If you like collecting things, antique pocket knives can be one of the most interesting things you can collect. Each antique knife tells a story in itself. There is a huge variety in these antique pocket knives and one very interesting thing is that they are not very expensive like other antique items. Talking about the history, pocket knives start right from the roman era. It is said that in middle ages, these pocket knives are used as a personal table knives and each person of the family used to bring his own knife at the dining table.
There are different types in these antique pocket knives made by different companies. To talk about a few names, there were John Petty and Sons, Pal cutlery, XX USA, Utica Kutmaste, Camillus Cutlery Co., Daddy Barlow, Landers Frary and Clark, Jaegers Bros, Winchester, Regal Cutlery Co., EC Simmons, George Wostenholm and Cattaraugus etc. These companies’ pocket knives are considered to be the most sought after antique pocket knives.
There are certain features that make a knife more collectable. The most important factor is the age factor but there are some new pocket knives as well which are very rare. So these are equally important and valuable. These antique pocket knives are basically used as a promotional items and the name of the brand is engraved on the handle itself. These handle are usually made of the element called celluloid. There is generally a message engraved on one side of these knives which makes them even valuable. These messages are one of their own kinds. This is another very important feature that you should look for while collecting antique pocket knives.
Whenever it comes to knives, the intervention of law is always there. It is advisable that whenever you think like collecting the antique pocket knives, always know your own local legal terms and conditions. At most of the places these pocket knives are banned and you can not carry them in public places. Since you are collecting antique pocket knives, this can be exempted or there may be other issues. So it’s better that you check all the legal requirements before start collecting antique pocket knives. You may be allowed to collect them but you can not be allowed to carry them to any public place like school, public library, federal buildings, and cinema halls etc.
It is very important that you collect the right antique pocket knife only. These are available right from the early to middle 20th century. If you are not an expert, you can get an idea of the age of the antique pocket knife by analyzing the blade of knife. Stainless steel came in existence in 1914 but it was quite a while before it was come for regular public use. The antique pocket knives of early century and before that time would have the blades made up of carbon steel only. Many companies etched the brand name on the blades as well and these names are less likely to fade out compared to handles.