iKnife Collector2024-03-29T08:34:26ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottkinghttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2792733948?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://iknifecollector.com/group/beginnercollectors/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=034pbg9lwvspt&feed=yes&xn_auth=noCollecting Ethnographic & Aboriginal Knivestag:iknifecollector.com,2015-03-17:3181080:Topic:12855472015-03-17T15:28:43.328ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottking
<p>Ethnographic and Aboriginal knives – at one time I could hardly spell these terms let alone understand what they meant. The title itself is enough to turn away crowds at any self-respecting knife show or swap meet. If you find yourself in this spot as well, then let me explain what these are.</p>
<p>First of all, Ethnographic knives (and weapons) are the collection and study of those that are unique to a particular people, culture or ethnicity. Collecting Samurai swords, that is to say…</p>
<p>Ethnographic and Aboriginal knives – at one time I could hardly spell these terms let alone understand what they meant. The title itself is enough to turn away crowds at any self-respecting knife show or swap meet. If you find yourself in this spot as well, then let me explain what these are.</p>
<p>First of all, Ethnographic knives (and weapons) are the collection and study of those that are unique to a particular people, culture or ethnicity. Collecting Samurai swords, that is to say swords of the Samurai, would be considered in this category as they are uniquely Japanese, but think too Native American knives, Persian knives, Zulu knives, Indonesian knives, etc.</p>
<p>Aboriginal knives (and weapons) are those that belong to a people who are considered the first or earliest known of their kind present in a region. An example would be the Inuit knives from Alaska, Canada or Greenland, or the Chukchi knives of Eastern Siberia.</p>
<p>Collecting knives in either of these two categories can be extremely challenging and rewarding. Collecting original and authentic pieces can be tricky – let alone expensive, so I have made the decision to also include top-grade replicas and modern renditions. Sometimes this is the only way to have a representation of a great knife in a private collection.</p>
<p>To help you, the collector, understand and better appreciate what is good and acceptable in such collections, I have put together some broadly accepted terms that will help the you determine if a piece is right for your own collection.</p>
<p>Ethnographic collecting is probably the easier of the two, because the timeline for pieces in this category is from pre-history to present day. It’s about collecting the tools and weapons of a culture or ethnicity, not necessarily during a specific time period. A modern Karambit knife from Indonesia – more specifically from a household in Indonesia, is an example. Buying a Karambit from XYZ Knife Company is just buying a Karambit. Another example is my Szlachta Polowanie Sztylet pictured below. It is a classic Polish weapon with design influences dating back to the times of fending off the Mongols and Tartars.</p>
<p>Aboriginal knives are a little more tricky, and expensive. Within this category, the purists prefer pieces prior to the twentieth century – mostly because pure aboriginal peoples still existed in large numbers throughout the world then. While this is a good standard, it presumes a time period boundary for what is acceptable as an aboriginal piece.</p>
<p>For myself, I have broadened the definition to include any piece that is made by descendants from such a people, and who practice the skills and art of their ancient traditions to craft the knife. For me, it’s not about when the knife was made, but by whom. This definition has allowed me to widely grow my collection where I would not have been able to afford to so otherwise. </p>
<p>Here is an example of a Navajo Dance knife that actually is both Ethnographic and Aboriginal at the same time. The knife was made by David Begay, a Navajo artisan who decorated this knife specifically for me – white over red beads symbolizing my Polish heritage. The bone knife is deer bone fashioned using traditional means. The wrap handle is buckskin, as is the sheath. The medallion in the center is a piece of dried oak, rather than the silver Gaucho medallion seen on modern copies. The knife was then blessed and was presented to me as a finished product.</p>
<p>What makes this knife ethnographic is that it is Native American. What makes this knife aboriginal is that this particular bone knife design, decoration, and use is specific to the Navajo. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655265771?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655265771?profile=original" width="500" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>There are a few additional terms to grapple with that actually can apply to any category one decides to collect – including WWII pieces. It’s a short list, but the terms are easily interchanged which often make selecting a knife more difficult.</p>
<p><strong>Authentic</strong> – a knife that is not false in its representation; it is not a copy of or a replica of or an interpretation of something else. It is the genuine article. A common misunderstanding of something "authentic" is that it must be old. Not true. An authentic piece is not necessarily held to a time period - it can be ancient or modern. Using my bone knife as an example, it is an authentic Navajo bone knife made for the purpose of being used in modern Navajo dance. It was never presented as a historical artifact, but as an authentic knife made by a Navajo artisan. But then, so are all the other and fancier bone knives in the Navajo Trading Post…right? Um, no. Those are copies and replicas not used by the makers and are intended for a public audience as souvenirs. </p>
<p><strong>Replicas</strong> & <strong>Copies</strong>– many of the knives in various trading posts and gift shops from Arizona to Tahiti are either replicas or copies. Collecting ethnographic or aboriginal replicas is as legit as collecting the real deal – and much less expensive. There is a real difference however, between a replica and a copy, although they are often and casually used to mean the same thing. A true replica is a reproduction of the original in exacting detail. A copy often omits or adds details not found on the original artifact.</p>
<p>A modern replica of a WWII trench knife for example, is made with the same exacting qualities as the original – same steel type, same bluing or parkerization, same cuts of leather, same sheath pattern, and depending on the original being replicated, include armory proof marks and serial numbers. If a museum is willing to present it in place of the original, then it’s a good replica.</p>
<p>A copy of the same trench knife however, may also include the company’s name, or manufactured country of origin, or not bend the cross guard just right. A copy may also omit specific details, such as rivets instead of studs, plastic instead of Bakelite. Copies can also take on artistic interpretation not found on either original or authentic pieces.</p>
<p>Replicas and copies each have their place in a quality knife collection. When the original or replica cannot be obtained, there is nothing wrong with a good copy! The point of this discussion is to know the difference <i>before</i> you buy, or invest as is sometimes the case.</p>
<p>Collecting Ethnographic and Aboriginal knives and weapons – be they authentic, original, replica, or copies – can be a lot of fun. You can’t help but learn something new when you do. Collecting such pieces also adds a unique perspective and diversity to the collection.</p>
<p>The following photos are additional examples of Ethnographic and Aboriginal knives and weapons. I identify each as to its classification, and whether or not it is authentic, replica, or a copy. </p>
<p>My Aztec ceremonial knife. This is a copy that borderlines replica quality status. The actual knife that this copy represents is at the Teotihuacán Museum at the temple site, and it is magnificent! The blade on my knife is actual hand knapped green obsidian, just like the original. The handle, however, is a polymer resin formed from a mold and fitted to the blade. The making of these copies is control by licensing the manufacturer, then licensing who can sell them. You can see and feel the mold seam across the handle, and the epoxy that holds the blade to the handle. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655265803?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655265803?profile=original" width="500" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>This is my Szlachta Polowanie Sztylet, or Polish Nobleman’s Hunting Dirk. This is a stylized copy of similar dirks from the North East regions of Poland with historical influences of early Mongol design. A Slavic ethnographic piece, it is a copy as interpreted by Gerlach Cutlery, Poland’s oldest and largest cutlery company (1760 - 2014 • GERLACH • POLSKA). We know this is a stylized copy because “Gerlach Nierdzewne” (Gerlach Stainless) is etched on the ricasso. This piece is a designer collectible based on authentic period dirks rather than a piece that is collected. Being Polish myself, collecting Slavic knives such as this is a physical connection to my heritage.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655265925?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655265925?profile=original" width="247" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>And finally, this is a replica of a hand-held Polynesian Cula Cula club. The Cula Cula is a weapon that can be hand held such as this example, or be wielded with both hands. Fashioned in the design of a shark's tooth, the smaller Cula Cula is used as club and a thrusting weapon. The thin blade allows the user to cut through bone rather than shattering it. How a Cula Cula is decorated also represents the owners status. The larger two-handed versions are also used as clubs and thrusting weapons, but also serve as shields and oars. </p>
<p><span>Hand carved and etched from hard tropical Vesi wood, this piece is ethnographic in nature because it represents the Polynesian people rather then a specific aboriginal group such as Hawaiian or Tahitian. </span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655266022?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655266022?profile=original" width="289" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Collecting Ethnographic or Aboriginal specific pieces can be very rewarding, and it can be perceived as being very high-brow and exclusive. And with good reason - one cannot help but be educated as he learns more about the piece and the people who use it. So if you want to learn more about the world and the peoples in it, consider ethnographic or aboriginal collecting. The more you find that is different, the more you find they are the same!</p> Knife Collection Genrestag:iknifecollector.com,2015-02-26:3181080:Topic:12733492015-02-26T20:13:19.193ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottking
<p>Have a simple discussion with another collector and one topic is always bound to occur - someone will ask, "what do you collect?" Sometimes the answer is simple - Folders or Fixed blades. Spend more than 5 minutes anywhere in iKC, and you will discover that it is never that simple. </p>
<p>There are as many knife collecting genre's as there are in Rock 'n Roll music. With Rock 'n Roll, we have American Traditional, Bar Band, Garage Band, Heavy Rock, Acid Rock, Metal, Bubble Gum, Hip Hop,…</p>
<p>Have a simple discussion with another collector and one topic is always bound to occur - someone will ask, "what do you collect?" Sometimes the answer is simple - Folders or Fixed blades. Spend more than 5 minutes anywhere in iKC, and you will discover that it is never that simple. </p>
<p>There are as many knife collecting genre's as there are in Rock 'n Roll music. With Rock 'n Roll, we have American Traditional, Bar Band, Garage Band, Heavy Rock, Acid Rock, Metal, Bubble Gum, Hip Hop, Heartland Rock, Pop, Latin Rock, Retro Rock, Classic Rock, Folk Rock, Swamp Pop, and Rockabilly Revival (whatever that is) just to name a few. </p>
<p>With knives, yes we have the folders and the fixed blades. These then break down in to types of folders and fixes blades. With folders you have your Congress, Whittler, Toothpick, Camp, Swiss Army, Saddle horns, Canoes, Lock backs, and Switchblades, to name a few. With fixed blades we have our Bowies, Skinners, Survival, Combat/Military/Fighters, Hunting, Trackers, and Daggers.</p>
<p>Add to this all the flavors and options one can have - Production vs Bench made, Damascus vs Stainless Steel, Cross-overs, USA vs Everyone else made, New vs Vintage....you get the idea.</p>
<p>All of this is the easy stuff. but what about these collectible genres:</p>
<p> - Marketing knives</p>
<p> - Reproductions</p>
<p> - Rip-offs (a collection of intentionally made rip-offs can be quite a collection!)</p>
<p> - Wooden</p>
<p> - With tang stamps only</p>
<p> - Knives with the letter "Z" in its name</p>
<p> - Knives with 17 blades or more</p>
<p> - Knives with broken tips</p>
<p> - Knives once owned by Presidents</p>
<p> - Trench-made (referring to knives made or modified by soldiers in the theater of battle)</p>
<p>What are some of the Off Center collection genres that you have or interest you? Let's see what you have!</p> Buyer beware!tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-06-14:3181080:Topic:11505772014-06-14T21:44:02.295ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottking
<p>I just wanted to stress to everyone to do your homework on your purchases before you buy them. Knock offs are everywhere, and everyone stands at risk of this diabolical practice. My son and I were both victims this spring, and while the responsibility was ours, I thought others could benefit from our loss.</p>
<p></p>
<p>So, if you have suggestions on how to prevent our newer collectors from having this unpleasant experience, post here with your advice. Below is the email I sent to the…</p>
<p>I just wanted to stress to everyone to do your homework on your purchases before you buy them. Knock offs are everywhere, and everyone stands at risk of this diabolical practice. My son and I were both victims this spring, and while the responsibility was ours, I thought others could benefit from our loss.</p>
<p></p>
<p>So, if you have suggestions on how to prevent our newer collectors from having this unpleasant experience, post here with your advice. Below is the email I sent to the organisers of the show we attended. Let's all do our part to prevent this from happening to others!</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><em>"Hey there...</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>My son and I attended your show this year, and while only there for the knives, we were initially impressed with the show. However, afterwards, we realized that we were both taken in by a vendor selling knock off knives as the real deal. Now, as a collector, I realize that the responsibility for verifying the product is ultimately my responsibility, and I accept that, but I shudder to think how many other folks purchased items in good faith only to be taken in by a counterfeiter. My purchase was a Benchmade AT-1, with box...a well done knock off to be sure, but a counterfeit nonetheless. My son was similarly ripped off with a Boker knife from the same nefarious vendor. A truly disappointing experience and one that ruined the show for me and my son in a serious way.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Please don’t get the impression that I blame the organizers, or hold them responsible for my own lack of verifying my purchase. That is not the case. I would, however, like to ask/suggest a few things for the next show.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>1) A person or people to randomly inspect dealer booths to look for knock offs. Random spot checks could help a lot to protect the folks that come to your event in good faith.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>2) Free internet access in the venue so folks have some way to research their purchases. I know we had no access to the existing wi-fi.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>3) A disclaimer in the vendor sign-up forms that mentions that counterfeiters will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with in an appropriate manner if discovered.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>4) A booth/table where folks who think a vendor is selling counterfeit items can come to report knock offs.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>If vendors know that counterfeiting is not supported, encouraged or permitted in your show, and that consequences shall arise from such actions, then that will go far in helping your patrons and supporters make their purchases with a degree of confidence and security. As I am sure you will agree, counterfeiting is a problem we all need to address and discourage, dealers and collectors alike.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>I certainly hope you take this message as it is intended...some suggestions to protect your vendors, collectors and patrons, and not a condemnation toward you, your organisation or your members. I strongly believe this is an issue worth addressing, and sincerely hope you will consider this with the seriousness it deserves. If these suggestions are addressed in some way, I would be happy to attend next year and endorse your event on the many knife groups I am associated with. However, I cannot, in good conscience, support or endorse any event or organisation that supports or ignores counterfeiting, the proliferation of knock offs, or rip off artists posing as serious vendors.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this, and would be happy to do what I might to help.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Respectfully...</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Steve Scheuerman."</em></strong></p> A video Introduction to collecting Traditional Pattern Knivestag:iknifecollector.com,2014-05-30:3181080:Topic:11434372014-05-30T13:45:11.158ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottking
<p>I've been doing a series of you tube videos on Traditional Pattern Knives. The videos are being made with the novice knife collector in mind. I will be adding them to my page and to this thread. Comments are welcome.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Belwo is the introduction. I will add more videos to this thread as time permits.</p>
<p></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-mswlKhhtIQ?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p>I've been doing a series of you tube videos on Traditional Pattern Knives. The videos are being made with the novice knife collector in mind. I will be adding them to my page and to this thread. Comments are welcome.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Belwo is the introduction. I will add more videos to this thread as time permits.</p>
<p></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-mswlKhhtIQ?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p> A look at China Made Knivestag:iknifecollector.com,2013-10-11:3181080:Topic:9809382013-10-11T23:39:00.586ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottking
<p>With all the negative discussion about Chinese-made knives, I wanted to add my two cents based on actual experience, not rumors and second hand information.<br></br> I am comparing my three newest knives- Buck Trio ($16), Rough Rider Mini Canoe ($9) and Imperial Sodbuster ($8).<br></br> Steel- Buck is 420 ss, rough rider is 440 ss, while imperial is 440. The Buck and the Rough Rider came hair shaving sharp out of the box, while Imperial was paper shaving and almost hair shaving sharp.Edge-- Buck and…</p>
<p>With all the negative discussion about Chinese-made knives, I wanted to add my two cents based on actual experience, not rumors and second hand information.<br/> I am comparing my three newest knives- Buck Trio ($16), Rough Rider Mini Canoe ($9) and Imperial Sodbuster ($8).<br/> Steel- Buck is 420 ss, rough rider is 440 ss, while imperial is 440. The Buck and the Rough Rider came hair shaving sharp out of the box, while Imperial was paper shaving and almost hair shaving sharp.Edge-- Buck and Rough Rider<br/> Walk and talk- all three are tight and crisp. Edge-- none<br/> Fit and finish- the Buck and the Imperial back springs are a fraction of a millimeter off on the back spring, the Rough Rider is completely flush. Edge-- Rough Rider<br/> Cosmetics- Rough Rider shield printed off center, Buck shield perfectly flush, Imperial is slightly raised. Edge-- Buck<br/> Other features-- prefer "toothy" nail knick of Rough Rider, Rough Rider tang stamp design nicest IMHO, Buck and Rough Rider clearly marked China on blade, Imperial is not (slightly misleading).<br/> Warranty-- all three claim lifetime warranty. Edge-- none.<br/> Price- Edge to Rough Rider and Imperial.<br/> While I would happily carry all three as EDC, I would have to give the overall edge to Rough Rider, with Imperial coming in second place.<br/> Thanks for following the rambling.</p> How sharp ?tag:iknifecollector.com,2013-08-03:3181080:Topic:9179092013-08-03T17:22:55.224ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottking
When I get a used knife I like to take it to a decent edge. What criteria do you use. Slice paper, shave hair, others? Sorry my microscope is broken and I am too old to eyeball edge :)
When I get a used knife I like to take it to a decent edge. What criteria do you use. Slice paper, shave hair, others? Sorry my microscope is broken and I am too old to eyeball edge :) Definition of a "slip joint knife"?tag:iknifecollector.com,2013-02-12:3181080:Topic:7889262013-02-12T23:28:58.060ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottking
<p>Until recently I had never heard the term "slip joint knife". At first I thought it must be a type of knife that opened differently than a standard pocket knife. From my own research I think I have learned that it is just another term for a non locking folding knife. Is that correct or is there some difference between the two?</p>
<p>Until recently I had never heard the term "slip joint knife". At first I thought it must be a type of knife that opened differently than a standard pocket knife. From my own research I think I have learned that it is just another term for a non locking folding knife. Is that correct or is there some difference between the two?</p> Deciding on a type of knife to collecttag:iknifecollector.com,2012-01-01:3181080:Topic:5253842012-01-01T21:06:20.548ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottking
<p>I have collected knives, not seriously, for many years, but now I would like to create a collection that can be added to on a regular basis and that has some semblance of meaning to me. I am thinking about concentrating on Trappers and Barlow as they appear to me to be what I like in a knife. Does this make sense or is it better to just buy what you like when you see it? It seems to me that if I concentrate on a particular type of knife I am not tied down to a particular brand. My…</p>
<p>I have collected knives, not seriously, for many years, but now I would like to create a collection that can be added to on a regular basis and that has some semblance of meaning to me. I am thinking about concentrating on Trappers and Barlow as they appear to me to be what I like in a knife. Does this make sense or is it better to just buy what you like when you see it? It seems to me that if I concentrate on a particular type of knife I am not tied down to a particular brand. My preference so far is Case, Rough Rider, and Boker. That pretty much covers the world. I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter and have you help me explore this huge subject.</p> Why is this knife worth $2500tag:iknifecollector.com,2011-09-21:3181080:Topic:4648272011-09-21T00:15:15.557ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottking
<p>I am a new collector. I follow ebay to gain an understanding of the cost of knives. I was blown away by this one.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/160645203658?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648#ht_519wt_1040">http://www.ebay.com/itm/160645203658?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648#ht_519wt_1040</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>How would you all have identified this knife as being this valuable. I am reading the standard knife collector's guide which allowed…</p>
<p>I am a new collector. I follow ebay to gain an understanding of the cost of knives. I was blown away by this one.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/160645203658?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648#ht_519wt_1040">http://www.ebay.com/itm/160645203658?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648#ht_519wt_1040</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>How would you all have identified this knife as being this valuable. I am reading the standard knife collector's guide which allowed me to gain some insight to knives - but i still cannot understand the hidden value.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>thanks.</p> new to knife collecting; no idea what this is...tag:iknifecollector.com,2010-12-26:3181080:Topic:1774582010-12-26T23:26:06.319ZScott Kinghttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/scottking
<p>Found this at my grandfathers old house and it seems to have some sort of value. Older with what appears to be some form of middle-eastern writing. thanks for the help.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655209941?profile=original" target="_self">IMG00021-20101226-1514.jpg</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655210174?profile=original" target="_self">IMG00022-20101226-1514.jpg</a></p>
<p> …</p>
<p></p>
<p>Found this at my grandfathers old house and it seems to have some sort of value. Older with what appears to be some form of middle-eastern writing. thanks for the help.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655209941?profile=original">IMG00021-20101226-1514.jpg</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655210174?profile=original">IMG00022-20101226-1514.jpg</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655212530?profile=original">IMG00023-20101226-1514.jpg</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655212957?profile=original">IMG00024-20101226-1514.jpg</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655213196?profile=original">IMG00025-20101226-1515.jpg</a></p>