Knife Collection spreadsheet

CUTS LIKE A KRIS

CUTS LIKE A KRIS

Joined
Sep 28, 2005
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I am doing a knife collection spreadsheet and was wondering what you wonderful people out there do to keep track of your collection?

Just want to see what others are doing/ have done. I have kept track of what knives I own but want more info than just a name. I am putting things like Mfr., model, handle/blade length, steel/handle materials, grind, sheath, pocket carry orientation....... I figure with as many as I own they deserve full recognition;) (plus this way I will have some idea of the value of my collection for insurance purposes).

Thanks all
 
My collection isn't really large enough to need a spreadsheet to keep track of them all. However, I do use Excel anyway to note which models I have, organized by manufacturer. It's a good way to keep me in check, I open the spreadsheet, see the relatively long list and realize I don't really need another knife.

Doesn't always work though ;)
 
I do have a spreadsheet but it is not on the knives I own, it is on the knives I dont have yet. Catagories include: manufacturer, knife name, type of knife, blade length, handle length, type of steel, type of handle, blade thickness, estimated price.

I sort one page by manufacturer and one page by type of knife, ex: full tang fixed, necker, liner folder. I also have certain knives highlighted. Those are the ones at the top of the list.

I know this is sick, but it is the best way to make the best decision when I ready to buy a new knife. I guess I just want too many knives.
 
I have a simple Word document form. I take it to Kinko's, have them print 50 copies, and bind it into a 'book' with a card stock cover. It's a piece of cake, and the price is very reasonable. Fifty pages each, and I'm currently working on filling Book VI. :D

I've used a spreadsheet in the past, but it wasn't as much fun as a hard copy. Plus with the books I can paste in advertisements or photos of the knives.

Started to set up a database file once with Microsoft Access. Didn't get too far.

My future goal is a website, or at least a CD-based set of html pages, with all of the knives photographed and described. That's quite a project though and I've completed exactly one page: http://www.drivehq.com/web/Bobthearch/
And it's going to be a huge PITA each time I need to add a new knife.

To summarize, a printed book of blank forms would be my first choice.
Good Luck!
-Bob
 
Bob was kind enough to send me a copy of his word doc via email. (Thanks!)
It has space for everything. including...
make, model.
straight,folding,other.
handle material, blade type,
lenght; blade, handle, overall.
markings.
accessories; sheath, material. original box, papers other.
aquired; date, from, price.
condition.
Description.
photo, advert on back.

It's great.
I could do it on the computer if I had to. probably do it faster once I got it set up. Personally I like it this way.
 
My knives were stolen in the mid 90's :grumpy: I started keeping notes on what I have bought since then.

I use an Open Office document:

- a page (or more) for each knife, starting with a description;
- a production photo (or photos) of each one, plus actual digital photos I've taken;
- a digital scan of any receipts & literature I have for each;
- detailed notes on any unusual markings;
- history of the who, what, when, where & why behind the acquisition of each knife.

This way, I don't forget the details of each one years down the line, which is useful for two reasons: if something happens to me, my son will know the history behind my knife collection, especially the family heirlooms I've been given since my first knives were stolen. Also, if they're taken again, God forbid, then I've got a detailed list I can give to the police for a report. My collection isn't worth insuring yet, but it might be someday.

CUTS LIKE A KRIS: This may be kind of extreme for your purposes, but over the years, this is what my inventory has evolved into. For the details I've put down, a spreadsheet isn't enough.

thx - cpr
 
A..G. Russell has a knife and gun collectors Insurance book with that info already in it...It's only a few bucks if I remember right.
 
You really need an RDBMS for this task, a spreadsheet doesn't really cut it. Neither does HTML.

Use something like 4D or FoxPro. If their learning-curves are too steep for you (and they are near vertical for the uninitiated) then try FileMaker 8 Pro Adv. I used to use an Object-Oriented database on the Mac in the early '90s called Phyla by MainStay - to this day I've never seen or used a better environment, it's a pity end-user OO databases never really took off.

Now, if you want something cheaper and EXTREMELY powerful - Google 'MessLess Inventory'...

Frank.

[img=http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/8892/messlessuz3.th.png]
 
Here's the format I use for folders and fixed blades, including an example of each....

Manufacturer: Kabar
Model Name: Dozier Folding Clip Point Hunter
Model Number: 4064
Blade: 3" long. Clip point, plain edge. 0.1" thick. AUS-8, 56-58Rc. Satin finish
Handle: 4.25" long, fiber-reinforced nylon. Lanyard hole.
Locking Mechanism: Lockback
Opening Mechanism: Reversible thumb stud, Torx (T-5) bit needed.
Pocket Clip: Black steel. Reversible, tip up. Torx (T-8) bit needed.
Other: Blade pivot pin is black steel and requires a Torx (T-8) bit to loosen or tighten.
Purchase Information: $22, Knife Center. September 14, 2006.

Manufacturer: Buck Knives
Model Name: Alpha Hunter
Model Number: 694BK
Blade: 3.75" long. Drop point, plain edge. 0.12" thick. 420HC, 57-59 Rc.
Handle: Rubber scales.
Sheath: Black nylon with snap.
Total Length: 8.5"
Purchase Information: $46, Clark Knives. October 2, 2007.
 
The advantage of using a computer file, rather than a paper book, is the ease and simplicity of creating backups. For $0.50 each, you can have a CD backup to keep in a fire safe, safety deposit box, and to carry between different computers.

I still like my books, but the reason above is why I've been playing with the computer-based options too.

Here is the link to the software that Zordas mentioned:
http://www.messless.com/
Looks suitable if you don't mind spending the $60. You can try it for free before buying. They have another program that might work too, Messless Collector, that's $50.
 
What I am in the process of doing, is photographing each knife and uploading to the Picassa Web Site, I have currently have four albums, each can contain up to five hundred photos, you can choose to make album public or private. In the private side, I can keep notes on each knife, as to all details needed for whatever purpose. The public one as the one in my signature line. But, the private one has all the details that only family need to know. It is free and can be downloaded in zipped format for burning a cd for insurance. I think it is enough, just takes time to get the older ones documented. Not a whole lot of trouble otherwise. And I can access anywhere in the world anytime. (as long as I have internet access)
James
 
Runnin' data base, include as much or as little as you like, if anyone could put this on a filterable xls spread sheet and send me a copy of the template You all could use it as you all see fit.

The only thing missin' is the link to a picture file.

Inventory # :
Maker :
Model/Pattern :
Price Paid $ :
Price Sold $ :
Weight oz/gm :
OAL Open :
OAL Closed :
Blade Grind :
Blade Material :
Blade Hardness :
Blade Finish :
Frame Material :
Frame Finish :
Opener :
Lock :
Pins :
Scale Material :
BolsterMaterial :
Date Bought :
Date Sold :
 
I'm an Access database fan when it comes to information collection. I think the beauty of the computer file is the ability to update it whenever you want...including updating individual knives that you learned something new about.
 
Access is a dreadful, dreadful database - why on earth was FoxPro abandoned in favour of this garbage? Sorry, just my thoughts...

Frank.
 
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