Rules of knife collecting?

T.A.DAVISON

T.A.DAVISON

Slip Joint Knife Maker
Joined
Oct 24, 2005
Messages
5,477
Rules,” you say, “there aren't any rules associated with knife collecting

Read these and see what you think????

Mr. Dewey Ferguson first published them in 1969.

Instead of calling them “rules,” Mr. Ferguson labels them commandments. Actually, he called them the Nine Commandments- To a Successful Future in Knife Collecting.

1. Do unto fellow knife collectors as you would have them do unto you.
2. Do not develop an “I know it all” attitude.
3. Do not sell a damaged knife without first telling the purchaser.
4. Do not price a knife or offer to trade a knife and then change your mind in the presence of the customer.
5. Do not take advantage of a less experienced collector.
6. Do have respect for exhibitors when attending the shows.
7. Do not make promises and then neglect to keep them for a man’s word should become his most prized possession.
8. Do read all literature available on the hobby of knife collecting.
9. Do not counterfeit knives. Just remember: Knife collecting and trading does not determine the destination of your future. You determine the future and destination of knife collecting and trading.


TA


.
 
My first reaction was:

Rule nr. 1 : no rules!

But after reading those rules I must say they make a lot of sense.

Kind regards,

Jos
 
I'd add rule number 10:

Collect what you like, but like what you collect. It's not about the money.

Rich
 
Rich S said:
I'd add rule number 10:

Collect what you like, but like what you collect. It's not about the money.

Rich
Click to expand...

Rich, I don't want to start an other discussion on the subject...far from it...but unless you have unlimited funds it is also about the money.

I want to add on rule 8.

8. Do read all literature available on the hobby of knife collecting. Visit as many shows, hammer ins and makers (shops) as you can.

The reason being that you learn more from visiting a show, handling knives and interacting with makers and collectors than from reading books. Although the latter is also very very valuable.

Marcel
 
Last edited:
Rich S said:
I'd add rule number 10:

Collect what you like, but like what you collect. It's not about the money.

Rich
Click to expand...

The above seems to be more of an individual's collecting philosophy rather than a rule that should be followed by collector's in general. As the "investment" aspect is part of the overall enjoyment for some collectors.

I would change it to "collect whatever and however that brings you the most enjoyment".

Thanks for posting these Todd. Wonder if there's any "Rules of Knife Making"?
I can think of a few.

Perhaps that would be a productive thread. The Blade Forum's "Ten Rules that Knife Makers should Follow".
 
Marcel54 said:
Rich, I don't want to start an other discussion on the subject...far from it...but unless you have unlimited funds it is also about the money.

I want to add on rule 8.

8. Do read all literature available on the hobby of knife collecting. Visit as many shows, hammer ins and makers (shops) as you can.

The reason being that you learn more from visiting a show, handling knives and interacting with makers and collectors than from reading books. Although the latter is also very very valuable.

Marcel
Click to expand...

Totally agree Marcel. :thumbup:
 
Bruce Voyles wrote and article in one of the latest Knives illustrated about some of the mistakes that collectors make. I dont have it in front of me, but I bet these would tie in well. Lin
 
I am really into rule #8....
The one nobody should miss will be my #7... Book I mean :)

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
The thing about rules or commandments, is that they are great- for other people to follow!

Many of the 'commandments' noted in the OP are reasonable and sound, but if one NEEDS them as a sort of moral compass for collecting knives, (or for anything else), then I'd submit that one would be somewhat lacking in reasonableness and morality.

There will always be miscreants and opportunists, and for them this, or any other, set of rules or commandments will likely never have an effect. For the rest of us, I suppose seeing these things in writing is at the least food for thought, and can serve as further encouragement toward right action. Not that a reasonable person should need encouragement to pursue right action.

But then again, I'm a bit of an existentialist at heart:D.
 
Be not afraid to modify. A true custom is very rare. Cutting of waves, Kreining, or adding a STR clip shall not be a sin.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top