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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
What's the fate of your knife collection?
- Thread starter Starkman1
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 13,363
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 :thumbupand that works great. I even register my upcoming commissions in it so to keep track of my obligations
Marcel
Glad you are getting good use of it Marcel.
Les Robertson
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 3,565
Kevin,
The idea of a spread sheet or an equivalent is a great idea while you are alive and will give someone an idea of what the knives are worth.
The best way is to have "Specific Instructions" in the will. If you leave it to chance you may find your body or ashes (depending) spinning in the grave or urn.
I have seen it time and time again, widows and more often the kids...want the money and they want it now. They have no idea what the knives cost (as most people don't keep detailed records).
To date I am listed (or have been told) that I am in 49 collectors wills as the person to contact should something happen.
Fortunately my wife knows enough about the business and prices (as she does my web site) she may be able to handle the disposition of the knives. In any event I have list Bob Neal in my will to handle whatever my wife can't. Although with him becoming accident prone when he entered his 50's I may survive him.
Remember, more than likely your survivors don't know a drop point from a slip joint.
A list (perhaps a tag or something with a corresponding number on the knife) and or a photo of each knife.
Leaving a price and a "perceived" market price is all well and good. Note, if you are going to do this update your list at least once a year. However, let your loved ones know that your prices "are only a guess". This lets them off the hook from any guilt they may have of not getting "your" price.
After all at that point you want the money to help them.
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
The idea of a spread sheet or an equivalent is a great idea while you are alive and will give someone an idea of what the knives are worth.
The best way is to have "Specific Instructions" in the will. If you leave it to chance you may find your body or ashes (depending) spinning in the grave or urn.
I have seen it time and time again, widows and more often the kids...want the money and they want it now. They have no idea what the knives cost (as most people don't keep detailed records).
To date I am listed (or have been told) that I am in 49 collectors wills as the person to contact should something happen.
Fortunately my wife knows enough about the business and prices (as she does my web site) she may be able to handle the disposition of the knives. In any event I have list Bob Neal in my will to handle whatever my wife can't. Although with him becoming accident prone when he entered his 50's I may survive him.
Remember, more than likely your survivors don't know a drop point from a slip joint.
A list (perhaps a tag or something with a corresponding number on the knife) and or a photo of each knife.
Leaving a price and a "perceived" market price is all well and good. Note, if you are going to do this update your list at least once a year. However, let your loved ones know that your prices "are only a guess". This lets them off the hook from any guilt they may have of not getting "your" price.
After all at that point you want the money to help them.
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
I don't know what will happen to my knives when I pass on. Nobody in the family has an interest in knives. Family promised to burry me with one of my fixed blades on my belt as if I would be leaving for a hunting trip (the hunting trip for eternity I guess). Perhaps I should state in my will to just donate them all to BF and give them away to the membership.
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2004
- Messages
- 3,423
Your post reminds me of the words to my favorite song.
"Pour out a little liquor, bury me in some Evisu jeans
A USDA top and a throw-away glock
Bury me a G, nothin more nothin less
When I get where I'm goin, I just gotta be fresh"
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2000
- Messages
- 435
In Bruce Voyles' current auction catalogue there's actually a good article about this topic. I've thought about it and I have a list of all my knives that includes detailed descriptions and both the price I paid and what I think the knife is worth now. Current value has to be updated regularly. There are some specific knives I'd leave for my wife, kids, and brother. The rest, I'd advise to either give to a trusted dealer for sale on consignment (even though it may take longer than selling it outright, you get a lot more), or I'd have it auctioned through Bruce. If you know other collectors who share your taste, I'd have them contacted as well. I have instructions for my son regarding whom to contact if I'm gone. The most important thing is to deal with people you trust.
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2001
- Messages
- 2,033
Les offers some good advice. I am reminded of the widow of a big time collector in TN who told his executor that his collection was worth $1,000,000, he loved to brag. His collection was really worth about $3-400,000. All his knifemaker friends told the widow to send the knives to me. The Lawyer said "we are not sending these knives to any Jack-Leg in Arkansas. Being a real smart lawyer he sent them to Southbys who charged the widow $30,000 for a fine color catalog and then charged her 30% on everything sold.
It was really great for me, I got about 25% of what I bid on, $11,000 worth and sold those knives for $60,000, the smart lawyer should have had to pay the widow the difference. Lots of collectors got great bargains, as I did and the widow got short changed. The cutting edge continues to be the best place to dispose of collections of knives.
It was really great for me, I got about 25% of what I bid on, $11,000 worth and sold those knives for $60,000, the smart lawyer should have had to pay the widow the difference. Lots of collectors got great bargains, as I did and the widow got short changed. The cutting edge continues to be the best place to dispose of collections of knives.
Bigfattyt
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2007
- Messages
- 19,223
This kind of thing happens all the time. I had a teacher come up to me way back in Highschool, and ask me, hey you know about guns right? I told him yes. He tells me that his father in law, with no sons passed on, and since he was the only son in law who ever showed any interest in shooting with him, the father in law left every gun he had to my teacher. Hundreds and Hundreds and hundreds of guns. I told him to have a professional actually look at the collection and tell him what to keep for investments (there were a lot of classic guns worth tons of money), what to just enjoy and shoot, and what to sell (there were many multiples of lots of the guns, some for shooting , most still in original packaging.
I think the idea of having a trusted dealer auction them or sell them for a percentage is likely the easiest, least stressful way for the family.
I don't have many high dollar knives right now, but I do have a custom from my deceased uncle Glen Hornby, And my Grandpa's S&W .357, which my wife knows she is never allowed to sell. But I have a son to pass them on to.
But the family does need some instruction so that they don't go to waste (my uncle had an old neighbor die, the widow gave him the entire collection of military weapons, almost all still crated, even after he tried to explain to her what they were worth (he was a gun dealer for years), all the widow said was that she had all the money she would ever need, and that as long as he and his sons kept her fire wood split, which they had always done anyway, the guns were his).
I think the idea of having a trusted dealer auction them or sell them for a percentage is likely the easiest, least stressful way for the family.
I don't have many high dollar knives right now, but I do have a custom from my deceased uncle Glen Hornby, And my Grandpa's S&W .357, which my wife knows she is never allowed to sell. But I have a son to pass them on to.
But the family does need some instruction so that they don't go to waste (my uncle had an old neighbor die, the widow gave him the entire collection of military weapons, almost all still crated, even after he tried to explain to her what they were worth (he was a gun dealer for years), all the widow said was that she had all the money she would ever need, and that as long as he and his sons kept her fire wood split, which they had always done anyway, the guns were his).
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 13,363
Kevin,
The idea of a spread sheet or an equivalent is a great idea while you are alive and will give someone an idea of what the knives are worth.
The best way is to have "Specific Instructions" in the will. If you leave it to chance you may find your body or ashes (depending) spinning in the grave or urn.
I have seen it time and time again, widows and more often the kids...want the money and they want it now. They have no idea what the knives cost (as most people don't keep detailed records).
To date I am listed (or have been told) that I am in 49 collectors wills as the person to contact should something happen.
Fortunately my wife knows enough about the business and prices (as she does my web site) she may be able to handle the disposition of the knives. In any event I have list Bob Neal in my will to handle whatever my wife can't. Although with him becoming accident prone when he entered his 50's I may survive him.
Remember, more than likely your survivors don't know a drop point from a slip joint.
A list (perhaps a tag or something with a corresponding number on the knife) and or a photo of each knife.
Leaving a price and a "perceived" market price is all well and good. Note, if you are going to do this update your list at least once a year. However, let your loved ones know that your prices "are only a guess". This lets them off the hook from any guilt they may have of not getting "your" price.
After all at that point you want the money to help them.
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
I agree Les, in that a will is a good idea for most everyone. My spreadsheet get's updated about every three months or each time I aquire a new piece. It's also a part of my will.
Not only does a spreadsheet with realistic values help to insure your heirs get fair value, but can help keep the tax man from claiming your collection is worth too much.
Les Robertson
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 3,565
With more and more "specialists" showing up on the Internet and in some cases shows.
I would include contact information on those individuals as well in the will.
Just giving pricing information is not enough.
Example: If you had a couple of unusual and pricey Fisk knives you might want to include Kevin Jones as a contact person. For Don Fogg, perhaps you would want to include Joss's contact information.
Other examples are:
If you have collectible factory knives search out the main sellers of those knives. Bruce Voyles has an auction site and when it comes to older factory knives you would be hard pressed to find someone with more expertise.
On the custom side, while you may contact me to sell some High End Folders, Bob Neal or Don Guild would probably be a better place to start.
For a wide assortment of knives from different locations around the world, AG would probably be an excellent choice.
Just examples.
Every seller has their strengths and a weakness may only be perceived because of that person being so strongly associated with other area's.
AG's example of what happened should be a cautionary tale about working with large auctions houses who generalize in everything and specialize in very little.
Stick with those who know what they are doing. In the long run your family will probably get the money quicker and more of it.
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
I would include contact information on those individuals as well in the will.
Just giving pricing information is not enough.
Example: If you had a couple of unusual and pricey Fisk knives you might want to include Kevin Jones as a contact person. For Don Fogg, perhaps you would want to include Joss's contact information.
Other examples are:
If you have collectible factory knives search out the main sellers of those knives. Bruce Voyles has an auction site and when it comes to older factory knives you would be hard pressed to find someone with more expertise.
On the custom side, while you may contact me to sell some High End Folders, Bob Neal or Don Guild would probably be a better place to start.
For a wide assortment of knives from different locations around the world, AG would probably be an excellent choice.
Just examples.
Every seller has their strengths and a weakness may only be perceived because of that person being so strongly associated with other area's.
AG's example of what happened should be a cautionary tale about working with large auctions houses who generalize in everything and specialize in very little.
Stick with those who know what they are doing. In the long run your family will probably get the money quicker and more of it.
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
I'm 74 and sadly came to the conclusion a couple of years ago that I should begin to sell off my custom knife collection of thirty years. My children are not knife people, and the thought of them selling them in flea market or garage sale was too much to bear! My wife is pretty much on board and I've given her some reputable dealer names in case of my passing. I do have an inventory sheet that I update periodically after selling some of my knives. I have have it broken down by knife type, Fixed Blade, or Folder. In alphabetical order, the makers name, engraver's name, What I paid for it, What I think it's worth, and what I sold it for. I also have two to three color pictures 4" by 6" size of every knife that I've owned. This gives me the pleasure of looking back at my knives every so often as I definitely have a "love affair" with them all! I also plan to leave some of my more unique knives that have special meaning to me for each of my 4 children. I will put them in a display case so that they won't just throw them in a drawer. This has been a grand adventure for me and one that I wouldn't have missed for anything in the world. The makers, engravers, and scrimshanders are some of the best folks that I've ever had the privilege of knowing. A few that really stand out in my mind are Gary Little, TM Dowell, Buster Warenski, Chris Lindsey, Ed Schemp, Bob Cargill, Terry Davis, Jot Singh Khalsa, Weldon Whitley, Roy Helton, Mick Penfold, John Sinclair, Bob Hergert, Fred Harrington, Juanita Conover, and Billy Bates. Last but not least was the late great Joe Drouin who got me started in the right direction of collecting custom made knives with a theme. In my case it was engraved folders and fixed blades generally made by Guild Members. Forgive my windiness, but the previous postings really got to me!
I'm 74 and sadly came to the conclusion a couple of years ago that I should begin to sell off my custom knife collection of thirty years. My children are not knife people, and the thought of them selling them in flea market or garage sale was too much to bear! My wife is pretty much on board and I've given her some reputable dealer names in case of my passing. I do have an inventory sheet that I update periodically after selling some of my knives. I have have it broken down by knife type, Fixed Blade, or Folder. In alphabetical order, the makers name, engraver's name, What I paid for it, What I think it's worth, and what I sold it for. I also have two to three color pictures 4" by 6" size of every knife that I've owned. This gives me the pleasure of looking back at my knives every so often as I definitely have a "love affair" with them all! I also plan to leave some of my more unique knives that have special meaning to me for each of my 4 children. I will put them in a display case so that they won't just throw them in a drawer. This has been a grand adventure for me and one that I wouldn't have missed for anything in the world. The makers, engravers, and scrimshanders are some of the best folks that I've ever had the privilege of knowing. A few that really stand out in my mind are Gary Little, TM Dowell, Buster Warenski, Chris Lindsey, Ed Schemp, Bob Cargill, Terry Davis, Jot Singh Khalsa, Weldon Whitley, Roy Helton, Mick Penfold, John Sinclair, Bob Hergert, Fred Harrington, Juanita Conover, and Billy Bates. Last but not least was the late great Joe Drouin who got me started in the right direction of collecting custom made knives with a theme. In my case it was engraved folders and fixed blades generally made by Guild Members. Forgive my windiness, but the previous postings really got to me!
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2004
- Messages
- 567
I am going to use a part (if not the majority) of my collection to supplement my pension - if at some point in time I wish the "white stuff" to be sand instead of snow, goodbye to a few knives, etc.
One of my sons is very familiar with my collecting/collection, as are a few friends - they will help with listing and selling the ones that will be sold. Each of my young people and younger, young people(grandchildren) has a "favourite" that is earmarked for them.
In the meantime, I am having fun and enjoying my collection, and, I making new friends along the way too.
Del
www.dknifeplace.com
One of my sons is very familiar with my collecting/collection, as are a few friends - they will help with listing and selling the ones that will be sold. Each of my young people and younger, young people(grandchildren) has a "favourite" that is earmarked for them.
In the meantime, I am having fun and enjoying my collection, and, I making new friends along the way too.
Del
www.dknifeplace.com
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 13,363
I am going to use a part (if not the majority) of my collection to supplement my pension - if at some point in time I wish the "white stuff" to be sand instead of snow, goodbye to a few knives, etc.
One of my sons is very familiar with my collecting/collection, as are a few friends - they will help with listing and selling the ones that will be sold. Each of my young people and younger, young people(grandchildren) has a "favourite" that is earmarked for them.
In the meantime, I am having fun and enjoying my collection, and, I making new friends along the way too.
Del
www.dknifeplace.com
Del, sounds like a solid plan to me. I prefer the sand to snow any day.
