Where to find unrestored antique knives?

[BigDamage]

I am looking to purchase unrestored antique knives to then restore and display as a hobby. I was wondering if any members do this themselves and where they purchase their unrestored knives from? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time

 

[Sbs1974]

I don’t do it but id say auctions would be a decent source

 

[Planterz]

I'd suggest estate/garage/yard sales and flea market/antique malls. eBay can be a pitfall for those who aren't very educated because of all the fakes out there. You should also research about amateur "restoration" and the possibility of de-valuing antiques.

 

[3fifty7]

Username checks out.

It’s be a great time for someone to write up a quasi hippocratic oath based around this, you know the whole “first do no harm” thing.

 

[kwackster]

I buy older knives on E-Bay and other auction websites and then try to bring them back to life.
Example: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/vintage-marbles-woodcraft.1605954/#post-18348955

 

[JBC6650]

Knife and Gun shows, flea market / antique shows and shops. Ask the guy with the biggest collection of misc items, I've found they have some "good stuff" they haven't put out.

 

[Bob Denman]

Where to find old stuff?
Hmmm...
Where NOT to; is the tougher question!
I'd start with:
Antique stores
Sporting goods stores
Auctions
Estate Sales
Ebay
Good luck, and Happy Hunting!

 

[killgar]

As others have mentioned- flea markets, swap meets, yard/garage sales, etc.

But you really have to put the effort in, and have good "people skills". Don't just go by what's on display, you have to ask the person there if they have any old knives.

And it could be the person you least expect who has a knife or two. It might be some little old lady sitting there knitting with a table covered in Hummel figurines and other knick-knackery, but if you ask her about old knives she might pull out an old cigar box full of them.

I'm a member of a switchblade forum and some guys go to such places to find old switchblades, and not only do they sometimes find real treasures, but as I mentioned, it can be the seller you least expect.

Pawn shops can be another source. Sometimes when a family member dies and a person doesn't know what to do with their knives they just take them to a pawn shop and sell them.

And then there are family and friends. It's not uncommon for men of past generations to have a few old knives hanging around in an old tool box or tackle box, etc. And if they're not around anymore, and their loved ones have no interest in the knives, they might be willing to part with them.

 

[karnaknives]

I had an unrestored antique knife for sale here, but didn't get any interest. It's currently on "the auction site", bidding ends Sunday morning...