Collectors Spotlight - July 2011 - TERRORISM
Age: 962 / USA
TERRORISM: 18K & FMJ
How long have you been a collector of Oakley items?
20+ years
How did you get into collecting Oakley?
My fascination began with Oakley back in highschool. A fellow classmate was selling a pair, and I was somehow intrigued by sunglasses that cost $100+. When asked about these glasses, he explained that they had interchangeable lenses and earstems and that they could be customized virtually however the wearer wanted. I was amazed. After purchasing this pair of Razorblades from him I wanted to collect other pairs for customization. The addiction began.
What is the first Oakley item you remember having?
White/Violet Razorblades. Nothing could match 'em back in the day.
What is your biggest Oakley regret? (if any)
They say hindsight is 20/20, and this also holds true with Oakley purchases. Experiencing a tremendous pressure to finally complete the Juliet set, I spent an inordinate amount of money for a pair of Brown Juliets. Shortly thereafter I spent an even greater amount for a second pair of Brown Juliets for customization. Recently, however, these glasses have surfaced on eBay and sold for just over $300. I wish I would have waited, but that's an invaluable lesson to be learned in the art of collecting: patience.
What is your next Oakley purchase likely to be?
That's difficult to say. At this point I have achieved nearly everything I have ever desired in collecting. Only time will tell...
What do you consider the "jewel" of your collection?
Although there are many items that I appreciate a great deal, there is only one that stands above all others: the 18K Solid Gold Time Bomb.
How do you store/display your Oakley collection?
Currently there are quite a few display cabinets: a golf cube, two 3' towers, four megatowers, three stretchline towers, three doublewides, a megatower 3.0, and a triplewide that house/display the collection. And every cabinet is needed.
Do you have a favorite Oakley retailer?
Without question, that would be Ian from 1080 Norwich - a true gentleman.
Do you customize?
Yes, but I am very particular about customization. Some customize with third-party lenses while others custom paint their frames and still others have Oakley lenses custom cut to fit different Oakley frames (i.e., cutting a radar lens to fit a Juliet). I prefer to maintain a collection that is 100% Oakley, with only lenses that have been cut by Oakley, specifically for the frames that secure them. Likewise, all parts, pieces, and unobtainium are 100% Oakley in every pair of the collection.
What other Oakley products do you collect?
I have a number of other Oakley products, including stickers, keychains, footwear, shirts, backpacks, and other apparel (and of course, watches). It's great to see a company like Oakley diversify their products and offer something for nearly everyone.
What other hobbies/collections/passions do you have?
At this point in time, not too many. Work has been incredibly busy, but at some point that will have to slow down as well.
What advice do you have for new Oakley collectors?
Take your time - this isn't a race (listen to "that"). Also, collect what you like and don't worry about acquiring something that you believe others will be impressed by. At the end of the day it's your collection, not someone else's - and you've got to be happy with the purchase decisions you've made. And remember the Brown Juliet example... you don't want to end up paying 3 - 5 times (or possibly more) for an item because of impatience.
What do others think about your Oakley collection?
Few people have witnessed it, but when they have they have all been quite amazed. Some have even asked "why"? Simple. People collect stamps and coins while others collect baseball cards. Why not Oakleys? Not only can they be displayed better than stamps or coins (in an Oakley tower), but they may be actually used and provide critical protection for our eyes. And they are a work of art. How cool is that?
What's your fondest/most astounding Oakley memory?
I am very thankful to Jim and truly appreciate the fact that he recognized a single collector who had a passion and true appreciation for his brand.
Any final words?
Life can be an ever-changing experience. Some people face adversity and hardship and experience great difficulty coping, giving up at times. When I graduated highschool I lived in a homeless shelter. A few years ago I was living in someone else's house paying rent. Today, however, I own my own home and have others paying rental income. And it is very likely that within the next few years my home will be paid off and I'll be 100% debt-free. Much has changed, and it has not always been easy.
Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something. When they do, it is almost always because they themselves can't, and they don't want to see someone else succeed.
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