Some new knife collectors start by purchasing knives that appeal to them,unlike ourselves we started as a hobby with friends, and then slowly worked at acquiring knowledge about how to build a collection. Later in the game becoming more cautious and wanting to develop some background. Buying and studying knife books and learning from dealers taking in all the knowledge we could get. Learning from mistakes of buying that occasional counterfeit knife because they "looked so real". Always remember if it looks to good to be true, it probably is, so buyer beware.

     In general, knives of significance, artistic beauty, values or interest that are "too new" to be considered antiques, fall into the realm of collectibles. But not all collectibles are limited editions, and many of them have been around for decades. Limited editions is one way to collect, but does not make them more valuable unless they are made in small production numbers and of a fairly unusual pattern or exotic handle material.

     If you like it buy it, otherwise they  usually command a higher price for having a #/blade etch, as opposed to the stock production knife.

     Knife collectors do enjoy making a plan for their collections, combining education and experimentation to develop a personal method of collecting .  Collecting by brand name, pattern, color,blade material,handle material, all influence a collector in the knives they chose to buy and collect.

     example: Hubby collects Case knife brand exclusively, and I collect mini coke bottle pattern/shape of any brand along with small pattern knives that are flashy to look at. "Knife Jewelry" I call them. He excels in locking in hands on knowledge of the knives ages patterns and rarity in number of those he collects. I on the other hand depend on the vast knowledge available in books and circulars, and now the internet for those I collect.

     We have made some friends through the knife collecting world, have sorrowed over the loss of a few wonderful dealer/collectors over the years, and enjoy the new and upcoming dealers. Local flea markets and trade days can be good places to find some items to collect along with the large knife shows around the country.

     So if knife collecting is your choice of hobby, learn all you can and enjoy the "Knife Jewelry" you chose to collect and share with friends. 

Happy Knife Collecting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sue

***** please share your experiences in how you chose to collect and how it has affected your life and friends, so  new collectors can enjoy the experience also. *****