Most custom knives are both made and bought with little or no thought given toward being something with investment potential. Collectors collect. Collectors buy what they like, and for many of them, there is no such thing as “investment-grade” knives.
Several years ago, on an internet knife forum, someone asked if custom knives are good investments. The answer from the majority was no. Most of those belonged to the IBWIL (I Buy What I Like) Club. They were quick to point out that mutual funds, stocks, bonds, etc. were better investments. Given their performance in the past couple of years, perhaps an argument can be made for having some investment-grade custom knives in one’s portfolio. Fast forward to today and the market is doing much better. However, so are custom knives. Had you bought with an eye towards investment several years ago. Many of those knives, if sold today would “beat the street.”
I know this will sound obvious, but dealers are not collectors. Dealers are professionals who, in theory, do not get emotional about a purchase. Truth is, that is not 100-percent accurate, as my collection will attest. As someone who has bought and sold custom knives for a living for the last 23 years, I feel I have been an investor for some time now. Regarding any type of investment, the phrase that pays (literally) is: Return On Investment (ROI). This is your net profit…that is to say what you made on the investment after all the expenses have been accounted for. There are five keys to investing with and in custom knives.
1. Due Diligence
Do your homework; learn everything you can before you buy. There is no excuse for not knowing about a maker and his or her knives before you buy. Knife Magazines, Annuals and the Internet are a wealth of information. Perhaps the greatest ally of the collector today is the internet. Searches can provide you with an insight to makers and their knives that can give you a competitive edge with your investing. One caution: A majority of people who participate in online forums do not use their real names. Subsequently, any and all information they offer should be subject to extensive scrutiny. Always check your sources for accuracy.
This is a 5-part blog that will continue on Wed. 6/27 so come by to keep learning about collecting custom knives for investments.
Read:
Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5
Robertson’s Custom Cutlery is your source for custom knives from today’s leading custom knife makers. We only feature the highest quality knives at value prices. Our custom fixed and folding knife selection includes tactical fixed and folding knives, presentation fixed and folding knives, bowies, hunters and skinners, and a large selection of forged blades. Les Robertson, author and owner of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery, is also a Field Editor for Blade Magazine and an instructor at Blade University. If you have questions about the content in this article or about any knife or maker on our website, you can contact Les directly at customknives@comcast.net.com or (706) 650-0252.
FAQs
You never know when you might need a knife, and having one on hand can save you time and hassle. And if you invest in a high-quality pocket knife, it may even retain its value over time, or even increase in value as a collector's item.
Are handmade knives worth it? ›
One of the biggest benefits of investing in a custom handmade knife is the quality of materials used. Custom knife makers take the time to source the best materials, from the steel in the blade to the handle materials. On the other hand, mass-produced knives often use lower quality materials to cut costs.
Why are custom knives so expensive? ›
Why Custom Knives Are So Expensive. Every customer that we get is unique so all of them have different design requirements, that's because each knife is custom made for a specific kind of audience, sometimes that design is even hard to replicate, which is why custom knives are expensive.
What should I look for in a handmade knife? ›
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Custom Knife
Handle materials: The handle of the knife is also an important factor, as it affects the overall comfort and grip of the knife. Overall design: Consider the overall design of the knife, including the size and shape, to ensure that it meets your needs and preferences.
Do knife makers make money? ›
The range of hourly wages for knife makers varies, with some earning as high as $18.27 and others as low as $5.29.
What makes a knife worth money? ›
What makes a knife collectible? A knife gains collectible status through various attributes: craftsmanship excellence, historical relevance, rarity, and the maker's renown. Collectors often seek knives that are part of limited edition series, possess antique value, or have a verifiable provenance.
How much should a custom knife cost? ›
Even your skill and reputation can play a role in how much you should charge. Custom knives tend to sell in the range of $500-$1,000, but there are makers that sell knives for five to six figures. If you've bought custom knives before, you've probably paid more attention to the knife than the price.
Can you make money selling homemade knives? ›
Selling your first knives
Keep in mind - this isn't going to make you rich, it's simply a hobby that pays for itself. Make sure your expectations are realistic and be prepared for a lot of hard work. You're going to quickly realise that successful knifemaking is 20% making the knife and 80% selling the knife.
Can you sell homemade knives? ›
So long as you have the proper papers for your business to be legal and your blades are legal then your good. I know that it is legal for a blacksmith to make and sell custom knives or swords.
What makes a Benchmade knife so expensive? ›
H's Benchmade uses 154CM blade steel. 154CM is a high-end stainless steel developed originally for use in jet turbines. It's impervious to changes in temperature, offers excellent wear and corrosion resistance, and is 100% made in the USA.
Germany and Japan have been known for their knife making skills for centuries. Both boast some of the most popular knife brands in the world. To make a confident decision when buying a high-quality kitchen knife, you need to know the characteristics that set them apart.
Why Damascus knife is so expensive? ›
It's no secret that Damascus steel isn't cheap. That's because it takes a lot of time and manpower to make. It also takes a lot of experience and trial and error to become proficient at making Damascus steel. So, when you purchase a Damascus steel blade, you're ultimately paying for the maker's years of expertise.
How do you know if a knife is good quality? ›
Here are some top tips for spotting high quality knives.
- CONSTRUCTION IS KEY. Keep an eye out for any welded parts or joining, especially in the hilt of a knife. ...
- MATERIALS MATTER. The best knives are made using good materials. ...
- BLADE DESIGN. ...
- SHARPNESS.
A chef's knife (sometimes called a cook's knife) is the most important knife to have in your kitchen. It has a wide blade between six and ten inches long and is used primarily for chopping, though it can be used for anything you want to do. The blade of a classic, French-style chef's knife curves upward toward the tip.
What knives are the 3 most popular knives and can be used for almost everything? ›
There are three primary knives that every home cook should have in their kitchen: a chef's knife, a serrated knife (also called a bread knife), and a paring knife.
Do knives hold their value? ›
A perfectly normal, mass-produced knife is not going to have a great deal of collector appeal, so unlikely to “hold value” much at all. But high-quality items from prominent makers can become quite value. Like vintage “Randall Made” hand-forged knives.
Do knives increase in value? ›
Don't expect your knives to ever go up in value and be prepared for them to go down in value. If you still like them after they drop in value (like most knives will), then you are doing "OK" in this hobby.
Are knives in high demand? ›
As cooking becomes more popular and people engage in culinary activities at home, there is a higher demand for quality kitchen tools, including knives. Rising Focus on Professional-Quality Tools: Consumers are increasingly seeking kitchen tools that replicate the quality and performance of professional-grade equipment.
What is the life expectancy of a knife? ›
A good knife, properly used and well treated, ought to last the lifetime of the cook. I have a carving knife and a cleaver inherited from my grandfather. They've been in use for something like ninety years.
