traditional knife book

Mike Robuck

Mike Robuck

Joined
Oct 11, 2001
Messages
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With Goins, Levine, Houston Price/Zalesky, etc., do we even need a new book on traditional pocket knives? Probably not, but what would you like to see in a new book that targets both old and new collectors, and covers knives that are no longer in production?
 
I'd like to see one with you,as the author,Mike.
 
VCM3 said:
I'd like to see one with you,as the author,Mike.
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Maybe not what you where looking for,but I do not know exactly what is & what is not covered in all of those books you mention.

But for new collectors of vintage knives,it is important to understand some things like why bone on large folders is rarer/demands higher price.
Why smaller knives of the day that were more expensive then,do not generally fetch as much as the larger workers,by collectors now.

A study of synthetic scale material in a time line.

To name just a few thoughts I can come up with.
 
More ideas.

Other cutlery centers besides Sheffield in Britain.

Steel types & developed specialized cutlery steel processes,such as "sheer steel",for one example.

A section on Solingen Germany.

Forged nail nicks,how to I.D. ,hammered pins,how to I.D.
Tang stamps old & newer & the tooling & why
 
A company like Remington knives,say for instance. I do not think alot of average knife guys realize how many knives were produced in a set time,using the tech. of the times.
Also,how cutlers jobs were,some grinding one style blade endlessly.

Another thought,collectors will see a certain style knife but with "rare" secondary blade. Well,they may have used a small run of blades left over from another knife run. Now this knife is "rare",but in reality it was just the boss being frugal.

Basically a monster informative book could be compiled,just looking at what is NOT discussed in other books.
 
I like a lot of your ideas VCM. Particularly your last post with the Remington patterns and special blade info.

I would love to see a Traditional cutlery book that focuses on the US history of knives. I would exclude everything but a bullet-point brush-over of CASE as they have Books already written about them. I think the rest of the US history is a mystery to me. I learn little tidbits when I find a new knife brand on the auction site but would love to have and read a book like this.
 
If you want a book that covers Remington patterns and blade info, pick up a copy of "Remington Knives, Past & Present, Identification & Value Guide" by Ron Stewart and Roy Ritchie.

I think there are plenty of books on knives up to about the 1983 time-line. I'd like to see a book based on knives produced from 1980 through present day to include Case, Schrade, Camilius, GEC, Queen, Schatt & Morgan, to include patterns, newish cover materials, etc..
 
Guys the op says ,"on knives no longer produced"
 
bucksforus said:
Schrade and Camillus are no longer made in USA, does that count?
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"Schade" and "Camillus" don't exist any more except as names. The companies are both defunct.
 
I went back and reread the OP's question. He asked for old and new collectables, and knives no longer made. Definitely not trying to be controversial with VCM3. Just that I would also like to see the collector value of the new made knives from the 80's, 90's and 2000.
Harold
 
Talking about product not names. I was trying to to separate the USA made Schrade and Camillus products vs. the ones made off shore. The older ones value have changes so much in the last 10 years.
Harold
 
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bucksforus said:
I went back and reread the OP's question. He asked for old and new collectables, and knives no longer made. Definitely not trying to be controversial with VCM3. Just that I would also like to see the collector value of the new made knives from the 80's, 90's and 2000.
Harold
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I get that and see a place for it.

I would like to see a non-price guide book. I want to read about the stuff not look at pictures and values. If their is anything out on US pocket knife cutlery like this I would love to know it exists. If not I think it would make a heck of a great story.
 
I was mainly talking about collectable value not $ value. A lot of new collectors are looking for guidance as to which ones are more rare than others. Types of blade material, handle material ,etc.
Harold
 
bucksforus said:
I went back and reread the OP's question. He asked for old and new collectables, and knives no longer made. Definitely not trying to be controversial with VCM3. Just that I would also like to see the collector value of the new made knives from the 80's, 90's and 2000.
Harold
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It is worded new & old collectors & I think he means collectors,new & old & not new & old collectables I could be wrong too though

I'd like to know more about some handle materials like pressed stag & blackened stag. If ever you try to research these you get a lot of people who know a good deal but there still is an un known grey area,since it was something of so many years ago
 
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Gotcha. Along those lines maybe someone could write "A beginners guide to collecting traditionals". Someone that has spent a lot of time studying these could lend a lot of insight into how rare some things really are. What to look for in a good value, how condition plays into it. They could even write a chapter applying their ideas to evaluate current production if they felt so inclined.
 
I don't give any credence to the prices laid out by price guides. The secondary market for hot knives, like the Charlows, would drive prices up if it weren't for the fact that those in traditional aren't looking to gouge fellow knife nuts.

Different prices for dealers. Different prices for collectors. Basic pricing for mint condition means its 325 bucks for the dealer but your knife is only worth 50 bucks. This is what i have seen at gun shows. i want to see proper grading practices, pics and original catalog art, a comprehensive list of patterns and bios of makers.

Jackknife gave me some books a couple months ago, and the hands down best one is the Knife World collection. These articles provide history on the company or pattern.
 
There will be no catch all book. Some may gnash their teeth and pull out their hair but the current Blade guide to knives is the best at offering a comprehensive look at knives from the late 19th century to today.
 
I would like to see Mike author one as well. Not 100% on topic Mike but please forgive me. There are a few things I would like to see:

Goins' expanded on as for tang stamps. What I really mean is more pictures of the stamps rather than a lot of written definition.

Shields - I know we have different names for them but a compilation of what is commonly used would be nice. Mrs. Dewey P. Ferguson put many pictures in some of her books but no names.

The book would contain the complete breakdown of a slip joint to include obscure items such all the various types of swages, catch bits, square end construction, flush and clean, open end, what is a Whittler, all of the sort of stuff most of us take for granted but some of which is very esoteric and only the advanced aficionado knows of.

Diagrams and explanations from experts and makers would be helpful.

Pretty much anything that covers a folding knife in one place is what I am driving at. Most of this stuff is available but you really have to dig for some of it.

You are elected Mike. I am sure you will do a great job. By Christmas this year please!
 
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