What's the fate of your knife collection?

Starkman1

Starkman1

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
Messages
329
As I very slowly start acquiring knives, I sometimes wonder what I'll eventually do with all these knives. Yes, some will be used, while others sit waiting their turn to be handled, admired and wiped down with oil and placed back in the safe. Some are destined to my nephew who loves to hunt and fish. Some will be sold or traded, while others are a reminder of a particular place or time. Personally, I don't have any sons, or anyone that appreciates knives as much as me, besides my nephew to leave my knives to. Can you imagine kicking the bucket, daughter, wife, whoever sells off an entire collection for a few hundred bucks? Will you gather up all your knives and find something to cut in you fading minutes? As we eventually get old and gray, assuming you have any hair left:) (some of us are already one or the other), what will you do with your collections?
Bob
 
Hi Bob,

No, I don't have exact answers.

There are worst-case scenarios: Knives selling off for pennies on the dollar.

.... and smart solutions: Assessing the value you are receiving from your collection and possibly liquidating them before passing, for proceeds that are better served in the future.

There are hundreds of thousands of knives languishing in estate collections, I am certain. Family may be hesitant to offer them, because of lack of knowledge, and also because they hold sentimental value.

We'd better all consider the implications. I'm interested in hearing more.

Coop
 
Probably on the auctioneer's block. :eek: ;) :D

But seriously, I have an excel spreadsheet that list every knife I have ever owned with, photos, maker, date made, date purchased, where purchased, price paid, current estimated value, contact information for potential buyers, sale price for sold pieces, profit/loss, ROI for each piece, ROI since started collecting, total purchase and sales figures etc.

This data base contains ALL this information stored on a disc that my wife or daughters will need to dispose of my collection in the most efficient manner if they choose to. In addition, this data base will be helpful for insurance in case of fire or theft.

I plan on demonstrating and sharing the basic set-up of this system with collectors as part of my collector's seminar at the Reno Show in a couple weeks.
 
I have a bunch of daughters and I am in the same boat with a fairly large collection of knives, swords, guns and fishing equipment. Alot of true custom stuff that I worry if something happens to me. I travel alot to strange places and you just never know. I have just started to take pics and document a rough value at the time of some of my stuff. I think this way is probale gonna work the best for me. My wife is pretty smart and she is not dum to the prices of what this stuff goes for. Hopefully my girls will keep the stuff that was special to me and pass it on.
 
Kevin the excel spread sheet is a great idea. I currently have my collection all listed in a knife collection book I bought from AG Russell, it has spaces for all the pertinent about the purchase. In that book I also have instruction on whom to contact and what acceptable pricing might be just in case my family does have to sell them in my absence. I have taken pictures of all of my knives which are contained on a digital memory card.

This is definitely a subject that needs some thought as alot of people just do not know or understand collections be it guns, knives, coins or whatever suits your fancy.

As for my collection I really can't put a value on the pleasure they give me from just handling them or talking about them. I just enjoy them from all aspects like very few other things I have come across, kinda brings out the child in me.

This is definitely a great subject I hope more people post there thoughts on this matter.
 
I continually update an inventory of my collection, with realistic valuations.

I have given my wife, Les Robertson's phone number, in case I get hit by a bus, and have told Les to expect her call. My advice to her is to consign the knives to him for a fixed percentage of the selling price.

Some people will get bent out of shape at the notion of a dealer "profiting" from the deal, but I would say that his money would be well earned in return for his services. It would be the easiest and simplest way for her to liquidate the collection.

Of course she is also perfectly free, to keep the collection intact and enjoy it. if she so chooses ;). NOT likely!
 
An excell spreadsheet for the "major collection".

As a companion...each handmade knife in the entire collection has a sheet based upon A.G.'s collector notebook, with some personally relevant changes, and ALL attendant e-mail's, photos and correspondance are kept with this sheet, bound in the largest center ring binder that I could get my hands on....values are updated every 18 months. The executors of my estate are all familiar with this book, its' location and where the knives are at.

When I die, or can no longer care for my toys, the knives are to be offered to my family and friends...1 or 2 per, as a remembrance and token of affection.

Anything left will probably be sold at auction.

I do not keep full records on factory knives...maybe 60% of that is documented....original price paid...happily, I have only purchased at wholesale for the last 15 years...no value will be somewhat close to making money...if it comes to that.

The goal in the next few years is to exhibit the "major" collection at galleries, using them as a big "show and tell" example....EACH piece will be professionally photographed before this occurs....right now I only have pro-pics of about 15% of the total.

Anything missing?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I have two children, a boy and a girl, and although still young (5 years old) my son has shown interest in my collection. He can already point out the knives and name most of the makers attached to them. I have almost all my knives on display in our livingroom so I can enjoy them everyday.

I use Kevin's spreadsheet (Kevin thanks again :thumbup:) and that works great. I even register my upcoming commissions in it so to keep track of my obligations ;)

Marcel
 
I have thought a lot about this. I have no children to pass my collection on to. I have a nephew but he really doesn't have the passion for knives to really appreciate them. The ways things are going I'll probably have to sell them off just to pay health care insurance some day.

I recently saw what was once a stunning collection turned to rust and dust because the family never realized what was stored in a box in the garage. It was a crying shame.

A spreadsheet or database is a good idea for any collection. Besides documenting what your collection is worth for people settling your estate, you might be surprised at what you would forget in the event of a fire or theft.

A friend who has a large collection recently discovered that a guest at several gatherings at his house had been stealing knives from his displays. He didn't even miss them at first and when he did, he thought he had just misplaced them. It came to light when the thief was caught trying to sell one of them. Looking at some photos that I had taken of the collection, we discovered a couple of missing knives that he had forgotten about.
 
severedthumbs said:
anyone taking their collection to the grave with them?
Click to expand...

Microtech UDT and Colt Series 70 Combat Commander, as well as my Langlitz jacket-cremation planned.

Warriors have to have their arms and armor...yunno?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I hear say you can't take it with you. That doesn't mean you can't try! I'm sure I'll want something sharp in my pocket. Just in case ...:D
 
My wife has explicit instructions to seek out some select people on BFC and ask for help in disposing of what she doesn't want.

There are probably about a dozen or so I want her to keep for sentimental reasons but the rest could be sold as a whole or in lots, with 300+ to go through she'll be busy for awhile, btw don't take advantage of her guys.;)
 
I figure when I die, I will have my knives go to the people that I will them too or they will be given away by the spousal unit.

I do not plan on getting rid of them whilst I am here.
 
I have an excel sheet too...though there are no fields for "estimated current value" or "potential buyers" as i never sell any of mine :)

In addition to the basics (maker, model, asking price, price paid, seller, specs, etc.) i have a few extra fields for sorting (fixed vs. folder, custom vs. production etc.)...

RL
 
Kevin Jones said:
Probably on the auctioneer's block. :eek: ;) :D
This data base contains ALL this information stored on a disc that my wife or daughters will need to dispose of my collection in the most efficient manner if they choose to. In addition, this data base will be helpful for insurance in case of fire or theft.
Click to expand...

The idea of a spreadsheet an instructions to follow is an excellent idea. I guess I better leave the safe combination with the spouse. I also like STeven's idea about exhibiting his collection. Anyone having second thoughts about using a knife they thought they would never use?
Bob
 
My aunt has a gun collection she is sitting on from when her husband died 25yrs ago. She still goes to gun shows just to see what they are worth. A list or spreadsheet of what was paid for them would be great.

chuck
 
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