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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Terry Ray on January 25, 2014 at 18:17

Great Point David, I think for myself the idea of a older knife , where its been what its seen etc... is no doubt nostalgic 

at the same time the knives being offered today are of the same quality if not better, (by most of the big manufactures)

I do not believe the Case are as well built, I do however think that the Queen brand and  GEC brands being offered as traditional , are just as good if not better,  The old day knives were made by cutlers mostly from sheffield england and these men and women were artist in their craft and this perhaps is what draws people to collect that era of knife. No doubt many of the Knife makers of today are producing customs that surpass those of yesterday. 

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on January 25, 2014 at 18:47

In my opinion, there was a boom for knives in the 60's and again in the 80's.  I see what I think is a resurgence of that beginning now.  People are not just out there buying though, they are building some pretty specific collections.  Customs have come down because there are more makers in the field.  Thats harder on the makers but good for the collectors.

I like your way of collecting, it is an awful lot like ours.  Collect what you like, you will never be disappointed in your collection

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Permalink Reply by David Selph on January 25, 2014 at 18:54

I often wonder if it is not just nostalgia.  I also have a keen interest in bamboo fly rods.  My rod is a modern maker's take on a classic fly rod made years ago.  That "real" rod if it can be found costs in the neighborhood of $5000.  My modern day version was 20% of that.  I had the opportunity to cast the original.  It was a beautiful experience just to be able to do it but my modern version performed just as well.  I am not discerning enough I suppose to be able to tell the difference.  The original rod would not be useful to me because it is almost too rare to use.  I never give a second thought to using my modern version.  Seems as though some of the same things might apply to these pocket knives as well.  One would think that technology and materials available would make the craftsmanship even better today than it was years ago.

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Permalink Reply by Michael D. on January 25, 2014 at 20:03

Terry Ray said:

I do not believe the Case are as well built, I do however think that the Queen brand and  GEC brands being offered as traditional , are just as good if not better, 

You know, I'm glad you said that. It sounds "heretical" in the knife community to dis Case but I personally think they've always been poorly made. In the 70s, when I fist started to collect, I definitely thought they were poorly made when you compared them to Camillus, Schrade, Queen or Western. About a month ago I became enamored with a new Case (I won't say the pattern) and purchased one via mail order - don't you know it went back for a replacement!

Because there is no such thing as a knife show where I live, I've never seen (therefore I've never held) a GEC, Canal Street or Bear & Sons! Are they as good as pictured? I keep reading the forums but I keep thinking of what happened when I purchased that Case. What's your opinion? Which are the best examples in you view?

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on January 25, 2014 at 20:11

For sure the 80s was a Golden Age, although  you migh makes a case for the early  days of 1900s.  Our best days are still ahead though as knife companies are doing way more small highly collectable runs. Look for a return to traditionals and lots of new materials and steels!

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Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on January 25, 2014 at 22:40

I know what you're saying, David.
In my younger days it was Schrade, Buck and CASE. Only patterns I knew was a Barlow and a Stockman. And Buck was only a lockback...

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Permalink Reply by David Selph on January 26, 2014 at 8:25

Michael I own a few Case as well as GEC and Canal Street and S & M.  I have a Queen regular production knife coming.  I say without hesitation that GEC, Canal Street and S & M (Queen) are as good as pictured.  In every way the knives when compared to my Cases seem more substantial in the hand.  They are both beautiful and functional.  I am not dissing Case as I think they produce a good product for what they are.  Look at the production numbers for Case as compared to the other companies.  Given the numbers produced Case can not possibly give each knife the amount of attention to detail that GEC, Canal Street and Queen do.  Case has a loyal following and they are very content with the way things are.  The other companies are fighting to survive and their only weapon is the quality of their product.  For those that yearn for the knives of old the most likely producer of those knives will come from one of these "new" companies.

As for buying a knife sight unseen many of us have to resort to the internet because not many brick and mortar shops carry the GEC's, Canal Streets and Queens.  My advice would be to establish a relationship with one of the on line vendors that you trust and have experience with.  Make personal contact with him/her and tell them specifically what your expectations are.  Maybe I have just been lucky but the two or three vendors that I have used strive to get me just what I want.  There are never huge inventories of these knives so such a relationship is necessary if you want to have the "pick of the litter".

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Permalink Reply by Michael D. on January 26, 2014 at 9:43

Thanks for the advice - much appreciated. It's been a while since I've dealt with on-line dealers but I just purchased the Case I mentioned above plus a Queen from one of the dealers who advertise on this forum. I wrote him a note questioning some things and he responded. I think I'm going to stick with this dealer if I make my first forays into GEC. I guess you have to take the proverbial plunge!

I'm also thinking of rejoining the Case Collectors Club after being away for years. It used to offer good insight into what's happening in the company. Yes it's also true that Case is in a league of its own. They must be doing the right thing because they're survivors.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on January 26, 2014 at 20:51

I'm glad you brought this subject up because I've been wondering that too. I love and collect vintage knives. Years ago there were a lot more USA knife companies than today, with most of them making fine knives.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on January 26, 2014 at 21:45

I'm an old fart, so I guess my opinion is old school, too-  I search for the vintage knives because of the rarity and the great nostalgia appeal. For an EDC you can't beat a modern knife as a user. For collectiblity, vintage usually means value. Also, some things, DO improve with age. Vintage stag or ivory scales can't be duplicated acurately by modern methods. That warm, honey glow can only be reproduced from use and age. Look at a truly vintage stag or ivory handled knife and you will see what I mean!! That warmth just can't be artificially produced !  !BTW, some of my most treasured knives are not the most valued,dollar wise, but because thy belonged to family members( some long departed)

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Permalink Reply by Michael D. on January 27, 2014 at 19:18

Absolutely agree. I wouldn't carry a vintage knife ever, even if it was in beat up condition. Currently my EDC is a Buck Bantam or Swiss Army Executive or a Kershaw Cryo. They seem to get the job done.

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