All About Pocket Knives

My father was a hunter and fisherman and passed away a few years ago. I've been sorting through his 'stuff' in storage for quite some time and inherited his knife collection. Many of these I purchased over the years (Buck, Swiss, Kershaw, National Blade) and have no idea of how to determine the 'value' of these. Are there reference books? Any suggestions? My husband and I are retired and do not fish and hunt and, want to educate myself before being taken advantage of by local antique/shop dealers.

HI!

You came to the right place. If you want to post individual knives with photo's we can help you out, but a book like Mr. Levines knife guide #4 would be a good investment. You will still need some guidance as to how to rate your knives but once you get the hang of it you'll do fine. Maybe even enjoy doing it and become a knife nut like us. Give us some details on a particular knife with a photo if possible and I am sure this fine group will give you some straight answers. Good luck and look forward to heaing from you.

PS maybe someone is close enough to inspect them in person. That would be even better. Our host is very knowledgable and may even be able to help you move them if you like. I suggest asking Byran for more information.

Thanks

Just to add a little to what PA has suggested.....

Most local antique shops would be a poor place to sell your knives, because few are knowledgeable enough in cutlery to give you a reasonable price. They will also expect to make a profit on the next sale. Also, just because a knife is 50 years old doesn't mean it is a desireable "Collectable." There must be a "Market" for the brand/style, or it's just a good, old, tool.

If you can't take/post pictures, a detailed description would be a start, including:

1. Overall length. Closed length if it's a folding knife.
2. All markings.....EXACTLY as they read.
3. Handle material
4. Any other perinent information
5. General, overall condition (eg, new in the box...lightly used...carried, sharpened, and used everyday)

That said, you know the old saying......"Nothing beats a picture".....or something like that....

We love this stuff, and will be glad to help, if we can....

Welcome.

Bill

Dear PA and El Lobo:
Thanks so much for your quick responses, they were so encouraging. I'm computer challenged but will try to get assistance this week and take photos with a digital and get help posting them to the site. In the meantime, I'll work on the descriptions. Terms are new to me but will take measurements and obtain information from original boxes and/or internet sources. You have no idea how grateful I am. I sent an email to Bryan and received an immediate response. What an incredible site this is, I've read so many postings the last two days and they are invaluable! I'll also try to find Mr. Levine's book and begin the 'education'. Your responses were greatly appreciated, as my limited knowledge is scary. Thanks again. CeCi :

CeCi,

I see you have posted on one of Bernard Levine's forums as well. He is an expert, and with pictures he and others on the forum can help you as well. It's hard to have too much good help...

Your story of the "local offer" only lends credence to what I said about local shops, IMO.
You should remember however, that a used hunting knife that you paid $75 for might in fact only bring $10-$15 in that condition. But, you might also have a "Gem" or two.

Bernard's best guide is #4 (as PA mentioned)....it is out of print. However it shows up on ePray..er, eBay on occasion, or you can get it here for $75, which may be more than you want to invest...

http://www.agrussell.com/books/levines_ ... alues.html

Anyway, the reality is that the knives are worth only what someone will pay....but nobody wants to get creamed when trying to sell...

Just a little more information,

Bill

Dear Bill:

Thank you again for your quick response. I've been on the internet all morning and found I've very challenged in that area also BUT have learned a few things. Mr. Levine's book is a bit pricey for me, at this stage, but I'll see if I can find references in the local library's internet sources. I tried to list models on Ebay and am, obviously,not doing it right so will continue to try.

I just found listings for several knives (knife shops, ebay, etc). I have a 'collector edition' of a Kershaw knife with scrimshaw handle by artist Walter Alexander,#81 of 500 made, so I attempted to email Kershaw after looking at the 'knifedealer.net/knives/knifemakers.shtml for the address but the email was returned. The scrimshaw drawing is of a Mars Seaplane and the date on thehandle is 1986. I'll try Kershaw's 800#and hope the web site had the right information. Frustraring as email address is incorrect on that side and I assume that's the reason it was not delivered. According to the web info I found, another knive, the Kershaw #1050 folding field lockblade with brass bolsters 4" blade knife is no longer made? It has finger grooved contoured black hanadles, not sure of the handle material. It's in the original Kershaw knife sheath. There are two Buck Kalinga knives on Ebay currently so when the auction is over, I assume I can find the prices. My dad's knife and sheath was never used but a 'critter' nibbled on the outside brown material glued to the box so there is no value in the original box. The brochure is inside, with the knife and sheaf.

THANKS AGAIN FOR THE SUGGESTIONS AND POINTING ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I can see how easily it is to get involved in knife collecting and the amazing amount of research and thought that must be given to each one. I've read questions and answers dating back almost two years on the site. What a tremendous amount of sharing! Great Site!
CeCi

CeCi,

Here is info from Kershaw's website.......

http://www.kershawknives.com/small.htm

I believe it's up to date. It might take awhile to load.

Good Luck,

Bill

Thanks for the Kershaw website, I'm still plugging along and learning a lot. I sincerely appreciate the information and input.
CeCi

Did I tell you this was a great bunch of people or what?

Best of luck and keep us informed at the very least as to how it turns out.

This IS a great bunch and I sincerely appreciate the responses. I've sent an email to Kershaw to see if I can solicit additional information about the Artist Collectible knive (scrimshaw handle signed), as well as about the Kershaw Folding Field Model 1050. Both have neve been used and blades are beautiful. I'm going to try to take photos on the digital and will post them this weekend. I've read so much about knives during the last three days that I head is swimming but it's been extremely informative. Thanks again for your reponses!
CeCi