Knife Collecting: Tips for Building an Impressive Collection

The world of knife collecting can be an exciting one! Knives as tools have been around for thousands of years or more, and have evolved from the crude stone knives of the early days to the stainless steel blades that we have today.

Follow along as we explore the knife world and our best tips for starting a knife collection, how to care for your knives, the top nine knives that every enthusiast should know about, and more!

From Flint to Steel: A Brief History of Knife Making and Collecting

The first known knives are believed to have existed during prehistoric times, and they were made from flint or obsidian. Of course, these early primitive knives have since evolved and become the knives that we have available today! The early knives were used for creating clothing, sharpening tools, and as weapons.

Ancient Egyptians crafted bronze blades that were sharper than stone ones. Knives were used as a tool, but crafting them was also considered an art form, with beautiful designs being crafted from gold or silver.

Over the years, knives came to be crafted from sturdy steel, with became easily available and allowed for better craftsmanship of these tools. During the second world war, knives were mass produced for the military, which produced a knife that was quality but could still be made cheaply. Today’s knives are mass produced and range from kitchen knives to tactical blades.

First Slice: Knife Collecting Basics for Beginners

Looking to dive in to the world of knife collecting? We’re here to help you get started! Read on for some of our best tips to help you get a good collection started.

Follow trends in knife collecting: Find online or in-person groups where you can connect with other collectors and learn the ins and outs of knife collecting. This is a great way to learn more about the hobby!

Learn which knifemakers are popular: Get familiar with knife brands and learn which ones are the most popular – and why. This will help you make smart choices when it comes to building a quality collection.

Select brands with good customer services: Purchase knives from brands that offer solid customer service. This can make a huge difference when repairs are needed!

Do your research: Learn about different brands, as well as different styles of knives. Talk to fellow collectors and really get to know the hobby!

Have a budget: Determine how much money you can afford to invest in your knife collection, and select knives that fall within that budget.

Collect intentionally: A great way to start a collection is to determine a niche that you are interested in. Find out which style of knife you are drawn to, and focus your collection on that type of knife!

Attend knife shows: A great way to educate yourself and connect with fellow collectors is to attend knife shows. Some popular shows include the BLADE Show, The New York Custom Knife Show, and The USN Show.

Collector’s Choice: 9 Must-Have Knives for Every Enthusiast

Buck 110 Folding Hunter: No other pocket knife has been copied more frequently then the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. This pocket knife is made in the USA and is very recognizable for it’s sleek design.

Opinel No. 08 Pocket Knife: This French-made knife is produced since 1890. It was intended for farmers in the region to use, but now it’s available to anyone. The company Opinel produces over 15 million knives annually!

Benchmade Mini-Griptilian Pocket Knife: Benchmade produces many top quality knives, and this particular model stands out as being a high quality pocket knife, which works for both right and left handed users.

Mora Compansion Heavy Duty MG Carbon: An excellent starter knife, this is a good knife that can be purchased at an affordable price. It works well for bushcrafters, who frequently have one of these knives in their collection.

Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31 Plain Drop Point: This particular knife has had an enormous impact of the world of knives. The knife started a trend of the titanium framelock folder.

Victorinox Huntsan 1.3713 Red, Swiss Army Knife: This pocket knife has two blades, scissors, a saw, tweezers, a bottle opener, screwdrivers, and more, making it a great multipurpose knife that any collector should be proud to own.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 C81GP2 Pocket Knife: A very popular EDC pocketknife, this option has a thin profile which allows you to discreetly stash it in your pocket. It also has finger grooves that help with your grip.

Higonokami Pocket Knife 7 CM HIGO09: Produced in Japan by blacksmiths, this simple knife is quite affordable, and made from easy to sharpen carbon steel.

KA-BAR USMC 1217 Plain Edge, Leather: This is a marine knife from World War II, and has been used by armed forces in multiple wars since then.

Timeless Treasures: Caring for and Maintaining Collectible Knives

As important as amassing an impressive collection of knives is knowing how to care for them properly. Here are a few important care tips to consider:

For starters, keep your knife blades completely dry, avoiding any moisture that could cause corrosion.
Wipe them with a soft cloth, and consider applying a coat of wax or oil for extra protection.
Use a metal polish or cleaner to remove any stains.
You can also use sandpaper to slough away rust.
Finally, be sure to sharpen the blade of your knife if it’s one that you plan to use.

Display with Pride: Expert Tips for Showcasing Your Knife Collection

When it comes to storing or displaying an impressive knife collection, it’s important to do your collection justice! Here are some clever ways that you can store and/or display the knives you are proud of.

Knife Bags

If you enjoy carrying your knives with you, you might opt for a knife bag. These come in a variety of sizes and are made of materials such as leather, vinyl, canvas, and polyester. They often have shoulder straps that allow you to easily carry them.

Knife Rolls

Knife rolls allow you to store your knives rolled up in a bundle. This allows you to protect your knives in a space saavy way.

Display Case

If you prefer to keep your collection at home, you may choose a display case to show off your collection of knives. A curio or custom casing could create a dazzling display.

Protective Case

You can store your knives in a protective case with a lock for extra security. This can add an additional layer of safety if needed.

Magnets

You can also display your knives on magnetic knife strips, which keep them easily accessible. This is a common display option for kitchen knives.

FAQ

What are the key steps to take when starting a knife collection?

Educate yourself, connect with other collectors, and determine a niche you’d like to focus on. Then, set a budget and start purchasing knives for your collection!

How can I ensure the longevity and preservation of my knives?

Care for your knives well to ensure that they last! Keep your blades dry and free of rust, polish off any stains, remove rust with sandpaper, and sharpen your knife, if you plan on using it.