dating Js knives???

Okay, I have to admit that I've only just met half the folks in this thread, and you've met me... So, IMHO as a modest collector.... I like the date, along with the stamp, on my knives.... I also collect art by a guy named Russell Chatham, and as far as I'm aware, most all painters date their work, which helps place their work within a timeframe related to their periods of developement. I don't like his really early stuff, and I don't care for his most recent stuff, but the date does give me a clue as to what was going on in his life when my pieces were painted.... I kinda think the same can apply in this case too.... Anybody got any "old" Nick Wheelers for sale??? :confused: :D


PS: I was a blast meeting all you guys for the first time! It really made my vacation worthwhile!!!!!! :thumbup:
 
I truly respect all of you and think that you should sell me all of the 1950s , 1960, 1970 loveless knives for about half of what he gets now. This way you will not be burdend with a bunch of old knives and I, being pretty old myself will have old knives that will be a comfort to me. all the best,

A. G.:D
 
Kohai999 said:
1. Piece, first.
2. Maker, second.
3. Price, third.

This is my buying mantra. It may not apply to everyone(priorities might be different), but has served me well for the 15 years that I have been applying it.

The knife has to appeal to you, if it was made yesterday, or made 30 years ago. Condition would fall under this area, so would all the minute details of materials and aesthetics.

The maker is important, as everyone has indicated, specifically WWG, in discussing "market position".

Price is important, as it is as personal as any characteristic of a knife can be. Too much, just right, a steal? That is for you to decide, based upon how much you want it, what the after market is doing, and how readily the work is moving.


STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

STeven, you have good philosophy which makes sense, however mine's a little different:

1. Maker - IMO, it's more important than just the knife. I like to support makers who work to promote their work and the industry in general. Makers who work to increase the value of my collection. In most cases, I will not buy from a maker or dealer I don't care for.

2. Piece -Very important. I definitely know what I like and will NOT buy a piece just because it's made by a particular maker. I enjoy many styles and types of knives, however am very particular about what I buy.

3. Price - My one year rule; I buy what I like, however always look to buy at a price where I can at least resell after one year for a profit. Now this goes back to #1 as the maker from which you buy is very important in acheaving this. Some makers have a modest profit build into the price of their knives. I very seldom buy a piece just to profit, however have done so.
 
STeven's formula is the one that I have pretty much always followed since emerging from clueless newbieness.

It's not so much that I consider the piece as more important than the maker - just that it's the first consideration in a progression. If the piece does not work for me (for whatever reason - style, materials, flaws I can't live with etc.) then it doesn't matter who made it.

As for purchasing from a maker or dealer I don't care for - that one's easy - I don't EVER do that. Period. The knife community is VERY well populated by honest, hard-working, personable, knowledgable, forthright and talented individuals - my limited funds go to support them.

Roger
 
RogerP said:
It's not so much that I consider the piece as more important than the maker - just that it's the first consideration in a progression. If the piece does not work for me (for whatever reason - style, materials, flaws I can't live with etc.) then it doesn't matter who made it.
Click to expand...


Roger,

EXACTLY what I am talking about. Ivory with "cracks" or "checks" doesn't bother many people, but I don't care for it(talking interior, here, not bark). THAT will keep me from buying a knife.......doesn't matter who made it, generally.....unless I am going to turn it PDQ.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
A.G.

First let me say that it is very kind of you to help those with the "burden" of those older knives. :D

BTW, do those knives have dates on them?

WWG
 
Kohai999 said:
Roger,

EXACTLY what I am talking about. Ivory with "cracks" or "checks" doesn't bother many people, but I don't care for it(talking interior, here, not bark). THAT will keep me from buying a knife.......doesn't matter who made it, generally.....unless I am going to turn it PDQ.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

Good point STeven as I don't care for cracks/checks either, however I would even take that back to my maker point, as some makers never seem to have the problem as they have mastered the technique of working quality aged ivory slow under low temperature. I have had quite a bit of ivory and have never had a bad experience. (Let me try to find some real wood to knock on in this world of non-natural materials). ;) :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top