| Though knives are an essential part of any | | | | of antique or vintage knives rather than new |
| kitchen, they are also very popular collectibles. In | | | | ones. These knives are often built in much higher |
| fact, some of the same companies producing | | | | quality than some of today's knives. Because |
| high-quality knives for the kitchen, pocketknives | | | | knives have been produced for centuries, there is |
| for hunting or other outdoor uses, also produce | | | | a wide variety from which you can choose when |
| knives designed to be collectibles. | | | | starting your collection. When purchasing a vintage |
| When purchasing collectible knives, unlike kitchen | | | | knife, consider not only the style but also the |
| or pocket knives, your eye will generally be on | | | | quality, including the knife blade material. If you |
| style rather than on the quality of the blade. A | | | | plan to sharpen and use the knife, make sure that |
| collection of these knives may be centered on a | | | | it is able to be sharpened first. |
| certain theme or style of knife; many also have | | | | Many collectible knives and swords come with a |
| ornately designed handles. | | | | decorative sheath over the blade. To protect the |
| Pocket knives or folding knives make some of | | | | knife from scratches or nicks in the blade, keep |
| the most collectible knives, in part because their | | | | the sheath on whenever possible. Your collectible |
| small yet standard size allows for convenient | | | | knife should not need sharpening if it is kept on |
| displays. If you decide to collect pocket knives, | | | | display and never used. Depending on the quality |
| look into special display cases built specifically to | | | | of the blade, you may or may not be able to |
| hold them. Many collectibles feature a themed | | | | sharpen it. While some collectible knives are built |
| handle, such as a movie character, cartoon, | | | | to withstand frequent use, others are not meant |
| animal, or company logo. Even the most | | | | to be used at all, and are purely decorative. |
| well-known knife brands produce collectible and | | | | While many are mass-marketed and relatively |
| commemorative pocket knives. The many | | | | inexpensive, there are still many sources for |
| manufacturers in the world of collectible knives | | | | handmade or limited edition collectible knives |
| means that you will always be able to find | | | | employing expert craftsmanship. For serious |
| something new and interesting to add to your | | | | collectors, these high quality knives are well worth |
| collection. | | | | the price. They may use Damascus Steel or |
| Besides pocket knives, collectibles knives often | | | | other modern materials allowing a very sharp, high |
| come in the form of a unique set, such as a | | | | quality blade in a unique color without using any |
| fantasy set or dagger set. They can be made in | | | | dye or paint. They may even be etched with an |
| nearly every material, including many that would | | | | intricate design on the handle or blade. Very |
| be impractical for everyday use knives, such as | | | | expensive collector knives may even have |
| wooden blades. | | | | precious or semiprecious stone inlays in the handle. |
| If you enjoy collecting larger knives and daggers, | | | | Several times per year, carefully wipe the blades |
| you may also find yourself drawn to collectible | | | | of your knife collection with a soft, clean cloth. |
| swords. These swords are meant to hang on | | | | Then polish the blade, and re-sheath it. Avoid |
| your wall or rest in a tabletop stand. Like | | | | touching any part of the blade with your fingers; |
| collectible knives, swords may also come in a | | | | the oil can damage many blades. Proper |
| variety of styles and unique designs. | | | | maintenance can ensure that your collection |
| Another area of collectible knives is the purchase | | | | remains in the best condition possible. |