Article by Jim Ecklund
Are you the type of person that remembers that special pocket knife your Dad gave you? You were 12 and had just completed the hunter safety course at the fire hall. Life was good!Do you still have the knife in your dresser drawer? Do you take it out to just remember the feel of it from time to time? If you do, you are not alone. That’s how many knife collectors got their start, by collecting something that was meaningful to them. But how do you know what kind of knives to collect? There are many types and styles to choose from: factory knives, handmade knives, pocket knives (folding), fixed-blade knives, old knives, art knives, swords from certain historical periods, and knives made by exclusive designers.Even with so much variety, there are a few things that remain constant in collecting knives. Buy what you like. Don’t worry about resale. Knives can rise and fall in value just like any other item and you may have it for a long time. Look for quality. How will you know a quality knife? Consider the following:
Folding Knives: Carefully examine the knife. Is it finished inside and out? Is it sturdy and durable? In some knives you can expect a small amount of play, but you need to learn what kinds of mechanisms it might have. Does it open and close smoothly? Does the blade stay shut under normal usage? Check the blade grinds. Check for sharp edges and the finish of the screw slots. Is the blade clean? Is it oil free? Fixed Blade Knife: Does the guard fit to the handle? Is the knife balanced? Inspect the steel for flaws. A hand rubbed finish should be a continuous set of lines, not fuzzy brush marks. Materials – Do they go together well? Blade to Handle Ratio – Is the blade proportional to the handle? Blade heat-treat: This is an area in which a maker’s reputation comes into play. You will learn more about this as you learn more about the various makers. Heat treatment is what gives the blade its strength.
Where Can You Go to Find A Knife? Check out your local flea markets and yard sales. Often people have old knives stuck in a box full of, well, more old knives. Most of them are the kitchen variety, but many people aren’t aware of the value of their old knives.
Estate sales and auctions are a good source. Be sure to get there early, the early bird does catch the worm!
The greatest place to buy knives is at a knife show or a gun show. Buy a copy of Blade Magazine and check out the section titled “Show Calendar.” They have a good listing of knife shows listed by date, with the location and contact information listed as well. At these shows you can meet the makers, collectors, purveyors, factory reps, book vendors and anyone else you can imagine that is connected to the knife world. Your local gun shows often have “knife tables” set up. If you go to an out of state knife show, be sure to check the laws of the states you may be passing through. You could inadvertently break the law by transporting the “collectibles.”
Trust your instincts when it comes to investing in a knife. Look carefully at the knife and all its components. Most importantly, buy a knife that you feel comfortable with.
About the Author
Jim Ecklund has been a knife collector for over 30 years. For more information and great deals go to http://www.pollux4.com
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