New Inherited Collection

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burke1253

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Hey Y'all. I recently inherited my Uncles knife collection so I'm very new this world.. Seems like a lot of rules about what I can say or post. So please let me know of this post is even allowed. Anyway, im loving learning about the collection and cant believe how little i knew about his hobby. I'm looking for a jumping off point... about where to understand value and what to do with the collection. I m definitely interested in getting rid of a bunch as its just too much, but would like to retain some as a collection for me and the kids . Over a 2000 knives and counting. Several dozen Randalls, hundreds of Case's , some called Cold Steel, a bunch I can't figure out, a handful form a dude named Ed Fowler ... Looking for some advice on where to start.. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Should I just keep researching? or hire someone to appraise? not sure what i want/should do... Thanks. BB
 
Hi. I'm sure this post will get flagged by a member or a mod as this is the sales floor and advice should be asked in the discussion forums. But before it heads that direction it sounds like you might have more than a decent holy grail collection. Probably not the best moment in history to flip it for a premium but if things level out in the next couple of years that would give you the time to research the prices, find more time to fall in love with your favorites. For what it's worth I've seen appraisers in my neck of the woods under value quite a few in a collection and personally I find it's a nice adventure to do just what your doing and ask on forums like this one. Super friendly here and bushcraftusa.com is another good resource. Arizona Custom Knives, Nordic Knives and sites like those can also help point you in a pricing direction but eBay auctions ending on a Sun seem to do fairly well, if your title gets the right attention (search algorithm) and you're ok with their fees. Looking forward to seeing some of what you have 2 offer. Enjoy the journey!
 
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2000 knives is a huge collection. Even you keep some, selling that many knives will take time. I suggest that you start watching this section of the forum frequently to get an idea of what various types of blades are worth before you start selling them. Keep some notes, by maker. For example, Randalls command a high price, as do custom blades and some well-known makers. At least you can get a general idea.

When you do offer some for sale, always provide good pictures and dimensions. Personally I consider handle size and weight more important than blade length, but best thing is to provide as much information as possible. It's nice to know the steel type, but unless your Uncle kept detailed records you might not be able to find that out. Maybe offer several knives for sale in one posting.

This Exchange subforum is for fixed blade knives. There's another subforum for folders.

I hope that helps. Even though this is not a discussion forum I personally think your post is ok, since you are asking for the purpose of selling. But then, I'm not a Moderator.
 
burke1253 said:
Hey Y'all. I recently inherited my Uncles knife collection so I'm very new this world.. Seems like a lot of rules about what I can say or post. So please let me know of this post is even allowed. Anyway, im loving learning about the collection and cant believe how little i knew about his hobby. I'm looking for a jumping off point... about where to understand value and what to do with the collection. I m definitely interested in getting rid of a bunch as its just too much, but would like to retain some as a collection for me and the kids . Over a 2000 knives and counting. Several dozen Randalls, hundreds of Case's , some called Cold Steel, a bunch I can't figure out, a handful form a dude named Ed Fowler ... Looking for some advice on where to start.. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Should I just keep researching? or hire someone to appraise? not sure what i want/should do... Thanks. BB
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show us your Cold Steel over at the Cold Steel subforum
 
burke1253 said:
Hey Y'all. I recently inherited my Uncles knife collection so I'm very new this world.. Seems like a lot of rules about what I can say or post. So please let me know of this post is even allowed. Anyway, im loving learning about the collection and cant believe how little i knew about his hobby. I'm looking for a jumping off point... about where to understand value and what to do with the collection. I m definitely interested in getting rid of a bunch as its just too much, but would like to retain some as a collection for me and the kids . Over a 2000 knives and counting. Several dozen Randalls, hundreds of Case's , some called Cold Steel, a bunch I can't figure out, a handful form a dude named Ed Fowler ... Looking for some advice on where to start.. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Should I just keep researching? or hire someone to appraise? not sure what i want/should do... Thanks. BB
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Welcome! Looks like you have gone ahead with a membership, which is a sound move. I look forward to seeing the inventory of knives in your uncle's vast collection. Personally, I am a fan of early Dawson knives, so if any of these turn up, I would love to get a look at them. Ethnic knives, as well. No doubt others will, too, so have your camera ready. Heck, document and photograph all of them!

Just curious, where in the country are you located?

Zieg
 
Welcome!! I'd just poke around here and take in information as it comes..
Search function is a help too!!!! Looking forward to seeing some blades!!!👍
 
Welcome aboard, great place for a variety of opinions. With some of the names in the collection a lot of research should be done before selling anything. Nice move with the upgraded membership.😉
 
Welcome. Pictures of some of the ones you are unsure of would help us figure out what you have.

EDIT: Sorry for your loss. I lost my father in January, I understand what its like going through a ton of stuff and figuring out what to get rid of, what to keep, and what to sell. My dad had well over 1,000 vinyl albums dating back to the 60's. And a boat, three cars, etc.

It can be exhausting. I hope I/we can help you with going through this.
 
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burke1253 said:
Hey Y'all. I recently inherited my Uncles knife collection so I'm very new this world.. Seems like a lot of rules about what I can say or post. So please let me know of this post is even allowed. Anyway, im loving learning about the collection and cant believe how little i knew about his hobby. I'm looking for a jumping off point... about where to understand value and what to do with the collection. I m definitely interested in getting rid of a bunch as its just too much, but would like to retain some as a collection for me and the kids . Over a 2000 knives and counting. Several dozen Randalls, hundreds of Case's , some called Cold Steel, a bunch I can't figure out, a handful form a dude named Ed Fowler ... Looking for some advice on where to start.. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Should I just keep researching? or hire someone to appraise? not sure what i want/should do... Thanks. BB
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Sorry you lost your uncle.

As I'm sure you're finding out, individual brands can have their own methods of determining models and ages. Case knives, in particular, can be narrowed down to specific patterns (the handle style and style/number of blades) by the numbers on the tangs, and dates can be narrowed down to date ranges or even (after 1970) specific years. Other brands might not be as specific, but with most you should still be able to pinpoint specific models, and possibly more. Especially if you have boxes too.

Case knives can vary widely in value. Age, condition, rarity, etc.

Cold Steel has a strong fan base, especially with the recent changes to the company (they got sold to a company that cares less). Some older knives can be very valuable.

Randalls, in general, are quite valuable. Some might be off-the-shelf purchases, but they can be custom ordered as well. The best reference is probably "Randall Knives: A Reference Book" by our own Melvin-Purvis Melvin-Purvis Sheldon Wickersham (and Edna W. of course), but copies are not cheap. If you really do have dozens though, the $400-450 price tag for a copy might be worth it. There are online references too, of course.

Ed Fowler knives are very valuable. Easily $1000-2000+ each depending on the knife.

All of which to say that without going through each knife individually, the value of the collection is hard to determine. More likely multiple appraisals might be required, as Case experts aren't likely to also be Cold Steel experts, etc. I'd say that a subscription to worthpoint is definitely warranted. That way you can look up "Case 7 dot 8 dot 1972 1973 64052 Congress knife" or "Randall 12-6 stacked leather" and know what you're talking about and know its value if you're selling it on eBay or wherever.
 
I’d recommend starting by taking a complete inventory as best as you can by maker. You can make a spread sheet or pen and paper.
Posting pictures here is challenging for some, you can use a hosting site such as Imgur or post them here directly from your device, posting directly will require you to resize them to approximately 800x600.

And as always: First do no harm, do not try to clean them up so they present better until you know exactly what you have and exactly what you are doing.
 
Welcome......

Wow, sounds like an Amazing collection. Wow!!!

We'd Love to see the pictures.

Please make haste slowly...... don't let anyone talk you out of your treasures. (You are going to have BUZZARDS circling over you) if you haven't already!!!







You came to the right place, here....
 
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3fifty7 said:
I’d recommend starting by taking a complete inventory as best as you can by maker. You can make a spread sheet or pen and paper.
Posting pictures here is challenging for some, you can use a hosting site such as Imgur or post them here directly from your device, posting directly will require you to resize them to approximately 800x600.

And as always: First do no harm, do not try to clean them up so they present better until you know exactly what you have and exactly what you are doing.
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THIS.....
Do not clean, fix.... ANYTHING.

maybe wear gloves when fondling, as to not leave fingerprints behind, which could stain/corrode the metals
 
Just wanted to point out that there is a Randall sub forum. Its kind of hidden under “collectors forums” at the bottom of “Manufacturers forum”. Please post your Randalls there, we will be happy to help you value those.

Don’t rush into anything. Don’t clean anything. Wipe with an oily rag to remove fingerprints. Store knives separated from their sheaths. I hope you enjoy the process.
 
3fifty7 said:
I’d recommend starting by taking a complete inventory as best as you can by maker. You can make a spread sheet or pen and paper.
Posting pictures here is challenging for some, you can use a hosting site such as Imgur or post them here directly from your device, posting directly will require you to resize them to approximately 800x600.

And as always: First do no harm, do not try to clean them up so they present better until you know exactly what you have and exactly what you are doing.
Click to expand...

I upload 960 X 720 photos here all the time. I think that reducing the byte size is the main thing, but I never asked a mod about it as far as I can remember.
 
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