Bridging the Gap between young and older collectors

[Zbnrthct]

As a younger collector, I feel at times there is some tension between the new generation of collectors and older generation of collectors of Case Knives. The new flashy knives don't seem to please the older collectors along with thought, rightfully so at times, of the quality falling off over the years. The older knives don't seem to be as sought after to the younger generation of collectors who seem to be pursing more of flashy and colorful knife, myself included. I still love the older-1980s and before-Case knives guy, don't crucify me! I love the craftsmanship and quality of Case knives from that era. I believe some of the newer patterns and designs are more appealing to a younger generation and in some cases I believe that the handles look better. Again, not speaking on the quality. Is it important for Case to try and appeal to the younger generation of collectors to replenish some of their fan/collectors base? If case has lost quality since the 80's, how can case bring back that quality and still appeal to a younger age group? This is a discussion guys and gals no need to get all bent out of shape. Just trying to bridge a gap!

ZeeBee

[Railsplitter]

I’m not sure if the gap will ever be bridged. There are generation gaps in all aspects of life. It’s just the way the big wheel spins.

I do think that it’s important for Case to reach a variety of customers and the first thing they should do to improve quality is go back to pinning shields again. They already do a great job with bone handles. I hope they never lose sight of that like they did with the pinned shields.

[Mumbleypeg]

Since you specificaly mentioned them, if you peruse the Case web site www.caseknives.com you’ll see they have numerous offerings that are colorful, not just traditional patterns but also more modern designs, among them single blade “flippers” in various modern steel options, with anodized aluminum, carbon fiber, G10, etc covers. There are also many younger collectors who are into their “traditional” patterns, in a multitude of colors. Case is in an awkward position of maintaining their 120+ year old base products, while simultaneously designing and marketing modern cutlery. No doubt they would like to appeal to young users and collectors - whether they’re successful or not is TBD.

The appeal of older knives, made by not just Case (one of the very few still in business) but others like Camillus, Remington, Ulster, Robeson, Queen and hundreds more, is somewhat based on nostalgia. In the time when most of those brands were being produced those collectors carried, or had parents, uncles, grandfathers who carried those knives. And learning the fascinating (to some) histories of those brands appeals to many collectors. Relatively high quality was a given - the price of admission to the cutlery game. Sub-par knives rarely if ever made it out of the factory door. (If they did there wasn’t an internet social media to blab about it to thousands of others!) Knives from that time deemed to be “seconds”, and marked as such can be found today, many with flaws undetectable by today’s collectors who wonder why the knife was rejected.

It is what it is, and shouldn’t be the cause for discord between generations of collectors. Just don’t expect those who like the “oldies” to necessarily be interested in collecting newer knives. And visa versa. The perspective of whether bright shiny or glittery metal is prettier than stag or jigged bone is in the eye of the beholder. Collect what YOU like - it’s your money.

Ken

[Zbnrthct]

I agree completely. I’m not a fan of the new glittery handles. They look cheaply made to me. Not saying they are but that’s vibe I get. I feel like the number of new collectors are up. I don’t think many are trained on the difference between a high quality knife and one of lower quality.

[rea1eye]

I don't think the gap is that large. We all like knives. The
older collectors may love the older patterns and standard
scales. The younger people may want the more shinny
and unusual scales. I think knife manufacturers can
provide enough for every ones tastes.

Quality of today's knives may be different than what
they were 40 years ago but what manufactured item
has not changed? Some manufacturers have stepped up to
make sure the customer gets a really quality knife if
they have the money to pay extra,

I guess as I am writing this I hope knife collecting doesn't
polarize like the American spirit has in the last 10 years.

Maybe I need my glasses changed....

Bob

[Zbnrthct]

That’s a great perspective Bob. I wish we had the quality of 40 to 50 years ago on some of the scales today. But you’re right, things do change. Modernization happens. Things become automated sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad. Hope all is well. What’s your favorite knife from this era 2010-2025 and from an older era?

[btrwtr]

I don't expect other collectors to necessarily like the knives that I like and I expect that equation should work both ways. I do respect what others like and collect although I don't necessarily favor what they collect. I think it all comes down to respecting each other as knife enthusiasts and collectors and embracing that common thread. AAPK does a great job of welcoming all long as long as that respect is maintained. The diversity in collecting is on full display here without the divisiveness that can be found elsewhere.

[Ripster]

It’s interesting to read the discussion here . As a Collector of pre 1950 s knives and Cars ,I carry a Kershaw Leek and drive a 2023 Chevy . So old and new have their place. As Bob stated we don’t need any more division in this country. We can all find some way to bridge gaps instead of making them wider. Have learned a lot from us older folks and a lot from the younger guys and gals . Rather than focus on what’s wrong let’s focus on what’s working . We are all folks who are knife carrying, collecting, making , modding. types. Enjoy your day out there all you knifers!

[CutleryCollector-com]

If I were a young collector starting out seeking case knives and I decided to only go after case xx or case tested knives, as a moderate working man, I would only be able to afford 1 to 4 knives a year. Buying from the Internet or well attended knife shows, I would be worried that the investment in my hobby would not seek a return on my collection/investment based on the trends in collecting with the up and coming generations. In Boise, all of my clients have passed away. I've started knife clubs in this valley just to end up buying back whole collections from people that have given up finding any knives locally. I've given out knives to young adults to try and build a collector base back again. My only outlet now to sell what I find, outside of paying to much fees to auction online, is to just hang on to everything and sell once a year in Eugene. Online auction killed our local knife clubs because we don't have to get together to trade/sell what we find with each other. It's all online now. How do we bring back the local knife clubs/collectors to our love of knives?

[Reverand]

I appreciate the perspective. I have often wondered why "they don't make them like they used to", and your explanation makes sense.
I still think we of the older generation are right (LOL!), but I can appreciate seeing it through your eyes.
And, by the way, we don't often verbally abuse folk around here, so feel free to keep posting your opinions. You did so respectfully, and we will reciprocate!

[Zbnrthct]

I am located in Tennessee and I have seen more young collectors in the past few years get into the knives than I have in a long time. Like I've said in some of my previous post, I have really got into collecting in the past two years. Growing up I always had a case knife because my dad collected. I wasn't as interested then as I am now. My wife calls it my old man hobby, I am 30, but I find it more like therapy. Finding and learning about new knives, all the different brands excites me and gives me a passion outside of work. I think with the use of online platforms we could bring back knife clubs or help establish new knife clubs. We live in a time of a digital world and at times this if good and at times this is bad. You have to put the products and knives in their face to see them and an online platform is needed in todays time to reach the younger generation. I invite y'all to join Southeast Blade Traders on Facebook. I am aware that some may not have a Facebook but if you do please feel free to join. the page has grown a lot over the past few years and knives are traded on there all the time throughout the day. Do you think because more and more people entering the workforce are in some technological area and they do not require a knife for everyday work task? Is it possible to just have an online forum that mees up once a year?

ZeeBee

[Railsplitter]

Is it possible to just have an online forum that mees up once a year?

ZeeBee

An AAPK annual meet-up would be pretty cool. There could be regional meet-ups so more members could attend. One for north, south, east, and west regions of the country.

They could be as simple as making a reservation at a restaurant or something more elaborate.

Intriguing idea.

[Zbnrthct]

I think it would be a great way to put names to faces. Talk about knives of the past and knives of the future. Case, GEC , etc. Everything and everyone is welcome. I know we are fairly dispersed out but a central location for everyone would be great.

[bestgear]

Is it possible to just have an online forum that mees up once a year?

ZeeBee

An AAPK annual meet-up would be pretty cool. There could be regional meet-ups so more members could attend. One for north, south, east, and west regions of the country.

They could be as simple as making a reservation at a restaurant or something more elaborate.

Intriguing idea.

A few years ago I tried to get a Zoom gathering going but there was zero interest at the time (https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... m#p1118006). I think many on the forum (but not all) like the anonymity of not having to show yourself to other forum members for whatever reason (possibly a generational gap ). I like the Zoom gathering idea because at a set date and time (let's say monthly), anyone that wants to tune-in to be heard can do so and if they feel comfortable enough they can open their camera so others can both see them and hear them, all from the comfort of their easy chair for zero cost. Someone would moderate the Zoom gathering and it could feature a topic or theme as well as have on-going topic discussions.

If anyone has any interest, I'll setup and moderate the first gathering.

[Zbnrthct]

Is it possible to just have an online forum that mees up once a year?

ZeeBee

An AAPK annual meet-up would be pretty cool. There could be regional meet-ups so more members could attend. One for north, south, east, and west regions of the country.

They could be as simple as making a reservation at a restaurant or something more elaborate.

Intriguing idea.

A few years ago I tried to get a Zoom gathering going but there was zero interest at the time (https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... m#p1118006). I think many on the forum (but not all) like the anonymity of not having to show yourself to other forum members for whatever reason (possibly a generational gap ). I like the Zoom gathering idea because at a set date and time (let's say monthly), anyone that wants to tune-in to be heard can do so and if they feel comfortable enough they can open their camera so others can both see them and hear them, all from the comfort of their easy chair for zero cost. Someone would moderate the Zoom gathering and it could feature a topic or theme as well as have on-going topic discussions.

If anyone has any interest, I'll setup and moderate the first gathering.

That would be great Tom. i would for sure be interested. Is there currently a Facebook group for All About Pocket Knives/

Zack

[Railsplitter]

A few years ago I tried to get a Zoom gathering going but there was zero interest at the time (https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... m#p1118006). I think many on the forum (but not all) like the anonymity of not having to show yourself to other forum members for whatever reason (possibly a generational gap ). I like the Zoom gathering idea because at a set date and time (let's say monthly), anyone that wants to tune-in to be heard can do so and if they feel comfortable enough they can open their camera so others can both see them and hear them, all from the comfort of their easy chair for zero cost. Someone would moderate the Zoom gathering and it could feature a topic or theme as well as have on-going topic discussions.

If anyone has any interest, I'll setup and moderate the first gathering.
[/quote]

I guess considering that you brought it up twice and there was zero interest both times, it might be futile to try it again.

I think it’s a good idea but I’m only one member.

[bestgear]

I think it’s a good idea but I’m only one member.

So the free version of Zoom only provides for 40 minutes and 100 participants per session. The lowest priced version of Zoom provides for 30 hours and 100 participants per session. What if I tested the waters with the free Zoom and if we get enough content and member interest to go beyond 40 minutes, then I'd be willing to foot the bill for the lowest price version to allow us to have longer sessions. Thoughts? Sounds like Zack and Rick would be in.

[RedRaiderRick]

I see both camps. I'm in my mid 60s so I'm old but new to collecting. I like modern and traditionals. I'm probably treading on sacred ground here but nothing about an old brown or black handled traditional knife interests me regardless of who or when it was made. In the traditionals, ACSB, stag or colored bones are my favs. I like owning and looking at them. Wood needs to be burl, spalted, or maybe snake wood to get my attention.

[Waukonda]

I'm probably treading on sacred ground here but nothing about an old brown or black handled traditional knife interests me regardless of who or when it was made.

Great post, and I am one of the biggest fans of "old brown or black handled". You like what you like, "don't tiptoe around the bush" about it.
Buy what you like, and don't worry about what it may be worth years from now. The value in a knife is the feeling you get from seeing it in your display case, holding it in your hand, or showing to a fellow collector, etc.
Excuse me for now, I gotta get back to my old brown and black handled knives.

[Railsplitter]

I think it’s a good idea but I’m only one member.

So the free version of Zoom only provides for 40 minutes and 100 participants per session. The lowest priced version of Zoom provides for 30 hours and 100 participants per session. What if I tested the waters with the free Zoom and if we get enough content and member interest to go beyond 40 minutes, then I'd be willing to foot the bill for the lowest price version to allow us to have longer sessions. Thoughts? Sounds like Zack and Rick would be in.

I would definitely be in for an early evening Zoom pretty much any day of the week. On certain days just about any time would work for me.

I assume that Zoom is still pretty easy to use. My only experience with Zoom is that we occasionally had Zoom meetings where I used to work. I remember that I only needed to click on a link and maybe type in a code. It was pretty easy to do back about 3 years ago.

A maximum of 40 minutes seems like a good place to start.

Test the waters if you want to, Tom but don’t feel obligated. I would hate to see it fail again but I suppose there is no harm in trying.

[toomanyknives]

The beauty of knife collecting is that there are plenty of knives for everyone. Old and new are still out there just waiting to be found. I'm 66 years old, and I guess I fit both categories of collector. I collect old American, German, British, and Japanese knives. But, I also collect new examples of the same.
There is no doubt that the old hand-made knives have something special going on. Just listen to the walk and talk, look at the fantastic jigging, colors, and quality of the materials that went into the construction.

That being said, I just don't know if my newer knives could stand up to the same amount of use, and still be here, much less usable 80 to 100 years from now. I have knives that old that still perform like the did when new. It's just amazing. There are some great knives being made today, so I may be wrong,
only time will tell.

I really don't think there is much "tension" between the young and old collectors, I just think it's more us old guys wanting to hold on to what we know is good and works, and the younger generation of collector embracing change. Most of the old guys I know don't like change that much..

Now, GET OFF MY LAWN!!!
P.S.
I did get this from my neighbor for Christmas, so that was nice..

[danno50]

Is it possible to just have an online forum that mees up once a year?

ZeeBee

An AAPK annual meet-up would be pretty cool. There could be regional meet-ups so more members could attend. One for north, south, east, and west regions of the country.

They could be as simple as making a reservation at a restaurant or something more elaborate.

Intriguing idea.

A few years ago I tried to get a Zoom gathering going but there was zero interest at the time (https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... m#p1118006). I think many on the forum (but not all) like the anonymity of not having to show yourself to other forum members for whatever reason (possibly a generational gap ). I like the Zoom gathering idea because at a set date and time (let's say monthly), anyone that wants to tune-in to be heard can do so and if they feel comfortable enough they can open their camera so others can both see them and hear them, all from the comfort of their easy chair for zero cost. Someone would moderate the Zoom gathering and it could feature a topic or theme as well as have on-going topic discussions.

If anyone has any interest, I'll setup and moderate the first gathering.

I think it’s a good idea but I’m only one member.

So the free version of Zoom only provides for 40 minutes and 100 participants per session. The lowest priced version of Zoom provides for 30 hours and 100 participants per session. What if I tested the waters with the free Zoom and if we get enough content and member interest to go beyond 40 minutes, then I'd be willing to foot the bill for the lowest price version to allow us to have longer sessions. Thoughts? Sounds like Zack and Rick would be in.

Great idea Tom!! Living where I do my only connection with other knife collectors is online forums and the occasional PM or email, or my once a year trip to the OKCA show. I would love to meet up face to face via zoom with other collectors.

[bestgear]

I would love to meet up face to face via zoom with other collectors.

I’m working on it now Dan, you’ll get an invite when I’m ready for Episode 1.

[Railsplitter]

I would love to meet up face to face via zoom with other collectors.

I’m working on it now Dan, you’ll get an invite when I’m ready for Episode 1.

[Jeepergeo]

I don't see any need to justify to anyone, except maybe a spouse, what one collects or why. It's a hobby, and should be fun. I've seen guys that collect toasters, typewriters, vacuums, and other things, and while it's not for me, I have found their collections fascinating.

I regularly watch Melissa Backwoods knife videos, but I have few if any of the knives she's reviewed in my collection. I just enjoy her reviews and pocket checks at events.

I think Case will be most successful if the company maintains a range of product lines to appeal to multiple ages and interests. Case has done that a bit with their modern folders and their Tony Bose knives. Even Buck has caught on by introducing the Range series of slide lock flippers, though I do think Buck needs to consider a wider range of handle materials.

So collect what YOU like and enjoy what you collect.