Collecting Traditionals....Need Direction

bdev

bdev

Joined
Feb 8, 2013
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Like some on the forum, I buy what I like but really don't collect what I buy. :confused:
I know this sounds weird but I base my purchases on what would be good knives to carry, not necessarily what I'd like to collect.
Now..... there's nothing wrong with that and I'll probably not stop doing it but I want to start collecting a specific type. The problem is, I really can't key in on what to collect so I need some input from fellow addicts. :D
I know the old saying is collect what you like but there's too much to like to narrow down a choice.
Handle type???....Pattern type???....Brand???....etc...etc...

I'd like to hear from other collectors.

Thanks.....Bruno
 
I usually select a pattern I really like then purchase a few different variations of that pattern: high(er) end, more "bling-y" variations for collecting, and plain-Jane variations for carry.
-Greg

I'm really "into" GEC #79s and #85s right now...
 
Recent history here points to Barlows and Peanuts being among the most fervently collected patterns. Kris is a collector of Damascus knives, having built a museum quality collection. I'll defer to those long time traditional collectors. I buy what I'll carry.

Peter
 
Last year I picked up an old Camillus jack at a knife show. It was the first time I'd found a knife that age that I liked, was still in really nice shape and going for what I felt was a reasonable price. Nothing remarkable about it, 3 1/2" with a spear main and a pen blade and wood covers. Then this spring I found a Kent jack about the same size. Didn't know it at the moment I bought it but Kent was made by Camillus. A little over a month ago at another show I found another jack of similar size from Federal Knife Co. Again, nice shape and good price sold me on it. Figured it was probably made by Camillus but wasn't sure until doing some research later on.

I never went out seeking these particular knives. They just happened to be there for me at the right time to get them. Almost like they found me as much as I found them. So after getting the third knife I felt like Camillus-made jacks in that size range might be a good thing to focus on getting more of when possible since they have a certain level appeal to me. If I were going to consider "collecting" a certain type of knife then this may as well be it. It wasn't something I consciously chose. It might just as easily have been a pen knife from Schrade or a stockman from Case, but it turned out to be a jack by Camillus.

I say all of that to say this - some things fall a certain way without our knowing it or doing anything about it. So maybe trying to make a particular choice at the beginning isn't needed. If you keep on buying what you like, which is what I was doing, then something might emerge from that on its own.
 
I'm in the same boat - just started out with this and quickly became overwhelmed with all the choices. I've spent hours combing through the threads here plus the vendors sites. I've asked for advise also with a lot of help from the regulars here.

In my case, I started narrowing it down fairly easily as I have to have knives that open easily. Then, maybe being somewhat odd - I just like wood handles over bone or stag. And little by little I am now narrowing it down to what I like. I've had to make a few purchases to try some out and actually feel them in my hands, but that can get quite expensive quickly.

So I guess I am not much help.......one thing I do is when viewing all the pics - just wait for something to jump off the screen at you.
 
I always put number of blades first for me with traditionals, I prefer single blade patterns personally; after that it narrows down the patterns and then secondary or tertiary is handle materials with said patterns which for me is unique Micartas or hardwoods.
 
If I were collecting, I would collect by pattern. The Trappers are my favorite, so that is probably what I would choose. I really like the look of canoes, but they are generally smaller than I prefer for using.

If I were going for a specific brand and wanted to collect something not currently made, I'd go Schrade USA.
 
Whatever you do buy quality. I have no direction to my manic acquiring of knives , both slipjoints and bushcraft knives, but I always try to buy quality.
 
Hi Bruno
Best advice I can give you is Buy this book. Amazon has used copies which are usually pricey but my lady found this unused copy for $75.00. Has all the early patterns and huge information.

Best regards
Robin

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Buy inexpensive versions of different patterns; stockman, trapper, sodbuster, whatever catches your fancy.

Carry each long enough to learn how well it suits you.

Once you settle on a pattern, buy a higher quality example of that knife.
 
Pipeman said:
Hi Bruno
Best advice I can give you is Buy this book. Amazon has used copies which are usually pricey but my lady found this unused copy for $75.00. Has all the early patterns and huge information.

Best regards
Robin

9539330481_b70596b9f1.jpg
[/url][/IMG]
Click to expand...

I've got Levine's 2nd edition but keep looking for a 4th for a decent price. Hard to find.
I also have Collecting Case Knives, Big Book of Pocket Knives, Sargents Knives & Razors as well as a few other books on knives.
 
I was never able to have a coherent collection, and have anything from a peanut to a large sodbuster. I guess being afflicted with the knife knut gene, I just accumulated what I liked. Small and large, wood handles and bone handles, whatever makes you happy.

Carl.
 
bdev said:
... I know this sounds weird but I base my purchases on what would be good knives to carry, not necessarily what I'd like to collect.
Now..... there's nothing wrong with that and I'll probably not stop doing it but I want to start collecting a specific type. The problem is, I really can't key in on what to collect ...
Click to expand...

buying knives because they will be good to carry in some way does not seem at all weird. seems like the most sensible reason in the world to buy a knife.
but then i am squarely in the accumulator camp so purchasing knives that you have no intention of ever carrying and using (even if only on holidays, special occasions or seasonally lol) seems curious and bizarre.

however there are knives i like a lot, knives i dont care for and many that fall in-between. could imagine maybe one day noticing that i am enamored of one sort of knife or the other and want more of that type. you know, maybe try out similar knives made by different companies to see how they vary.
next thing i know i have a big pile of my special favorite type. and am perhaps especially proud of particularly rare or well-done specimens that i wouldnt dream of taking out into fields and swamps to work with any more than a guitarist might take a prized, rare instrument into some dive where jerks could spill beer on it.
if you arent in that space yet then i humbly suggest you keep buying what you like. eventually, as one of the other posters said, your collection will come to you.
 
Thanks for the replies......a lot of good info being shared.

Keep it coming.

Thanks.
 
I agree with Raymond on buying cheap knives in the patterns you'd like to try. You can't go wrong with Rough Rider slippies. They make nice old patterns and come razor sharp. Their Barlow pattern is very nice.





Best regards

Robin
 
Raymond1000 said:
Buy inexpensive versions of different patterns; stockman, trapper, sodbuster, whatever catches your fancy.

Carry each long enough to learn how well it suits you.

Once you settle on a pattern, buy a higher quality example of that knife.
Click to expand...

I like Raymond's advice and have bought several Rough Riders this way. My "collection" has no specific pattern or direction. Most likely ill begin to refine my tastes and sell off less used/liked patterns to fund other knives. Good luck!
 
I was an Accumulator for decades before zeroing in on a few specific Collection areas. And ya know what, I still Accumulate every chance I get too. :D

My point, don't worry about it. ;)
 
Howdy Bruno! Sounds like you're already on your way with a fine collection of... users! I say keep on buying the patterns you like for utility. Maybe spice things up a bit by trying different handle materials or perhaps brands you haven't had yet. I'd wager you'll find something that resonates with ya and find a direction for your collection. :thumbup:

Good luck! :)

-Brett
 
If you're buying knives to carry, and they're all different, you're not collecting. You're accumulating.

It's what most of us do, and I do it too... My accumulation ranges from a tiny Buck 303 all the way up to the big 'ol Case Sodbuster. (oh yeah, both knives are fantastic! :))

So, just go to the thread in this sub-forum called "Which traditional knife are ya totin today?" and see what strikes your fancy. Then do it again. Soon, you'll have an accumulation...

~Chris
 
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