Advice for a new collector?

CarpScot

CarpScot

Joined
Jan 28, 2008
Messages
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I am a relatively new collector. My first order for a custom was placed ten months ago, and I am hoping to receive the knife in the next few weeks. To be clear, this is very close the wait time I was told to expect when I placed the order.

My tastes have changed over the last year. While I am still very much looking forward to receiving my knife, I find myself hesitant to place another order with a maker whose wait time is longer than a few months. Being able to only buy a handful of knives a year from makers that are known to specialize in "users", I now tend to settle for already completed knives that are close to, but not exactly, what I think that I want.

I am tempted to slow my purchases down to a couple of knives a year until my tastes stabilize, but I feel that the less knives that I am exposed to, the less likely I am to discover new styles and makers that I may enjoy more. I am aware that visiting knife shows would help me a great deal, but I am rarely able to travel due to health and other concerns.

When you started collecting customs did you face the same dilemmas, and do you have any advice to impart to a new collector regarding these issues? If it helps, I collect knives as artful and usable tools rather than for investment purposes.

Thank you for any help or advice, and I apologize if my wording isn’t as articulate or as clear as it could be.:o
-Shane

Note: I do consider myself very lucky that I am able to afford customs at all, and that my favorite maker currently has a very short wait time. However, I still have the want to expose myself to more of what the knife world has to offer. I carry and use my customs and have difficulty knowing what meets my needs without actually using the knife.
 
Here's some of my notes from collecting seminars that I do at several shows that address your dilemma. Hope it will help.

My best advice in a single word to the newer collector is “Patience”. Be patient in selecting which knives you add to your collection rather than buying on impulse.
Many new collectors initially buy knives on impulse resulting in accumulating a hodge podge of knives before realizing which types of knives and which makers they want represented in their collection.
Unfortunately, by this time collectors often have lots money tied up in their first knives and can’t get their money out to buy the pieces they now want.

I suggest investing time rather than money in getting started in custom knife collecting. Become familiar with makers and the types and styles of knives they make and are known for. Learn about knife construction and what components, material and design make a great knife. Learn what to look for in determining good fit/finish and execution of a custom knife.

Your obvious question is how do I learn this?


First, by going to shows, hammer-ins and even visiting maker’s shops in your area.

Shows: There is no other place where you will find so many knives by so many makers in one place. Makers will invite you to handle their knives talk about them and will answer questions.

Hammer-ins: Mainly put on by and for makers, however collectors are always welcomed and hammer-ins are an excellent place to learn about knife construction, fit, finish and materials.

Shop visits: Most makers will gladly schedule a shop visit for an interested collector. Even the most well known makers are very approachable and enjoy interacting and discussing knives with both new and experienced collectors.

Second, by monitoring and examining dealer websites.
These dealer websites deliver a tremendous amount of information on makers and custom knives right to your homes for FREE. I know of no other single place a collector can consistently learn more about custom knives.
They contain an abundance of custom knife information from photos and descriptions on all types and styles of knives, to bios on the makers. These sites can help you to determine which maker’s knives are consistently selling and which ones are currently hot or not. And as important, shows you at what prices these knives are selling for.
A collector can usually scan the top dozen dealer sites in about an hour a day.


Third, by reading and participating on the better custom knife forums.

There are several very good forums where collectors can benefit from the vast and diverse knowledge of experience collectors, makers and dealers. Both makers and collectors post knife photos on these sites and there’s very good productive discussion regarding custom knife styles, design, execution and collecting philosophies.

Forth, by studying the knife publications.

The "Knives Annuals" contain enormous amount of photos and information on customs knives. This is a great place to familiarize yourself with the different maker’s styles and to develop an appreciation for what knives you want to collect.

Subscribe to Blade and Knives Illustrated as both will help to keep you up to date on knives, makers, trends and basically what’s happening in the knife industry.

Fifth, by joining and participation in knife organizations such the ABS, the Guild and knife collecting associations such as the CKCA.

These groups have a lot to offer collectors in the form of education, contacts, ligature and finding other individuals that share your knife interest.
 
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When I place orders it is more often for a "spot" on the list rather than for a specific knife. I ask that the maker contact me 30 days before my turn comes. This has three advantages that work to the benefit of both of us:

1) It provides a more accurate forecast of the timing of actual delivery.
2) It gives me time to assemble the necessary funds.
3) It allows for changes in preference - I get the knife I want now, as opposed to the knife I thought I would want two years ago.

This works well for me.

That said, placing orders isn't for everyone. Some guys like to buy a knife they see at a show, on the sale forum or on a dealer's or maker's site. Nothing wrong with that approach as you certainly are getting the knife you want, assuming opportunity and available cash happen to coincide.

Generally speaking, it works to the benefit of the newer collector to spend less and look more at the outset. The larger and more rapid changes in preference occur earlier in your collecting experience. Money spent exposing yourself to a broad range of custom offerings - such as attending shows and hammer-ins and such - is money very well spent.

Roger
 
CarpScot said:
I am tempted to slow my purchases down to a couple of knives a year until my tastes stabilize, but I feel that the less knives that I am exposed to, the less likely I am to discover new styles and makers that I may enjoy more. I am aware that visiting knife shows would help me a great deal, but I am rarely able to travel due to health and other concerns.
-Shane
Click to expand...

Sounds like you got an answer already!
I'm no collector, but the best advice I can think of is, KEEP IT FUN!
:)
 
If you're like me, your preferences are going to continue to change. First it was tactical folders, then hunters. The focus of my collection is now forged bowies, but I have started to branch out into other styles as well. I think it is never ending journey.

Rogers system works the best if you are worried about your taste in knives changing before the maker can deliver. Reserve a place on the makers waiting list, but don't order any particular type of knife. That way, as long as the maker works in the style that your collecting has changed to, you will be OK.

Makers are generally very understanding, they know that if you have been waiting a long time for your knife that you tastes may have changed. Even if you have ordered a certain style, they will give you the opportunity to change your mind when the time comes for them to start your knife. Make sure you contact the maker and let him/her know you would like to change your order, because some makers start knives without contacting the customer first.
 
Welcome and you are in a unique position as there are some very good makers right here in Montana. Josh Smith, Rick Dunkerly, Joh christenson, Wade Colter Shane Taylor and Ed caffrey. Josh host a hammerin and knife show in June held in the Missoula area where you could come look at some very good knives from all over the country and if something caught your eye it is right there. I believe Harvey Dean, Larry Fuegen Don Fogg and Owen Wood are on the list this year but that is just from my bad memory. Hopefully Josh will jump in here and give better details.
 
Good advice so far. I think that patience and good communication with the maker are key to a rewarding experience. Also, saving for higher quality or better executed pieces is more satisfying than having a larger collection of less expensive knives.

In my experience your safest bet is to buy an already produced knife, since even a custom order may not turn out to be exactly what you expected, but then there is real pressure from other collectors to get to it first. You probably don't want to pay in advance and do give the maker some leeway in his quoted delivery date. The unexpected happens and as much as we feel we deserve a piece when it was promised we need to remember that the maker relies on his craft to pay the bills and the quality of work he lets out of the shop will have an effect on his reputation. After an unreasonable amount of time I would feel compelled to warn other collectors though.

You'll probably pick up some knives you won't be happy with in the long term so it's probably best to take some time to learn what's possible and what your preferences are before you buy too much. I have some knives I bought early on that make me wonder what I was thinking but also some special pieces I treasure now that I bought before I could fully appreciate them. You might have only the one chance to buy a special piece so I wouldn't be too hesitant to buy now but do be choosy.

Leave the investing to the pros. Maybe someday you can trade knives for a living but even makers have a hard time at it... :D
 
Leave the investing to the pros. Maybe someday you can trade knives for a living but even makers have a hard time at it...

there is allot of truth to this statement i have come home from some shows with the largest known collection of Erik Fritz knives.
 
I totally agree Jose. I would advise a new collector not to order a custom knife until they have had the opportunity to see, examine and handle a variety of them from different makers.
As you say, even a seasoned collector doesn't know how an ordered knife is going to turn out.

IMO, Its VERY difficult, if even possible to learn custom knives by only seeing photos of them on the internet. It helps, but is not a substitute for feeling it in hand, checking the balance, examining it from every angle. I realize some aren't in a position to go to shows, but it puts you at a disadvantage.

Some collectors will say "I can buy one-two knives for what it cost to go to the Blade show". That may be true however going to shows, hammer-ins, visiting maker's shops will save you money over a lifetime of collecting and help you to obtain your ultimate collection.

I also agree investing should be left to the more experienced collectors, however even the beginner can do research to see if a knife is most likely to hold it's value as that's important since most new collectors eventually want to "trade or sell UP".
 
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Thank you all for your insights. There is quite a bit for me to process here, and I know this will be of great help to me in the future. Reserving a spot on a maker's waiting list is something that had never entered my mind. It certainly would help as my tastes change over time.

I will definitely slow down my acquisition of new knives on the short term until my preferences level out. I did not mean to imply that I have gone crazy in the last year, but as someone with fairly limited funds I am just trying to go about this in a reasonable manner.

I suppose it is just the nature of the beast that further involvement in the knife world requires more visits to shows and makers. I did have the opportunity to visit the Montana Knifemakers Association show in Missoula this year, and learned a lot. Visiting Josh's hammer in is something I hope to do when the time comes around once more.

Again I thank you all for your help. The community here is an amazing resource and I hope you all don't mind me asking for some guidance in the future.

Best regards,
Shane
 
Shane,

Your welcome to attend my hammer in anytime. I am finalizing the details for next year but for now I can tell you the dates will be June 27 and 28. As a collector you may be interested in the show the evening before. I am trying to put a hammer in on not only for makers but very much so for collectors. I want it to be a place where not only new collectors but even the most seasoned collectors can come learn something. This years show will include,

Scott Sawby
Owen Wood
Don Fogg
Larry Fuegen
Harvey Dean
Wolf Loerchner
Rick Eaton
Henry Frank
and myself.

Owen, Don, and Wolf will be the hammer in demonstrators.

Thanks and feel free to email me with any questions.
 
Shane, it looks like STeven Garsson (Kohai999) and myself will be at Josh's this summer. Would be great to meet you.
Josh, I will try to call you tomorrow regarding our project.
 
CarpScot said:
The community here is an amazing resource and I hope you all don't mind me asking for some guidance in the future.
Click to expand...

I don't think anybody minds. After awhile, you will be providing guidance to collectors that are in the position you are in now.
 
Keith,
Wade will be at Josh's hammer in. Even if I have to strap him to the top of my truck.
Shane,
I hope to see you at Josh's. It would be nice to meet you. I guaranty you will have a good time and learn a lot about knives. There's nothing like meeting the makers and seeing how they make knives at the same time.
Best regards,
Shane
Hey, you have a great name by the way
 
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Keith Montgomery said:
I have decided that Josh's hammer-in is a must for me. It is close enough to drive to, and a very worthwhile trip.
Click to expand...

Be nice to meet you after all these years....bring some stuff for show and tell!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I really look forward to having you all here. Thanks for the compliments on the hammer in Keith. And yes Wade will be here. I've been trying to pay him NOT to come but he won't take the money.:)
 
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