Knife Collection Organizing Question...

[Mark J]

I am in the process of trying to organize my growing knife collection, before it gets out of hand (which shouldn't be too long, the way things are going ). I have designed an MS Access database with the following fields. Can you think of any other relevant fields I might be missing? Thanks for your input.


Manufacturer
Model
ModelNumber
ManufacturingProcess (e.g., production, custom)
Type (e.g., fixed blade, folder)
PrimaryDesignUse (e.g. hunting, gents knife)
OverallLength
BladeLength
HandleLength
Weight
LockType
Steel
BladeFinish
Sharpened?
ScaleMaterial
ScaleColor
LinerMaterial (if applicable)
Sheath?
SheathMaterial
SpecialFeatures
Likes
Dislikes
DatePurchased
PlacePurchased
PurchasePrice (excludes shipping and taxes)
Notes

 

[Gator97]

If you're gonna sharpen, then probably better to have 2 columnd, original edge, and current, degrees I mean.

 

[bandaidman]

Wow, I just put them all in a drawer!!!

 

[edmoses]

Current value may be a useful field if you plan to hold onto them for a while.

Regards,

Ed

 

[eccentrich]

Here's a few marginal suggestions:

Bolster?
BolsterMaterial
Clip?

BladeThickness
Grind (chisel vs V)
BladeShape (clip, drop, tanto, etc.)

Really, there's no end to what info you can record...

Rich

 

[OUCH]

Great list. Headers for my list is a continuing work in progress, Think I'll borrow a couple from you!!

 

[Gollnick]

For your balisongs, you'll want to indicate if it has a Manila or Batangas latch or is latchless.

I assign each knife a "calalog number" and attach a tag to the knife or the case that the knife is stored in that that catalog number on it.

Also, photographs are a great idea. I do my "calalog" photos on a standard red background with a small ruler included in the picture for size reference. You may also want to visit your local paint store and pick up some of those color chips they give away. We're looking for flat finish, the truest red, the truest green, and the truest blue they have. Glue these three chips side-by-side on a little piece of cardboard and include it in every picture to give a color reference. Include the catalog number tag in the photo too.

 

[Dark Nemesis]

I think your database is a great idea. I've been wanting to improve mine for a while, just haven't gotten around to it. If possible make sure to post the final architecture of the database, I am very interested in seeing what you use in the end.

 

[Mark J]

Thanks everyone -- all great suggestions. I think Eccentrich said it best, "there's no end to what info you can record." I'll mull these over and let you know what I end up with when it's finished.

- Mark

 

[redvenom]

This is a great idea for collectors. Years ago, I did something similar with Clipper. A bit dated now for the Win 9x PCs. Would love to see what you come up with.

Andrew Limsk