Collection "basics"

M

mjh

Joined
Nov 10, 2003
Messages
5
Hi all.

I'm thinking about starting collecting (damn you, BladeForums! :grumpy: ). The
thing is, I really can't afford constantly buying knives so I have to put some thought in what I'm going to get.

I was thinking about starting with getting a really basic set of user knives in the timespan of a couple of years:

- A Victorinox SAK (already got a Soldier)
- A good, reliable large lockback = Buck 110 (well.. almost. My local gun shop
only carries 112 so I already got one of those)
- A quality carbon steel slipjoint in a traditional pattern
- A Spyderco, somehow it seems everyone even speaking of knives should have one (stainless steel handled Dragonflies are constantly locally available, probably going to get one of these next)

Now I need some suggestions on a decent modern axis-lock folder, in a reasonable
price and pocket-carryable size. Looks are not an issue, as it should definately be a user, not a real "collectors item". What do you people think is the "basic" axis-lock folder?
 
I think if you like one you should buy one, I personally don't own one. I think it's a good thing that you can't afford a lot of knives, that you have to do your homework first. I think for a collection to be a collection it needs a theme. I'm not sure I understand what your theme is, but that may develope over time.

When I first started to consider the knives I bought as a Collection I decided that what I like best was Stag and that all of the knives I bought would have stag handles. Then I started thinking about the basic patterns that should make up this collection; Bowie, Fighter, Hunter, Skinner, Dagger, Boot, Chute, Lockbacks, Linerlocks, and Slipjoints. I think I have about 25 knives with stag handles, customs, handmades and production, and there's no end in sight.

Oh, I should mention, I spent a long time collecting pics of stag handle knives before I actually bought any. That's how I decided what I had to have. ;)
 
For a basic axis lock folder at a reasonable price, you should get a Benchmade Griptilian or Mini-Griptilian. Do a search on Bladeforums and research which model you want to get, there are several variations. I would probably stick with a plain edge for easy edge maintenance, but that's just my opinion. You're also gonna need a Spyderco Sharpmaker to keep them sharp.
 
My collection currently consists Spyderco Endura and a Buck 110. Probably the 2 most popular knives in production. I've got a Boker Brend on the way and am looking at a Puma Prince. I tend to lean towards medium sized folders. I don't have a preference for any particular materials, or opening/locking mechanisms. I try to keep it under $100 but I tend to shy away from anything too cheap.

So many knives, so little money.
 
Dittos on the mini-griptilian for an easy to carry axis lock folder. It's not too expensive to be a user, but's well made and Benchmade stands behaind their products.
As for a collecting strategy in general, my advice is to collect what appeals to you. If you like tactical folders, focus on those. If you like large Bowies or fixed blades, focus on those. Your collection will be more valuable (sentimental if not monetary), if you've shown some thought in making your selections. You're more likely to think about your selections if they interest you.

Fred
 
mjh - how bout spending some bigger bucks on some customs? i think it's great to have both factory stuff & customs in your collection, themes be damned. eclectic collections are the definitely the most interesting collections. check out the next knife show in your neck of the woods & play with some customs & you'll drool & babble like an idiot (well, at least i do).
 
A theme? um.. well.. knives. Different kinds of knives. :)

Thanks for the pointers on the Griptilian, that's a new acquaintance for me. Customs I can only dream about, they're far beyond my budget, and where I'm from (Finland) quite rare also.
 
Sooner or later, you're going to have to narrow your collection down to whether or not you are going to actually use the knives, or simply collect them because they are cool and valuable.

Myself, I have been collecting knives for the better part of my life(I am 44), and I still don't have it narrowed down precisely. Yes, I have a lot of users, but I also have stuff that only a moron would scratch up and use. But, at least I have them in separate areas of the house. :)

Good luck with your newly acquired addiction. :)
 
Sounds like you're off to a good start. I, myself, started trying to find one of every "type" of knife, including, as listed above,

liner-locks, frame-locks, lockbacks, axis locks, slip joints, fixed blades, switch-blades

different handle materials: stag, wood, carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum, pearl, steel, G-10, etc,

different blade materials (usually a premium steel) VG-10, ATS-34, M2, BG-42, talonite, titanium, S30V, damascus, etc.

The list of variations goes on and on. Have fun, and buy what you like. Eventually you will look back on what you have and discover a pattern. Then you can try to define your collection.

You may not be able to afford everything you want right now, but start putting away some money, and you'd be surprised how much you save. For the price of a Happy Meal a week, you can end up with over $100 in a year. Just be diligent, and save that money.

DD
 
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