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iKnife Collector

The online community of knife collectors, A Knife Family Forged in Steel

Beginner Collectors

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Just started collecting? Want a place to learn and ask questions about our hobby? No dumb questions here. Seasoned iKC collectors provide direction and help with basic questions

Members: 174
Latest Activity: Sep 16, 2022

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Collecting is one of the most enjoyable hobbies. It brings years of satisfaction and provides for great friendships.

If you are relatively new to knife collecting- you are faced with thousands of choices. There are more knives out there than we have the money to buy, so which way do you go?

There are a number of factors and decisions that go into building a collection and our goal with this iKC Group is to help you sort though those choices.

Almost every collector started out by grabbing whatever we liked, almost without rhyme or reason. While this is one way to start off, it can be extremely expensive. Most collectors eventually settle-in at some point and focus on a type of knife, a maker, a pattern or particular use.

It's OK to buy what you like, but determining WHY you like knives and your goal for your collection are the most important questions you can answer for yourself as early as possible. And before we go much further here.

Our group here is to help you think this through.

Discussion Forum

Collecting Ethnographic & Aboriginal Knives

Started by Lars Ray. Last reply by Jan Carter Mar 18, 2015. 14 Replies 3 Likes

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…Continue

Knife Collection Genres

Started by Lars Ray. Last reply by Lars Ray Mar 17, 2015. 27 Replies 4 Likes

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…Continue

Tags: a, Collection, Staring, Genres, Collecting

Buyer beware!

Started by Steve Scheuerman (Manx). Last reply by Tobias Gibson May 16, 2017. 16 Replies 8 Likes

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…Continue

Tags: offs, knock, counterfeits

A video Introduction to collecting Traditional Pattern Knives

Started by Tobias Gibson. Last reply by Andy Larrison May 20, 2017. 7 Replies 6 Likes

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. …Continue

A look at China Made Knives

Started by Bobby Horn. Last reply by Tobias Gibson Jun 25, 2014. 6 Replies 2 Likes

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. I am comparing my three newest knives-…Continue

How sharp ?

Started by Bobby Horn. Last reply by Brian Martin Sep 6, 2013. 1 Reply 2 Likes

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 :)

Featured

Definition of a "slip joint knife"?

Started by Charles Sample. Last reply by D ale Mar 11, 2016. 3 Replies 2 Likes

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…Continue

Deciding on a type of knife to collect

Started by Mel Jones. Last reply by Jan Carter Mar 15, 2015. 14 Replies 3 Likes

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…Continue

Why is this knife worth $2500

Started by Ira Landsman. Last reply by Jan Carter Jan 22, 2015. 14 Replies 3 Likes

I am a new collector. I follow ebay to gain an understanding of the cost of knives. I was blown away by this one.…Continue

new to knife collecting; no idea what this is...

Started by Michael Forbes. Last reply by Shlomo ben Maved Mar 11, 2016. 9 Replies 1 Like

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. …Continue

How Do I Label my Knives?

Started by Jim Child. Last reply by Ricky L McConnell Nov 25, 2013. 5 Replies 1 Like

Okay! Trying to be organized I've set up a database in HanDBase (synchs between my laptop and my Droid smartphone) and every knife has been assigned "a number."That's all good and well but now I need…Continue

Knife Steels

Started by Pat T. Last reply by Alexander Noot Aug 28, 2014. 3 Replies 1 Like

What is the best all around knife steel? Something robust but also stainless. How good is ZDP 189 & M4?How is the rust resistance of D2?Continue

Tags: steel, 189, ZDP, D2, M4

Knife Maintenance Gear

Started by kage. Last reply by Mel Jones Jan 2, 2012. 14 Replies 1 Like

At some point in time as your collection grows, you may find the need to maintain your knives, in order to keep them sharp, functioning and to preserve their potential value. As a beginning…Continue

Tags: User, Maintenance, Knives, Gear, Collector

Plastic or antler/bone? Can you tell by sight?

Started by Andrew P. Last reply by dead_left_knife_guy Jan 23, 2015. 8 Replies 1 Like

I have a Solingen "big n little" set (I'll have to figure out the picture thing here shortly) that I have been told has Sambar Stag scales.I know the hot needle trick to discern plastic handgun…Continue

Counterfeit Knives ( What you need to know)

Started by Alan Stevens. Last reply by Alan Stevens Dec 27, 2009. 1 Reply 1 Like

Ok all knife collectors have purchased a fake or counterfeit knife at one time or another it simply goes with the territory. Unfortunately most Counterfeits are purchased by beginner collectors who…Continue

Tags: knives, counterfeit

In Memoriam

Ever cut yourself playing with your knife - while it is still in your pocket?

Started by Scott King. Last reply by Ricky Messerle Feb 25, 2010. 11 Replies 1 Like

I don't know about you but lately I have found myself playing with my knife- while it's still in my pocket. I'll be talking to someone and find myself opening and closing the blade..I like the…Continue

Undefined Area's of collecting:

Started by James Sosa. Last reply by Chris Pittman Dec 5, 2010. 3 Replies 1 Like

Ok, I'm looking for some info on what makes knives tick. Our collection depends on:1 - Looks, (is it pretty, does it have nice lines, is the style up to date or antique?), you can add more to this…Continue

In Memoriam

Tell us where you find your knives

Started by Scott King. Last reply by Bobby Horn Jul 17, 2013. 21 Replies 2 Likes

When we're first getting started into buying knives, whether to use or collect, it can be a trial and error kind of thing. Let's help each other out here and save us all some heart-ache and $$ by…Continue

Tags: buy, purchase

best knife for the dollar

Started by duncan lemp. Last reply by björn thompson Mar 5, 2012. 13 Replies 1 Like

Personaly ( im a kid and a beginer so ask sesoned people for the best answer) i like the byrd line ( yes B Y R D) from spyderco. I havent seen one but ive heard that the spyderco tenacius is good.I…Continue

What quality knives did you get when you first started collecting

Started by Michael B. Last reply by Bobby Horn Jul 17, 2013. 18 Replies 1 Like

What quality knives did you get when you first started collecting did you keep buying the cheap ones o did you jump right to the expensive ones

Tags: quality, beginners, price

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Comment Wall

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In Memoriam Comment by Scott King on May 10, 2009 at 19:48: Hey Jeff
Thanks for coming over. I'll be working on more good "stuff" for our group this week. If you know of other new collectors, pass the word. We'll have the best Group at iKC before it's over :)

Comment by Jeff Chochinov on May 10, 2009 at 19:32: i just started collecting knives too and i have a couple swiss army's and i have 2 really good folders, I have the kershaw scallion, and i have the spyderco endura 4 with the white frn handles, which is my display picture. I had a really cheap one before i got those and i sold it to my friend cuz he liked it.

if you have any knives to recommend me getting give me a shout, right on my wall or send me a message,.....thanks!

Comment by Anthony G. on May 10, 2009 at 11:06: Hey guys. I just want to say that this site is awesome. It reminds me of the original Facebook, before the owners sold it and it changed dramatically.

I just started collecting knives recently. I started with a Gerber Gator model, meant for fishing. My next purchase was a Kershaw Blur Tanto. Sick-looking blade but not a great EDC, in my opinion. My most recent purchase has been a Spyderco Salt 1. I have yet to actually receive it, it's in the mail, but I'm really excited.

On a related note, do any of you have professional knife sharpeners that you recommend? The Salt 1 has a rounded tip meant for rescue activity. I would like to take some steel off the top so the blade comes to a sharp point. If you have anyone you recommend, post on my page or send me a message. Thanks.

Comment by Manville D. Smith X on May 10, 2009 at 8:19: i am 11 and have started a small collection of 1 benchmade nagara 1 spyderco delica 1 !!!!!!!!! in its rarest form i will trade for my new intrest the emerson CQC 8 or a horseman i will trade in a heartbeat for my delica it is limited to under 500 made from 1992-1994 my model was made my intrest is tactical folders cause i cannot carry a gun duh so a want a tactical folder for intimidation and knife to knife fights and i have taken martial arts training so i know how to fight with a knife cause a knife doesnt turn you into steven segal with his big ass mad dog atak 2 so does any one have suggestions on other tactical folders under or a little over 100 dollars exept the spyderco military and it has to have micarta or g10 prefferably g10 that is aggressively textured

Comment by Mike Bryant on May 9, 2009 at 18:55: Well Said Scott

I've been collecting a few years now; I am not a Knife Expert, just a Collector of Factory Manufactured Knives, in certain Brands, Handles & Patterns.

I also believe most every Collector sooner or later will turn his hat from a Collector, to a Seller for at least a few of their knives.

A wise man in my opinion, once wrote you should Buy The Best knives you can afford in what ever direction your cutlery collection goes.

Decide early on as you said and stick with your choice.

Quality knives tend to rise in value over the years. He also said it’s hard to buy JUNK Today and it be anything but Junk in the future.

If Books are available for your particular collecting interest, I advise you to Purchase them, Read, Study, know what your buying. Especially if your Buying Older knives.

I've seen many Collectors get burned epically on Ebay by paying Hundreds of Dollars for Counterfeit Fantasy, knives.
Inpatients, Ignorance, & Unscrupulous sellers many times cost Collectors $$$. I wonder how many potential Collectors have been driven from the hobby by those I described above.

A trusted Seller or Dealer is always a good choice to purchase from Purchase from others when you have gained sufficient knowledge of what your buying especially on line.
Bottom Line like Scott says, like what you Buy, Buy what you like because, you may have it a long time especially if you intend to make a Profit.

Scott if I can be of any help to anyone with my limited knowledge, I will be glad to help.

Comment by J.T. [HELLZZARMY] on May 9, 2009 at 16:16: My recommendations for the begginer or novice collector...

Comment by Anthony (ChanceToFade) on May 9, 2009 at 15:33: Yeah check out Bear Balisongs or Jaguar balisongs, they ride a lot cheaper than the Benchmade models

Comment by Taylor Lorfing on May 9, 2009 at 12:21: are there any good suggestions for someone who wants to buy a good and inexpensive balisong knife?

Comment by Keelen Grimm on May 9, 2009 at 11:22: KunaiKnight and Anthony,

When you start collecting knives there is definitely an tendency to be impatient. When I first started getting into knives I would always think about the next one that I wanted to get. Even after I finally got the knife I wanted I would start think about the next one. There are a lot of young knife collectors here and it is an expensive hobby to start and continue.

Keelen

Comment by Anthony (ChanceToFade) on May 9, 2009 at 11:14: I got a job as a soccer ref when i was 12, and made about $500 in three months, and blew out the whole pay check each season on knives and other things related.

Then i got a job as a sales associate and did that for 2 summers, and cashed half my check and dumped that dough on knives as well. I bought crap knives though, and now I will never buy a knife unless I first see reviews on it or im confident in the company ( I am in Spyderco now..)

I got fired from that job. Basically I was having a really bad day and my assistant boss was making fun of me so I told him to Eff off, really loudly, on the floor. When i get a job this summer i gonna do lots of studying and make the best purchases i can.