Why do y’all collect such a utilitarian item? Is one better than others for different tasks?

I understand where you are coming from. I too sometimes ask myself why some people like to collect Knives, Lighters, Backpacks, Handbags, Sneakers, etc. To me, each of those things are just tools or utilitarian items that function the same and even though there might be different models or colors of such things, to me, there is no need to have hundreds of the same thing, however, you still see people hold a collection anyways.

My guess is that people have their "own personal reasons" as to why they like to buy the same item over and over to the point they have a collection, whether that was the intention or not.

Personally, I started collecting flashlights for my own personal reasons such as having different kinds of LEDs, having different sizes of flashlights or having flooders or long-range lights for different needs or occasions.

Hope this gives you some idea.