Collectible Knifes

Knife Collecting Ideas

The great thing about knife collecting is there are so many kinds of collectible knifes to choose. For instance, movie fans can purchase the type of knife Sylvester Stallone used in his Rambo films, while Allied and German military knives from World War II might do for history buffs.

Motor enthusiasts should know that The Franklin Mint sells Harley-Davidson limited edition collector folding knives, while NASCAR has collectible cutlery too, often presented in display cases or with diecast scale model race cars. In addition, gift shops sell souvenir pen knives advertising cities and attractions, which mean there are deep pools of collecting possibilities here as well.

Knife collecting ideas just go on and on. The problem is not the lack of collectible material, but where to start collecting.

Interesting Collectible Knifes

Gurkha Knife

There are collectible knifes associated with various wars and military divisions, including the US Marine’s famous standard-issue KA-BAR knives and World War II German air force pilot daggers with Swastika insignias. Trench knives from World War I have special finger-hole grips for hand-to-hand combat while recent bayonet combat knives are designed to fix on the end of machine gun barrels.

One interesting military knife is the Kukri knife, commonly called the Gurkha knife. This national knife of Nepal is used during Hindu festivals and has a dazzling, distinctive curve that aids in slashing.

Gurkhas are a group of people from a section of Nepal. Their soldiers fought to unite Nepal in the eighteenth century then against the British in the nineteenth century. So legendary was their fighting prowess that Gurkha soldiers were made part of the British army.

Don’t forget that every proper Gurkha knife should have two similar smaller knives in its sheath.

Switchblades and Gravity Knives

At the opposite end of the spectrum from the national knife of Nepal are switchblades and gravity knives. Any knife that opens in an interesting manner could also be included in this category. It might be a good idea to check local laws before purchasing these knives though, because they are illegal in many countries and states. Two types are:

Switchblades - When a button is pressed on the side, a spring mechanism opens the blade. The blade can shoot straight out from the tip of the handle or fold out from the side. Although knives that open in the former manner are often called stilettos, they should not be confused with actual stilettos which are daggers used for stabbing.

Butterfly Knives - These knives look pretty spectacular when experts open them. Metal flashes all around the assailant’s fingers before the blade appears in his hand...or inches away from the victim’s face, for that matter. It takes a lot of practice to properly open butterfly knives though. The blade is enclosed in the handle that freely splits apart on hinges then closes up to lock the blade into position. Butterfly knives are also called Balisong knives and often associated with Asia.

Two books about collecting switchblades:

• Antique American Switchblades: Identification & Value Guide by Mark Erickson
• Collector's Guide to Switchblade Knives: An Illustrated Historical and Price Reference by Richard V. Langston

Bowie Knife

Between these two extremes are various types of fixed blade and folding collectible knifes. For instance, the Bowie knife was made famous by Colonel James Bowie who died with Davy Crockett at The Alamo. Bowie was known for knife fighting, and any large, hunting knife has come to be called a Bowie knife. In addition, his first knife was crafted by the blacksmith James Black, making original James Black knives extremely sought after.

Fantasy Knives

These are wild science fiction and fantasy edged weapons of medieval or futuristic inspiration. Although having amazing shapes and blade configurations, they are not always the most practical or functional weapons. For example, the fantasy artist and weapons designer Kit Rae has made an Eye of Drakonus knife, Fang of Baelin double-bladed knife, and a Medusa Dagger. He is well known for designing weapons for many science fiction movies and television shows too.

Famous Knife Companies

• Swiss Army Knife The official Victorinox site.
• Gerber Legendary Blades Gerber knives are important hunting and outdoor knives, founded by John Gerber in 1939. According to the Gerber website, their MK II Combat Knife was popular during the Viet Nam war.
• KA-BAR Knives Inc. The site of this famous military knife also has company history.

Collectible Knife Craftsmen

There are many artisans who handcraft knives. Often they will also custom make knives to a customer’s specifications.

• KnifeLegends Describing themselves as a company run by collectors for collectors, they sell handmade knives by many craftsmen.

• The American Bladesmith Society, Inc. This society promotes the art and science of bladesmithing and even has a school. Links to its graduates are on the website.

External Links For More Information

• The American Knife and Tool Institute is a non-profit organization.
• Knife World Publications publishes Knife World magazine and sells many knife-related books.
• The National Knife Collectors Association, Inc. was established 1972.