American Shear & Knife Co. - Pre 1900

~ PRIVATE COLLECTION ~

Note: The American Shear & Knife Co. example pictured above was made before 1900, so it's well over 100 years old. The Ebony wood is in pristine condition for its age. All three blades are also in extremely good condition.

"There seems to be a consensus among serious knife collectors that a collection should have a theme. I tend to agree with that statement, especially if your priority is in maximizing the value of the collection, or if you intend to show your collection." The first advice I got from an experienced collector was, "don't try to collect everything, pick a narrow point of interest (a theme) and collect within those confines". "I think when it comes to knife collecting, I received good advice, and it's the first tip I would give a new-comer looking for input."

Knife Collecting: If you're thinking of starting a knife collection, consider this tip. Choose a "theme", set parameters for your theme and collect within those confines. For example, my main interest is "pocket"  or "folding" knives, and particularly American-made pocket knives manufactured prior to WWII.

The internet has changed many things in our lives (or at least for those of us who use it to its fullest potential). The internet has done two major things for and to collectors (no matter what they collect).

• PROVIDES A MARKET - First, it allows the collector to more easily find (or buy, sell or trade) whatever he/she collects. In this case we're concerned with collecting pocket knives. There are auctions where pocket knives are bought and sold daily. I will provide some links later. If you are looking for a hard to find knife with very specific characteristics, chances are that sooner or later you will find it on the internet.
• PUBLICIZES MARKET VALUES - Secondly, it's easier than ever before to find out what something is worth. This has an upside and downside for collectors.

The internet practically insures that you can find the knife you want to buy, but there may be fewer "bargains" to be found. This is because everyone can see what others are selling for. The internet also practically insures that you can find a buyer for the knife you want to sell, but there may be more competition from other sellers that may hold down the price you can get.

In the old days, if you were the only person in your geographic area with a particular knife for sale, you might get a higher price because the buyer may have to go to great expense just to locate another one. Not so today!

Early American made pocket knives: