Getting started

[DCB4]

I had a few case knives that I have carried over the years but I’m beginning to take an interest in collecting them. I am collecting purely for the fun of it, and while I have no intention of making money while doing it I would get some enjoyment out of chasing some value and maybe watching certain things appreciate. I have taking a liking to the mini copper locks and have decided to start accumulating some of those. I also want to start purchasing one a year for my son every year since his birth year (2022). As far as pattern for my son I am thinking about a small Congress or mini trapper. I also like the stockman but am leaning more heavily to the other 2. Do any of you guys have opinions on why one would be a better choice than the other? Look forward to any input, I have really enjoyed browsing these forums so far and soaking up as much info as possible. Any other input you guys have around getting started in general I would love to hear!

[Mumbleypeg]

Good luck with your collecting. If wanting to be consistent with a pattern you’re giving your son, be sure it’s a pattern Case will continue producing annually. I believe the small congress is one that was ‘in the vault” for several years (meaning it was retired from production) and will likely go back into retirement at some point. The mini-trapper is probably a better choice in that regard. Others might be the 18 stockman, or other more popular patterns that will likely remain in production as standard catalog offerings. JMO

It’s good that you’re not expecting to get rich off your collection. It may take years, if ever, for newer production knives to increase in value beyond just keeping up with inflation. The hobby of knife collecting increased significantly in popularity around 1970 or thereabouts. Therefore you’ll find more knives made since then in mint to near-mint condition, since they found their way into collections and were never carried or used. Knives older than that were primarily bought to be used, so it’s more difficult to find ‘survivors”. Those knives are therefore generally more valuable. The law of supply and demand reigns! Collect for enjoyment. There are far better investments.

Ken

[rea1eye]

You might want to go a knife show if one is close to where you live. You can
spend a few hours and look at the different patterns and handles and
see which ones appeal to you the most. Actual feeling and seeing
the knives is a higher level of experience than just seeing them on
a computer or print.

Don't think you have to select one particular knife pattern or handle type.
Some people settle in for one particular kind of knife but not everyone.
I have been collecting for about 8 years knife and I have not decided
on any particular pattern.

Welcome to AAPK!

Bob

[Reverand]

Welcome to AAPK!
Glad to have you here.

I am not the one to give you advice on collecting, as I just buy or collect mis-matched brands and styles - just whatever appeals to me.
As has been said, do it for fun and nostalgia, not in hopes of a profit. The market goes up and down, but with Case knives they pretty much hold even with inflation, if you are lucky.
Now if you find a great deal on an old Case knife, you might make some money. (Or, you might get stuck with a counterfeit!)

So look around, buy what you enjoy, and let your son know how much it means to you. Hopefully he will "get the knife bug" too!

[kennedy knives]

Good advice by all. Invest in a few Knife Books that can help you learn some of the history and how & what goes in to making a knife. Handle Material, Blade Steel what the Pattern Numbers. Each company has it's on method of what their Pattern numbers mean very helpful to know this once you get started. AAPK is a great source for information I also like Knife Magazine, comes out monthly., Welcome Aboard!!!!

[1967redrider]

to AAPK! Collect what you like, but make sure you get some good reference books if you decide to go the antique route. Any valuable knife can be fabricated to deceive, it pays to do your research before making a purchase. Hope this helps!

John