Is there any interest in custom made knife display cabinets?

Jason Magruder

Jason Magruder

Joined
Mar 27, 2004
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570
I've been thinking of making some knife display cabinets and I figured this was the best place to ask about what collectors want in a display case or of you guys even like them at all.

I know what I like and what I would want but I have no idea if what I like has any correlation to what anyone else wants.:D


I think fine handmade knives deserves a display that is on par with the quality of the knives inside. One designed exclusively for knives with appropriate lighting, materials, fit and finish. Something that grabs your attention from across the room and makes you want to see what's inside. I don't want to make something that would be ok with old dishes or collectible spoons in it. :jerkit: Knives are a very unique art form and I think they need a unique display. Of course they can't be so unique that they look out of place in a home or overpower the knives inside.

Some features I've thought of so far are uv blocking glass, full spectrum low temp lighting, humidity control, and a built in safe in the bottom if it is a full size cabinet.

I would like to know what you guys think a knife specific cabinet needs.

What about size? Small enough to set on a table or hang on a wall, full size freestanding cabinet, or something in between?

What would your ideal display be?
 
I'm hoping to have something to show at Blade West. So If I do, you'll see it. Even if I have to wrestle you to the ground and drag you over to my table:D
 
Depending on several aspects, like materials used, price point, shipping costs:D etcetera, I would be very interested. Mainly because I display all my knives in three free standing cabinets in my home. Although these cabinets aren't half bad I would love to have a specificly designed cabinet.

Marcel
 
I kinda like one like mine, but it is open on the front, even though I have a piece of glass ready to cover it. I like being able to get out some, move them around and maintain them. It is about 4' x 6' and 2'' deep. I collect 98% folders, don't think it would work well for fixed blades. My bottom shelf slides out for additional storage in the bottom of the shadow box frame.
The next one I get will be built by someone else, this one took too much of my time.:)
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Abosultely! Knife display cases are very difficult to find. I have two, small (12 x 24") cases which display about 15 knives. Unfortunately, the are unlit and have some technical issues as well. I would be very interested!
 
Sounds interesting and I would love to see some design sketches of what you have in mind.

A built-in safe proably wouldn't be a feature that would interest me - if the'yre on display, they're on display.

I can also see where shipping costs might be an issue.

Roger
 
I love the idea.

I would love to see both single knife display cases, and group cases.

Any pics of what you come up with would be appreciated.
 
I think it is nearly impossible to make something that everybody is happy with. What kind of knives, how big, how much? How expensive? I wouldn't like to have The Legacy of Buster Warenski in a open display;)

Everybody likes different materials, different glas, stances, locks, handles, lightning. Plus you have the shipping costs.

If you want something like this you are better of with a local made piece, you can find good craftsmanship all over the place, to make you a custom cabinet. Specifically made to match your style, room and preferences.

Sorry, just my opinion,

Tom
 
Wow! Thanks for the responses guys.

Roger, the safe would just be for the knives that aren't currently on display and for anytime you go out of town for any length of time.

In my mind I picture having just a few of your best pieces on display at any given time with the rest locked away.


I guess the big question that I need help from you guys is about size.

How many knives should be displayed at once? My thought is not more than five. More than that I think you start to get overwhelmed and they lose the significance that each knife deserves. When I see fifty knives crammed into a case with no extra space I don't notice the individual knives so much. A display should show off each knife individually and together with the rest. But that's me. What do you guys think about it?


As far as design goes I think I'll just have to build a few and see how people react to my style. I will make at least one to take to Blade Show West in September. Maybe more if I can ever get caught up on cabinet jobs.


Thanks for all the help guys. I really appreciate it.
 
James Todd said:
I kinda like one like mine, but it is open on the front, even though I have a piece of glass ready to cover it. I like being able to get out some, move them around and maintain them. It is about 4' x 6' and 2'' deep. I collect 98% folders, don't think it would work well for fixed blades. My bottom shelf slides out for additional storage in the bottom of the shadow box frame.
The next one I get will be built by someone else, this one took too much of my time.:)
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I just came...

I'd love to see a custom knife cabinet though as well.
 
I love this idea. I have toyed with a few different display methods-all of them substandard in some way. I have a large variety of knife styles and sizes. I prefer larger cases (due to the large number of knives I have and the desire to fit them all into as few cases as possible). I think in addition to the features you list, it would be nice for the case to either include or have as an accessory, some sort of riser or stepped/inclined blocking. That way you could stack knives a few deep and still be able to see all of them equally well.

I would not want my case to have a safe. I will keep locked knives completely separate.

I am very excited to see what comes of this. I do forsee a large issue with shipping cost for something large enough to be considered furniture. Pricepoint would also be a sticking point. Custom cabinetry is not cheap and with something with so many features, it might fall outside of what some can/will spend. Especially if multiple are required to house the entire collection or even pieces of a collection.
Nick
 
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Jim your cabinet is exemplary. What a nice way to enjoy them.

Going a further step, what if..... Jim's model was a large open panel with two side wings which can hinge open and lock closed. When it folds out it's a full display, as the above photo shows. When closed it could be a nice wooden case with a poster or painting or nothing. The dimensions of the side panels would be half of what is shown.

No one's the wiser.

Nice.

Coop
 
SharpByCoop said:
Jim your cabinet is exemplary. What a nice way to enjoy them.

Going a further step, what if..... Jim's model was a large open panel with two side wings which can hinge open and lock closed. When it folds out it's a full display, as the above photo shows. When closed it could be a nice wooden case with a poster or painting or nothing. The dimensions of the side panels would be half of what is shown.

No one's the wiser.

Nice.

Coop
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Great idea Coop, I will do that on the next one, do have enough to fill another. It is too crowded right now.
Thanks,
Jim
 
That's some layout James. :thumbup:

Jason, you have some good ideas. I display my collection in several different fashions (in a upright free standing display case, in shadow boxes on the wall and on tables), but all in a knife room.

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I've been wanting some kind of small folder display case that is like a stair case. Multiple levels that you can rest the knives on. This way you could see the spine/liners as well. So far I have not seen this but it was an idea I had.
 
This is what I have for now. On the left is a basic tomway case but I have it mounted upright with a bent book end.

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Kevin, yours is VERY nice as well, Mine is not a knife room but a man room, Multi-media and my knives. I keep it locked so the grands can not get in. Grandchildren as young as mine do not do well with sharp pointy things.:)
 
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