preservation of value - collection of work

[DaveH]

How important do you think it is a a custom makers documentation or collection of work, that is their range and history of offerings is in preserving future value?

Let's take two examples.

Maker A, creates great knives and they are popular, and high quality. But there is no one place to go to see the range and history of their work.

Maker B is in the same position, but either takes the time, or someone else does to document through book, web or some other way their range of models, history an etc.

Fast forward a decade or more, will people still even know about A?

 

[Kit Carson]

Dave,
I think it's very important.

I have albums and paperwork that go back into the 70s and used them to create my web album.

It sometimes surprises people that I have actually made knives other than "gray turds"

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

I agree with Kit.

Even in my collection, in addition to knives I keep stuff that pertains to the knifes. (Certificates from the maker, their design drawings, letters, notes, etc.)

I enjoy looking at books old and new. It is interesting to see "knives in the lives of makers". (You should see some of Kit's and others stuff in some of the books that are a few years old. These guys can actually make stuff other than folders )

Many long time collectors order and keep catalogs of makers especially if they have a few of their knives.

As far as future values: Pretty much any collectable's value is enhanced when historical documents accompany the item. (at the least I think having those things is kinda cool and as long as the space is available to preserve them it does not hurt.) .

Last year I purchased a beautiful gunstock multiblade that Ron Newton had made. Ron got in touch with the original owner and asked him to send an award that the knife won at a show to me. Not only was it an appreciated effort by Ron and the other collector, it is a nice accompanyment to the knife.(not that it needs any) .

 

[Keith Montgomery]

It sometimes surprises people that I have actually made knives other than "gray turds"

Really!!!

Another thing that I think is important is that a maker provide a certicate of origin with their knives. Any documentation that an owner has that makes it easier to authenticate a knife will aid in preserving the future value.

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

Another thought.

Even some of the documentaion goes up in value.

A few years ago when the Williamson collection was sold the catalog could be had for 20 or 30 bucks before the auction. I have seen them go for over 100 (even on ebay).

Some of the older books on Bill Moran (Fire and Steel for instance) are worth many multiples of what they orginally sold for.

Come to think of it, I have a CD that Kit sent me of a lot of his old work.

Reckon I ought to pirate a few copies and put them up for sale on ebay .

Seriously (as long as Kit gives his OK) I would be glad to make a copy and send you one.