Advice on Starting a knife collection

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hlong69

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Apr 9, 2005
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I thought I'd ask you guys for advice around collecting knives. Over the last few years I've just bought whatever caught my fancy. Mostly folders, but some fixed blades. I intend to focus on folders only, going forward.

I wanted to solicit any general advice on collecting. Should I stick to one brand? Certain types of knives, etc? Is handling or using the collection a no-no? Currently I rotate my edc amongst several of my cheaper folders.

My goals are personal enjoyment, but I'd also be happy if my collection's value appreciated. I have several knives that are worth several times what I paid, so that was cool to discover.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing any opinions!
 
If your goal is personal enjoyment, then just get whatever you like. It's a lot more fun and a lot more relaxing than trying to please others.

Also, I think sticking to one brand is doing yourself a disservice. You'll miss out on more great blades than you'll actually purchase. That's not to say that you can't have sub collections within your whole where you collect smaller groupings such as Spyderco Salts or Kershaw budgets or Benchmade's with the Axis lock, etc.

I personally think one should base their collection solely on what he/she genuinely likes.
 
Like guns, I think a knife collection needs a theme that focuses purchases that fit the theme. Otherwise, you may call it a collection, but it really is just an accumulation. Nothing wrong with an accumulation.

Appreciation in value is always a nice thing if that is your goal. It certainly makes you feel better when you have something that cost $50 and is now worth $200. This is very true with firearms as I have guns I have paid $400 for and are now worth $3-4K. My collection is focused around a theme. I also have an accumulation as well and honestly, I prefer messing with the accumlation a lot more than the "collection".

Acquire the kinds of knives you personally like and don't worry about monetary appreciation. That comes later and generally years later. But you have to sell them to gain the current market value. Sometimes you end up with a lot less than you think.

If I were starting a knife collection today, I think I would focus on Schrade (USA made) as they are still obtainable and desireable.
 
It's unlikely you will make money from this hobby unless you flip hinderers or paramilitary 2 sprint runs.

If you want a collection then don't use them. That decreases value.

I buy to carry and use. It's more fun that way. If you want to collect then try to get a theme going.
 
Do what you're currently doing. Buy knives that catch your fancy. Once you get more knowledgeable in the subject, different, more high quality knives, with higher price tags will attract you, and the cycle will continue.
 
I think there is more pride of ownership with mid to upper level knives.
Many people are afraid to make the jump to the $100 and over range for a knife so they end up buying dozens of $20 to $40 dollar knives.
Ask yourself if you would rather be stuck with a drawer full of cheap knives or a handful of quality blades that you can appreciate and will hold their value.
 
I agree. Buy what you like.

I'm by no means a collector but my goal has been to grab one knife in each category...I have a combat knife, bush clearing knife, skinning knife, pocket knife, dagger, want a boot knife, want a dive knife, etc.

Just my thoughts.


If you want further advice, is there a theme to your collection?
 
FTR-14c said:
I think there is more pride of ownership with mid to upper level knives.
Many people are afraid to make the jump to the $100 and over range for a knife so they end up buying dozens of $20 to $40 dollar knives.
Ask yourself if you would rather be stuck with a drawer full of cheap knives or a handful of quality blades that you can appreciate and will hold their value.
Click to expand...

+1 but don't be afraid of great values like my ever advised gi tanto or the shanghai shadow. I have much pride in those and they were $25
 
TotalDbag said:
Do what you're currently doing. Buy knives that catch your fancy. Once you get more knowledgeable in the subject, different, more high quality knives, with higher price tags will attract you, and the cycle will continue.
Click to expand...

Well said! Also as you collect and use more you will find your tastes shift and you get a lot more picky about what you like and don't like.
 
Currently, Most of mine are in the $100-$300 price range. I have a few Harsey folders, some high end cold steel and kershaw stuff. I've got around 30 folders, as many fixed blades, and a couple of dozen high quality swords, plus a smattering of other weapons.

I'll post some pics of my collection tomorrow so you guys can see where I am so far.
 
My center piece is a custom friction folder made in Montana. Pattern welded steel, and mammoth ivory scales. Stunning knife.
 
You're already a collector, so buy what you like. Ignore the advice of the knife snobs here. There are great finds that fall outside the 'high end' knife brands. Unlike an earlier post stated, you don't have to have a 'theme' to collect. It's an 'accumulation' whenever you collect something. You just stick to the knives you love, and you'll always be happy.
 
hlong69 said:
I thought I'd ask you guys for advice around collecting knives. Over the last few years I've just bought whatever caught my fancy. Mostly folders, but some fixed blades. I intend to focus on folders only, going forward.

I wanted to solicit any general advice on collecting. Should I stick to one brand? Certain types of knives, etc? Is handling or using the collection a no-no? Currently I rotate my edc amongst several of my cheaper folders.

My goals are personal enjoyment, but I'd also be happy if my collection's value appreciated. I have several knives that are worth several times what I paid, so that was cool to discover.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing any opinions!
Click to expand...

Do you have a Schrade 80T?
If you don't, then I would say that knife would be a great addition!
 
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My advice:

Try not to follow others or keep up with the forumites.. Pick the designs that work best for your needs/wants/likes.. It took me years to find what style of knife best suits me, and now that I’ve found it, being more selective is easier than it used to be :)

I’ve bought many blades that I regret now, so choose and do research wisely.
 
My advice buy the more budget oriented knives that are still good quality till you find a style you like and than go high end in that area.

Having just asked help on looking at traditional knives they told me to look at knife patterns and than buy the Rough Rider knives as that set me back around $10 so I can experiment with several types till I found one I truely liked and than go high end in that pattern instead of spending most of my money on things I think I like. This is more of the extreme end on being able to test things out, on other type of knives you have to settle with close enough and truely find the designs/features you like.

If you want to collect knives and hope it gains value in it, your in the wrong hobby. Very few knives to my knowledge will do this, and quite honestly the time invested would be better spend in a different hobby if that was your goal.
 
Buy what you like. If you want to flip the collection for money down the line, you will need to stick to higher end stuff(and limit it's usage), but if it's for your own personal enjoyment, just buy what you like. Contrary to what some people have stated here, there's nothing wrong with buying budget knives over premium ones if you enjoy them, I know for an absolute fact that I'd be happier having 10 budget Kershaws, a Spydie Native and Delica, and a Cold Steel Voyager than I would having 1 Sebenza. Now, if you are wanting your knives to go up in value(or at least mostly maintain it), you're gonna need to more look into mid-techs and customs...stuff like Hinderer, CRK, etc. You're gonna have a lot easier time reselling those at more(or close to) the price you paid for it than you are Kershaw Blur or Spyderco Delica that anyone can pick up for ~$55 new at Amazon or any number of knife sites.

It's really up to you, and there's lots of "themes" you could go with for your collection. You could collect a specific company if you want(but then you're missing out on a lot of good stuff from other companies), or you could have various sub themes in an overall wide collection, like you could have a sub-collection of karambits, or of the various Kershaw Leeks, or the various colored Spydie Delica/Enduras, or a sub collection of Spyderco sprint runs, take your pick.
 
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