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What to collect

This topic has been done before I am sure but, now that I have close to 40 pocket knives I want to try to give my collection some direction. Can't decided between one company, a particular style, or Truro get one of every style or some other style of collecting. Any suggestions as to what has worked best for you. I tried the " get what you like," approach but I like so many that my bank account gets mad at me :(

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by James Cole on September 6, 2013 at 10:05

Thank you Guys. I think we are all knife junkies and will collect outside of our "normal" collection on occasion. Very few can stay with just one area. One could spend their entire life collecting only peanuts, trappers, stockmen or you name it and still not have one of everything.

Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on September 13, 2013 at 4:31

When I was a kid, I collected coins, stamps, old bonds, etc. I got good at quickly telling the difference between a good and bad deal I got away from those hobbies as raising a family took precedence. Although, through the years, I occasionally spotted a bargain, purchased it, and gave to the kids to encourage them to collect. I should have known better. They were not interested in those things. So, it is true that to be successful as a collector of anything, the first decision to make is what it is that you like in general and then narrow that down more specifically. There are many reasons for collecting, monetary gain among them. Like many of you, I have purchased knives with no real direction or plan. Usually, I would tell myself that it was something I could actually make use of. We know how that worked out. LOL I have set out to collect a couple of brand names. But, they turned out to be brands that either made knives for others, or had contracts for others to make their knives or parts thereof. To me, the attitude that those firms had was all about money, No pride in their products or love of cutlery. And, the cloak of secrecy is disingenuous, Of course there is a place for the collector of whatever he or she likes. From toy knives to serious combat knives.

My criteria for now, and forever I hope, is to collect a brand until that brand starts farming out their name to others. My choice is limited to what I think I will be able to afford (new and vintage), one that makes products that I can actually use, and one that has a long history of taking pride in making quality products, I wish I had more faith that U,S. firms will not continue to fail. They were sold out by our government. I will still use some of the knives I have, until they are useless. Some are Chinese unfortunately. Maybe, I can unload or gift them. I had a knife in my pocket just today with the intent of giving it to a family member for defense. She didn't want it for fear of someone taking it from her and using it on her, Go figure. You can lead 'em to the water, but..... The key to a successful and fulfilling collection is learning everything you can about the subject through on-going research. Then, you will be less likely to get burned. And, never mislead others.

Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on September 13, 2013 at 5:02

Tobias, your webiste info is extensive. I had come across it some time back and posted a link to it on another forum. I won't mention names, but a man who is considered one of the world's foremost experts on knife making was impressed with the content, and he thanked me for providing it to everyone. Now, I thank you.

Tobias Gibson said:

Bobby, You may want to take a look at my web page, "A Pocket Guide To Knives" It really is geared toward people just starting out.

It won't tell you what to collect because you already do have the right answer -- that is buy what you like

You might take a look at what you already have and then decide from what you see, the knives you like most. When it comes to traditional pattern folders, there is no doubt that the most collected knife in America by brand is probably W. R. Case & Son and the most collected pattern is probably the Trapper. But the Case knives that are going to go up in value is the older ones. Stag is probably the most popular handle material among collectors.

It took me over 150 knives before I really got a feel for what I like. If you were to ask me, I'd tell you to collect scout knives. Hog on the other hand, would steer you toward Stockmans. Others would swear by Case and others tell you Queen. some swear by Stag and other MOP. Still others collect Randalls! But it really is your decision.

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on September 13, 2013 at 5:17

Clay and Tobias, two very good posts, I enjoyed reading them both and learned from them. Thank you.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on September 13, 2013 at 12:44

I keep finding myself, thanking Tobias but here goes again. Thanks Tobias.

If we ever had a Member of the year, my vote would be for Tobias!

Okay, enough smoke...lol

Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on September 13, 2013 at 14:01

i'll second that motion, By the way, "Where there's smoke there's fire." LOL Keep up the good work Tobias

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on September 13, 2013 at 14:33

Stop it, guys. You're making me blush. Just glad to be here.

Permalink Reply by Pat Kennedy on September 15, 2013 at 18:25

The current issue of BLADE (December 2013) has a very good article about collecting titled. "How to Start a Knife Collection". As the title suggests, it deals more with what to do and what not to do than with what to collect, but it has a lot of good input from several knowledgeable sources including collectors and knifemakers. Veteran collector Pete Cohan makes a very good point, (and one that makes me blush a little and suggests I have some work to do...) "A collection should have some degree of organization, including well-designed display elements, clear identification and other information and records regarding each piece or set." He continues: "Over the years I've looked at untold numbers of knives, and the majority were accumulations, not collections. Let it be understood that accumulations are 'OK' but often fail to meet the minimum standards of a true collection. The final result when you or your decedents need to sell or dispose of a large accumulation of knives lacking records and organization is often a value for less than what was invested."

Permalink Reply by James Cole on September 15, 2013 at 19:32

I know the author meant well with his advice, however your "decedents" won't give a crap about the value of your knife collection, being as they would be dead! It should be descendants. Pete made a little boo-boo.

Permalink Reply by Clay Strong on September 15, 2013 at 20:15

The way the younger generation is going it could have been the "decadents". I have a couple of people in my family who because of their decadence will soon be decedents if they don't change their ways. What a language we misspeak/type.

Now to the point made. I'm the victim of willy-nilly accumulating. At least, I now know what I've been doing. It has taken me years and wasted dollars to learn the lesson of that article. After evaluating what to collect, I think I know where i will concentrate my efforts, Maybe.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 15, 2013 at 20:16

Well I like Pete, but I am ok with an accumulation LOL. I dont collect just for value, I have fun collecting what I like and some of those become value at some point. Others remain what they were when I bought them, A knife I like

Permalink Reply by James Cole on September 15, 2013 at 20:23

Well Clay, I hope your decadents change their directions before they become decedents and decay.

Clay Strong said:

The way the younger generation is going it could have been the "decadents". I have a couple of people in my family who because of their decadence will soon be decedents if they don't change their ways. What a language we misspeak/type.