OK, Here you go.
First thing. If you are only talking about 'in home' display then that points you down one path. If you think you might carry them to a Buck meeting or knife show then you 'may' consider some compromises. Knife show displays are generally conducted from a folding table. Sometimes two foot wide sometimes wider. Some people have cases, both purchased and crafted, that lay flat. That method lets you have only as many knifes as surface area allows. It also makes viewers bend over to look closely at knives. Vertical cases gives you more display area, allows you to increase use of printed materials and lets visitors look at your knives close-up without bending over. Another un-thought of idea is a vertical display gives you a area so that people accompanying you can "hide" and read a book or even a young child could take a nap. At the Blade show, I have dozed lightly behind my vertical display but always on guard for prankster activity. The display could be planned to do double duty with home display in-between the few travels to knife show displays. I also re-worked mine so it would fit in a compact car to save gas expense going to shows.
In home display of any type requires the acceptance of other home members and also safety factors for folks with poor or untrained common sense. So locks are needed on both types of displays home and show. Generally shows do not allow fancy lighting, but at home a display could be specifically lighted for advantage. Homes with young active children or youth could be subject to glass breaking. So consider that for your situation. I have seen all types of home display, wall mounted picture like frames, corner cabinets, all glass cabinets, glass top coffee table types. The list goes on, limited by your craftsmanship ability or pocket book.
Security........the great debate, do I have them out an enjoy them or do I put them away for safety. Only 27 of my knives are in view, and then only to my man desk area in a back room, these are extra and broken 300s. two 112s and some TL-29s, the real display is in a safe. My half dozen EDC's are in a sock drawer. You decide on the value of your collection and the safety of your local area. Safe discussions are another whole subject.
I would recommend that you look at your home as a security person would. Can your display be seen from the street or neighbors thru windows that are left open and also receive home lighting at night. Is your display visible, to people who come to your door and see past whoever might answer, such as a package drop off or a political campaigner. Does my really nice living room display get bragged about by me that my spouse or kids spread it over the neighborhood. Do kids come and go constantly through your home. My tiny knife area is never visible except to visitors I invite into my home. I know people who live in small towns and out in the country that never lock their door or take out their car keys. I hope they never have a problem. I don't intend to.
So, there are some ideas. Always lock any display for child safety. I don't know if your home is like mine or not, but if mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy.......
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