Knife Authenticity paperwork

[StephanFowler]

What paperwork does a Collector expect with his knife?

I have been selling knives for several years and my "packet" of included documentation has grown to several items.

I have a nice cardstock certificate showing materials, date finished, serial#, etc.

I also print a Invoice showing date purchased, original purchaser's address, brief description, and price

Recently I had a brochure professionally designed and printed along with matching business cards which I include in the package as well.



what would you suggest I change / add / subtract?

I'm looking more at how a Collector views the documents supplied in terms of provenance and future collection status.

I appreciate your thoughts.
Stephan

[Roger Pinnock]

These certificates are nice to have as a handy reference and can help with resale.

The basics are all that I need:

1) model name
2) date made
3) specs of the knife - dimensions, materials
4) whether a sheath was included
5) A photo of the knife on the certificate intself is a nice touch.
6) any special info - JS / MS test knife, award winner, publication, etc.

I don't necessarily want my name on the certificate and I definitely don't want my address on there.

I have said before that the value of these certificates is primarily informational - they do little to "authenticate" the knife, as the certificate is FAR more easily rendered as a forgery than the knife it purports to authenticate.

Roger

[Kevin Jones]

Yes, please provide a photo. As they say "a photo is worth a thousand words". ;)

In regard to serial #s, I like them however if you have one make it mean something.
For example, wouldn't it be helpful if a Loveless knife had a serial# or shop# say 1675 which meant that the particular knife was made by Bob Loveless (1, Steve Johnson if it were 2 etc.), on June 1975 (675)?

Off topic, however may be of interest to CKCA members that every member has a member number. From a glance at a member's number one can tell if that member is a collector, maker, dealer etc.; if the member is a 1,3,5 year or lifetime member; when the member joined; when his/her dues are due and what # they were to join organization.

[StephanFowler]

These certificates are nice to have as a handy reference and can help with resale.

The basics are all that I need:

1) model name
2) date made
3) specs of the knife - dimensions, materials
4) whether a sheath was included
5) A photo of the knife on the certificate intself is a nice touch.
6) any special info - JS / MS test knife, award winner, publication, etc.

I don't necessarily want my name on the certificate and I definitely don't want my address on there.

I have said before that the value of these certificates is primarily informational - they do little to "authenticate" the knife, as the certificate is FAR more easily rendered as a forgery than the knife it purports to authenticate.

Roger


Actually I put Name and Address on the invoice rather than the certificate, I assumed that would be helpful for insurance purposes

[Bob Betzner]

I would urge anyone to get as much information, on paper/in writing, as soon after purchase as at all possible. Half of what I collect usually comes without full provenance because it is vintage - and it causes me the need to go obtain it somehow. Fortunately, a source of unquestionable repute exists that can generate the kind of provenance such acquisitions require, which I have no problem accessing.

When buying direct from the maker, I also require hard copy provenance. Anyone who does otherwise and thinks he or she can get it at some later date - well, good luck. Later comes sooner than you think.

[Kevin Jones]

Thought this would an appropriate place to post this custom knife Certificate of Authenticity and supporting documents from Nick Wheeler for future reference. Don't know that it gets much better than this.

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

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

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

[Jon Brand]

I don't completely care for paperwork as I think custom knives speak for themselves, however I like it. I like when the retail price is written down. Sometimes I pay less then retail and it helps to have the retail price on there to profit during resale. ALSO it helps to educate the buyer on what kind of deal they are getting.

[Buddy Thomason]

...in terms of provenance and future collection status.
Stephan - I think you are right on in what you are providing with your top knives. To some it may seem overmuch but a) it broadcasts "professional" and b) it can sometimes help when selling in the secondary market, especially when the knife has been preserved in mint condition.

[Rob Connally]

I save all paperwork and packaging that comes with anything I collect. I also save all the original parts when modifying anything (Motorcycles and cars).

For knives, any documentation describing the design process, materials, etc is extremely important for me and is part of my "collection". Brochures, banners, give-a-ways (eg; Greg Lightfoot fishing lure) all find a place with the knives.

I prefer not to have my name and address appear on a certificate that will be passed along to a new owner to end up who knows where in the future. A separate invoice with that info is preferred.

Stephen, sounds like your package is pretty comprehensive.

[Bob Betzner]

I try to have an image of the knife imbedded into any hard-copy or digital documentation I receive, because any doubt about provenance, in the future, is erased with such documentation.

BB