Pros and Cons of knife collecting

December 5, 2021
custom hunting knives

About Knife Collecting

There are many cool knives that would be great additions to a collection. Many of them increase or retain their value over the years, turning collectible knives into something that can be passed on to the next generation of collectors. While some people collect art knives for profit, many begin to collect what they like without even knowing the history. Do not buy knives that are damaged or in poor condition, unless they are very old and rare—or if you fall in love with their craftsmanship. After all, the first and foremost thing about collecting is your satisfaction.

Pros of Knife Collecting

Collecting knives has the following positive aspects:

  • The knife has a rich history. There is no collector who would not like to know more about the weapons in their collection. The more knives you collect, the more you learn about them. This increases your knowledge, and you will become a master of this art in no time. By gathering knowledge, you get the opportunity not only to teach other people but also to make wiser decisions when making future purchases.
  • Collecting knives is an enthralling way to spend your free time. Psychologists show that when you practice a hobby, you feel more important and more intelligent.
  • Collecting knives is a good opportunity to leave an imprint of yourself in the memory of other people. We all want to be remembered when we leave. In most cases, people are remembered for what they did. As a knife collector, you will leave them as a keepsake for your children. It is very important to convey to children information about the historical value of the collection and its cost—so that in the future they can sell it, preserve it, or give it to a local museum.
  • Knife collections can bring in profit. There are always people who are interested in collecting knives. As you know, the value of antiques increases over time. This means that if you do not want to keep your collectible knives, you can always sell them for a higher price than you bought. You can earn money for a trip or use it to buy a new collection of knives. Great, isn’t it? Many collectors assume they will eventually sell their knives and may even aim to earn a living from the hobby.

knife collecting

Cons of Knife Collecting

As with any hobby, a new knife collection can bring negative aspects into your life. Some of these disadvantages include:

  • Having bought the first knife, you will be sucked in and the collection will grow. Sometimes collections can get out of hand, and you find yourself spending more money than you planned. This can lead to bad situations, especially if you have no spare money to collect knives.
  • A knife can cause injury. Since art knives are weapons, they can easily injure people around you. Perhaps you have small children for whom your knives seem like toys. It is recommended to store knives in a safe place out of the reach of children.
  • The knife may not be original, and the collection will become cheaper. There are many genuine antique knives you can collect, but like any other industry, there are unscrupulous people who may try to sell you fake antique knives. If you fall into their trap, you will lose money. But this can be overcome with minimal research and by finding a reliable source. The key to being successful in this hobby is research. Before buying, make sure that the custom knife you are purchasing is original and of high quality.

What Knives are Collectable?

Collecting knives is a hobby that can catch up at any age and haunt you all your life. In some cases, this starts with the purchase of a regular knife. Sometimes from watching a movie where you saw a knife that sunk into your soul (for example, the knife from the Rambo movie was popular at one time). It happens in different ways. Moreover, collecting knives happens in different ways. Someone collects knives by brands, someone by knife makers or by functionality – for example, survival knives, powerful and large, or men’s knives, small pocket knives. There are those who collect knives that are known all over the world, knives that are winners of international knife exhibitions such as Blade Show USA, Custom Knife Show Texas, AKI, SICAC France and many others.

Knives that have received prizes and world recognition at international exhibitions are produced in limited editions so that those who wish can join the best of the best and purchase such a knife in their collection. The cost of such custom knives can be up to several thousand, depending on their collection value.

When starting your collection, do not try to calm the crowd and buy what everyone else gets. When you make a purchase based on the approval and recommendation of others, you will never be completely satisfied with your collection. It is essential to collect knives that grab your attention at first sight.

How to Store Your Knife Collection

Wooden knife blocks seem like a good idea to store a large knife collection. They hold your knives securely and look great on the countertop. When buying wood products, many believe that they have bought something that is sustainable and healthy. Knife blocks come in all shapes and sizes, usually made from a solid block of wood with angled slots large enough to accommodate different types of items from the collection. But despite the convenience and the fact that they are purely for organizing collections, they are actually not so good. Here’s why the knife block is doing more harm than good:

  • Marketing ploy from sellers. Most people purchase a block when they buy the first knife in their collection. But most of them find that they don’t need this storage element to begin with, since the collection of knives is still too small. Therefore, you should not pay for additional services that you will never use and that you will never need if you quit your hobby.
  • Dulls knives. All knives grow dull over time – this happens all the time. But if you run this blade over a hard surface, it will speed up the process. This happens when you insert a knife into the knife block. This sliding process, plus placing the blade inside the groove, dulls the blade as quickly as its frequent use in the kitchen. The blade can become dull after 70 hits on the knife block.
  • The block is full of germs. These deep, dark crevices create an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Dust and debris can easily accumulate in such areas. Thus, every time your knife slips out of there, there is a risk of infection. If that doesn’t convince you to give up your collection block, at least clean it monthly: shake out the debris, then brush the insides with an antiseptic and make sure it is completely dry before sliding the knives inside.

pros and cons knife collecting

How to Create a Knife Collection

Buying a popular knife does not in any way guarantee a price increase in the future. Furthermore, a collection of what now remains unnoticed does not give any guarantees of growth. Collectors should only collect what they like, so as not to be disappointed in their hobby in the future. These are the cardinal rules to be followed when building a new collection of knives: than good:

  • Inexpensive products will never be appreciated;
  • Collecting rare knives means paying big money;
  • Well-made products in good condition are the key to success;
  • Know what art knives can be found in specific geographic locations in the country;
  • Collect what you like or even use;
  • Chasing trends is stupid;
  • Do not buy damaged/bad knives unless they are very old and not collectible. For example, antiques, crafts, and rare military knives;

 

What is relevant now and what will be popular in the future is a classic question asked by anyone who has a collection.

The question and answer in the case of folding knives, or knives in general, are further complicated by things like the collector’s country of residence. What is in demand in the West and what is bought in the South often varies greatly.

 

This can provide an opportunity as well as a risk for collectors who want to try their hand in a different direction. Still, in my opinion, it is better to collect knives that you like for one reason or another. The collection of popular items and their “rarity” in the future remains an elusive forecast.

knife collection

How Do I Keep My Knife Well Maintained?

– Sharpen the edge in good time.

– Use the knife strictly for its intended purpose.

– Always keep your instruments separately from each other.

– Use an appropriate stand or box to keep your knife.

– Always wash and dry blades right after using your knife.

– Take proper care not only of blades, but of handles as well.

– Always clean your Damascus or carbon steel knife right after using, dry it and apply RustFree oil or wax to prevent rusting.

– Apply Quick Release oil to folding knives. Keep the pivot well lubricated.

– When demonstrating collectable knives, use protective gloves, to prevent leaving fingerprints on your unique knives.

– Never keep your knife in long-storage leather sheath. Cupronickel or brass knife guards may be blemished by leather if left in the sheath for a long time.

– Do not heat up knives and do not keep knives close to open flame, as this may damage knife handle.

– Be always cautious when handling a knife!

Are you interested in learning more about knife collecting and valuable crafts? You can always clarify any questions about knife collecting, brands, and start your collection. Visit our NOBLIE knife store to admire some of the fine custom knives on the market today!

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