I have always loved knives and guns but I'm not a real collector, I'm just an accumulator. I have no interest in the old knives. I only buy new and I only buy what I like and can afford, both straight knives and slip joints. I started accumulating about ten years ago when I discovered Doctor knives which is still my favorite pattern. Lately I've branched out, look a little more closely at and occasionally buy; Muskrats with the Turkish clip blades, the Congress pattern and anything with a Wharncliff or sheepsfoot blade.
My most valuable knives are a Fairbairn Sykes WWII Commando knife in the bead and ring pattern which I purchased for almost no money in the late 60's and a Randall, Model 8, Trout & Bird I bought back in the late 70's, before I knew how to take care of good knives. The rest run the gamut down to $2.00 Frost Cutlery and Chinese pieces.
I'm not sure how many knives I have now. It's more than 50 and less than 500.
Thank you all for your kindness and friendly help during my first year on this board.
ABOARD! 
from Kentucky. Welcome aboard