Custom Knife Collectors Association – Any in

[Mike Carter Custom Knives]

I was a collector long before I became a maker. I'm sure many dealers became dealers because they were collectors first. You can't exclude either group without excluding some dedicated collectors.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Maybe we could just pick the starting point of "excuse to drink more beer in the Pit at Blade" and go from there But seriously, Kevin......this is your baby. Get all of the input that you can stand and just come up with a framework and throw it out for discussion.:thumbup:

Not my baby Joe, just trying to get it kicked off as we believe there's an incredible need for it.

I was a collector long before I became a maker. I'm sure many dealers became dealers because they were collectors first. You can't exclude either group without excluding some dedicated collectors.

That's my thinking too. As how would you exclude a dealer such as AG and the experience and knowledge he would bring to the association?

 

[ptgdvc]

How would this organization differ from the National Knife Collectors Association?

Good question. Near as I can tell, the difference is that they are not biased against and do not exclude NON custom knives.

P

"The National Knife Collectors Association, NKCA, was founded in 1972 as a membership, non-profit corporation, chartered in the State of Tennessee. The NKCA is the oldest nationwide, all knife-only-organization, who has brought together knife fanciers, knife collectors, knife makers, and knife dealers, with something for everyone who appreciates cutlery.

The NKCA is focused on promoting the hobby of knife collecting, educating the general public and providing several programs that enhance the knife collecting experience."

 

[2knife]

Here's a few ideas as to what a collector's association may accomplish. Please give comments and add as you see fit.

• To increase awareness and acceptance of custom knives and the collecting of such as a respected and appreciated art form.

• To create a worldwide united and organized group of custom knife collectors, makers and dealers to assist in getting corporate, media and art community support for the betterment of the industry.

• To seek out and interact with related groups and organizations in attempt to create new interest and to help in recruiting new custom knife collectors.

• To educate and mentor new custom knife collectors and makers.

• To form a network of custom knife makers and collectors to promote the industry and support one another.

• To create ways in which for custom knife collectors to better market and connect with other collectors in regard to buying/selling/trading their knives on the secondary market?

• To create more open dialog between customs collectors and makers in regard to education, knife design, knife construction and sound business practices.

• To possibly create an industry wide data base to track maker’s knives as they change hands from collector to collector.

• To create general minimum quality standards for of custom knives and best business practices for use as guidelines for custom knife makers, collectors and dealers.

• To possibly act as intermediaries and mediators in disputes involving custom knife makers, collectors and dealers.

• To create a universally recognized standard for grading condition of custom knives offered for sale on the secondary market by collectors and dealers.

You have given this some good thought. i would worry that it would be broad beyond parameters it could accurately represent. i do like the idea 0f it, though. it appears to have little promise of being distinct fromsuch a group, where makers are concerned, from the ABS. isn't one goal of the ABS, to identify and promote makers of th forged blade. Although i haVe no horse in the race, would it cause some rivalry? .. like having two girlfriends. unfortunately, most of us knife nerds don't have that problem. am i wrong? It may Be too close for comfort. but who cares. i say, go for it! I also ke the idea of regional meetinGs, the only thing we have is a NKCA chapter where everyone sits around talking Case knives.

 

[lwrhea]

• To form a network of custom knife makers and collectors to promote the industry and support one another.

This is number 4 of Kevin's list. It says a lot.

While the ABS can not formally promote individual makers as such, I have had a lot of support on a personal level from various bord members. I really appreciate this. It helps me understand more that the officers are not insensitive to the makers, just sticking to the original plan. There is Nothing wrong with that.

To me, this new collectors group will compliment the ABS and other knife groups, not compete.

Lin

 

[Kohai999]

1. A certain amount of elitism at the core is not necessarily a bad thing. A limited number of collectors as a core guiding group will help keep the mission and ideas of an organization like this on track. Custom knife collecting is somewhat elitist at the roots to begin with, because so few people do it. Does that make sense?

2. The organization should be forged and stock removal knives together, but there can be separate sub groups.

3. Dues for core members should be fairly high.

Not a lot else to say right now, my mind is fuzzy.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson