Guide to Building a Legacy Knife Collection for Your Family

If you are a knife enthusiast, you are likely wondering what makes a great knife collection. But, if you don’t know where to start, it can be quite challenging. So, this guide will teach you the fundamentals of creating a legacy knife collection for your family and the generations that follow.  

Step 1: Determining Your Budget

First, setting your budget is the most important thing to do because it will affect the quality of the knife and the size of your collection.

Knife prices can range anywhere from a few dollars to over a thousand dollars, like this beautiful Anthony Marfione limited edition custom knife with a Persian Damascus blade and a black paracord wrapped handle. So, before embarking on a collection, make sure you know your finances and decide on a budget that fits your lifestyle.

Step 2: Deciding on the Type of Knife You Want to Collect

There are many kinds of knives available, such as swords, bayonets, antiques, and pocket knives. Researching and determining what style of knife you want specifically will help you to create a collection you can take pride in for years to come.

Use guides such as the Official Price Guide to Collector Knives to become knowledgeable about knife models and prices. Peruse antique stores, shop online from reputable dealers, read knife publications, and attend knife shows.

Some of the most popular knives on the market are folding knives, Bowie knives, and daggers.

• Folding Knife

This knife has a blade which can be safely and compactly folded into the handle. It is ideal for everyday use and carry, and it is extremely popular due to its safety features and quick deployment.

• Bowie Knife

The legendary Bowie knife is long, with a fixed, double-edged blade, and it is heavily prized by knife aficionados due to its unique design. Originally meant for self-defense, this knife is used by hunters for breaking down their game.

• Dagger

Tactical weapons are well-liked among collectors. This type of knife is short with a pointed and edged blade, and it has a colorful global history.

Narrowing your preferences also gives you a clear focus and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by all the choices. Some seasoned knife collectors search for knives with historical importance, manufactured during a particular period or used in a specific event or purpose.

Step 3: Identifying a Good Knife

What makes a good knife? Here are the crucial factors that will help you to identify a high-quality knife.

• The Blade

The first thing you address when you are choosing a knife is the blade. Pay attention to the blade’s shape, size, and material.

Avoid blades with a point that is relatively thin or narrow. Choose a knife which has a sturdier point and which can take plenty of abuse, especially if it is for survival purposes.

The size of the blade is another key aspect because you need to make sure it isn’t too big or too small. Depending on the purpose of the knife, you must decide on what size you want the blade to be.

• The Blade’s Material

While there are many materials used to craft a blade, choose a knife with a blade constructed of stainless or carbon steel since they are the most durable materials.

Stainless steel is the most popular kind of steel used in knife manufacturing because it has a higher degree of corrosion resistance.

Carbon steel, on the other hand, is popular with people who need a durable knife because it’s tough and easy to sharpen.

• The Handle

A handle is a huge part of the knife, and it should not only feel comfortable and durable. Avoid handles that seem hollow or made from plastic, as they can break or wear out quickly.

• The Design

The design is one of the most important factor, especially for a collector. When choosing a new knife to add to your collection, you should take note of its purpose. Is it going to be functional or purely decorative?

For example, a tactical knife often times will have a serrated edge to prevent it from dulling, making it handy to saw wood or cut a hole in the ground. If you are more interested in an embellished sword that harkens back to earlier times, then the overall design may be more important than they type of blade concealed in the sheath.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a seasoned knife enthusiast or looking for a new hobby, knife collecting can be a rewarding activity. If you want more tips and advice on how to choose a good knife, you can visit an online forum, where you can find many knife experts willing to share their experiences with this fascinating hobby.