Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on September 5, 2013 at 12:05

I think the easiest way for me to narrow down what I collect is to look at my saved eBay searhces

Brands:

• Camillus
• Victorinox

Handle:

• White Smooth Bone

Patterns:

• Boy Scout/ Scout/Camping/Camper/Hobo
• Toothpick/fishing/navaja
• Fly fishing/Gents/Gentlemans
• Rigger/Rigging/Rope/Marlin Spike
• And my latest search: Mycology/Mushroom

Of Course the saved searches don't stop me from just typing in Knife/time ending soonest/auction and seeing what I can snag for a steal!

and when I go to places that sell knives, I always look to see if they have anything by Case!

Permalink Reply by Pat Kennedy on September 5, 2013 at 13:21

There's a valid reason and method to just about any seemingly random and loose collection of knives. We all seem to accumulate what we like, then try to assign a logical grouping to subsets within those knives we own, and that's what makes the hobby enjoyable. We see a structure forming within the groupings, then we notice the outliers that don't seem to fit into any of the groups. Decision time! Do I eliminate an individual knife or subset (I'm considering doing this with "offshore knives" those with American brand names that are produced in the Far East and Middle East), or do I expand the collection within this type ("yes, I like mushroom knives and I have room for more!")?
It's your collection, however you look at it, and it reflects your own interest in the subject matter. I use and carry most of my knives, one or two at a time, and have very few that are for display only, so I will collect new or used knives, even in significantly worn condition, so long as the "patina" doesn't reflect misuse or abuse. Many collectors would never do that because they prefer the monetary value which increases with mint condition knives. I like knives that have lived, that somebody had because they knew it was a good knife they could use and trust. An unsharpened pencil has never written anything, and to me, a mint condition knife feels like it has no story beyond the cabinets or drawers it has occupied.

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on September 5, 2013 at 14:14

Well written Pat and I agree.

Permalink Reply by Bobby Horn on September 5, 2013 at 17:02

Thanks for all your help. If I like something and get it and then I won't be disappointed. Even though I am at 39 knives I have carried all but two at some point, both dull bladed tourist pieces.

Permalink Reply by Chuck Parham on September 5, 2013 at 17:24

Bobby, who says you have to decide on one thing? Very few have only a single brand, pattern, or handle material. I have ones with Scrimshaw etched, Rough Riders, Jowika, and a couple other things in the 100 or so knives I curently have. You can diversify and have a few varieties in your collection. I've been at it for 2 years now and am finally starting to narrow my choices.

But I do agree that bank accounts are very fickle when it comes to buying what we like. Funny how they never complain when it comes to paying bills. But let it come to fun stuff then it's a horse of a different color! Go figure!!

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on September 5, 2013 at 17:53

Vintage knives that have done their day in the sun and are rare, valuable and collectable need their time to retire. Sure, you could use them and ware them out. All future generations will only have pictures to look at, of these once great vintage knives. Should we not keep it in a cabinet on display, or let this or that user destroy our vintage knives.

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on September 5, 2013 at 18:06

Currently my knife collection represents 96 brands from 17 different countries and over 114 patterns or variants of patterns.

Despite this, about half my collection would be considered some type of variant of a Camp knife!   Who would think there could be that many different camp knives. (But then look at the variety among Swiss Army Knives, which makes up about 1/3 of my camp knives!)

Collect what you like.  The focus of your collection will come about naturally.  It may change from time to time, but over the years a method to the madness will become obvious.

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on September 5, 2013 at 18:34

Robert I know I retired my

Camillus MkII Fighting knife

Victorinox Huntsman Economy

CCM West German Army pocket knife

Camillus Mil-K knife.

Of course if all heck breaks lose and WWIII begins,  Camillus Fighting Knife comes out of retirement like a good soldier.

Robert Burris said:

Vintage knives that have done their day in the sun and are rare, valuable and collectable need their time to retire. Sure, you could use them and ware them out. All future generations will only have pictures to look at, of these once great vintage knives. Should we not keep it in a cabinet on display, or let this or that user destroy our vintage knives.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on September 5, 2013 at 18:52

Ha..Ha..you bet all bets are off, but we'll have some of the best, time tested knives to be had....good feeling...huh...lol

Permalink Reply by James Cole on September 6, 2013 at 9:27

In my forty plus years of collecting, I have narrowed the field to two types of knives to concentrate on: fixed blades and floders.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on September 6, 2013 at 9:32

James, that's a good one. lol

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on September 6, 2013 at 9:54

James, Yes I agree with Robert, that was a good one, but that's the way to have lots of fun collecting.

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