I've entered my traditional knife phase as a collector. Here we go!

S

sethbradb

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Jan 8, 2017
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For the past 3 years I've mainly focused on today's style knives. From Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw, SOG, Cold Steel. And also a few other companies. But recently I've been doing a lot of looking into the traditional knife market. I've had a few Case knives in the past but I've lost those because I was young and dumb. But now I'm looking into the market as a serious collector/user. And I've been looking into GEC and Case as my two main companies. I'm just looking for anyone's input and information they can give me. Thanks!

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Glad to hear!
I personally think that part of the spirit of traditional knives isn't necessarily about getting exclusively brand new flawless expensive knives, I think that old knives that might have had a previous owner or two and don't cost a lot are equally as valuable and cool to 'collect' as new ones. If you're getting in to traditionals, definitely check out the stuff on the 'bay. That's a great way to get to try different patterns from all different eras, and they all have stories behind them. Bonus points if you pick one up to modify or to turn into a project!!
 
GEC and Case are a great place to start.

Do you plan to collect certain patterns, handle materials, years of production, etc. or do you plan to just buy whatever you like when you see it?

Either way, you've chosen a couple of great brands to start with.
 
There are so many great ways to collect traditionals. By pattern, by scale material, by maker, advertising etc. Good luck and have fun, but be careful, its addicting
 
I have a few Case and G.E.C. knives, You can't go wrong with either one.
What I really like about G.E.C. is that they come out with new patterns and have
quite a few variations of scale material that are sometimes very limited.
Take Your time looking and buy what appeals to You to collect and use.
 
I really like the Barlow and Trapper patterns. With jigged or saw cut covers. That's what really interests me.

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I did the same as your now I own one modern and all traditional knives haha good luck try to keep it under control


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I find I have what I call sub collections. In other words my collection is made up of several small collections I have put together. As an example I'll have a group of a certain pattern then maybe a certain brand or maybe a certain year. Some other brands to look at Queen, Schatt and Morgan, A.G. Russell. In economy imports Rough Rider, Marbles, Colt. Older USA made knives readily available on the secondary market Schrade, Camillus Imperial. And there are many more out there. Here's some pictures of some of my Sub collections ( these are stored older pictures). But the most important thing have fun. Anyway I could go on and on but I've already gotten a bit carried away but you get the picture. (pun intended):D:D


BARLOWS
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CASE
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GEC
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CUSTOMIZED WITH STAG
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CAMP/SAK TYPE
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ROUGH RIDERS
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Many people say the thrill of collecting is the hunt itself. In that case, GEC is the one for you, since the hunt is all drama, all the time!
 
As mentioned above, Rough Rider, Marbles and Colt are good quality knives and inexpensive. I'm really into barlows also; have most all of the ones RR, Marbles and Colt have produced (except the RR smooth brown bone, acorn shield which I can't find anywhere). Still have my good oldies: a couple old Russell's; IXL's, Remingtons. You can make a good, enjoyable collection inexpensively with RR's, Marbles and Colts. Also got a A.G. Russell "War Eagle" bone stag barlow - very nice. Good hunting as you build you collection.

Rich
 
GEC is doing a run of #71 Bullnose knives. It is their most inexpensive knife, but still represents their quality. It will be readily available from dealers also.
 
I'd suggest you get a Stockman pattern and a Jack knife from either or each of the companies that interest you, and carry them for awhile - you will discover what you like and then can follow that until one of the many changes in interest come along. Mostly, just enjoy the journey! OH

Fight_n_Rooster_Stockman_Green_Pick_Bone.jpg


Primble_Jack_knife_11-17-2012.jpg
 
There are currently some great knives being made. But be sure to spend time looking for knives made 10-30 years ago from makers that did an excellent job in that timeframe.
 
Both are fine traditional manufacturing companies,

GEC, a small company last I heard 20 something employees, Still produces blades with much more traditional methods...
Case, much larger with more traditional history has much more variations to choose from and been around longer...
 
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