All About Pocket Knives

I'm working on a display of some of my Sheffield pen knives. Here's what I have so far. The knives are mop, ivory, bone, and ivorine on a navy background. Looks quite good in person but having trouble getting a really good photo. Any feedback or advice appreciated. I'm thinking it might be too crowded. s-k

smiling-knife try takeing out those 7 MOP's and see what it looks like.
Then make or get new box just for them. If this works ok.
Or I can give it a try I will return them to you.

I have some Schrade Scrimshaw in wood cases and the most they put in a case is 7 knives. Looking back not to many companys do more than that. For that size case.

Excellent display

smiling-knife wrote:I'm working on a display of some of my Sheffield pen knives. Here's what I have so far. The knives are mop, ivory, bone, and ivorine on a navy background. Looks quite good in person but having trouble getting a really good photo. Any feedback or advice appreciated. I'm thinking it might be too crowded. s-k

Hi s-k,
I would not change anything, keep it the way it is. Not to crowded, nor is it to lean. I like the contrast of materials, yet they are all light in color and go well with the background. Nice work. Feel free to send it to me for a couple years for an in depth evaluation.

I think it looks GREAT

Some real beauties there S-K...

Bill

Thanks very much for the positive feedback . Once I have it finalized I'll add a page with the names, materials, age etc. Do you think it is OK to leave the blades open like this? s-k

smiling-knife wrote:Thanks very much for the positive feedback . Once I have it finalized I'll add a page with the names, materials, age etc. Do you think it is OK to leave the blades open like this? s-k

My personal concern, not shared by all, is that it may weaken the springs, especially on older knives. But, this is my personal opinion.

Dale

Well I will stick out my neck again here.
I have a large Schrade 42 knife store display ( I do not know the age of it). I can tell some of the knives have lost some snap. I fell it is cuz they were showed and stored with the blade OPEN.
If I had your nice set I would take photos with them open. Then store them closed.

But you know me I am not right very often.

Now that is most impressive SK, that is one of the better collections I have seen put together. I agree with Hukk that the dark background goes great with the lighter colored handles.

Perfectly Stunning

But don't listen to Hukk though, his evaluating time frame is way too long, I will only keep your collection long enough to get a really indepth idea of the great history of Sheffield..That shouldn't take too long..

Sunburst

I have had all my knives displayed in the open position in my wall display case. I leave them that way all the time (except for periodic cleaning and a drop or 2 of oil) because in my opinion it is the best way to display a knife. My knives are all of the 1970's vintage and I haven't noticed any ill effects from doing this. Years down the road..... who knows? I just think if people can't view your knives, you might as well have them locked up in a vault somewhere. My Humble Opinion, Kelley

Thanks again for the input. Seems the jury is still out on the blades open or closed issue . I could get more knives in the case with the blades closed but not nearly as interesting to look at. It is a work in progress. I'm considering all mop because it looks great on the navy background. Haven't decided yet s-k

SK, I'll cast my vote for closed. JMHO.

jmo - closed or fully open.

jonet143 wrote:jmo - closed or fully open.

Good point Johnnie!
Fully open shouldn't load the springs.
IIRC, I have heard LT say that the best way to store most of the old automatics is fully open so that there is no load on the spring.

Dale

Thanks for the information. To be safe I'm closing them all before bedtime tonight. Will try something with the blades fully open. Thanks again. s-k

Just thought I would pick at this open or closed knife question.

I have bought mint sets, commemorative sets, or other designer sets and when removing them from the original cases/boxes/displays where they are left open over a period of time there does not appear to be any ill affects to the springs. Most of these are not put into the displays as fully closed or fully open, but instead in a configuration that makes them display well (sort of half cocked). I have sets from the 70's - 80's 90's and current that when I have removed them, still have the walk and talk you would inspect from a knife. Most killers of these sets are still moisture related getting trapped inside the enclosed cases. The current display knifes such as in the CASE Pocket Worn 10th anniversary mint set are displayed in a configuration that they are almost closed and look really great. They have inserted a piece of clear plastic tubing down into the liners to hold the tang at the hight intended for exposing the blades and not taking a lot of room. I would add a picture of the display but, I have already taken it apart to get the Saddlehorn I wanted. I have added a couple of pic's to show the blade positions on the Pocket Worn Mint set knives as done by the factory, and an older foam board knife positions, and a group of S & M that I really like the display mix

At any rate my point is I have some knives that have been sitting in the half cocked position for 30 years and they still have the same snap as my wife when I get go off half cocked.

Buzzard

s-k, I like those pen knives my friend. Always had a facination with them.
Among others.

Singin46