New to knife collecting

D

dkonopinski

Joined
Mar 21, 2007
Messages
203
I've recently acquired a US Schrade Uncle Henry Stockman, original box & papers. I'm happy. The main blade is etched with a company's logo and would have been a promotional gift to clients. This doesn't bother me, but how do the purist collectors react to this kind of thing?
 
Some people only collect advertising knives, with etching or stamping on blades or handles. It adds an interesting touch.
I recommend deciding what you like, then sticking to it. Otherwise it can get expensive.
It took me about 2 years to decide on my principal area.
Welcome to knife collecting!!
 
Although the advertising logo probably doesn't affect the value, it does make the knife doubly collectible, of interest to knife collectors and people interested in that company. Think of all the people who collect CocaCola or railroad items for instance.

As far as how to react with regards to collecting that knife, it's all about "condition, condition, condition" - don't do anything that would alter the knife. Don't sharpen it, don't polish it, don't use abrasive cleaners, and keep all of the documentation and packaging in original condition.

Also, since you're new to collecting, give your own recordkeeping some thought. It's easier to start off with a system than to try to remember the details at a later time. Photos, scans, computer database, record book, whatever.

Those are my thoughts. I'm sure you'll hear more from the more experienced/serious collectors shortly.

And WELCOME to the Schrade Collectors Forum!

Best Wishes,
-Bob

PS. Also give some thought to security. Not just from malicious thieves, but from curious house guests and grubby little fingers. Maybe you don't have anything particularly valuable yet, but finding replacements for even a few lost knives is an incredible ass-pain and heartbreak. I had a dozen knives stolen once - mostly ordinary factory knives - and it took 12 years to locate identical replacements.
 
Thank you. I've not even thought of record keeping!! Well, my only excuse is that I've never collected anything in my life, until this traditional pocket knife thing just kicked off. I think hand written notes in a small hard cover notebook would fit with the trad style of the collection.
 
Welcome dkonopinski. I'm a relatively new collector myself. Be careful though.....becoming a Schradeaholic can take over your life if you let it! There are a great group of guys on this forum that are more than willing to answer any and all questions. Just remember....there are no stupid questions. If you can't find an answer here....there probably isn't an answer available. Again, welcome!
 
I think hand written notes in a small hard cover notebook would fit with the trad style of the collection.
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Better than nothing. At least you'll have the information for future reference. Wish I had done that when I first started...

Also, maybe keep your records in a seperate location away from the knives. If your knives get stolen and the thieves get your book too, not only do they have the provenience of every item, but they instantly know how much every piece is worth.

I recommend deciding what you like, then sticking to it. Otherwise it can get expensive. It took me about 2 years to decide on my principal area.
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I randomly Accumulated, buying all sorts of knives, for 20 years before deciding on a couple of particular flavors to specifically Collect. I suggest taking your time before getting too deep into particulars. Experience the widest range of bladed items possible, learning about each on the way, then begin to focus on what you find interesting.

And just because I'm rather serious in my Old Timer collecting, it doesn't mean that I stopped buying a wide variety of knives. In the last couple of months I've "Accumulated" antique Khukri items, closeout SAKs, Camillus and Beckers, a set of Opinels, a few Scandanavian knives, and a couple of small customs.

Keep it fun!

-Bob
 
Thanks again. I've no real focus except I like interesting traditional pocket knives. So when someone gave me an Imperial Diamond Edge Stockman made in Ireland that led me to Schrade who owned the Stag Cutlery factory where they were made. Suddenly that little bit of basic research lit the fire. Then I did a bit on the really old Sheffield brands and luckily managed to get a Trevor Ablett bench made knife which is currently top knife. It even came with a small paper signed & dated by the man himself. There's a lot more to this than you first think. Here in the UK people think I'm crazy, but over in North America it's a popular pastime. Thanks again for your advice. every bit is welcome.
 
I've no real focus except I like interesting traditional pocket knives.
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In addition to Schrade-USA Old Timers, the other brand I specifically collect is Bruckmann. Top quality, beautiful handle materials, and made in Germany before WWII. Thanks to a large warehouse find it's easy to find mint condition examples, and they are inexpensive. There are no $20-$30 current-production knives that can compare to a Bruckmann.

Just another brand to be on the lookout for,
-Bob
 
Welcome aboard, Im also no pro ,but I love it here, lots of interesting stuff and answers to any question you can think of. Hope to see ya around and hope to hear you picked up a couple of new knives sometime soon. -joel
 
Hi
Welcome again, good to see a new member, most people on forum seem very decent people who are willing to help whenever they can.
Regards Tim
 
Welcome as well, as far as collecting knives I started around 3 years ago with various brands but fell totally in love with Schrade knives. I began selling or giving away all my other knives and now only collect Schrade. I tried to narrow my buying to the Old Timers and Uncle Henry but that did not last very long. As my fever grew for Schrade knives I quickly found that unless I have one of just about every type of knife they made then my fever would never be quenched. So it is my lifelong pursuit to complete that task. I have around 230 Schrades now and have completed several collections. This forumn and its members have been awesome with their friendship, knowledge and willingness to help. Once again, welcome aboard!
 
A cotton bud will not fit between the liners of small pocket knives to clean them. What do others use to get into these awkward little places? By the way, a big thank you to everyone who has welcomed me aboard and given advice. David
 
Welcome,

For cleaning the smallest crevices, I use a set of brushes made for cleaning paint spray guns. This photo may give you an idea of small they go, the smallest ones are barely measurable:

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I found sets of just the 4 or 5 smallest ones for about 3 or 4 dollars at a nearby tool store. If you can't find them locally or others are interested in them too, maybe I'll buy some more and make them available to members here at cost.
 
Besides an assortment of brushes, like redshanks has shown, I find these makeup sponges (used for eye makeup...available at beauty supply stores) to be very handy for cleanup and lubrication uses.

29ekkl0.jpg


Bill
 
Bill, I was tempted to ask if that is where you got your Mascara but I resisted the urge.Almost.:D Arnold
 
Now Arnold...:grumpy:

Here are the officers of my local knife club.....

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.....as you can see, we all find them useful.

Chicks at the beauty supply store dig knife guys. :thumbup:

Bill
 
Yeah I know.When a lady asks what I do I tell them I collect big knives.Then add it a compensation thing.Most bust out laughing,then tell me they love a man who can make them laugh.What ever it takes.Arnold
 
Isn't it amazing? I ask a simple question related to cleaning knives and in no time at all we're into pulling strategies.

Now I really feel at home.

Reality check. Yes, the way to a man's heart may be through his stomach, but for the ladies - make 'em laugh and you seriously improve the odds. At least that's been my experience.

What's more in terms of friends & family, the ladies have been far more interested in my new pocket knife collecting hobby than the blokes. In particular a small Laguiole Le Fidele with translucent purple scales is a great hit.

Anyway, thanks for the info and I'll set about finding some brushes over the coming weekend.

Have a great weekend guys. Erm, excuse me. There's probably some girls out there too.

David
 
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