Question for Knife Collectors

[RocketFoot]

I have been collecting knives for over 30 years but mostly just sentimental knives with brand logos or whatever...but mostly cheapo knives. I recently realized that I love knives and wanted to add some mid to high tier knives to my small collection. I have started buying some more expensive knives but I am still trying to buy knives that I like and that I think look good and I also value quality materials even though I don't really use my knives for tough jobs. Sometimes I feel like I am shopping for knives by name just to fill my collection with Gucci stuff but I still want to buy knives that I like and fit my budget (which is fairly low, LOL)

So my question to fellow knife collectors, how to pick out the knives you purchase with so many options out there? Do you buy because of name brand? Brand loyalty? Cool factor? Resale or investment value? Or something else? Give this new hobby collector some words of advice! Here are a few photos of what I am working with now, LOL...my cheap ass Walmart tool box is already pretty full!

Thanks,
RF

 

[GmpaJim]

I think the reasons for buying, are as numerous as the types of knives.

I also keep in mind, no matter how cheap, strange, expensive etc., etc…..there’s someone out there who would love to own it.

Like Sheryl Crow sings, “If it makes you happy, it can’t be bad.” (or something like that)

 

[tltt]

I buy on design. I'll scan the new knife pages, and if anything catches my eye, I'll save a link to it. Unless it's a super deal, I'll just save the link and go back to it every once and a while, and if I still like it, I buy it. Brand loyalty doesn't matter much, although past experience can make me more or less hesitant in how much I'm willing to spend. Resale only matter if it's in the multi hundred dollar range.

 

[1911bphil]

I don't care about the resale value because I don't sell my knives. I will give them to coworkers and family. I have tried a lot of brands and usually buy the ones I have consistently liked. My criteria is ergonomics first. Just my opinion though.

 

[kobold]

At first I wanted to experience as much as possible, so I started by watching a lot of YT videos and getting all kinds of knives with different grinds, steels, locking mechanisms and ergonomics.
Also I always wanted something usable, something I might need, so my collection is mostly users and even my safe queens get used lightly from time to time. Even then I ended up selling a lot of knives.

Eventually I settled mostly with Spyderco folders, Victorinox SAKs/multitools, Bark River fixed blades and a few Chris Reeve knives because I like titanium framelocks.
I like Spyderco because they have the most steels, great heat treat, all types of locks, are innovative, have interesting collabs and designs and are generally affordable. And the opening hole is the most comfortable opening method IMHO. They make five or six models that I will always want in my collection.

I like Bark River, because they have the most beautiful handle materials and are one of the few ones that still make convex blades, which is my favorite fixed blade geometry, strong, easy to maintain, ideal for outdoors and I also like them in the kitchen.

Next, I like CRK for their impeccable quality and for their hollow grinds, which is my favorite blade geometry in a folder. For me, a folder must be a good slicer above all.

Lastly, Victorinox quality is second to none and they have a wide spectrum of affordable tools.

And I like all of these companies, because they are all family owned and run businesses and not a faceless multinational that makes everything in China, so I enjoy supporting them and brand loyalty certainly plays a role. And I think they represent good value.

I also have the so called beater/expendable category, Hultafors fixed blades, Opinel folders and Condor machetes which I really enjoy using.

 

[norcalAF]

Since the CRK pitch has already been covered, I suggest you check out a LG VECP or ESV, and then a SHF

 

[RocketFoot]

At first I wanted to experience as much as possible, so I started by watching a lot of YT videos and getting all kinds of knives with different grinds, steels, locking mechanisms and ergonomics.
Also I always wanted something usable, something I might need, so my collection is mostly users and even my safe queens get used lightly from time to time. Even then I ended up selling a lot of knives.

Eventually I settled mostly with Spyderco folders, Victorinox SAKs/multitools, Bark River fixed blades and a few Chris Reeve knives because I like titanium framelocks.
I like Spyderco because they have the most steels, great heat treat, all types of locks, are innovative, have interesting collabs and designs and are generally affordable. And the opening hole is the most comfortable opening method IMHO. They make five or six models that I will always want in my collection.

I like Bark River, because they have the most beautiful handle materials and are one of the few ones that still make convex blades, which is my favorite fixed blade geometry, strong, easy to maintain, ideal for outdoors and I also like them in the kitchen.

Next, I like CRK for their impeccable quality and for their hollow grinds, which is my favorite blade geometry in a folder. For me, a folder must be a good slicer above all.

Lastly, Victorinox quality is second to none and they have a wide spectrum of affordable tools.

And I like all of these companies, because they are all family owned and run businesses and not a faceless multinational that makes everything in China, so I enjoy supporting them and brand loyalty certainly plays a role. And I think they represent good value.

I also have the so called beater/expendable category, Hultafors fixed blades, Opinel folders and Condor machetes which I really enjoy using.

This is kind of what I am doing now...I do like to try 1 or 2 of a certain type or manufacturer and go from there! If I like it, I'll add more to the collection!

Since the CRK pitch has already been covered, I suggest you check out a LG VECP or ESV, and then a SHF

I've been eyeing those but a little out of my budget for now! I might be able to swing a LG Astor folder maybe!

 

[BoDiddly01]

I think I look at knives like someone might a painting. I see a blade and just find it beautiful and just want it, but it also has the benefit of being a tool I can use too. Most of my knives are under the 250 price tag, as I want to use them and being a plumber they are going to get used and sometimes hard. Scales get dirty, blades get rolled, and it only adds to the uniqueness and beauty of the blade to my eye.

So I look at the knife as how it will be later on after being a user too. What is prettier than a well used carbon steel clip point or spear point blade?

 

[Slice-E]

I think everyone experiences their own progression. In knives, you need to own them, understand them, and use them to get a grasp of them. I think depending on where your purchasing has been, will determine where your next purchase will go. Your lifestyle and opinions on knives will also dictate the next buy. If you collect over use, you will be in a different place as well in terms of purchasing.

My purchasing has led me to CRK and I plan to stay with my current two knives for a while, however I don’t collect purely for collection on anything.

I don’t like collecting things to just sit somewhere in a drawer, I’d rather have that money in a 401k

 

[AusLoX]

Certain brands hold their value and for good reasons. Known for quality, good warranty programs, variety for collectibility, history/reputation, and style. I’m sure there’s other factors, but these things create a following. Everyone collects for their own reasons but I tend to stay with brands that fit into these categories. Brands like this create generational knives that can be passed down or traded/sold for nearly the same value, if not more.

Do some research, spend time watching videos and reviews, and then take a trip to a knife show or shop if you have one local. Hold some blades and see what speaks to you.

 

[Slice-E]

At first I wanted to experience as much as possible, so I started by watching a lot of YT videos and getting all kinds of knives with different grinds, steels, locking mechanisms and ergonomics.
Also I always wanted something usable, something I might need, so my collection is mostly users and even my safe queens get used lightly from time to time. Even then I ended up selling a lot of knives.

Eventually I settled mostly with Spyderco folders, Victorinox SAKs/multitools, Bark River fixed blades and a few Chris Reeve knives because I like titanium framelocks.
I like Spyderco because they have the most steels, great heat treat, all types of locks, are innovative, have interesting collabs and designs and are generally affordable. And the opening hole is the most comfortable opening method IMHO. They make five or six models that I will always want in my collection.

I like Bark River, because they have the most beautiful handle materials and are one of the few ones that still make convex blades, which is my favorite fixed blade geometry, strong, easy to maintain, ideal for outdoors and I also like them in the kitchen.

Next, I like CRK for their impeccable quality and for their hollow grinds, which is my favorite blade geometry in a folder. For me, a folder must be a good slicer above all.

Lastly, Victorinox quality is second to none and they have a wide spectrum of affordable tools.

And I like all of these companies, because they are all family owned and run businesses and not a faceless multinational that makes everything in China, so I enjoy supporting them and brand loyalty certainly plays a role. And I think they represent good value.

I also have the so called beater/expendable category, Hultafors fixed blades, Opinel folders and Condor machetes which I really enjoy using.

I agree on Victorinox whole heartedly, one of the better options for anyone out there for a daily use tool. Very lightweight as well.

 

[Quiet]

How do I purchase with so many options out there? Honesty, there are a million options, but nothing new under the sun. These days, it's very difficult for me to find knives in general that I want to own on top of the hundreds of other knives I already own. Every company seems desperate to continue the heavy cash flow COVID years, and prices everywhere have increased, it's become tiresome. This year is the first year where I may come home from BLADE empty-handed, because there just don't seem to be many things out there at the moment that have drawn my interest. It's all either "Here's an old design, but with a different lock!" or "Here's an old design, but in a new blade steel*!!!!!" or "Here's a new custom by a hot maker where the majority of this knife was CNCed, but we're going to need $1,500 - $1,800 for some reason." I'm just not seeing much I'm desperate to have at the moment. But hey, that happens to everyone in this hobby sooner or later. Sometimes it passes, sometimes it sticks around for awhile.

As for how to choose, I would say that that discussion for me has always begun with "Are they a reputable company?" I also have a strong preference for American made, so companies like Spyderco, Buck, Benchmade, and a few others tend to get most of my knife funds.




* Spoiler alert: it's Magnacut.

 

[AusLoX]

How do I purchase with so many options out there? Honesty, there are a million options, but nothing new under the sun. These days, it's very difficult for me to find knives in general that I want to own on top of the hundreds of other knives I already own. Every company seems desperate to continue the heavy cash flow COVID years, and prices everywhere have increased, it's become tiresome. This year is the first year where I may come home from BLADE empty-handed, because there just don't seem to be many things out there at the moment that have drawn my interest. It's all either "Here's an old design, but with a different lock!" or "Here's an old design, but in a new blade steel*!!!!!" or "Here's a new custom by a hot maker where the majority of this knife was CNCed, but we're going to need $1,500 - $1,800 for some reason." I'm just not seeing much I'm desperate to have at the moment. But hey, that happens to everyone in this hobby sooner or later. Sometimes it passes, sometimes it sticks around for awhile.

As for how to choose, I would say that that discussion for me has always begun with "Are they a reputable company?" I also have a strong preference for American made, so companies like Spyderco, Buck, Benchmade, and a few others tend to get most of my knife funds.




* Spoiler alert: it's Magnacut.

One of the reasons I took some years off. I kept my collection and got really into sharpening the few knives I used.

 

[Slice-E]

How do I purchase with so many options out there? Honesty, there are a million options, but nothing new under the sun. These days, it's very difficult for me to find knives in general that I want to own on top of the hundreds of other knives I already own. Every company seems desperate to continue the heavy cash flow COVID years, and prices everywhere have increased, it's become tiresome. This year is the first year where I may come home from BLADE empty-handed, because there just don't seem to be many things out there at the moment that have drawn my interest. It's all either "Here's an old design, but with a different lock!" or "Here's an old design, but in a new blade steel*!!!!!" or "Here's a new custom by a hot maker where the majority of this knife was CNCed, but we're going to need $1,500 - $1,800 for some reason." I'm just not seeing much I'm desperate to have at the moment. But hey, that happens to everyone in this hobby sooner or later. Sometimes it passes, sometimes it sticks around for awhile.

As for how to choose, I would say that that discussion for me has always begun with "Are they a reputable company?" I also have a strong preference for American made, so companies like Spyderco, Buck, Benchmade, and a few others tend to get most of my knife funds.




* Spoiler alert: it's Magnacut.

I feel the same way about the state of the knife market. It is as if we are exiting a golden age of knives, entering into a period of stagnation until the next round of innovations to change the game occurs.

 

[Quiet]

I feel the same way about the state of the knife market. It is as if we are exiting a golden age of knives, entering into a period of stagnation until the next round of innovations to change the game occurs.

Have to agree. It's like all the companies are waiting until a lock pattern becomes available for use, and then everyone is suddenly using it. I love the Axis crossbar lock, but when literally everyone is now making them, and you have a bunch of Benchmades in your collection, where's the impetus for me to continue to buying them, especially when so many of them are now Chinese made?

I have found myself in the past few weeks hitting the "What's new?" pages at places like SMKW, DLT and KnifeCenter and scrolling through and hitting the end of the section without seeing anything that I really like, and like well enough to pay the increased prices. Ah well.

 

[sgt1372]

There are now over 400 knives in my collection.

I've always purchased knives of a certain "type" that were within my means that I "liked" w/o regard to hype or other people's opinions.

There's no limit to the types of knives that you can buy in terms of price & style. So, you've got to exercise discipline in adding knives to your collection that are consistent with the theme(s) that you've chosen.

Do that and I'm certain that you'll amass a collection that will give you the same pleasure & enjoyment as mine does for me.

Good luck!

 

[Slice-E]

Have to agree. It's like all the companies are waiting until a lock pattern becomes available for use, and then everyone is suddenly using it. I love the Axis crossbar lock, but when literally everyone is now making them, and you have a bunch of Benchmades in your collection, where's the impetus for me to continue to buying them, especially when so many of them are now Chinese made?

I have found myself in the past few weeks hitting the "What's new?" pages at places like SMKW, DLT and KnifeCenter and scrolling through and hitting the end of the section without seeing anything that I really like, and like well enough to pay the increased prices. Ah well.

Exactly how I feel. I’m more inclined to buy a Great Eastern Cutlery than any modern knife nowadays. At least traditionals are beautiful.

 

[scorpnsnake]

Whichever occupies my thoughts when I try to go to sleep. That's the next one that I must own. lol

 

[ShaiHulud]

Imagine the good old days where you would make it into town, run into a random trading post, or whatever, and find a small assortment of knives, these are the times where there was no companies, no brands (as we know them today to be) only makers, craftsman, I guess a well known mark of a maker, is their brand (?)
not a whole lotta options, the reason for this rant is because I find the number of options today are so massive, sometimes it takes days, weeks, months to even decide on a knife. Lots of crap, some aint. Oh well.

 

[Blues]

Imagine the good old days where you would make it into town, run into a random trading post and find a small assortment of knives, these are the times where there was no companies, no brands (as we know them today to be) not a whole lotta options, the reason for this rant is because I find the number of options today are so massive, sometimes it takes days, weeks, months to even decide on a knife. Oh well.

Gonna change your user name to "Debbie Downer" pretty soon.