need advice

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May 23, 2015
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I am both new to this forum and new to knife collecting. I have a $500 budget to start collecting. I already have 62 folding knives and want to start collecting folders. Do I buy several less expensive knives or 1 or 2 more expensive knives, do I stick to one brand or one style, are limited editions the way to go and how do I know if I'm dealing with a reputable dealer with all I've saw here about fakes I'm a little concerned about getting ripped off. Thanks r redden
 
Welcome.

Collecting is a personal thing, but from my perspective, I'm going to collect quality items from quality makers with higher end materials that appeal to me. I've never been a fan of collecting just to say I have 200 knives with most of them being lower-end quality. I'd rather say I have 4-5 nice knives that have some value or usefulness down the road. For me, if a knife doesn't get used, it gets moved. To each his own though.

Maybe give us an idea of the type/style/size knives you like and you can get some suggestions. Also, maybe list the knives you have so we can understand your existing collection and where you want to take it.
 
62 is quite a collection, already. It might help if you list off some of your best and/or favorite knives... Also, what type of knives do you want? What do you like?
 
Depending on what you have as of now amassed, it sounds as if you already have a collection, if what you claim be true.
Collections are just that. Be advised you are better to save that money, as you likely have your daily carry needs satisfied. Surely, such as Pacific Garden Mission, or World Vision, there are causes to give. It is fairly reasonable that you have debts or bills also.
Perhaps you should decide if there are particular knives you desire, or if you merely want an eclectic horde of pointy, sharp, serreated, ground things.
There has been more than once I traded off or sold or simply gave away all but my user blades, and defensive knives. Some I ruined by a trip (it was just an Anza, and not a rare one) in the washer, something to be avoided. It is also prudent to read the laws of whatever locale wherein you reside. There are blades, like a balisong or push dagger (ah, ma cherie) strongly legislated. The carry of knives is in addition legislated; do not go to jail, be fined, or have confiscated an illegal knife, or carry it in a prohibited manner or location. Generally, in states in America where the Gun Control Act applies, the knife of whatever variety falls under that jurisdiction.
 
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Depending on what you have as of now amassed, it sounds as if you already have a collection, if what you claim be true.
Collections are just that. Be advised you are better to save that money, as you likely have your daily carry needs satisfied. Surely, such as Pacific Garden Mission, or World Vision, there are causes to give. ....

That's an odd thing to say... :confused:


r redden , I do agree with the above in that you do already have a collection. That said if you want to refine it, or make it bigger....just collect what you want/like. We cant tell you what that is.

We can tell you what a reputable dealer is. Here they are:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1089879-Paid-Dealer-Members-List-(Updated-5-12-15)
 
Do I buy several less expensive knives or 1 or 2 more expensive knives, do I stick to one brand or one style, are limited editions the way to go and how do I know if I'm dealing with a reputable dealer with all I've saw here about fakes I'm a little concerned about getting ripped off. Thanks r redden

Collecting can be quite varied. There are people who collect only one brand, people who collect only one lock type, people who collect only limited editions, people who collect only carbon fiber handles. Honestly, I don't think there is any one way to do it. It's whatever you enjoy. My collection is pretty varied. I have thousand dollar knives and twenty dollar knives with every lock type I could find because that's what appeals to me.

Start with one knife you know you like. Buy it. Fondle it for a while and see if you can determine what it is about that knife that does it for you. Is it the lock? The materials? The limited numbers available? The handle ergonomics? The name of the designer? The you'll have some idea as to what to look for in that second knife.
 
Thanks for the advice and the link to knife dealers I can feel safe buying from. I really like big 1 blade folders but I don't have many. My favorite is a Buck 110 second would be my Gerber Bear Grylls I dont particularly care for the serrated edge on the Gerber. Some other knives I have that I like pretty good I are a Gerber nylon handle assisted opening a uncle Henry 3 blade a Winchester nylon handle a very old Holub Sycamore a Tree Brand with 2 blades a screw driver and a bottle opener a case 3 blade Stockman a P Graham Dunn a Boker Hawkbill and a Victronox Swiss Army Knife with the tooth pick missing. There are a few more Bucks and Casses but the majority of the rest are cheap Pakistan flee market knives that I liked the looks of. Also before I retired I worked for a cable company and purchased most of the equipment and supplies for our region so a lot of vendors gave me promotional knives with their company logos and info on them. So my knives are a random lot with no system at all.
 
Well, if you are looking to get into knives as the enjoyable money sink that it ends up being, you might as well stay with a subscription. Then I would liquidate my current collection to fund/make room for a more quality based set of knives.
Quality over quantity.

Pick up a spyderco of some sort, a benchmade adamas folder, and look for some other inexpensive knives, a larger opinel maybe a 12, a rat 1 or 2, and maybe a GEC traditional and some others.
That would give you a wide array of product while covering your traditional side, your larger folders, more recent designs and longer lived types with some history.

Welcome aboard.
 
If you like big sturdy folders, look at :
ZT, Cold Steel, Kershaw, Emerson, Spyderco, Benchmade, Chris Reeve (CRK), Strider, etc

I don't recall if we can recommend shops per forum rules, but you can check out the "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly" forum over on the Exchange here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/672-The-Knife-Exchange

BTW, the Exchange is a great place to find nice used knives which is a good way to try a knife out while hedging your loses if you decide it's not for you. It's worth becoming a member just for the option to buy/sell on the Exchange.
 
Thanks for the advice and the link to knife dealers I can feel safe buying from. I really like big 1 blade folders but I don't have many. My favorite is a Buck 110 second would be my Gerber Bear Grylls I dont particularly care for the serrated edge on the Gerber. Some other knives I have that I like pretty good I are a Gerber nylon handle assisted opening a uncle Henry 3 blade a Winchester nylon handle a very old Holub Sycamore a Tree Brand with 2 blades a screw driver and a bottle opener a case 3 blade Stockman a P Graham Dunn a Boker Hawkbill and a Victronox Swiss Army Knife with the tooth pick missing. There are a few more Bucks and Casses but the majority of the rest are cheap Pakistan flee market knives that I liked the looks of. Also before I retired I worked for a cable company and purchased most of the equipment and supplies for our region so a lot of vendors gave me promotional knives with their company logos and info on them. So my knives are a random lot with no system at all.
I mean, sounds like you lean heavily toward traditional knives. Go check out the traditional subforum. They're usually really helpful over there.
 
As stated, collecting knives is a very personal endeavor. Take the time to check out the on-line stores. Research the going rate for knives that appeal to you, then hunt for bargains.

A great way to determine what you like, is to attend a knife show, or check out a knife store. In person, a knife can take on a whole different personality that is not evident in a digital picture from the internet.

You mention a budget. This is very important. If you have a monthly, yearly, weekly, whatever, budget, you need to stick with it. Once you discover the variety and quality that's out there, and you get your first taste of the collecting bug, you are going to need to keep tight reigns on that wallet!

Good luck, and you've found the right place to develop a new addiction.

For a few recommendations:
Switch-blades: Microtech.
Traditionals: Great Eastern Cutlery.
"Tactical" military-ish folding knives: Benchmade, Kershaw, Spyderco, ZT
Fixed Blades: Bark River
 
I already have 62 folding knives and want to start collecting folders.
LOL seem to me that you "started collecting" a long time ago already!?

Get one nice knife for 500 USD I would say. You already have 62 so plenty of choice already.
 
get a spyderco para 2with a fifth of your budget. It's a great knife. Then get a benchmade, kershaw (blur or leek). Depending on the benchmade you get you could end up spending around $350-$400 for 3 high quality knives that will get your preferences established. You can then sell the ones you don't like or keep them all :)
 
Hi and Welcome!

Quality over Quantity.

Bladeforums is a cool place to start. Get yourself informed. There are many sources available today.
While knives are a very interesting topic, keep in mind, that wherever money is involved you need to be carefull.
Knives have come a long way. Basically it started as a cutting tool; it developed to such different things like status symbols or goods to make money.

It's a difficult question to determine what's worth collecting.
I think Les Robertson has found a good answer: "Buy what you like." As simple as this may sound there is a lot truth in it.

Before i buy I suggest you look into the different characteristics of a knife and your "needs"
i.e.: fixed or folder (OK folder it is)
Materials the knife (blade, handle) is made of.
Design
legal considerations...

There are knives out there which were made to meet a specific challenge and there are knives out there that create a specific demand.
You are free to choose.

all the best with your collection.
red mag

PS: Most collection started with the accumulation of stuff - no need to be ashamed of.
Many pieces bring back memories and that's what makes a collection unique.
 
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