Knife collectors can be found in all parts of the world. This primal weapon calls to the soul of the caveman inside all of us. Our ancestors wielded knives. They wielded them to hunt prey, to make other tools, to cut food, etc. Knives have had a place in history and continue to have a place even in our modern, technologically advanced society. However, not all knife collectors are into the same things, just as not all film-buffs are into the same films or genre. Some argue that film is meant strictly to be an entertaining escape while others passionately argue that such films are low-brow and that film’s purpose is to be an art form. This dichotomy can be seen everywhere in life, highbrow and low brow—or high-low brow and low-high brow. Are you confused? Don’t worry, let’s take a look at how these attitudes are present in the knife collecting world and present in a practical knife.

Practical Knife…It Costs How Much?

Check out this rare Jim Schmidt collectors’ knife, it’s nice, right? It costs $31,000. What’s more is that anyone who knows who Jim Schmidt is (and if you collect knives you really should know or learn) understands why that knife costs as much as it does.

Is it beautifully crafted with a mesmerizing Damascus pattern and premium materials from tip to handle? Yes. That’s not why this knife is expensive. This knife is a work of art. Prized by those who themselves prize craftsmanship and taste above all. Unfortunately, Jim Schmidt has long since passed on and the knifemaking world misses him dearly. However, as it often does with the passing of an artist, his work is that much more valuable because there will never be another Jim Schmidt knife.

Art knives are in a sense, symbolic pieces. They are a mixing of the primal nature of what a knife is, and the elegance that human ingenuity and aesthetic taste can come up with. It is an item both primordial and sophisticated. Alongside that, holding a knife is a tactile experience. These factors combine into a product that truly arouses feelings within our hearts as collectors. Is that not art at its core?

Practical Knife for the Pragmatist

Pragmatists get a bad rap for not caring about subjective pursuits, but it is a given that they care about what the value and usefulness of something is. This is an entirely different species of collector, this is likely someone who uses a knife every day or has a hobby/works in a profession in which carrying a daily use knife is important.

An outdoorsman might think an Antonio Fogarizzu knife is interesting, but he’ll be damned if he takes that thing camping with him. Anyone who does outdoor activities knows how useful a good knife is. It can make your life a lot simpler and your hands a little less worse for wear.

Utilitarian knife collectors only care about having a robust collection of knives that will prove useful. Does it have a full tang? Can I pear with it? Will this be useful in cutting meat or separating parts?

Practical Knife or Art Knife? Which One Is Right?

I think you all know the answer is neither. Both facets are important as many collectors would faint if you scuffed a Loveless knife on minor chores, and yet Loveless himself would be apathetic as to whether you thought a collectors knife should be preserved or used for its purpose.

He is, perhaps the epitome of both aspects of knife collecting colliding, as he was well known for his disdain of highly marked up items or collectors’ objects. Yet, the knives he intentionally crafted to be useful in the day-to-day of farmers, ranchers, cowboys, and the likes, are the exact same knives that command hefty prices today.

The only thing we can walk away with is knowing that the knife collecting world exists solely on passion, and who can be mad at that?

Rare Collectors Knives Online

Speaking of passion, that is also what drives Exquisite Knives. From our articles to our new additions in the shop, we live and breathe knife collecting! But we respect both sides of the table. At the end of the day, we’re all in love with the same thing—knives. So, whether you’re interested in these supremely sharp slicing instruments or you just want something that instill in you awe every time you look at it, we are the place for you!

If you have any questions about our products, don’t be afraid to give us a call, we’d love to hear from you!