What's a safe queen and what's a user?

stalbot

stalbot

Joined
Sep 7, 2012
Messages
315
Hello, all. Been lurking on this part of the forum. I'm rediscovering my traditional folders. After looking around, I'm trying to figure something out regarding collecting. If I'm purchasing, how do I know whether I'm getting a safe queen or a user? I'm not partial to the idea of safe queens, BUT, I don't want to scratch up a knife that may potentially be worth more than I thought. Not looking for absolutes, just some guidelines. If, say, I buy a Tidioute (several of which I'm coveting) or a Case, is there something I need to be aware of so I DON'T scratch up something that might be more collectible?

Or do I just use common sense and say "If it's super collectible, I'll know because I most likely can't afford it anyway."
 
I don't think there are any set in stone rules, some general things to consider are production numbers, exclusive materials, exclusive feature (limited edition shields for instance), is it a respected maker/brand, etc. after awhile of being one the forums you'll figure out what will appreciate, and what you should appreciate, your mileage may very. :)
 
Your last statement is kinda true. It all depends on what you want to collect, if any. Generally, the serial numbered, low issue number, makes it more collectible, but it may take years and years before any real profit is realized. Commemorative knives may get a premium. I think there is a book out about knife collecting.

Some collect certain brands or knife patterns. Others prefer certain scale types. It's what ever you fancy. Keep all the original packaging intact. Keep in a dry environment. There are knife socks for storage. Don't mess with it as that will cause wear or you could drop it.

Myself, I have few knives I purchased knowing I won't use them. Can't stand it. Have to play with them and use them. :)
 
Honestly, I think very very few knives being produced today by production companies are going to be seriously collectible to the point of great appreciation in value in the near future. I mean sure, maybe 50 years from now some of them will be more collectible than others, but who's to know which those will be. I can't think of any production knife that shouldn't be used because of its potential collectible value. Buy them, use them, don't worry about it.
 
My safe queens are all knives that I haven't gotten around to using with the exception of a few Randall's that seem to have gotten kind of valuable relative to what I paid for them.

If value is important to you in determining use, I would suggest you pick up some knife reference resources to give you some general ideas on value.
 
I believe this is largely a personal decision. I have used knives costing anywhere between hundres and thousands. I would say the guideline would look like; does its market value exceed my comfort level for carry, if the answer is yes, safe queen it. The other consideration would be; did you buy it because you liked it or for appreciation. If for appreciation; oil the joint, wipe the blade, and forget about it. I do not subscribe to the sentiment that there is no such thing as a safe queen. My $0.02 will get you just about nothing.
 
Last edited:
Just use your knives. I won't buy anything so expensive I won't use it. I like knives and enjoy using them.
 
I'm pretty much the type that wants to use them. I have a decent sized collection, but not a while lot of traditionals. I know I have some put away that I picked up as a kid. They're like old guns I me: fun to shoot and think about who might have owned them previously. I also like the history. Well, alrighty then! Thanks for the responses. I'll exercise a little common sense. Or at least try to.
 
I just picked up a dasmascus one handed folder that I think may be a second run from the company for this particular knife. I regretted not buying it the first time around and after a few years the price shot up 2-3x the price you could pick it up back than till it was just released again. Chances are after this batch is sold out the price will slowly creep back up, probably not as high though. But I can tell you I will get a lot more enjoyment out of using this knife than letting it sit in my safe waiting for me to make a quick buck.

At end of the day I don't think knives are a good investment in general if you want to make a quick buck. Personally I'd rather just use them unless they have too much sentimental value to me.
 
Depends. I've got some collectors that I won't use then there's my usual dollar amount that I'll spend on a user. When I get that knife and I've spent more than my comfortable user amount I'll assess it and decide whether it goes in my pocket or gets relegated to storage for safe keeping till I decide what to do with it.
So basically if I'm not 100% decided if I'm going to use it I won't risk devaluing it by carrying it around till I make up my mind. I've made that mistake before and lost my shorts on resale.
And however anyone feels about my strategy it does nothing but benefit our community when I knock a few bucks off and sell them on the exchange. ;)
 
Replace-ability balanced against desire to use.

If I lose great great grampa's knife it would break my heart...but then again it warms my heart to use his knife ;)

Basically it's a knife that it would really really be a "darn shame" if something happened to it.

I've got a Case XX era barehead jack in mint condition that falls in that category, not a nick, scratch, or bit of wear on it.

It's nice to look at, fun to handle, but it's like that extra fine china at your parents house that they reserve for "good company", but when company comes they never seem to be good enough for that "good china"

Which kind of sucks, you don't really "own" these things, you are a custodian for them...they own you.
 
If I'm purchasing, how do I know whether I'm getting a safe queen or a user?
Click to expand...

Here's how I approach that:
Once every few years I'm in need of a knife to actually use, so I buy a knife for that exact purpose, sharpen it up, and stick it in my pocket. Then I buy a duplicate for the collection.
About once a week, sometimes more, I'm in need of a knife to collect. So I buy a knife for that exact purpose, catalog it, and lock it away so none of you dang Users can get your grubby mitts on it. :D

Lately I've been carrying a vintage knife that a co-worker gave me from an estate sale. It was already used so the hard decision was already made. ;)
 
Kadmos said:
Replace-ability balanced against desire to use.

If I lose great great grampa's knife it would break my heart...but then again it warms my heart to use his knife ;)

Basically it's a knife that it would really really be a "darn shame" if something happened to it.

I've got a Case XX era barehead jack in mint condition that falls in that category, not a nick, scratch, or bit of wear on it.

It's nice to look at, fun to handle, but it's like that extra fine china at your parents house that they reserve for "good company", but when company comes they never seem to be good enough for that "good china"

Which kind of sucks, you don't really "own" these things, you are a custodian for them...they own you.
Click to expand...

I completely agree, just use and enjoy them. Last year i told a young relative of mine that i am leaving him my knives in my will,now the little bugger keeps asking me how i am feeling...
 
It all depends on my personal 3 rules of the thumb...

1. Is the Maker no longer in business, and is the knife a much sought after pattern in mint condition; not in business and a highly desirable pattern, then off to the safe.

2. Is the Maker still in business, a maker of excellent reputation, and is/are the pattern(s) one's that are likely to be manufactured for a good while, then use it. If you mess up the knife, the manufacturer may replace it, or you can just buy another one.

3. If it's a one off, or extremely limited edition custom or customized knife pattern, with no likelihood of it being replaced, then it's a safe queen.

Here's a Case prototype, one of only three made in real elephant ivory that commands 4 figures...THIS is a safe queen...

 
slide13 said:
Honestly, I think very very few knives being produced today by production companies are going to be seriously collectible to the point of great appreciation in value in the near future. I mean sure, maybe 50 years from now some of them will be more collectible than others, but who's to know which those will be. I can't think of any production knife that shouldn't be used because of its potential collectible value. Buy them, use them, don't worry about it.
Click to expand...

You hit the nail on the head! Use them because all the "safe" queens I see are at estate sales being sold by the kids and mean nothing to them. At least take them out of the safe and hang them around in shadow boxes so you can enjoy them. :)
 
Buying any knives as an investment for profit is a bad idea. Buy what you like, use what you want. Put away your own, personal "best knives". If, down the road some of these are more valuable than you thought, so much the better.
All price guides and collector publications aside, any collectible is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Translation: the "Book" may put a value of $350 on a certain item. Seller could put a price tag of $350 on said item. Seller might hold said item for years before he finds the person WILLING to pay $350 for said item.
 
Since there have been several comments about not buying knives for "investment" purposes, I wanted to clarify. I'm not buying them for that purpose. But, I wanted to make sure about what I might need to watch for when I pick up a either new or new-to-me knife. I'd hate to accidently screw up what might turn out to be something rare and valuable. You know, "Dude, that's a Case elephant ivory proto-type you're using to strip that wire." Don't want that to happen!
 
Most knives currently made are not worth anymore than what you paid. Sometimes patterns are extremely popular and sell out quick and you may fetch a 10-20% premium on a mint example (charlows, 2011 bladeforum knife, etc) to someone who missed the boat. That is the exception though.

I personally try to use and carry all my knives. If i find myself not carrying a knife I sell it to try and fund another knife I will carry.

I try to keep a ceiling on my knife accumulation (a man can only use so many knives) so for every fews knives that come in I try to set another few free of my nightstand drawer.
 
To each his own, but I don't put my knives in a safe any more than I put my hammers or screwdrivers in a safe. Not using and enjoying a tool that was hand built by craftsmen for just such purpose seems a little tragic to me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top