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I'm back.....kinda

Well, I've not been that active in collecting knives the past year, but having had two major surgeries and concentrating on trying to pay off the knives I had purchased previous to a year ago has kept me otherwise occupied; until today. Having been pretty much confined to home most of the year got the best of me today, I was feeling good, and was done with the major event I put on in Big Sur annually so I decided I needed to get out of the house and me being me I chose to go on a thrift store crawl. After finding no fewer than four good pairs of cargo pocket pants, a nice hawaiin shirt and a NIB transistor radio, (a stellar day in my junkin' world). As I went to leave that last thrift store, (of the four I hit today), I noticed out of the corner of my eye that there appeared to be some pocket knives in a display case, something unusual as I have never seen a single knife at that store before today. There were four US-made folding pocket knives staring back at me, which turned out to be a Queen Steel Slimline Trapper and three various Colonials. They wanted $7.95 each for them and after giving them a once over I decided to buy the Queen Steel knife, as in my mind it was in the best condition of the four, (the Colonials were all carbon-bladed and a bit rusty). I figured $8 for a Queen anything was a decent deal so I popped for it. I'm going to sleep on the other knives, I think I'll go back in tomorrow and offer them $20 for the remaining Colonials. The Queen was the first of that brand I had ever seen in this county and was in good condition, full blade, still sharp and snappy, with jigged Delrin handles in a pattern I'd seen online on other Queens, (Barlows mainly). I thought at first it had a SS blade, but after closer inspection I found a few pits on the blade so I now think it might be carbon. I'm not sure of the model number, but I think it was well worth the $8 I paid whatever it is. While I commiserate on whether to go back and buy those three Colonials here are photos of the Queen, (the only Queen stamped knife I have, though I have a Trestle Pines Barlow that was made by Queen). Decisions, decisions, three Colonials for under $25; should I or shouldn't I.....?

Well, whatever I do tomorrow I guess you could say I was back collecting knives, not that I can afford to continue collecting knives, but since we all agree it is a type of addiction I guess that's all the justification I need. Stand by, there may be photos of three Colonials here tomorrow, and after all IT IS an addiction isn't it???

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Comment by Syd Carr on November 6, 2018 at 22:37: Hi Jan, yes you're right, one of the goals I have after this recent spate of corrective surgeries is to get back to the point that I can play music again, but also to get a shop set up. I have all the tools and materials I need for re-handling, I just need to set them up. I have more than one possible project knife for that eventuality, and have both hardwood and a bit of antler I can easily cut into scales. My first project will be an old Schrade #175 Floral knife with serrated sheepsfoot blade, it has plastic scales now but will look great with a stag handle, (and that oh-so-cool (and rare) serrated blade).

Comment by Jan Carter on November 6, 2018 at 17:38: Syd,

It may be time for you to think about trying your hand rehandeling :)

Comment by Syd Carr on November 5, 2018 at 23:47: Here you go, those three other knives were Colonial Fish Knives. The thrift store accepted my $20 offer for all three out the door. These are obviously the same model in three different handle variations, though the black handled one has a saber grind as opposed to the flat grind of the other two, (which is kinda cool if you ask me). Not a great deal but a reasonable deal, the best part being I now have three of the same model in separate handle designs, which I find to be rather ok. After some clean up they all should be presentable, considering the Queen in the bunch all in all it was a good thrift store week for me.

Comment by Steve LaMarine on November 1, 2018 at 14:26: Thanks for sharing. I'm new as of last April, but it was a relief to read that what was a hobby seven months ago is now an addiction. I thought I was just nuts. I was also pleased to know that miracles do happen in thrift shops. My score for the year is a knife purchased as one of 50 junkers for parts and repair, so caked with hard grease and corrosion as to be almost unrecognizable. It was definitely worth a dollar average price. Turned out to have been made mid-19th century, a sod-buster by Jakob Herder that no one has ever heard of before apparently. No wonder I have an addiction.

Comment by Michael D. on October 30, 2018 at 14:36: It's good to hear that someone had a good day, especially after such trying times. Brought a smile to my face.

Featured Comment by Charles Sample on October 25, 2018 at 22:39: Syd, I am glad to hear that your spine is doing good. I will continue to pray for your shoulder.

Comment by Syd Carr on October 25, 2018 at 22:24: Thanks guys, I knew $8 for a Queen was a good price, and I agree with Charles, the Colonials aren't really worth that. I didn't go into town today after all, I stayed home and cooked myself a roast instead, but if they are still in the showcase when I go back I'll try to dicker with them.

Meanwhile I'll be slowly working on my collection again, though I still have knives I haven't paid off yet, (the harder to find Buck SFO's that I have were very costly). Physically I'm doing better even though I am still having some issues with my left shoulder, which was the most recent surgery this past May. However, this week is the one year anniversary of my cervical spinal fusion, which was a very extensive procedure that took months to get over, but I am most happy to report that it has been a smashing success. You'd think having titanium wrapped around my spine and attached with screws would be more uncomfortable than it is, it's amazing the medical technology available nowadays. Thanks for the welcome back, I'll report back soon if I end up with those Colonials.

Featured Comment by Charles Sample on October 25, 2018 at 19:31: Syd, I have been thinking about it. Unless they are in at least fairly decent shape I wouldn't offer more than $5 apiece. If they are really rusty or the blades and scales are loose I wouldn't buy them. If they are in decent shape, $6 apiece or $20 for all three wouldn't be bad.

Featured Comment by Charles Sample on October 25, 2018 at 19:16: Good one Syd! I say get the Colonials. Of course I may be a little biased because I collect Colonials.

Comment by Jan Carter on October 25, 2018 at 19:15: I think that is winterbottom jigged :)

Welcome back! At this point any Queen in that shape under 20 is a good deal. It is starting to level out but they have been up and down and all over the map this year for value