How to tell if a traditional is good quality and worth saving?

I would suggest that you read and follow the " Old Knives " thread that is above in the Yellow area .

Harry

 

The knives i found exploring as a child in the garage in folgers cans full of old screws, in ammo cans, in dads squirrel/rabbit vest with blades froze, missing shields, nail nicks too shallow to gain purchase, cheap lock backs from overseas. All these I avoid as an adult.
Very subjective go with what suits you. Have fun on the journey

 

You will get a super education just by absorbing all that you read here in the Traditionals. I was a beginner here and remain a beginner. There’s so much to take in. So many knowledgeable members here. One example is my knowing next to nothing about Schrade knives. Just by slowly reading the information and by seeing the images, I am starting(barely) to get a handle on what I truely want to collect. If I can become educated, anyone, with some effort, can. Best wishes on your journey.

 

My best advise is if it feels good in hand, does what you like and looks good doing it . Most importantly makes you happy then imo it has the highest value and is a keeper

 

For sure there is technical things to look for as a guide in the right direction. But the core is what is says to your heart no doubt .

 

The list can be long as far as what to look for . But blade centering with preferably no blade rub,The blade pull being what you like between hard and light ,walk and talk meaning that nice snap when opening and closing , nicely nestled in pins somewhat matching on both sides and the covers matching if that’s your personal preference with no cracks around the pins . Preferably no gaps on the back spring . The list can go on but those are a good base to start with .

 

The best I can tell you is that if it doesn't appear broken and is pretty cheap I'd buy it.
If you can make out any markings and see JAPAN, CHINA, HONG KONG, TAIWAN, or PAKISTAN I'd generally stay away unless it's extremely cheap and you really like it for some reason.
It's more likely that they'd be junky than be good, though there were okay ones made ( Especially stuff coming from Japan in the 80's and 90's, but you have to know what's what )

I say Just keep an eye out for something that appeals to you that's in a condition you're comfortable with for the money.

 

I also shop flea markets and antique shops regularly. Overtime I have purchased some knives that may not have been worth the price, and others that were a steal. You just have to jump in and buy a few knives and do a bit of research. Eventually you get an idea of what an older knife looks and feels like, and after handling many you get a feel for quality.

The hardest thing for me is finding knives with nice full-ish blades, or without significant rust. The vast majority of older slip joints I find are either very high price, or have half of the blade sharpened off. Finding an old knife that was treated well, yet not at collector prices is part of the hunt.

Most people on the forums do not post how much they paid for certain knives, so market value can be hard to gauge. Just find a price range you are comfortable with and stay in that range. If a knife looks and feels good, and falls within your price range, then you can't really go wrong. You can watch the exchange in the traditional section and keep an eye out for older knives for average prices.

Couple knives I bought that I am happy with. My personal price range goes up to about $40. Above that it needs to be special in some way.
Early Imperial $7


Boker Premium Stockman, plastic scales $32


Case Pen Knife in Red Bone $40

 

Conchita came home from a visit with her mother carrying an old camp knife. It was typically grungy, and the joints were kind of creaky. The brand was Sabre, made in Japan. I flushed yhe joints and lubed it for her. It was obviously an inexpensive knife, not bad but it did not exactly scream high quality.

She had already looked it up, and knew it was nothing special, except that it had belonged to her grandfather, which meant everything.

 

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Don't give up on pawn shops and antique shops, I have a 5 blade Case stockman that I've found examples of online going between $325-390, I gave $50 at a pawn shop. It's pretty much my only "safe queen"lol. Also I've looked at knives one weekend, came here and searched the make and such. Then once I have more information I went back and bought them. I say most of my growing collection has come from antique and pawn shops.
Edit to add, the 5 blade Case is one I researched before purchase