So you call yourself a knife collector?

not2sharp

not2sharp

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Joined
Jun 29, 1999
Messages
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Collecting and collectables are clearly on the rise. The good economy, Ebay and its kin, the Antiques Road Show, and others have luanched collecting interest into the mainstream. Information about collectables has never been more plentiful. Just take a walk through your favorite bookseller and take notice of how much larger the Antiques and Collectable sections are.

I usually attend some of the large "antique fairs" and I was recently awed by the odd variety of stuff people collect. Empty beer cans and bottles, used bathroom fixtures, and old automobile license plates, sitting on tables next to 19th century bronze statues, Rolex watches, and Tiffany glassware.

Clearly, some folks are collecting creatively.
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So what do you collect? What creative themes have you developed to pull together your "knife collections"?

(p.s. I fully admit that I an hoping to gather some fresh excuses to go out and buy a few more knives)
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I "collect" Metal handled folding knives. Such as, Crawford Point Guard Titanium handle, CRKT S-2 Titanium, BM 720 Aluminum, Gerber Paul knife Stainless Steel etc,etc. I don't know why I like Metal handled knives as they DO get cold in your hands in winter, don't usually look as nice as natural or even synthetic handles. I think I like my folders this way because it reduces the folding knife to bare basics. ...Ed.
 
I "collect" (same excuse I use with my wife) metal bladed knives.
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Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.
 
I buy what I like and have money for at the time, even if it is as simple as a Cold Steel Bushman, or a ten dollar Himalayan Imports six inch khukuri.

Most of my knives never get used. I'm trying to save money by not buying factory or plastic handled knives.

I just got back from the 33rd annual Seki Outdoor Knife and Cutlery Festival in Japan. I bought just four knives, all handmade.

One is a belt carry claw type knife of the popular Perrin or Emerson neck knife design, but with a G10 handle and curved double edge in D2, the first knife I'd seen like that, made by Tomohiro Nemoto, recently featured in a June 2000 American knife magazine for his bowies.

I also picked up two, one of a kind pieces by Murray Carter. He says he doesn't want to go through the trouble again. One knife was part of a French order for 20 he got stiffed for, but was the only one of that type, cold forged with three holes drilled into the tang for lightness. His other knife has a green layered pakka wood handle, with 37 pins in rows in the handle, and some experimental hammering on the blade just because he felt like it. He also gave me beautifully made matching leather sheaths by his wife, embossed like police leather.

The last knife I bought was a simple little fixed blade with beautiful grain structure and gawdy cord wrapped handle with a velcro secured leather sheath. I'd never encountered a velcro secured sheath like that. Handmade for just 70 bucks.

Eric Takabayashi
Fukuyama, Japan
 
I am "The Balisong Collector Himself!" .com and everything. When the collection hit about four hundred pieces, I decided it was time to take the first step and admit that I am a collector, time to embrace my collection. I used to tell myself, "I am not a collector. I just have a few balisongs. They're fun to play with. I have Just a few, that's all. Just a few... hundred."

Yesterday, I was looking through some negatives and came across a picture of a Bali-Song Cutlery spearpoint with ebony inserts. "What's that?" was my thought. That's a nice knife. It must be someone else's that I photographed for them. But, the rest of the knives on this roll are mine and I never mix mine and somebody else's on a roll since it makes it hard to give them their negatives and keep mine. Well, as I sat and thought about it, yes, that is my spearpoint. I do now remember buying it and I think I remember which safe deposit box it's in. I realize that for some folks, a Bali-Song spearpoint with ebony inserts would be the centerpiece of their collection. So, it's kind of weird that I would just forget that I had that one. But, I guess that is a sign of a collection that has grown out of control.



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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
 
I have 6 Marbles, 10 Scandinavian-style knives, and a couple dozen SAKs. Don't know if those can be considered collections. All using knives stored in BOBs, vehicles, tackle boxes, the boat, and the office.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
I "collect" Cold Steel Knives...I'm now up to about 15 of 'em, (if my "latest" trade offer is accepted.).
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Dann Fassnacht
Aberdeen, WA
glockman99@hotmail.com
ICQ# 53675663
 
As I dressed for church this morning, I faced a decision: not which knife to take, my Sunday AFCK came along as always, no the decision was which cuff links to wear. As I stood there studying the open drawer, I though, "you're a cuff link collector too." But the cuff links are different. First of all, I have only one pair that has never been worn, and will probably never be worn, a pair that belonged to my late father. I don't think I could ever wear them. I have one other pair that I've only worn a couple of times. They were a gift and I really don't like them. The rest of mine are all worn regularly. Of all of my many balisongs, only a handfull are ever used. The rest are collected.

With the exception of a couple of pairs that were given to me, I like all of my cuff links. None of them is there just "complete the collection". The same can not be said for my balisongs.

I have one pair of cuff links that were a gift. They have remarkably large and real diamonds. I don't know how much they're worth, but I suspect they're rather up there and so I don't wear them very often for fear of loosing one. I have one pair of cufflinks that are worth about $450. I got 'em on eBay for $55 and I do wear them. I have one other pair that are worth about $250. I wear them. A few pairs are worth $50 to $100. But I'd guess that three out of four pairs are worth less than $50 and, in fact, many pairs are well under $25. $250 is the most I've ever spent on a pair of cuff links and that was to much (drinking was involved). Recently, a pair of genuine Faberge cuff links, the real thing, folks, sold on eBay for $2900. Nobody could actually wear such a thing. Only a collector could buy such a thing. Not me. I couldn't even think about paying $2900 for a pair of cuff links. But $2900 for a balisong that I'll never carry and never use? Been there. Done that. No drinking necessary.

And that, my friends, is the difference between a casual users or someone who's accumulated a few pieces, and a true collector.


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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
 
I collect Microtech UDTs small, medium and large; plain edge and non damascus.

I have 40 different ones.
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I just bought my 41.
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RICK - Left Handers Unite

[This message has been edited by RGRAY (edited 10-09-2000).]
 
Knives,multi-tools,Zippo lighters,briar pipes,and cast iron cookware....they all last forever and come in handy when you need them.

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"Just me and my multi-tools."
 
I have a small accumulation that has over the years developed a couple of real collections as subsets.

My current favorite is a collection of sword and knife bayonets spanning the period of 1850 - 1950. I can almost lay these pieces out in chronological order and match them to an overlay detailing the evolution of military philosophy and industrial production techniques. Bayonets are a very orderly thing to collect for those who enjoy orderly things of historical interest.

The fun part is that I never really know which part of the accumulation may evolve into something.
 
Daggers and boot knives mostly, though I've acquired a few folders and hunters as well. I'm up to about 30+ pieces now. Though most are production models, I'm starting to move my way up from the Gerbers, SOGs and others to the Cold Steel, Fallkniven class. Chris Reeve is about the top end of my budget now (anyone got a Kathathu for sale?). I hope to get a little more knowledge in the craft before I start paying big bucks for custom stuff. That's why I'm here!
 
I don't collect, they follow me home. Seriously, my "collection" has undergone many changes over the last 30 years. If I like it, I buy it. If it doesn't satisfy me, I get rid of it. I do still have a collection of ltd. edition/comm. barlows that Might have to finance future purchases, though.

Paul
 
I would LOVE to collect all of the various UDT's, but they are kinda heavy on the pocketbook.

If anyone has any good deals on them, I already have the UDT 2K, then let me know. For some reason, I just love that blade, handle and all.

Email me privately if you are selling any...



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Lundo
 
I don't really consider my knives a "collection", but I do "collect" balisongs for my son who is 2 1/2. His sister has Beanie Babies and Barbies so I thought it was only fair for him to have something, he is up to 15 so far and I am always looking. Ok Ok a couple of the auto's in my hands were justified by saying I would put them back for him someday. I wish I could say I collected Samurai swords but a late 1700's katana, wak and tanto is all I have.
 
I refer to myself as a 'collector.' It seems preferrable than "insane, brain-damaged weapons knut." Of course, when I rode a Harley-Davidson, I referred to myself as a "club member." I also eat lots of vegetables and refer to myself as "regular."--OKG
 
Just wondering if anyone still collect scout knives, or stockman patterns, etc.?
 
I collect knives that others make and put together, ala handmade knives. The thought of someone ground the blade is more special than a C.N.C piece. Not to say that factory knives are not of quality or "special" in any other way but handmade ones have that certain kind of aura.....Like bladesmiths who make swords or weapons for warriors a long....long time ago.....
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Eric Wong.
Dream like you live forever and live like theres no tomorrow - Highlander.

[This message has been edited by keninshiro (edited 10-10-2000).]
 
Hi, I like to collect Chris Reeve Sebenza's among other things. Other things would be first edtion Falconry Books 300+ vols., Falcon hoods from all over the world. Fine optics Lieca's etc.,, Cowboy boots and finer western style hats. Hand held Antique Compasses. Old fly fishing gear and old wooden freshwater lures. Fine Double Shotguns. High grade wrist watches. You would think with all of these things I would either be rich or Broke..... Well I have a Champange taste with a Beer pocketbook. Most of what I have I got at a steal of a price or a long time ago at a vastly cheaper price. Anyway I like all of these things
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Jonathan Chubb
 
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