Recommendation? Brands that are more affordable to collect

[Will Power]

Böker Germany, carbon bladed knives offer quality without a huge price tag, well worth looking into. They may not however, be big enough for your taste, but let's see..

A big knife that comes to mind is Rough Rider's Deer Slayer, real behemoth!

 

[supratentorial]

Most standard Case knives cost what... around $35-60, depending on the handle material, etc. Is your price range half? In that price range, I don't think searching for particular brands is the way to go at all.

I think if you want something good in that price range, you are best off looking at knives on the secondary market. I'd suggest looking at what's ending soon and trying to find some bargains. You'll have no problem finding some good deals in your price range.

 

[Hickory n steel]

These brands also turned out many knives with advertisements, which will add variation to your collection. Camco and Kent knives are also good brands with a lot of variation.

Don't forget westerns more budget friendly line westcut.

 

[afishhunter]

New: Rough Rider. Largest selection of patterns and handle materials. Prices will not bankrupt the bank.

Marbles. Fewer patterns than Rough Rider, but offer genuine Rams Horn covers on some.Cost is a little higher than Rough Rider.

Old Timer / Uncle Henry/ Imperial. The offshore made knives are just as good as the old USA made knives, and it is easier to find some of the patterns. Note that all the modern offshore knives have stainless steel blades.

USED:
The various Schrade brands; Ulster, Hammer Brand, Imperial, Uncle Henry, Etc.

Colonial

Western

Camillus

No name "Made in USA" if you like that particular knife.

Robeson

 

[blademan 13]

The old US made Schrades are fun to collect. Common patterns are readily available on the cheap and there is enough diversity to keep things interesting. Plus they are simply good, iconic knives and not likely to ever go down in value.

Imperial made a good knife with the WWII era knives are mostly under appreciated. They made many cool fish knives. The Frontier line also offered good value and they can be had for a song.

Camillus also made some very desirable knives in the 70's and 80's that go for little money.

 

[Hickory n steel]

New: Rough Rider. Largest selection of patterns and handle materials. Prices will not bankrupt the bank.

Marbles. Fewer patterns than Rough Rider, but offer genuine Rams Horn covers on some.Cost is a little higher than Rough Rider.

Old Timer / Uncle Henry/ Imperial. The offshore made knives are just as good as the old USA made knives, and it is easier to find some of the patterns. Note that all the modern offshore knives have stainless steel blades.

USED:
The various Schrade brands; Ulster, Hammer Brand, Imperial, Uncle Henry, Etc.

Colonial

Western

Camillus

No name "Made in USA" if you like that particular knife.

Robeson

I can't exactly dispute you on the Chinese schrades, but the imperials are totally different than the real ones.
I don't believe they're really making anything like the original imperials, I know they still make a jackmaster Barlow but I'm not sure if it has the clambshell construction or most importantly the super thin blades that just slice so well.

 

[MTHall720]

Whatever you decide on, remember Rich's Four Rules of Collecting:

1. Collect what you like.
2. Like what you collect.
3. Don't expect to make money on resale.
4. Enjoy your collection

Rich

I agree totally. That is how I see it.

 

[afishhunter]

I can't exactly dispute you on the Chinese schrades, but the imperials are totally different than the real ones.
I don't believe they're really making anything like the original imperials, I know they still make a jackmaster Barlow but I'm not sure if it has the clambshell construction or most importantly the super thin blades that just slice so well.

I have a Taylor made Jackmaster Barlow. It has the clamshell construction. Other than the stainless steel blades, it is identical to the Prov. RI and Ireland made Imperial Jackmaster Barlows I have.
I will admit, that while the Taylor made slices just as well as the others, and feels the same in hand, I do prefer the older ones, since they can/will/have (a) patina.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I have a Taylor made Jackmaster Barlow. It has the clamshell construction. Other than the stainless steel blades, it is identical to the Prov. RI and Ireland made Imperial Jackmaster Barlows I have.
I will admit, that while the Taylor made slices just as well as the others, and feels the same in hand, I do prefer the older ones, since they can/will/have (a) patina.

That's good to know, and the patina is definitely a big deal to me as well.