Hello to all. Being new to this site and to the hobby of knife collecting in general,I've got a few questions.I just received a custom knife that has a super high polished stainless blade. Every finger touch leaves a mark,any way to prevent/protect the blade from this? Does the blade need oil/wax to keep it pristine? This will not be a working/carry knife,really just a collectible. I've got a million other things to ask,but this was a large investment for me, so lets start with this. Thanks,Hawk75
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- Thread starter Hawk75
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- Feb 17, 1999
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I try not to touch the blade with fingers. Use cloth (soft micro fibre ones are cheap from Costco) to wipe blades frequently. Some like to use cloth with a light oil already in but I'm not fond of it. Others will offer their methods of handling knives I'm sure.
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- Dec 5, 2005
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I just can't bring myself to be too anal about the knives in my collection, even the ones I don't use. My advice is to enjoy your knife in whatever way you see fit, and if that means sharing it with others then so be it. Keepin in mind that every time you hand your knife over to another person there is risk involved. For me, it's worth it.
With that being said, Murray's advice is golden. Microfiber all the way, and you can get that stuff from any eyeglass store. If you pm me your mailing address, I'll mail you a couple bits of the stuff.
With that being said, Murray's advice is golden. Microfiber all the way, and you can get that stuff from any eyeglass store. If you pm me your mailing address, I'll mail you a couple bits of the stuff.
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- May 28, 2007
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If its stainless steel with a high polish it won't get corroded. All you need to do is wipe it off with micro-fiber cloth or chamois. Normally oil and wax are good for protection for carbon steel or damascus but polished stainless should be fine on its own. I bet if you wipe the blade off all the marks will come right off.
Got a picture of the knife?
Got a picture of the knife?
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I don't blame you for wanting to keep it pristine, Thad is making some of the nicest Loveless style knives out there.
His pieces are so cleanly made.
I agree with the above that no oil is necessary. A little windex on your micro-fiber cloth will work for a stubborn oily mark.
I use a VERY soft and clean make-up brush on my Loveless blades before wiping with the micro-fiber just to insure there's
no harsh dust or grit on the blade. Might be being too careful, but why take a chance.
Jon, here's a couple examples of Thad's work:
His pieces are so cleanly made.
I agree with the above that no oil is necessary. A little windex on your micro-fiber cloth will work for a stubborn oily mark.
I use a VERY soft and clean make-up brush on my Loveless blades before wiping with the micro-fiber just to insure there's
no harsh dust or grit on the blade. Might be being too careful, but why take a chance.
Jon, here's a couple examples of Thad's work:
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Thanks Kevin, I'm taking up this new hobby at age 58, and I don't even know the questions to ask. 'I don't know what I don't know' if you know what I mean. Everyone I've come across has been very friendly and given of their time generously. I even spoke to Thad for 15 or 20 minutes before he made my knife about the type of handle material I wanted. If I were to get myself to one of these knife shows, would it be helpful or just confuse me with information overload? Thanks for the confirmation on my knife from Thad. Hawk
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
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Hawk, I always advise new custom knife collectors to attend at least one Blade Show as there's no where else you can learn so much in such a short period of time.
You may want to look into the CKCA as we have so much to offer the new collector.
Here's a portion of my notes for the custom knife collection seminars I have done at knife shows and hammer-ins. My be of interest to you.
Hello, I’m Kevin Jones and I have been asked to do a seminar here today on custom knife collecting. As I certainly don’t have all the answers, I like my seminars to be interactive as I find we all learn more that way. So as we go, please feel free to ask any questions and/or share opinions related to topic.
What I would like to do is to share some opinions and observations as to how I see “the collector” fitting in and helping to progress the custom knife community and possibility help you in building your ultimate collection.
It’s my opinion that we as collectors need to do everything we can to bring in new collectors and keep our existing collectors interested and involved. As a healthy knifemaker to collector ratio keeps supply & demand in check resulting in a stable pricing structure and the continued creative advancement of custom knives.
My best advice in a single word to the newer collector is “Patience”. Be patient in selecting what knives to add to your collection rather than buying on impulse.
Many new collectors initially buy knives on impulse resulting in accumulating a hodge podge of knives before realizing the types of knives and which makers they want represented in their collection. The risk is that these collectors will get frustrated and leave the collectible knife community.
I suggest investing time rather money in getting started in custom knife collecting. Become familiar with makers and the types and styles of knives they make and are known for. Learn about knife construction and what elements, material and design make up a great knife. Learn what to look for in determining good fit/finish and execution of a custom knife.
The more knowledge you have of the particular type knife you are interested in the easier it will be to build your ultimate collection.
So initially, I suggest you focus on your preferred style as it can take years to educate yourself on the many types of custom knives.
Your obvious question is how do I learn about custom knives? There’s lots of ways.
BY going to shows, hammer-ins and even visiting maker’s shops in your area.
Shows: There is no other place where you will find as many knives by so many makers in one place. Makers will invite you to handle their knives talk about them and answer questions.
Hammer-ins: Mainly put on by and for makers, however collectors are always welcomed and hammer-ins are an excellent place to learn about knife construction, fit, finish and materials.
Shop visits: Most makers will gladly schedule a shop visit for an interested collector. Even the most well known makers are very approachable and enjoy interacting and discussing knives with both new and experienced collectors.
BY, monitoring and examining dealer websites.
I know of no other single place a collector can consistently learn more about custom knives without leaving their home.
They contain an abundance of custom knife information from photos and descriptions on all types and styles of knives, to bios on the makers. These sites can give you a good idea as to what’s selling and at what price.
BY, reading and participating on the better custom knife forums where collectors can benefit from the vast and diverse knowledge of experience makers and collectors. There’s good information on knife styles, design and collecting philosophies.
BY, studying the knife publications.
The "Knives Annuals" contain over 1000 photos of all types of customs knives. This is a great place to familiarize yourself with the different maker’s styles and to develop an appreciation for what knives you want to collect.
Subscribe to Blade, Knives Illustrated and Knife World as these publications will help to keep you up to date on knives, makers, trends and basically what’s happening in the knife industry.
BY, joining and participation in knife organizations such the ABS, the Knifemaker’s Guild and knife collecting associations such as the CKCA. These groups have a lot to offer collectors in the form of education, contacts, knife acquisitions, literature and finding other individuals who share your knife interest.
You may want to look into the CKCA as we have so much to offer the new collector.
Here's a portion of my notes for the custom knife collection seminars I have done at knife shows and hammer-ins. My be of interest to you.
Hello, I’m Kevin Jones and I have been asked to do a seminar here today on custom knife collecting. As I certainly don’t have all the answers, I like my seminars to be interactive as I find we all learn more that way. So as we go, please feel free to ask any questions and/or share opinions related to topic.
What I would like to do is to share some opinions and observations as to how I see “the collector” fitting in and helping to progress the custom knife community and possibility help you in building your ultimate collection.
It’s my opinion that we as collectors need to do everything we can to bring in new collectors and keep our existing collectors interested and involved. As a healthy knifemaker to collector ratio keeps supply & demand in check resulting in a stable pricing structure and the continued creative advancement of custom knives.
My best advice in a single word to the newer collector is “Patience”. Be patient in selecting what knives to add to your collection rather than buying on impulse.
Many new collectors initially buy knives on impulse resulting in accumulating a hodge podge of knives before realizing the types of knives and which makers they want represented in their collection. The risk is that these collectors will get frustrated and leave the collectible knife community.
I suggest investing time rather money in getting started in custom knife collecting. Become familiar with makers and the types and styles of knives they make and are known for. Learn about knife construction and what elements, material and design make up a great knife. Learn what to look for in determining good fit/finish and execution of a custom knife.
The more knowledge you have of the particular type knife you are interested in the easier it will be to build your ultimate collection.
So initially, I suggest you focus on your preferred style as it can take years to educate yourself on the many types of custom knives.
Your obvious question is how do I learn about custom knives? There’s lots of ways.
BY going to shows, hammer-ins and even visiting maker’s shops in your area.
Shows: There is no other place where you will find as many knives by so many makers in one place. Makers will invite you to handle their knives talk about them and answer questions.
Hammer-ins: Mainly put on by and for makers, however collectors are always welcomed and hammer-ins are an excellent place to learn about knife construction, fit, finish and materials.
Shop visits: Most makers will gladly schedule a shop visit for an interested collector. Even the most well known makers are very approachable and enjoy interacting and discussing knives with both new and experienced collectors.
BY, monitoring and examining dealer websites.
I know of no other single place a collector can consistently learn more about custom knives without leaving their home.
They contain an abundance of custom knife information from photos and descriptions on all types and styles of knives, to bios on the makers. These sites can give you a good idea as to what’s selling and at what price.
BY, reading and participating on the better custom knife forums where collectors can benefit from the vast and diverse knowledge of experience makers and collectors. There’s good information on knife styles, design and collecting philosophies.
BY, studying the knife publications.
The "Knives Annuals" contain over 1000 photos of all types of customs knives. This is a great place to familiarize yourself with the different maker’s styles and to develop an appreciation for what knives you want to collect.
Subscribe to Blade, Knives Illustrated and Knife World as these publications will help to keep you up to date on knives, makers, trends and basically what’s happening in the knife industry.
BY, joining and participation in knife organizations such the ABS, the Knifemaker’s Guild and knife collecting associations such as the CKCA. These groups have a lot to offer collectors in the form of education, contacts, knife acquisitions, literature and finding other individuals who share your knife interest.
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