Advice on Starting a knife collection

[X_shooter]

Who starts a collection? It just happens if you are a knife person. Find what pleases you and try not to focus on the "collection" part.

 

[Dons1]

I am also a novice starting a collection - well, "accumuation". Like the OP I seem to be drawn to folders.

Can any of you folks recommend to us newbies a couple of books or guides that carry data and values on factory folders?

Appreciate any input.

 

[TantoFan]

Let me ask:

What do you need advice on? Steels that are good? Knives that are good? It seems like you are asking for recommendations for a collection, right?

 

[Kwon Kwang]

I suggest that you try a few inexpensive knives (I'd ball park it at less than $50) from different companies to check out how you like those companies' style and how they design their blades. From there you can decide which companies and types of knives you prefer for your needs and enjoyment.

 

[TantoFan]

I suggest that you try a few inexpensive knives (I'd ball park it at less than $50) from different companies to check out how you like those companies' style and how they design their blades. From there you can decide which companies and types of knives you prefer for your needs and enjoyment.

Good point...that is what I did. Heres what I personally found in case you're interested

I bought a Whetstone and found out how terrible they are
I bought a cold steel and found out they are good but not the best...but good and good for my piggy bank too!
I bought a sog and realized they are good but not all they are cracked up to be.
I bought a gerber and found out they are almost as bad as whetstone
I bought a set of Gil Hibben throwers and was impressed but dont have an opinion on the company because they have so many sub brands.
I also found out what steels I like and dont like and what HT I like and don't like (Cold Steel and SOG are probably the best major manufacturers)

 

[22-rimfire]

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.

As a general statement, I agree with this. But like firearms, if you choose wisely, you can certainly end up on the "plus side" of the tally sheet if that is your goal. My Brother in Law bought an original Moran fixed blade years ago at his shop in MD. I have no idea what he paid, but I suspect it was under $300. Since Bill Moran has passed on, that particular knife was sold for about $10,000. So, it is possible to "make money" if you don't pay too close attention to the effects on present value from inflation. Admittedly, this could probably be considered a special case, but if you choose a budding custom knife maker who becomes a master, you certainly can "make money" if that is your goal. You also are supporting the budding knife maker in attaining his dream.

 

[hlong69]

Looking for general advice on collecting, which is what's coming to me. I'm familiar with the various steels, pros and cons etc.

Who starts a collection? It just happens if you are a knife person. Find what pleases you and try not to focus on the "collection" part.

I am also a novice starting a collection - well, "accumuation". Like the OP I seem to be drawn to folders.

Can any of you folks recommend to us newbies a couple of books or guides that carry data and values on factory folders?

Appreciate any input.

Good point...that is what I did. Heres what I personally found in case you're interested

I bought a Whetstone and found out how terrible they are
I bought a cold steel and found out they are good but not the best...but good and good for my piggy bank too!
I bought a sog and realized they are good but not all they are cracked up to be.
I bought a gerber and found out they are almost as bad as whetstone
I bought a set of Gil Hibben throwers and was impressed but dont have an opinion on the company because they have so many sub brands.
I also found out what steels I like and dont like and what HT I like and don't like (Cold Steel and SOG are probably the best major manufacturers)

I suggest that you try a few inexpensive knives (I'd ball park it at less than $50) from different companies to check out how you like those companies' style and how they design their blades. From there you can decide which companies and types of knives you prefer for your needs and enjoyment.

Let me ask:

What do you need advice on? Steels that are good? Knives that are good? It seems like you are asking for recommendations for a collection, right?

 

[hlong69]

Got a SOG Twitch II today. I'm very impressed. Great build quality and feature packed, and at a decent price. Great little knife. A Spyderco Air is coming next week.

 

[hlong69]

Great advice!

As a general statement, I agree with this. But like firearms, if you choose wisely, you can certainly end up on the "plus side" of the tally sheet if that is your goal. My Brother in Law bought an original Moran fixed blade years ago at his shop in MD. I have no idea what he paid, but I suspect it was under $300. Since Bill Moran has passed on, that particular knife was sold for about $10,000. So, it is possible to "make money" if you don't pay too close attention to the effects on present value from inflation. Admittedly, this could probably be considered a special case, but if you choose a budding custom knife maker who becomes a master, you certainly can "make money" if that is your goal. You also are supporting the budding knife maker in attaining his dream.

 

[BrentD86]

My advice is don't, it's a slippery slope and will take all your money lol. In all seriousness I grabbed some knives that weren't terribly expensive from different makers to see what I liked (60 dollar range). I found myself liking kershaw so I got some of their other knives... Ended up loving the skyline and found there weren't way too many variants so I went about hunting them all down. After that it wasn't long before I moved up to their zt line. I still get other brands that catch my eye but it is all about finding what you like. The scary thing is I would be like "well I paid 60 for this knife and this other knife is only 10 or 15 more... That's not much". So in that manner of rationalization along with all my enabler friends here it wasn't long before I was spending over a hundred on a blade (something I told myself I would never do). Now knives I. The 200-400 dollar range don't even make me bat an eye.... Just takes some saving between purchases.

 

[RevDevil]

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!

It depends on a lot of factors. Some people try and collect every varient of a specific model or pattern. Others collect multiples of the same knife, buying 2, 3, or more at a time. Some folks love limited run/edition versions. Your budget and personal preference will ultimately dictate what your collection will consist of. Customs, mid tech, production, economy models?

I would only suggest quality over quantity. I'd always rather have 1-2 really well made high quality knives to a bucket full of cheap low quality knives.

 

[22-rimfire]

I like the SOG Twitch II. I just gave my Twitch II to a grand daughter to carry when she is at college for "you never know" kinds of things. I have the Twitch XL also and since I like a bit larger knife, it works better for me. It flips open a bit slower than the snappy Twitch II.

Air SOG... forgot I even had that one until it was mentioned here a while back. I have the fully serrated version and I believe it was in fact the first fully serrated knife I have ever owned.

Generally speaking, I think your money for "collecting" would perhaps be better spend with some higher grade knives. Don't get me wrong, I like the Twitch II. I even own a Blink. These aren't trypically collector knives. On the other hand, if you found a SK5 Tigershark, that might be a bit more collectable than the current SOG Tigersharks. But SOGs sell slowly may have to be discounted to sell.

SOG and Cold Steel stuff is generally not very collectable. But I understand the attraction on pricing.