building a set of Paulson chips... even though that has several sub categories of its own... let's say you get some samples and decide a RHC set for around $2k is your budget and you are successful in building said set... some would take the stance that the next build needs to be an "upgrade" so I gotta go THC next, then Leaded, then TRK, many before these steps shift gears and go the "customs" route of CPC before those more expensive ventures. Some sell their currents before moving on with the stance that "I only need one set at a time, or can only afford 1 set" but the reality of it all is that it is YOUR unique journey.
Some set builders here literally buy new sets of Mint chips and put them.on a shelf and look at them, some people come simply looking for an upgrade from their crappy Dice chips and simply want a playable set with denominations on them with a budget of $300 total... other sets you are lucky I that pays for TWO chips.
I personally have chip set that cost $.25 a chip and others that are $60 and higher per chip and just as happy playing BOTH
ROTATION is the name of the game... the more sets you own and felt, the less wear and tear on your individual sets... if you are in an area with other chippers and everyone has their own chips then it is possible that hours many only see the felt a couple times a year and hence last for many years to come.
Have fun... blow your budget about 2000 times and enjoy your chipping journey
Fellow Chipper
Ben