Help a Newbie?

G

gkentsmith

Joined
Nov 21, 2006
Messages
33
Hi,
My name is Kent and I've just started collecting knives :D . So far I'm leaning toward mint Schrade (USA) and Case (USA). As a newbie, I'm trying to avoid expensive mistakes by buying mostly Schrade Uncle Henry and Old Timer knives. I'm also picking up a few other like Case, Winchester and Colt.

I would like to buy some scrimshaws, but some on eBay look more like Franklin Mint than the real thing. Also, some sellers on eBay seem a little too slick and make me nervous. I really need some guidance here.

I realize that we are all competing in some instances, but I could really use some solid advice from a seious collector. If anyone out there can give me some do's and dont's and maybe any other relevant guidance, I'd be most appreciative.

Thanks,
Kent
:thumbup:
 
This is the sort of thing I needed to know. Getting to know a new forum can be a real time consumer. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction(s).
Kent
 
Watchful said:
Poor guy makes it sound like a 12-step program here.

[all]Hi Kent![/all]

This isn't the place to be cured, that's for sure. Welcome!
Click to expand...

Yeah and hang on to your wallet...

If you like traditional folders WR Case makes a good knife. Many people collect Case knives but I buy knives to carry, so even if I pick up a Case knife I'm not looking for the limited production , special anniversary model... unless of course they're on clearance.

This guy sells some great traditional knives ( and others) plus his prices are good.


http://www.collectorknives.net/index.html
 
So far I'm leaning toward...
Click to expand...

My advice, relax and don't worry about seriously "collecting" just one brand, not at this point anyway. Try to buy a variety of knives, whatever interests you. Then as you gain experience and knowledge, and begin to appreciate a certain brand/pattern/material more than others, then it's time to focus your buying habits.

Old Timers are one brand of knife that I collect, so I can pass on a couple of tips.
1- hang out in the Schrade Collectors Forum. Those guys are real experts when it comes to Schrade, Old Timer, Uncle Henry, etc.
2- eBay is currently flooded with new Chinese Old Timers, and some of the sellers are not making their knives' origins obvious. The 'real' Old Timers will be tang stamped "Schrade USA", "Schrade-Walden", "Ulster", etc. The Chinese imports are marked simply "SCHRADE". Any Old Timers advertised as "Taylor" are imported from China.
3- The more common models (34OT, 8OT, etc.) are generally reasonably priced. The prices for less common models (106OT, 41OT, etc.) can be sky-high. The OldTimers in plastic clam-packs can be real bargains - it seems most buyers prefer their knives in boxes.

Just a couple tips to start you out.
Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
I'm doing just as you say, and your words about the prices of the OTs are right on. I've so far tried Case and am careful to ALWAYS ask, if not made clear in the auction, if the knife has been carried, used, or sharpened. I am beginning to feel as if I like the longer, single blade Schrades, OT or UH. I've just purchased an original, mint Ken Richardson at a great price.

So, anyway, your advice is good and I think I'm on the right track. Thanks for pointing out the Schrade forum for me :p .

Kent
 
Welcome....... I can remember when I first really started collecting . I couldn't get enough of it. Buying , reading, researching etc. Oh wait a minute, I guess it hasn't changed any. LOL There are some old knives that may not really have collector value but, some of them are really nice looking knives. Sometimes you can get them in great condition fairly cheap. These can make a nice addition to you other collectibles.... I mostly collect Case knives but I still like to pickup something a little different sometimes. As long as you buy quality stuff, you can never have to many knives. ENJOY
 
Thanks for the encouragement. I'm still developing my tastes. I like Schrade simply as a collectable, but there are knives I just LOVE - like the Ken Richardsons, and a number of Kershaws. I also like the Colts, the CRKT (not for collecting, but cool anyway). I'm afraid this may get expensive!
 
gkentsmith - I seemed to have better luck buying Schrade products from individuals on Ebay. You can click around a little and see who's trying to make a fast buck and who's just cleaning out grandpa's sock drawer.
 
Thanks for that piece of advice. I have been using eBay as my primary source. Some of the sellers are pretty decent types and I check their offerings regularly. ;)
 
If you're into Schrade knives, there is nothing like getting that box with a mint pocket knife. If you get a chance, get the Old Timer Buzzsaw Trapper. It is really a unique knife.
 
You're right - I've gotten a number of mint in box; a 194OT and 102OT, as well as some other styles (141OT and 142OT, also both mint). I'm right now in the process of setting up a box for the Schrades, and just received a box of cotton inspection gloves (no finger acids for my mint Schrades or others). Now, to find more money!:D
 
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