Looking over my collection, it occured to me that there were certain knives that helped form the foundation of what knives I collect and who I am and hope to become as a collector.
Here's mine, i'd love to see and hear about others.



Top knife was my first. Grandpa gave it to me when I was 7. It spent many years going from one tacklebox to the next, but no doubt was the basis of all knives to follow.
Next down was my first higher quality knife. It's still an Imperial, but opened my eyes to seeking out the better built knives in my collection.
Third down was the first and for many years my only auto. If you can imagine a 12 yr. old with one of these in his hands for the first time. I'm still amazed I didn't wear the spring out in the first couple of days.
Last, but not least, is the first ever gifted to me by a forum member and one that has taught me the newest and most important lesson yet. The one that there is a basic generous nature in this hobby. Not just materially, but in the support, shared wisdom and knowledge that so many collectors offer freely everyday. It's the cornerstone that I hope build off of, as to WHO I am as a collector in the future.

WB

Well said. I am going through a time now of thinking about collecting. I know the knives I have now will shape that collecting in the future.

My collection is based on the working man in the United States and the knife that best represents the workingman is the BUCK110 +112 at work and the Schrade/Imperial at play So with that said the 112 ranger and the Kamp King are my cornerstones

_________________
"On the Road Again"Willie Nelson

The knife that started my love of knives.
Case 7 dot 64052 purchased new and carried for thirteen years. All blades still snap.
Used abused and tortured.

_________________
Bill

That's why we buy'em use'em abuse'em and show'em with pride

_________________
"On the Road Again"Willie Nelson

this Imperial

Rarreola; Very nice Imperial

_________________
"On the Road Again"Willie Nelson

My starter was a post 80's Hen and Rooster yukon jack I bought from Hoffritz Cutlery. Slim.

That is striking, Slim. I really like it. I can see how that could get you started but where do you go from there. Very nice!

Thanks Chief RID. Well, from there it went to a couple hundred or so knives and an addictiom I hope to never loose. Slim.

For me this was the one that started it all.Bought from a local hardware store(with my grandfather's permission)at the ripe old age of 10 for the sum of fifty nine cents.
Fifty eight years (and a few thousand knives)later it is still my favorite knife;along with my grandfather's Kamp King that nearly removed the top of my finger when I was eight.It is still capable of doing so.

_________________
Adventure BEFORE Dementia!

thanks garddogg56

My Grandma gave me this Buck 301 Stockman for my 15th birthday in 1970. I got to pick it out at the hardware store; if you look close you can see my initials on the bolster. I have owned it as long as any pocket knife I have (my Cub Scout and Boy Scout knives which I had before this Buck are long gone). I was proud of this knife when I received it and I am still proud of it today - for many years I thought Buck was the only quality knife made (I know better now) but it sure made an impression on me that lasted for years.

_________________
1970 Buck 301 that started my pocketknife collecting ways!

Oh;Two of my favorite stockmen are Buck and Schrade with out a doubt

_________________
"On the Road Again"Willie Nelson

Thanks for contributing guys. So far it looks like the biggest part of us started from fairly humble begginings. Working class knives that were built for one purpose, to be used. I have to confess to owning a few safe queens, but the vast majority of my collection centers around the knives built for EDC. Whether it be the small pearl handle gents "Sunday go to meetin' knife" or the big folding hunter meant for takin' to the woods. These types aren't just the cornerstones of our collections, but the cornerstones that many a knife company built there reputations on. Glad to see so many of the traditional patterns forming a base to build from. Thanks for sharing 'em.

WB