Deciding on a type of knife to collect

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ron McCullough on January 1, 2012 at 16:09

Mel, I am kind of the same way. I have only been collecting for about 8 years. I buy what catches my eye and, the collection is all over the map. I enjoy the Barlow's more then the trappers. Trappers are nice but not really one of my favorite's. I like the Texas Lockhorn, Sowbelly and Saddlehorn. I have mainly Case but, like Great Eastern, Roberson and Schatt & Morgan.

 

Good luck in what ever you settle on.

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on January 1, 2012 at 16:12

Trappers are the most collected pattern of traditionals out there.  Barlow have made a new resurgence and are also popular.    Iy will be had not find a traditional pattern knife maker who doesn't offer several trappers and barlows. Deciding on a specific pattern or company is always a good way to define a collection and also a good way to save money.

But in the end you need to buy what you like (and can afford).  It is a hobby and should bring you joy.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on January 1, 2012 at 17:16

Mel,

We have collected by pattern, by company and by handle type at one time or another.  The guys have given you great advise.  If those are the patterns that bring you joy, thats the best move.  A knife should make you smile when you buy it, when it arrives at your door and whenever you handle it.  That is the joy of a collection.

Permalink Reply by stephen tungate on January 1, 2012 at 19:12

i think that trappers are good to collect i collect some trappers my self i also like many others i think one should buy what you like .no matter the brand but i seem to stick with case;rough rider ;sharade; gec; boker; and bull dog; so i'm all over the place i don.t like to being tied down to one company that way you can get what you like and in a collection that's what matter's.......

Permalink Reply by Mel Jones on January 2, 2012 at 14:33

Thanks for all ths feedback. Some interesting comments. Knives are a huge platform, something for everyone.

Permalink Reply by Shlomo ben Maved on January 3, 2012 at 6:10

Mel, collect what you want, what you like, what meets your price range but most importantly what meets your heart & mind.

You want Barlow knives then collect all the handle materials and in all sizes of each of the companies making them, single or double bladed, doubles on same or opposite ends...Advertising Barlows are especially neat!

I have some, but I like Elephant Toe, Muskrat, Trapper, Stockmen, Congress, Canoe, Pen and Single blade belt knives in folders.

I've never been extremely interested in complete year knives like Schatt & Morgan et al produce until recently when I inherited a seven year consecutive series of them but I don't know if I'll fill in the gaps between the mid 1990s to today.

I collect a number of commercial makers and have nearly totally complete collections of them and some customs as well...By maker it's everything they make (except Chi-Comm made) but I collect what I like from whomever will supply them and that's working knives--especially Trout & Bird, (para)chute knives, Cowboy Bowies, Gaucho knives, historical knives (Roman, Medieval, Renaissance) as well as some military knives (S/F Commando, V42, Trench knives), swords, tomahawks and pole arms.

Tobias Gibson said:

Trappers are the most collected pattern of traditionals out there.  Barlow have made a new resurgence and are also popular.    Iy will be had not find a traditional pattern knife maker who doesn't offer several trappers and barlows. Deciding on a specific pattern or company is always a good way to define a collection and also a good way to save money.

But in the end you need to buy what you like (and can afford).  It is a hobby and should bring you joy.

I really think that the "Stockmen" is collected more since there are companies making only that as their folder...Major companies will have both Stockmen and Trappers but the Stockmen will come in three or four sizes while the Trappers only in one or two.