How to start a pocket knife/switchblade collection
I am completely new to this hobby. I know I am interested in collecting both pocket knives and switchblades. If you are a complete beginner to this hobby where would you start? ie: knife brands, good starter knives, best places to buy, etc.? Thanks for any help you can provide.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Steve Shackleford on -
Before doing anything, educate yourself on what's available. Read anything and everything you can about collecting knives--BLADE magazine, knife books, Internet knife discussion forums, etc. Ask questions and don't worry about asking stupid ones. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Buy price guides and collector books. BLADE's Guide to Knives & Their Values, the Standard Knife Collector's Guide, the Official Price Guide to Collector Knives, American Premium Guide to Knives & Razors, Collecting Case Knives, Antique American Switchblades, and Collector's Guide to Switchblade Knives are a few.
Go to knife shows and look at knives up close. There is no better place to see more knives up close and personal and more people who know about them. Looking at pictures of knives is a good way to familiarize yourself with types, patterns, makers, etc., but NOTHING can replace looking at them in person.
At the shows, ask the exhibitors if you can pick the knife/knives up and study them closely. What do you like about the knife? What do you not like? Ask questions. What's collectible? What's not collectible? What would the exhibitor recommend you do as a beginning collector? What would he/she recommend you NOT do?
One thing you do NOT want to do is get in a hurry, jump in and buy a bunch of knives before you know what YOU like. If YOU like the knives, even if they're not valuable at the moment, at least you've got something you like and want to collect.
As for switchblades, be sure to know the laws in your area and any area you plan on buying them in. Switchblades are still against the law in many areas, so check the laws closely.
That should help you get started, anyhow. Hope it helps.
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Permalink Reply by Rep. Jenn Coffey on -
Also know the laws of your state regarding switchblades and have your orders go through a ffl to play it safe, there are still federal laws on the books that can cause harm. If possible just go to a store and ask them to order what it is you want to protect yourself.
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Permalink Reply by David Green on -
Even if you order through the store it can be a problem. There are state where you can own them but not carry them. In most cases a swithchlade in the pocket will be considered by law enforcement as a concealed weapon and can charge you accordingly. I don't say this because I'm anti-cop. I am a retired Deputy Sheriff, after 34 years of service. In Ohio, only a police officer, an active duty military, a ccw holder, or a one armed man, may carry one concealed. There is a nationwide map on the web showing which states have which laws concerning switchblades. Can't remember the url but a Google search should find it easily enough. They sell them openly at gunshows here in Ohio, but they also sell loud mufflers, flashing lights for the front of your car, etc.. Because they sell something openly does not mean it is legal to use it. Just be informed and be cautious.
Unkei
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Permalink Reply by David Green on
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Not the map but a list showing law on ownership and carry.
http://www.amatecon.com/switchblade.html
Remember, carry in a belt pouch and carry concealed are not the same!
Unkei
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Permalink Reply by Geoffrey Withnell on -
Here is a link with info on state and locality knife carry laws.
http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife.pdf
Geoff Withnell
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Permalink Reply by Rep. Jenn Coffey on
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The second link looks more up to date, the first one is missing some stuff so always check with your locals to be sure of your states regulations.
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Permalink Reply by David Green on
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Yes, the second link has some substantial information, albiet presented in a somewhat different form. Just be sure that the laws concerning actual carry, concealed or open, such as on belt in a pouch, do not put you in harm's way (legally), because these are the conditions that may cause you to be put in a position where you might be incarcerated. The bottom line is always, be as informed as you can possibly be, and I mean as pertains to actual laws and not as pertains to internet "opinions". Not to disparage any opinion or member contribution, but these laws about "ANY" concealed carry situations may impact you and your family more than you could possibly imagine. Again, this viewpoint is from a retired LEO, with 34 years of experience with the criminal justice system in Ohio. Even police officers involved in a justifiable shooting scenario will be subjected each and every time to the Grand Jury process and proceedings as well as public opinion. I have seen many otherwise innocent persons prosecuted under law because their legally entitled spouse accidentally left their weapon in the glove compartment. We all just need to be aware of our situation and the possibility that circumstances may leave us open to legal prosecution that otherwise might never occur.
Unkei
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