All About Pocket Knives

As a collector of old toenails, I really like the ones made by the "Granddaddies" of the knife companies, like Platts, Crandall, Cattaraugus, & Case. Which is your favorite and why?

Well Scott...... Now you have gone off and made me think that I need to get me one or two of those toenails. When I first started collecting knives I didn't care for them much. I couldn't figure out what good they would be, and I thought they looked goofey. As I learned more about the history of those knives, they seemed to really grow on me. I would like to find a good old near mint Cattaraugus myself. For some reason, I am a fan of that brand. I don't know why. A nice Case would be alright too. I would have to go after an XX though to suite my budget. Of course the old old ones that were around back when they were more for use than collectability would be the ideal. I wouldn't throw an old Platts or Crandall out of my display case if I had one.

Are toenails all that you collect? What got you hooked?

P.S. I know I have mentioned this before...... I really like your website! Very interesting stuff.

Bryan

Honestly, I started out with NEW Bokers. I loved all the cool patterns and looks. Then I started learning about Boker's rich history...talk about an old company....started in the early 1800's..Needless to say, this got me into the old H. Bokers. I started studying Levine's Guide and saw my first toenail and it grabbed me and still hasn't let go. I thought it was the oddest knife, but it was love at first sight. I wanted to find one of those big ol fat jumbo swellcenters by Platts. My quest started there and now with about 160 of them the quest continues.
I like the Catts too. They are way under rated and in my opinion are a steal.

Wow, Just seen this on ebay.........

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... RK:MEWA:IT

That is a bueuty..... The wife would kill me.....

Bryan

Yeah, I understand..I am among the walking dead now. Imagine buying 122 of them at one time...talk about "the wife wanting to kill me" I'll hear about it the rest of my life. She wanted a pool

The one you referenced on ebay is worth more than it brought and is probably still for sale if you want it. Some of those have sold for around $1500 for NM.

I just thought of something I would like to have......... Hows about a toenail with ivory handles. I've seen a few Case Classics, but never really paid attention to how much they sell for.

Not sure if anyone has seen those mastadon ivory knives Case has been making. They should consider reintroducing some toenails made out of that stuff. I would just about have to buy one.

I hear ya about those catt knives Scott. They are of top notch quality in my book. Very underrated.

Bryan

Hello CaseTested,

Welcome to the forum! I assume that you live in Argentina? I am curious to know..... Are there a lot of knife collectors or American manufactured knives in this part of the world? I have to assume that Case knives are not as abundunt as they are in the United States.

Just wondering,
Bryan

Ha!

Yes, I suppose you are correct that location is irrelevant these days. Sounds like you have a very nice collection. Case pearls sure are nice! I especially like the giant handled patterns such as the 65 and 50.

Bryan

Brian:

Yes, indeed!

The 81050 L with a 'swing guard' and 'lock' is a most impressive piece at 5 1/2" !

My other favorites include the 81072, 8165 and 81098...............yet, I have a very special place in my heart for the 83091 and other diminutive (?)..... at 4 1/2"! ........ Whittlers.

And yet, while I do have these and most of the other common patterns in my collection ....I do not have an 8488

Regards....

Ah yes,

The 8488. That would be a nice one to have. Sounds like a must for a collection like yours...... Next time you run accross one, you better not let it go.... It belongs with its other pearl friends.

Bryan

Hey Alex,

No worry, I didn't even notice

Bryan

The one in the top of the pic, but I could not afford it