My father recently passed away. He had a knife collection with about 50 knives. I am taking on the task of getting these knives ready to sell. Some are from larger manufacturers (Buck, Case, Marbles, Hen & Rooster, etc.) and some are hand made by smaller knife makers as well as some that I am not sure who made them. I need any advice as to where to sell the knives and how to price the ones that I can't find any information about. It has been fun researching them so far. Any advice appreciated!
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Dad's knife collection
- Thread starter loriekt
- Start date
Done! What should my next step be to find the value of knives? Thanks!
91bravo
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If you have traditional folders like your Bucks, Case and Hen & Roosters, you can always go inquire in the Traditionals subsection here:
https://bladeforums.com/forums/traditional-folders-and-fixed-blades.773/
You can always watch the Traditionals part of the classifieds and see what knives are going for here:
https://bladeforums.com/forums/for-sale-traditionals-slipjoints-old-timey.875/
Welcome to the forum!
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Welcome to Bladeforums!
My condolences to you and your family on your dad passing.
I would start small. Take 4 or 5 knives. I would suggest at least three, nice, clear pics of each knife. One pic of each side and the 3rd pic of the centering of the blade in the handle. The box and/or sheath can also be included if you have them.
The following post is a great example of 5 nice clear pics. Pics #1 and #2 show the knife from each side. Pic #5 shows the centering of the blade. #3 and #4 are a nice, close up of the blade.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/native-5-fluted-cf-s90v.1727222/
Even though the pics may show it, note any big scratches, cracks, dents, chips, dings, etc.
That should be enough to get you some estimates.
Maybe browse thru some of the For Sale threads to get further ideas.
https://www.bladeforums.com/categories/for-sale-by-individuals.681/
My condolences to you and your family on your dad passing.
I would start small. Take 4 or 5 knives. I would suggest at least three, nice, clear pics of each knife. One pic of each side and the 3rd pic of the centering of the blade in the handle. The box and/or sheath can also be included if you have them.
The following post is a great example of 5 nice clear pics. Pics #1 and #2 show the knife from each side. Pic #5 shows the centering of the blade. #3 and #4 are a nice, close up of the blade.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/native-5-fluted-cf-s90v.1727222/
Even though the pics may show it, note any big scratches, cracks, dents, chips, dings, etc.
That should be enough to get you some estimates.
Maybe browse thru some of the For Sale threads to get further ideas.
https://www.bladeforums.com/categories/for-sale-by-individuals.681/
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Sorry to hear of your loss.
I’d start by categorizing into fixed blades and folders. You can further break down fixed blades into production and custom.
Folders you could separate into modern, traditional, and custom.
Decided wether you want to sell itemized pieces or lots.
Many people are willing to help you figure out what you have. Listing as much information with pictures will go a long way. Like they say a picture is worth a thousand words.
I’d start by categorizing into fixed blades and folders. You can further break down fixed blades into production and custom.
Folders you could separate into modern, traditional, and custom.
Decided wether you want to sell itemized pieces or lots.
Many people are willing to help you figure out what you have. Listing as much information with pictures will go a long way. Like they say a picture is worth a thousand words.
Suggestion as to what forum to put them on for estimates?
Thank you! Suggestions of what forum to use for estimates?
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I believe you can use this General Knife discussion forum but I PM'ed a Mod to make sure. Most people don't want to spend the $ to get a gold membership. Thanks for helping to support the site.
I'll post here as soon as I get confirmation.
You can also check that well known and large online auction site. Rhymes with day. But you need to search the completed auctions for items that sold. Next to the search function is the "advanced" button. Search for the knife and make sure you check "sold auctions". Otherwise, you get auctions were people ask for $1,000 for a $5 knife. An auction only really matters if it sells right? Kinda tedious but you should find some values there too.
I'd suggest making a spreadsheet to help sort your data.
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This forum is just fine according to the Mod.
Every two or three days, post a new thread in this forum with a few knives with a few pics each. People will reply.
Posting one or two threads with a 100 pics each probably isn't the best idea. Granted, you aren't going to get all your questions answered in a day or two.
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The value of Dad's/Grandpa's/Uncle's knives often have nothing to do with the price tag that comes with them. Judging by the things I've read over the years on this forum, a lot of us put a great deal of value on otherwise mundane knives. The cheap, 3 blade Uncle Henry that belonged to my Grampa is one of the things I would try and grab if I was fleeing a house fire, for instance. If time and energy aren't an issue, ask the family if there is one special piece that has memories attached. Sorry for going the sappy, sentimental route, good luck on the research!
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Very good point. If possible, select one (or two) knives that you remember your dad carrying and hang on to it. Later in life, you might be glad that you did.
Also, if you have kids or plan on having kids, maybe put one knife aside per child so they can carry or at least keep something Grandpa carried.
I still have the knife my Grandpa gave me when I was 13 or 14. Financial value is nothing but it's the best knife I own.
We also understand financial issues may not allow the above situation(s) to happen.