Tips for a New Collector?

J

jequalnation

Joined
Jan 21, 2016
Messages
2
Hi guys. I just recently became interested in knife collecting and am really excited to get a good collection going! Of course there's going to be a little trial and error in learning the types of knives and steels that will hold up over the years, but I'd rather learn as much as I can from as many places as possible so I can put some good pieces in my collection.

Anyway, that said, I would be grateful to hear any tips you might have for a newbie! Anything you think could apply to knife collecting in general, I'd love to hear it. I'd also like any suggestions for knives that you think might be a necessity for collectors! that would be helpful and point me in a general direction of the quality/price ranges/brands I should be looking for.

Thank you!!
 
Don't buy off of Fleabay until you know what you are doing. Invest in something to keep your knives sharp, and learn how to use it. Try different things from the midrange brands, BM, Spyderco etc. Don't go off the deep end and start buying $1,500 knives that you are too afraid to use, learn about the diminishing returns on items like that. Buy from reputable dealers and members. Try out sentry solutions tuff cloth, it's really good at protecting your blades. Get something to store them in. Make a plan, only need X amount of axes, tomahawks etc. only X amount for bushcraft, EDC etc. Figure out your local laws pertaining to what you intend to carry, use or collect. Realize a single knife can't "do it all" and no single steel is "the best".

I recommend getting a nice benchmade with an axis lock, one that appeals to you, a Spyderco paramilitary 2, and then one large, one small fixed blades. Go from there, but pace yourself. It's easy to go too fast and end up with a drawer full of knives that you don't like, or have no use for/will NEVER use. Do lots of reading and before you ask a question, use the search and see how many times it's been answered already. Once you figure out that you like the place support it, with a membership.

Best of luck!
 
Learn to sharpen!

Any knife that you buy and use will eventually need to be hsharpened.

Might as well learn now.
 
First thing in your favor is you live in a good knife state as far as I know.

Second, fixed blades or folders? Your preference may even change over time.

Third, load up your PayPal.

If I were you, in the beginning I'd first concentrate on variety in your collection as opposed to a single brand or style of knife. If, after you are into it for a while, you find yourself zeroing in on a brand that's fine. But in the beginning try to taste all the flavors you can.

Remember, for both folders and fixed blades, there are....outdoor knives....nicer, less-substantial dress knives,...EveryDayCarry knives....utility knives....fine knives....specialty knives...limited editions, etc.​

Find the five or ten online vendors you are comfortable with. Buy from reputable dealers, most of whom are affiliated here at BF in some way. Don't get into the quicksand on the River or the internet. Always ask about return policy, whether warranty is through the dealer or manufacturer. And always let them know you don't want to be sent a knife that has already been returned by someone else.

Research the knives in general before you buy. Knowledge is everything to decide what you want. Once you find a knife you like, check out all the different options and features---comparatively. With the www today, there is no excuse for not going in for the buy armed with knowledge and pricing savvy. :)

Don't allow yourself to become obsessed over steels, brand names or seeking the impossible sharpness. it can take a lot of the fun out of it. And like so many other things, don't allow retail pricing to determine levels of quality in every case. Some of my favorite knives are the cheapest, oldest I own.

When you start and know you will stay involved, learn to sharpen freehand on an Arkansas or water stone. Read up on it and start with old junker knives around the house. Once you have the principle down, you might want to go on to sharpening "systems," of which there are many. But learn the basics first.

Become familiar with all the different forums here, each having a different focus--know what's available in case you have obscure questions. Knowledge, answers and references all lie here at BladeForums. Freakin' amazingly knowledgeable people here. The best thing you can do to learn knives is to visit and read often.

Welcome and best of luck. ....talk to you again when you're complaining about the addiction and seeking guidance on a way out.
 
Serious collecting, or just buying a bunch of knives to put away, or buying knives to use? That's the old Collector / Accumulator / User discussion.

I do all three. :)

My single-best piece of advice is to start out by experiencing the widest variety of bladed tools possible, then zoom in on what you like and prefer. :thumbup:
 
Our shop is in the center of North Carolina! Come by and see us!
 
whitty said:
Our shop is in the center of North Carolina! Come by and see us!
Click to expand...

This ^

If you can handle a wide variety of knives before you buy... you'll save money and heartache.
 
Buy the knives that fit your hand, your salary, and that you find esthetically pleasing. Collecting is not a popularity contest. I wish you many pleasant experiences in your knife collecting endeavors.
 
Make a list of what you want, the price you are willing to pay, then be ruthless on that list. only buy stuff you have wanted for a while, and once you have your budget, stick to it. nothing is worse than spending money you didn't have on something you regret. make sure that if it turns out to be a dud, you won't be hungry.
 
Thank you all so much, I genuinely appreciate all your replies and I'm sorry I can't respond to all of you! I will read through everything!
 
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