Newbie post - Favorite Pattern

[Handlewithcare]

Folks,
New here, but been lurking and have talked to a few of you on email (mainly Steve).

I am just starting a collection and was looking for advise.

Are there any patterns that hold their value better than most? Any handle material? I have been focusing on pre-1964 stuff, but they get expensive, so I pick up newer things (mainly dots) that catch my eye from time to time.....

My favorite pattern and collecting focus has been the Trapper, but Jim Sargent's shop is near my home and he has convinced me that the best collections are more well rounded.....so I want to venture out....

Suggestions please?

Thanks,
Mark

[itchibelli]

I think you should buy what you like & appeals to you.
Mike

[Colonel26]

I guess it depends on wha you're looking to do. Are you putting together a collection as an investment? (Hard to do IMO) or just collecting because you like them?

Me, I collect what I like. Sometimes I get on a tangent with one brand or pattern, then it changes. I accumulate what appeals to me, and hopefully when I'm gone, and the boys pick through and get what they want, there'll be a few left over for the wife to sell.

Of course, by that time I'll be past caring.

[wlf]

If for investment,choose only the mint knives,older the better. Of course the rarity of some ,allows some leeway to condition.

Welcome.

[cato]

It has been hard for me to stick to one brand or type, I like them all..
Stag seems to hold value well, Bone next, if Case Green bone then red bone
For collecting Case seems to be the most collected and if you go to shows, you will find
this out, seems everyone collects Case Knives, so that is why the price is up on them, not that
they are rare just that they most collected...
Remington, holds good value and their prices reflect it. so they are sought after and prized highly
Cattaraugus are good to collect and hard to find in great shape
Winchesters the early ones,

Puma if doing German, at times I find it funny with these knives on ebay you hardly ever see a used Puma
it seems, like they are bought and put back in a drawer even the early ones ,
and there is more good ones made there,

The list goes on and on, but now it seems is the time to buy off ebay and maybe other venues, prices are down and lol looks like they are still falling... so if you think they are high now should have bought some 3
to 4 yrs ago.. all this is IMO..

BUY AS CLOSE TO MINT AS YOU CAN AND TAKE CARE OF THEM.. AND ENJOY

[DR_MAGOO]

I think you should buy what you like & appeals to you.
Mike

This pretty sums it up for me also. After all. it's just stuff.

[Mumbleypeg]

Welcome to AAPK. Jim Sargent is a wise man, you're fortunate to be able to conveniently seek his counsel. Having been collecting knives for over 40 years myself, I think probably what he's telling you is to diversify somewhat because there are trends in popularity. Some come and go but there are a few that seem to endure. For whatever reasons Case has endured in popularity and the older, pre-1980 knives have generally, with a few exceptions, held value. Whittlers and trappers have been popular for as long as I remember, and others have their fans as well. Stag and bone, especially old green bone, are enduring handle materials. Last but not least, there's money in buying and selling but it's not easy. If you're investing to make money, there are far better investments than knives. You'll be lucky if your collection keeps up with inflation. Do it because you like it, not as an investment. Collect what you like, have fun, and think of it as education, relaxation, and entertainment, just like a vacation!

Ken

[Handlewithcare]

Thank you all for responding!

[Dinadan]

I am a newbie collector myself, so I have no sage advice based on experience. That is not going to stop me, of course! Like others said, collect what you like. If you are anything like me your desires will evolve over time. One day you will be looking at knives and suddenly realize that your life is meaningless because you do not have any (pick a pattern and insert here) in your collection.

[Bamarick]

Jim Sargent is one of the best resources a knife collector could have. I've been fortunate to have him as a friend and mentor for many years. I could never repay him for the countless hours he's let me spend picking his brain and going through the knives in his shop. As for what I collect, mostly older Case, Tested through the 70's, original Remingtons, Cattaraugus, Robeson, Winchester, and several other older American brands. Most of these came directly from Jim's shop. I don't have a pattern preference just so the knives are as close to mint as possible. As others have said, buy what you like or what appeals to you. I don't concern myself with future value as much as I probably should. I guess I feel like the enjoyment I get from being able to handle and care for these pieces of cutlery history will eventually make up for any losses I may incur. Good luck with your collecting.

Rick

[Bamarick]

Jim Sargent is one of the best resources a knife collector could have. I've been fortunate to have him as a friend and mentor for many years. I could never repay him for the countless hours he's let me spend picking his brain and going through the knives in his shop. As for what I collect, mostly older Case, Tested through the 70's, original Remingtons, Cattaraugus, Robeson, Winchester, and several other older American brands. Most of these came directly from Jim's shop. I don't have a pattern preference just so the knives are as close to mint as possible. As others have said, buy what you like or what appeals to you. I don't concern myself with future value as much as I probably should. I guess I feel like the enjoyment I get from being able to handle and care for these pieces of cutlery history will eventually make up for any losses I may incur. Good luck with your collecting.

Rick

[Bamarick]

You know if you accidently double click the submit button you'll post the comment twice. Sorry everyone.