First Year Knife Collector

[kareng]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Karen (RangerBob's wife) and I have been lurking on this forum for awhile and decided to finally come out as a novice knife collector. Please forgive me if I use incorrect terminology as I build my knowledge along with my collection. A little bit of history:

Bob took me to my first knife show one year ago this month. We met several incredible makers who were generous with their time and knowledge. I fell in love with the art of the knife and in awe of the craftsmanship displayed by many. I left that show with a Sam Fischer mammoth ivory hunter, a Bill Luckett "grizzly" and an order for a Bill Ruple double blade folder. I can't describe the pull the knives have on me, but I can say (since I'm a girl) that I get emotional when I look at some of these beautiful works of art (I know, they are tools as well.)

Soon after, Bob went to one of Johnny Stout's classes and sent me a picture of a zodiac double action folder he was making. I thought it was amazing. Several months later, I became the owner of that knife. Then I saw a mammoth tooth fixed blade made by Jerry Moen and I wanted a set of mammoth tooth blades similar to the singular design. A few months later, Jerry made me these vibrant, eye catching knives, engraved by Nathan Dickinson. They will be going to Coop for photography.

The Arkansas Knife Show was INCREDIBLE. I was a kid in a candy shop. I was giddy. And then I became an avid Kevin Casey fan. I had been stalking a feather Damascus dagger that was posted on this forum by Coop. On Friday's tables - I saw that knife. I couldn't believe it! On Saturday, I went by Kevin's table and it was available. I ran back to Bob's table "THAT KNIFE IS FOR SALE" and then I ran back to Kevin's table and bought it. I know I'm supposed to be sophisticated, calm and collected about these purchases but I can hardly hold still. And then I saw this amazing 12" feather Damascus Bowie - Kevin's largest forged blade yet, over 6600 layers of steel and NI, a sculpted bronze spacer and pommel by David Riccardo and mammoth ivory handle. And then we're talking and talking and he tells me about his next project idea and I get goose bumps. I bought the Bowie. This post is to highlight Kevin's knives.

Kevin Casey feather Bowie by Ranger_Bob, on Flickr

Kevin Casey feather Bowie2 by Ranger_Bob, on Flickr

Kevin Casey Dagger 2 by Ranger_Bob, on Flickr

Kevin Casey Dagger1 by Ranger_Bob, on Flickr

I have to say, I am a sucker for the story behind the knife. When I stop at your table and ask you about the making of your knives - I love hearing about your vision and how the knife developed. When I post again, I will highlight Bruce Bingenheimer's knives that I purchased. His knives deserve better photos than I can take with my cell phone. (These hopefully will find their way to Caleb) I LOVED talking to Bing. I discovered his table in the same way - he entered a folder in the best of category and the 3/4 BingaLor caught my eye. When I found out that it was actually related to a WIP that Bing did on blade forum and Bob said he learned a few thing's from the WIP, I bought the knife. And then all of a sudden this BOWIE caught my eye. I couldn't stop looking at it and touching it and these two gentlemen at Bing's table asked me, "are you buying it for your husband?" I said, "no I'm buying it for me". I have been bitten by the Bowie bug.

I left Little Rock with two other purchases, of course the Johnny Stout best folder of the show (being photographed by Caleb) and Roger Massey's hammered copper handled small bowie. The moral of the story is, "Enter your knives in the best of categories" However, my very most favorite part was each time I came back to Bob's table with a purchase and showed it to the knife makers around Bob, they would stop and get just as excited as me about the knife and praise the maker. I think that's the best part about this community.

I am very excited about the upcoming Blade Show. My challenge will be self control.

Although, can anyone guess which knife I already have my eye on at the Blade Show?

 

[Kohai999]

Hi Karen,

That's my wife's name as well, and our last name is Garsson, so you both have the same "handle", lol.

Nothing wrong with any of the knives that you have posted.....but it would behoove you to become as educated as possible about COLLECTING knives, rather than amassing knives, as quickly as possible.

Have a goal in mind....what does your collection say, what is the theme, what is your focus and interest? There is a vast difference between a collection of knives, and amassing knives.

Approaching it from this mindset will assist you in developing a collection that is pleasing to you over many years, rather than looking back a year from now and asking yourself "what was I thinking?"

It is vastly easier to purchase knives than it is to sell them, 95% percent of the time.

Nice to see an aspiring female collector here....we don't get many.

My wife collects pearl handled folders, she has a few handmade knives and probably 14 knives total. The gem of her collection is a Larry Fuegen Revival folder in laddered damascus blade and carved white mother of pearl with gold accents. We visited Larry at his shop in December and he spent the better part of 1/2 hour hand sharpening it for her, as she uses it to open mail and the paper aggressively dulls edges.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Kevin Jones]

Hello Karen, welcome to Blade Forums and an even bigger welcome to the custom knife collecting community. You are certainly off to a good start acquiring some fine pieces.
I hope to meet you and Bob at Blade Show.

I posted a section from my Custom Knife Collecting Seminar notes the other day in another thread on selling custom knives and was contacted by several with positive response so figured I would post up more here that is relevant to your thread. Basically, just backing up what Steven stated with more detail. Looks like you have already started down the path I suggest below.


Hello, I’m Kevin Jones and I have been asked to do a seminar here today on custom knife collecting. As I certainly don’t have all the answers, I like my seminars to be interactive as I find we all learn more that way. So as we go, please feel free to ask any questions and/or share opinions related to topic.

What I would like to do is to share some opinions and observations as to how I see “the collector” fitting in and helping to progress the custom knife community and possibility help you in building your ultimate collection.

It’s my opinion that we as collectors need to do everything we can to bring in new collectors and keep our existing collectors interested and involved. As a healthy knifemaker to collector ratio keeps supply & demand in check resulting in a stable pricing structure and the continued creative advancement of custom knives.

My best advice in a single word to the newer collector is “Patience”. Be patient in selecting what knives to add to your collection rather than buying on impulse.
Many new collectors initially buy knives on impulse resulting in accumulating a hodge podge of knives before realizing the types of knives and which makers they want represented in their collection. The risk is that these collectors will get frustrated and leave the collectible knife community.

I suggest investing time rather money in getting started in custom knife collecting. Become familiar with makers and the types and styles of knives they make and are known for. Learn about knife construction and what elements, material and design make up a great knife. Learn what to look for in determining good fit/finish and execution of a custom knife.

The more knowledge you have of the particular type knife you are interested in the easier it will be to build your ultimate collection.
So initially, I suggest you focus on your preferred style as it can take years to educate yourself on the many types of custom knives.

Your obvious question is how do I learn about custom knives? There’s lots of ways.

BY going to shows, hammer-ins and even visiting maker’s shops in your area.

Shows: There is no other place where you will find as many knives by so many makers in one place. Makers will invite you to handle their knives talk about them and answer questions.

Hammer-ins: Mainly put on by and for makers, however collectors are always welcomed and hammer-ins are an excellent place to learn about knife construction, fit, finish and materials.

Shop visits: Most makers will gladly schedule a shop visit for an interested collector. Even the most well known makers are very approachable and enjoy interacting and discussing knives with both new and experienced collectors.

BY, monitoring and examining dealer websites.
I know of no other single place a collector can consistently learn more about custom knives without leaving their home.
They contain an abundance of custom knife information from photos and descriptions on all types and styles of knives, to bios on the makers. These sites can give you a good idea as to what’s selling and at what price.

BY, reading and participating on the better custom knife forums where collectors can benefit from the vast and diverse knowledge of experience makers and collectors. There’s good information on knife styles, design and collecting philosophies.

BY, studying the knife publications.

The "Knives Annuals" contain over 1000 photos of all types of customs knives. This is a great place to familiarize yourself with the different maker’s styles and to develop an appreciation for what knives you want to collect.

Subscribe to Blade, Knives Illustrated and Knife World as these publications will help to keep you up to date on knives, makers, trends and basically what’s happening in the knife industry.

BY, joining and participation in knife organizations such the ABS, the Knifemaker’s Guild and knife collecting associations such as the CKCA. These groups have a lot to offer collectors in the form of education, contacts, knife acquisitions, literature and finding other individuals who share your knife interest.

 

[mwschilling]

Welcome to the world of knife collecting. You are off to a great start with some amazing knives. Johnny Stout is one of my favorite folder makers and the one you bought at LR is stunning. Kevin and Steven are two old pros and offer great advice about patience and goals for your collection. This is especially true at Blade show because temptation can be overwhelming.
Look forward to reading more posts about your journey into knife collecting.

 

[Lycosa]

Welcome, Karen.
My advice is not to overlook makers like, Dozier, Hartsfield and Bud Nealy, to name a few.
These makers and their knife making styles added another level to the knife world.
rolf

 

[kareng]

Thanks everyone for the welcome and great advice. (And Steven, here's to the KG's in the world). When I got back from Little Rock, I realized I needed to have a plan - and part of that plan was reading more on this forum and following the various collectors' threads. I figure, like a new knife maker, as a new collector, I will probably end up with a few friends and family gift knives as I learn.

I agree too that knowledge makes a collector a better buyer. I felt my knowledge was much greater by the time we went to the Arkansas show than it was at my first show - although I still have a way to go. And with Kansas City lined up right behind the Blade Show and hopefully the Art Knife Invitational if 826 people don't respond to their letter - I'm thinking by the end of my second year I should have good exposure to a large spectrum of knife makers. I've been fortunate that Bob is obsessed with knife making. It has a trickle down effect to me as we pour through magazines and photos and forums. I try to absorb everything he tells me after he's been to Johnny's classes and Hammer In's - which is how I learned about zirconium bolsters and jeweled liners that I chatted with Bing about on his BingaLor . It's also been useful that I get out in Bob's shop and layout, cutout and profile blades, drill holes and wrap them for heat treat. I can't wait for Bob to start forging (seriously, Arkansas opened my eyes to another whole skill of craftsmanship). I didn't really understand forged Damascus before then, I knew about it - but now I have such a great appreciation for it. And I'm getting pretty good at knowing my steel, which ones hold an edge and which ones get razor sharp. Enough chatting. The next photo.

Today's post will feature Bing's Bowie (that has a nice ring to it) - photos by Caleb
140826_Bruce _Bingenheimer_002 by Ranger_Bob, on Flickr

p.s. collectors - what is the etiquette? Is the knife referred to as the collector's knife or the maker's? Now I have to go look at Coop's photos from ECCKs - there was one that I really, really liked.

 

[Lorien]

sounds to me like people could learn a lot from you, Karen!

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

Welcome, Karen.

Some fine knives there, IMO. Right up my alley, too. Arkansas is a terrific show - and it looks like you took advantage of it.

Blade is a whole other universe. It is so large . . . it can get a bit overwhelming. Walk around, talk to lots of makers of all different types of knives, see EVERYTHING you can . . . but pace yourself and make sure you take a lot of time to just stop, pause. and reflect on what you are seeing. You can learn a tremendous amount just examining and handling dozens upon dozens of different knives of all kinds and shapes at that show. Sorry that I will miss that show this year because it would be nice to meet you. I have tried, but my wife has been immune to "the bug" so far. Some day I am still hoping that she will come to Blade with me.

 

[Kohai999]

p.s. collectors - what is the etiquette? Is the knife referred to as the collector's knife or the maker's? Now I have to go look at Coop's photos from ECCKs - there was one that I really, really liked.

You might say something like..."This is my new knife made by Bing" or something along those lines.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Jon Brand]

I'm also happy to have another collector here. Welcome!

Steven, the White MOP revival with ladder damascus has been a dream knife of mine forever. I handled alot of them and always wonder when I will finally be able to get one. Its been at the top of my list for a very long time. Your wife is very lucky, and if you picked the knife out, you did what I always thought would be a perfect gift. And I really mean THAT knife and configuration.

I also like these but I'm not sure what they are called

 

[wdtorque]

Congratulations Karen,
Looks like you are off to a great start.
I recently bought one of your husbands knives at the suggestion of a character of a knife maker that we both have an affinity for,
I won't mention his name, but Bing is quite a fella. He tries to fool you with that slow talkin, but he thinks fast, and does great work. As does your husband IMHO.
Continued success and pleasure in your new found adventure,
My Best
Dozier
Accuracy beats speed

 

[Kohai999]

I'm also happy to have another collector here. Welcome!

Steven, the White MOP revival with ladder damascus has been a dream knife of mine forever. I handled alot of them and always wonder when I will finally be able to get one. Its been at the top of my list for a very long time. Your wife is very lucky, and if you picked the knife out, you did what I always thought would be a perfect gift. And I really mean THAT knife and configuration.

I also like these but I'm not sure what they are called

It was about 8 years ago at Josh Smith's hammer in and show.....Larry had the Revival at the show, and my wife saw it and I saw it, and it was a perfect piece for her, so we purchased it.

Except for my Loveless, it's the most expensive knife we own....and worth every penny.

If you saw Larry's and her face when they were looking it over, you would know how priceless it really is.

I'll ask Larry what the other knife is called and amend this post.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[ddd]

Hello Karen!
Welcome to the world of Modern Custom Knives!

I think that you can learn much and elevate your excitement if you
get to look through and read some of my high quality books on
the subject.

And, by the way, there is a section in my latest book (has just been printed)
"The World of Art Knives" Vol.III, on Kevin Casey's beautiful knife creations...

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)

 

[kareng]

Thanks Dozier - the knife you bought from Bob was one of my favorites. I had tried to convince him to give it to me - but since he gave me his first fixed blade and first folder out of Johnny's classes for my collection, I didn't have any luck with the one you now have. Bing epitomizes the saying "It's not only the knife, it's the knife maker." I am really excited about Bing's work and will now have to fight it out with the others who can't wait to see what comes out of his shop.

Hello Karen!
Welcome to the world of Modern Custom Knives!

I think that you can learn much and elevate your excitement if you
get to look through and read some of my high quality books on
the subject.

And, by the way, there is a section in my latest book (has just been printed)
"The World of Art Knives" Vol.III, on Kevin Casey's beautiful knife creations...

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)

I completely agree! In fact, I am on the list to get one of your books and can't wait to see Kevin's knife in there. And if for some unexpected reason there are extra, we asked the US distributor for a second copy. We also tried to buy another one of your books on e-bay and got out bid in the last second! I suppose you may consider me a collector of your books as well Thank you for the welcome. Karen

 

[Kohai999]

I also like these but I'm not sure what they are called

Hi Jon,

Larry says it is an Art Nouveau Folder with a diamond for a thumbstud, gold liners and pins and blued steel bolsters....the first one was made in 1994.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[kareng]

I just got the photos back from Caleb on the Johnny Stout knife I purchased at the Arkansas Knifemakers Association show that I mentioned early in this thread. I'm excited to finally be able to share photos of my purchase. Every time I look at it, I find something new that I love about it. Thanks Johnny for the knife and Caleb for the great photos.

150417_Johnny_Stout_004 by Ranger_Bob, on Flickr

 

[mwschilling]

That's a real beauty! Great photo too. Congrats

 

[Kevin Jones]

That's a beautiful Folder. You did good Karen.
Johnny's making a deluxe Folder for the CKCA Mini-Show at Blade.
Great image as well.

 

[kareng]

Kevin, Johnny was kind enough to invite us as guests to the CKCA mini-show so we were able to see the folder you were speaking about, along with the amazing works of the other knife makers who contributed. The CKCA mini-show was a great event and the perfect lead-in to Bob and my first Blade show. A big thank you to Mark Schilling who gave me a quick pep talk prior to hitting the Blade Show floor on Friday as I attempted to heed the words of advice received here. I'll be sending my knives out for photos but just a quick recap of the knives I was able to take home from Blade: Of course, the Ladysmith Collaborative - it needed to go to a Lady Collector...; Lin Rhea's take down camp knife which he kindly disassembled and reassembled for me - I was pretty excited to get this knife and Lin's personal instruction; one of Sam Lurquin's sub-hilt fighters - another exciting purchase and pictured in one of RogerP's threads (3rd photo off to the far right); and an Ed Cafferty hunter - my first purchase at Blade and a great person to talk with about knives.

Also - it doesn't count for my collection, but I also bought an Adam DesRosiers chef knife for my friends and they are ecstatic - cutting up everything in their fridge ...they couldn't believe Adam was willing to spend as much time as he did with them telling them about his background and the specifics of that knife. They are big fans of Adam and Haley (as am I)

As others have said, the Blade experience was fantastic and one of the best parts was meeting people in person and getting to know them better.

-Karen

 

[mwschilling]

Hey Karen, it was nice meeting you at CKCA and during Blade. Congrats on some fine additions to your growing collection, especially the Ladysmith Colaboration. It is an amazing knife by some amazingly talented blade smiths. Funny, Ed Caffrey Hunter was also my first Blade Show knife. He is talented and a nice guy. Blade Show can be overwhelming but you did a great job meeting makers and collectors alike.

Good show.
Mark