Vintage pocket knives are one the most popular collectibles, specifically among men. Collectors have various motives for acquiring knives, all of which are unique to those individuals. Some may be determined to collect knives that have handles made of rare or unique materials, while others may look for the decorative aspects of the knife’s handle, which can be simple or very intricate.
Still others may be passionate about the history or story behind the vintage knife, and are not as concerned about its condition. The majority of vintage pocket knife collectors do not use their knives for their original purposes, mainly because of their value and in many cases, fragility, depending on their age and condition. On the other hand, some collectors specifically look for vintage knives in excellent condition with sharp, polished blades (a nice, deep nail pull is a plus) in order to use them.
Name brands include but are not limited to Imperial, Keen Kutter, Schrade, Syracuse, Sabre, Kutmaster, and Colonial.
Features such as the blade length (both open and closed), the handle material, and the blade material, are all important when it comes to collecting. Typical blade length is about 4 or 5 inches, but can vary in size. Handles can be made of a range of materials from bone to brass or wood, and many are etched with designs and various phrases. Blades are often composed of carbon steel or stainless steel, but can be found made of other materials as well. Some blades have a smooth edge, while others have a saw tooth spine. The type of cuts you want to make with your knife, or simply your preference for the look of the blade, will help determine your choice.
When searching for vintage knives, it is important to take careful note of their descriptions and keep in mind what your ultimate goal is in owning a vintage knife. For instance, many vintage pocket knives are specifically being sold for their parts. They may have broken blades, handles, or issues with other parts. These are sold primarily for collectors who purchase knives in fair or good condition with the hope of using the parts to assemble a “new” knife made of old parts. For many collectors, the thrill of searching for and finding all the perfect vintage parts to create their “dream” knife is like putting together a puzzle, and the best part of collecting.
The internet is the best resource when it comes to searching for vintage pocket knives, whether you are just looking for parts or knives in excellent, working condition. If you are a new collector, guide books are available to help you research various features of pocket knives, also providing valuable advice when it comes to pricing.
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