Request for advice and pointers

L

Lucky Lee

Joined
Jan 28, 2007
Messages
34
I posted this request elsewhere on the forum and was advised to post it here...so here it is!

Right, I need some help in choosing a theme for starting a knife collection; I'm just starting out and I don't want to go 'knife crazy' and start buying anything and everything in sight only to regret it later.

My 'likes' are:
Pocket knives.
1,2 or 3 blades.
Bone, wood and stag scales.
New or old.

My 'dislikes' are:
Commemorative knives.
Fixed blades.
Lock knives.
Over the top fancy knives.
Plastic handles.

OK, should I look at collecting a particular firms knives (like Wostenholm or Case) or maybe collect a numer of the firms so as to broaden my purchasing chances?

My collecting habits, so far, include:

Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knives.
Scottish dirks as well as a couple of basket-hilt swords (pricey).
I also have just inherited 3 or 4 marlin spike knives; all have bone (or maybe stag, I'm really not sure as I'm really not up on knives at the moment. These look quite old, and I'll post photos soon to see if anyone can help me ID them.

The major factor is prices! I'm getting married next year, so vast sums can't be spent!!!!

Thank you for reading this and I do hope that someone can give me some pointers; i.e. what are the best knive makers to go for, and who aren't?
 
LL, check out this link to another recent, similar topic on this forum.

Best advice I have is to buy what you like. If it turns out you don't like a piece sell it and move on. If you lose a couple of bucks chalk it up to experience (no hobby is free ;)).

As I've continued down this road I've had my tastes change more than once.

-- Sam
 
I've already replied to your first post, but just wanted to say "Welcome to the Traditional Side of Blade Forums".

A good way to start would be to browse the past topics and check out the photos. I'm confident that you'll see plenty of knives you'd love to have.

-Bob
 
Sam - Thanks for the link. I won't be sepnding masses of £s on my collection....well, not until the wedding is out of the way:D

Bob - Hello...again! I didn't see this section when I posted the first request, very interesting and friendly forum.
 
Casares - Too late! I've inherited a box of knives, letter openers etc and I've got hooked!!
I want to have a good collection but I'm not really interested in using it as a money making project for later on.

So far the box has produced a Pal Blade Co knife (with US Army stamped into the wooden scales on one side), a Wostenholm pruning knife and a few others; sadly work has prevented me from having a good look.
 
The way I approach it is probably not ideal... but I have always liked the look and feel of Canoes, so I collect those, and the first pocketknife I can remember my dad having was a trapper, and I like trappers pretty well too... so i collect those, and my grandaddy whittled constantly - mostly with full size stockman, or a two bladed case pen that's big as a stockman... not to mention that my first pocketknife was a stockman, so I'm liable to pick up some of those as well.

AND, as you might have guessed, now I am looking for more knife storage and can't possibly use all the ones I have now. :(

I think the only hope for me is to try to stick mostly to one brand like Queen, but then again...
 
Then along comes something that just completely catches your eye, and all those best laid plans go out the window... ;)

-- Sam
 
It looks like I shall have a look around to see what I really like (be it just a maker or a typre of knife) and go in that direction.

I'm leaning towards collecting knives to 2, maybe 3, makers and sticking to that....know, which ones shall I go for:confused:
 
Lucky Lee said:
It looks like I shall have a look around to see what I really like (be it just a maker or a typre of knife) and go in that direction.

I'm leaning towards collecting knives to 2, maybe 3, makers and sticking to that....know, which ones shall I go for:confused:
Click to expand...
Schatt & Morgan
Canal Street Cutlery
Moore Maker
Any one of several Laguiole/Thiers makers, if you like that style
Any one of several Sheffield makers, since you're in the UK
Queen
Case
Boker
Eye Brand
Bulldog

Those are my faves. The problem is, without focus you could go broke just buying variations of one pattern by one maker.

-- Sam
 
Lucky Lee,
It seems you've made yourself at home here. :)

I specifically "collect" two brands, Old Timers by Schrade and vintage Bruckmann knives from Germany. But, to not paint myself into a corner as far as knife buying, I also "accumulate" knives of every brand, style, and material. Your choices are endless.

-Bob
 
smiling-knife - Thanks for the welcome (and e-mail) :D

ParaGlock - I've made my mind up (well, nearly:rolleyes:).
I'm looking at:

Wostenholm (I've already inherited one of their small pruning knives)
Winchester
Pal (and I inherited one marked to US Army)
Then maybe throw Case into the mix and 1 or 2 others and I'll be happy:p

Bob W - Quite at home! But seeing the help I've been given it isn't too suprising really; I'm really grateful so many people have gone out of their way to answer a (lets be honest) pretty dull question.
 
Not more competiton for the Wostenholms doh. Are you sure you don't want Schrade or Camillus instead? I responded to your post elswehere re some military knives. Best wishes.
 
smiling-knife said:
Not more competiton for the Wostenholms doh
Click to expand...

Oh, don't worry about competition mate! I'm saving for a wedding at the moment:D

And I do like your use of the famous phrase of my role model and hero....Homer J Simpson!!

I saw your answer, thanks. I will try to get the link sorted and post the knives I have inherited which have led me onto yet another path to financial ruin;)
 
A DECISION AT LAST! Well a bit of a decision....

I have made a firm decision on what type of knife I will collect; as I was a Cub Scout, Scout, Venture Scout and an Adult Scout Instructor what better theme to collect than Scout knives?

One of the knives I inherited is a lovely Imperial Scout knife, albeit in need of a little TLC.

So, that is one theme sorted....just a couple more and I'll be happy:D
 
Scout Knives also have crossover appeal between collectors - BSA collectors and knife collectors. And there's a lot of variety in official BSA knives. You'll find lockbacks, axes, kitchen knives, slipjoint pocket knives, and old sheath knives. Buck, Case, Camillus, and Imperial-Schrade have all made official BSA knives.

-Bob
 
I remember when I was in the Scouts, over here, we never had an 'official' knife; we used penknives & sheath knives & everything in-between!
It is a shame really, I would have liked to have an official knife.
 
Lucky Lee said:
My 'dislikes' are:
Commemorative knives.
Click to expand...

Okay, okay...I've changed my mind.....:rolleyes:

I've been given a 2 blade pen knife advertising the 50th anniversary (1877-1927) of Bradleys (a clothiers & outfitters). The trouble is...I really like it.

So, I have now re-evaluated my original 'likes' and 'dislikes' and have decided on the following collecting pattern.

Scout knives (be they Boy Scouts of America or knives with the Scouting logo on them from anywhere in the World).
Any pocket knife I take a fancy to.

I will also start a collection of Wostenholm, Pal, Remington and 1 or 2 others when, or if, I come across them.

I would like to say a big thank you to all of you who have advised me with regards to this posting, I really appreciate your advice and friendliness.

:D
 
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