Knife You'd Never Sell.

[Jon Brand]

Sometimes we get offers we can't refuse, but there is usually a knife in your collection you feel you will never part with.

Here is mine. Now you show me yours. :)

This folder became Don's MS test folder. A custom order I placed and was honored/shocked when I found out that he used it for his rating.

http://www.jonbrandcollection.com/gallery/Folders/2.jpg
http://www.jonbrandcollection.com/gallery/Folders/2_2.jpg

[RyanHays]

Jon that is a very sweet folder. I have always liked Dons work.

[Jim Treacy]

Jon,

That's a beautiful knife.

I have more than one knife that I don't think that I would ever sell.

The one folder that I would not part with is this JD Smith MS folder. It has a
5" multibar Damascus blade with Mastadon Scales and Mokume trim with filework.

JD called it "Mastadon Madness". I got it about 15 years ago. It was one of the first custom folders that I owned and still my favorite.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/jjtjr/J%20D%20Smith/SmithJD_16.jpg

[Kevin Jones]

Beautiful knives Jon and Jim. This should be fun and a real treat in seeing some great knives.

I believe mine would be this set of Bowies Jerry make for me. We named the full size Bowie and Boot Knife the Gambler Set. Paul Long made a beautiful set of matching sheaths for them. We all three had a lot of fun on these.
The big Bowie won Best Bowie at the 2007 Blade Show and then later Blade Magazine Best Bowie of 2007.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/10456kaj/FiskGamblersSet.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/10456kaj/FiskGamblersSetPaulLongSheaths.jpg

[Jon Brand]

I would also be especially interested in photographers, editors, authors, sheathmakers, knifemakers (and anyone elses) picks aswell. More then one is ok too- as long as they mean alot to you.

[Bob Betzner]

Sometimes we get offers we can't refuse, but there is usually a knife in your collection you feel you will never part with.

Here is mine. Now you show me yours. :)



OK, the images are of a Warenski English Bowie, fully Buster-engraved. I would find it very, very difficult to part it.

http://www.fototime.com/262B63ECCFEA176/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/7CC40B8C0159502/orig.jpg

[Harry Mathews]

Sometimes it's not what it is but what it has been through and done. This is my first hand made knife. I can't imagine the miles it has been with me and the game it has dressed. It hung on my belt from 1971 until 2002 when I started making them for myself. While I have many other knives that are much more valuable and if this one was appraised I doubt I could take Alice to a movie with what I could get for it, it is one in my collection that could not be bought from me.
http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL782/4063224/8540767/326780611.jpg

[Jerry Manuel]

Post deleted

[Eli Gautreaux]

Great thread!


Here's one of mine, a bowie by Raymond Richard. It has significance beyond words, a long story, but is tied in my mind to a very dear friend, now deceased. The knife just has too much sentimental value :)

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i138/xamaneli/TheProphet001.jpg

(i'd gladly sell that ugly sheath :D)

[Lorien Arnold]

good to see you here, Eli:)
As for me, I don't think I have the knife yet that I absolutely would not sell. I have to finish making it first:D

[Doug Castor]

Sorry, no Coop images.

Don Fogg's Sting shiv, the largest that I'm aware of and the only one named.

Don't even know where to begin with the superlatives for the knives in this thread.
Thanks, gentlemen and a Merry Christmas to all. :)


http://fototime.com/A31FC6E034696CD/standard.jpg

http://fototime.com/A22BA2419F47989/standard.jpg

Doug

[Hans Holzach]

when i was an apprentice watchmaker i had the honour to repair this rather complicated antique french carriage clock. it's got a "grande et petite sonnerie", quarter repetition, and alarm. the case is completely engraved. it belongs to the former president of the swiss confederation and and now retired minister of defense samuel schmid. after he had gotten his clock back he invited me to the swiss capital bern and we chatted for about half an hour in his office. he gave me a swiss army knife with his name on it. that's about the only official present you can get from a member of the government :)! a keeper, i'd say!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/20/70596592_c1fb30c50a_o.jpg http://farm1.static.flickr.com/18/70599199_915a097a8c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/4200047012_8b23583829.jpg



i own several custom knives i wouldn't part from. maybe the knife i am attached to most is this jimmy fikes friction folder.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/3055937530_576a10eba0.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3055937948_258182ce48.jpg

best regards,
hans

[Kevin Jones]

Yep Hans, I would say that's definitely a "Keeper".

[John M Cohea]

I have a very small collection, maybe 10 or so knives so far, but I will never sell this one. One of my customers who became a very good friend as well came to Atlanta to attend Blade with me this year. We were walking around looking, and spotted this one on a purveyor's table. Knowing I am a fan of Dan and Karen's work, he snuck back and bought it, then gave it to me as a gift!!Needless to say, I will always treasure it!
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/johnmcohea/winkler%20knives/DSC02995.jpg

[Jim Treacy]

Here's two big knives that I won't ever sell.

The first is my Moran ST-24. It is the best Moran design in my opinion. I didn't think that I woudl ever own one, but about four years ago Jerry Fisk hooked me up with a guy who wanted to sell his. It has a 10" blade and is extremely quick in the hand.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/jjtjr/Moran%20Knives/Moran_05.jpg

The other knife is a Jerry Fisk NLT Rojo Grande. I got it almost 6 years ago from Jerry. I have alot of Fisk knives but it is my favorite. It has an 11 1/4" damascus blade with Walrus and engraving by Jerry. It also feels perfect in my hand.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/jjtjr/Fisk%20Knives/Roho_Grande.jpg

[Murray White]

I suspect I have a few "keepers" but this one by Fred Carter always heads the list

http://www.fototime.com/62D58644B97E1B1/standard.jpg

one by Anders Hogstrom

http://www.fototime.com/ED63CB6BD61B18A/standard.jpg

Brian Lyttle with makers scrim

http://www.fototime.com/5D179199B04AE61/standard.jpg

Brian Lyttle Hunter -- one of my favorite knives

http://www.fototime.com/15F5400E6F1AEEB/standard.jpg

Michael Walker linerlock

http://www.fototime.com/041FA6F762E5F68/standard.jpg

Warren Osborne Fighter -- love the knife and it is the first knife I obtained from Roger Pinnock which began a long and great friendship

http://www.fototime.com/38D9B17A0DB2845/standard.jpg

Roger Toner -- no longer making knives for sale and this is a knife I love

http://www.fototime.com/915542DBE52F7C6/standard.jpg

Josef Rusnak

http://www.fototime.com/7D5F27029FF87CB/standard.jpg

will likely find more later

[Murray White]

more keepers

Al Pendray

http://www.fototime.com/DC4DE5CF105673D/orig.jpg

David Broadwell

http://www.fototime.com/1200E769A9C64B7/orig.jpg

Ron Best

http://www.fototime.com/F0076D8D9EC2E38/orig.jpg

Jason Knight

http://www.fototime.com/C2D086B59EF1D24/orig.jpg

Jerry Corbit

http://www.fototime.com/43A01108611BD58/orig.jpg

Jerry Lairson

http://www.fototime.com/FC66E76F63E2F47/orig.jpg

Harumi Hirayama

http://www.fototime.com/61BDF0A35DAE468/orig.jpg

Rodrigo Sfreedo

http://www.fototime.com/2956ED27C7239B4/orig.jpg

I think this pretty much is it except for one knife I keep forgetting to photograph when I setup my full background. Have to do that one day.

[Jon Brand]

Murray, they are all nice, but I love that last one. (who wouldn't?)

[Jon Klein]

You all have some outstanding knives and collections. After parting with a few too many recently I have put a stop to that.

I will be keeping the Dragon Bowie for many reasons. You just do not find the mix of Tamahagne and Metorite in a large San Mai blade.

Just received this Josh Smith Take Down today and it will be staying for a long time. Also will post a couple of Jimmy Chin I received and will keep once I take some good photos.

Jon Klein

[Lorien Arnold]

good lord, that dragon knife is something else!

[Jon Brand]

Jon, you have good taste.. Well, regarding the Josh Smith take down and your previous Hansons ;) The dragon knife scares me a little. You also have good taste in your name.

I got to hold that Smith knife for a while in Josh's hotel room two years ago in NY. I loved it. I am curious where you found it if you don't mind me asking.

[Jon Brand]

I'm not sure if its just that this is my first and only Hancock, but I just got this and can't imagine getting rid of it. I almost feel bad for ripping it out of its previous owners hands. ;)

Sure, it could have a frame, some filework, or even have a more ergonomic handle.. but I think this is a keeper and one of my favorites.

The blue Hanson I posted at the begining of the thread remains the only knife that really has sentimental value to me.. even though i've only had it a few years.
http://www.jonbrandcollection.com/gallery/Fixed%20Blades/7.jpg

[Jon Klein]

Jon,

I appreciate the comments and could not agree more in your choice of names. I got the Josh Smith along with 2 Jimmy Chin JS knives from Blake. Do you know him? I am still hurting from some of my recent sales, but I have some really cool blades in the works.

These 3 (Bradshaw, Dunn, Rader) are also going to stay put.

Thanks, Jon

[Jon Brand]

I know the name from Bladeforums, I think. I know he collects some of Josh's stuff.

[Jon Klein]

He has a heck of a collection, I am going back for more. Plenty of top names: Tom Ferry, Burt Foster, John Christensen, Harvey Dean, David Lisch, & Larry Fuegen to name a few. I think I am going back for a couple of Foster's.

[Kevin Jones]

He has a heck of a collection, I am going back for more. Plenty of top names: Tom Ferry, Burt Foster, John Christensen, Harvey Dean, David Lisch, & Larry Fuegen to name a few. I think I am going back for a couple of Foster's.

Yes, Blake has been very active over the last few years in the customs community. He's a CKCA member, perhaps he will share some of those beauties here.

[Jon Klein]

Jon,

I must admit the Dragon Bowie is an aquired taste. It is certainly a first for me as I too am not sure about the carved dragon and guard. However, I could not resist the steel, it is just way too unusual and I really like it. That said I would not mind changing the guard and handle. Probably will do just that sometime in the near future.

By the way I almost forgot my Jimmy Lile the knife that started it all for me. I bought this new in the early 1970's when I was a teenager. It too is not going anywhere.

[Marcel Dierijck]

I must admit the Dragon Bowie is an aquired taste. It is certainly a first for me as I too am not sure about the carved dragon and guard. However, I could not resist the steel, it is just way too unusual and I really like it. That said I would not mind changing the guard and handle. Probably will do just that sometime in the near future.

Heck Jon, it's your knife so you can do with it what you want:D;)

Here are my keepers:

Wade Colter
http://www.fototime.com/1EA7B3C3DC435FC/orig.jpg

Wade Colter
http://www.fototime.com/88FC1B217632E20/orig.jpg

Wade Colter
http://www.fototime.com/2A7CAB4E36BDD31/standard.jpg

Larry Fuegen
http://www.fototime.com/4B3577DA8BEEEE3/orig.jpg

Larry Fuegen
http://www.fototime.com/E1B3E22A4ACA036/standard.jpg

Hugh Bartrug
http://www.fototime.com/3BC88952F307E52/standard.jpg

Scott Slobodian
http://www.fototime.com/6369EDD46B6B44E/standard.jpg

Marcel

[Jon Klein]

Marcel,

You are absolutely correct and thanks to you this piece is in my possession to do with it what I will. It has really grown on me. I am glad you ended up with what you desired and your collection continues to grow world class. I appreciate meeting you and your introductions as they have become valued contacts in my life today. Also, this whole process has made me realized the MULTIPLE value of collecting, I am please with my sales, but even happier with my new knives and friends. I now have some exciting additions in process over the next year and one half, that I will share with all. I am looking forward to meeting everyone at Blade 2010, if not sooner with great anticipation.

I wish you, your family and all of the CKCA members a Happy & Healthy holiday season!

Jon Klein

[Roger Pinnock]

Murray - those Harumi pieces are truly sublime and the Pendray bowie is one of my favourites of your superb collection.

Roger

[Roger Pinnock]

I think I see this whole thing a bit differently from most.

First, I think "never" is a mighty long time and I don't own a working crystal ball.

Second, the people mean more to me than the knives do. The knives themselves are great and I enjoy them immensely, but they are more or less replaceable.

About the only knife I can say that I can't forsee ever selling would be the "Mojo" camp knife that I made over the course of one long weekend with Dan Farr and Matt Gregory:

http://www.fototime.com/529829A32B773CC/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/517E03B3D939B31/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/3529971E0C6B04B/orig.jpg

The reason that this is the sole occupant of the "never sell" category is not that it's the best knife I own, the most rare, elaborate, costly or whatever - but because I don't consider it mine to sell. It is in my possession through the generosity of Dan and Matt, but to me, it wil always be as much theirs as it is mine.

Roger

[Lorien Arnold]

:cool:
you're a good man, Roger.

[Bob Betzner]

I think I see this whole thing a bit differently from most.

First, I think "never" is a mighty long time and I don't own a working crystal ball.

Second, the people mean more to me than the knives do. The knives themselves are great and I enjoy them immensely, but they are more or less replaceable.

About the only knife I can say that I can't forsee ever selling would be the "Mojo" camp knife that I made over the course of one long weekend with Dan Farr and Matt Gregory:


The reason that this is the sole occupant of the "never sell" category is not that it's the best knife I own, the most rare, elaborate, costly or whatever - but because I don't consider it mine to sell. It is in my possession through the generosity of Dan and Matt, but to me, it wil always be as much theirs as it is mine.

Roger

Roger, you sure are right about the use of the word "never". I "never" thought I would ever be selling my two Warenski African elephant pieces, but conservancy politics caught me by the nuts - thus both being listed in the classifieds. The ones I posted here - well, there is alot of sentimental value attached to one of them, but not to the extent you speak of - as in having some heart and soul of yours and others in that piece. It's a beauty.

[Lorien Arnold]

Bob, you should just exchange those Warenskis with another collector for something without the ivory of similar values until the politics blow over. That way, you can keep them while not really having them.:)

I think there's a lawyer in the house who might be able to draft such a contract for CKCA members who would like to take part in a knife exchange;)

They seem irreplaceable to me, and it would suck to have to buy them back for way more than you initially paid- or not at all. Ever.
But, there are always other knives around the corner, right?

[Bob Betzner]

Bob, you should just exchange those Warenskis with another collector for something without the ivory of similar values until the politics blow over. That way, you can keep them while not really having them.:)

I think there's a lawyer in the house who might be able to draft such a contract for CKCA members who would like to take part in a knife exchange;)

They seem irreplaceable to me, and it would suck to have to buy them back for way more than you initially paid- or not at all. Ever.
But, there are always other knives around the corner, right?

Lorien, that's more or less the reason I mentioned in the post my willingness to trade. I really don't want the money, as I would rather replace the two knives with ones that fit still fit the collection. My hope was that I would find someone in the forum who had something that would work for a trade. One never knows!

I also have a Warenski dagger and sheath (made in 2004), from David Darom's first book (the featured dagger, actually), that is one I want to try and find a trade for, but never sell. Who knows, the perfect trade my just be around the corner!

[Jon Klein]

In the spirit of my poor photo skills here is part of my collection I do not see myself parting with. I at least got the CKCA logo in since I still have not been able to apply it as my signature. You all tell me which one to remove, if any. I know it is a tough choice as they are of such fine photos. Maybe one of you can give me some pointers at Blade if I do not make the February show. Anyway I am having a blast with the forums and this thread is excellent.

The knives pictured are:

Steve Dunn, Don Lozier, Bailey Bradshaw, Jimmy Lile (The collection starter), my new Josh Smith and Jimmy Chin Loveless style fighter. I have yet to take one acceptable photo of the Jimmy Chin Persian.

Jon

[Jon Klein]

Here are some photos of the Jimmy Chin knives. Still working on the quality of the shots but I am to stoked and had to show something. Please let me know what you all thinK>

[Jon Klein]

Here are are a couple of more photos of the Josh Smith Take Down. Check out this bark mammoth.

[Roger Pinnock]

I think those Jimmy Chin pieces look terrific Jon. Not sure if those are MS test knives - he had similar pieces among his 5 at Blade. Regardless, they rock.

Roger

[Jon Klein]

Roger,

Appreciate the compliment, the are JS knives. I am probably going to have the handles changed out to make it a matching set, I might stick with the wood but would really like to see some ivory on them?

Thanks, Jon

[Jerry Manuel]

Jon - I'm a fan of Jimmy Lile's work also. I got my first knife from him, a L1 in 1981 . I've got one of my Lile folders posted among all the other knives here somewhere . Jimmy was a fine Gentleman and I really liked him . We talked many times about the knife in "First Blood" and Sly . If you recall, that knife sorta put the hollow handle Survival knife on the map after the movie came out . . . . Jerry

[Jon Klein]

Jerry,

You are absolutley correct. If not for Jimmy and this knife I would have never pursued collecting. I actually bought it when I was a teenager and has always been my centerpiece. He was most definitely an major influence in my life.

Also, I am pleased to have acquired this Burt Foster Integral from another CKCA member. I am excited to be receiving this next week. This purchase is just another example of the benefits of membership in the CKCA. Great folks, great knives, great deals when the opportunity lends itself.

Thank you, Jon Klein