Where do I Start? What Knives Should I Collect?

If you're reading this Guide, you probably are thinking about starting a Case XX knife collection. Congratulations! You've chosen a great item to collect. Case XX knives make wonderful collectibles. They are rich in history, they are often handed down from one generation to the next, and you have lots of choices! The broad range of choices is one of the hurdles new collectors face. Where do I start? Should I collect certain patterns? Trappers? Peanuts? Toothpicks? Or, should I collect by handles? Old Red Bone? Bone Stag? Caribbean Blue? It can be overwhelming at first. There are no rules set in stone, of course, but we think we can help you get started in a way that is fun and sensible.

Pick Something You Like!

No matter what knives you choose to collect, make sure YOU like them. You can't go wrong if you choose to collect knives that you find interesting and appealing. You may choose to collect knives of a certain pattern. For example, you might look around and find that your favorite pattern is a Trapper. If so, you might want to start collecting Trappers with all kinds of different handles. Or, you might find you especially like a certain bone handle and would prefer to collect all the patterns in that particular handle. Maybe you see a Jade Bone knife and love the color. You might want to collect Jade Bone knives, getting one of each pattern made. You might eventually have multiple collections going at the same time. That's OK, too! You might collect Trappers in all the bone handles you can find AND Jade Bone knives in every pattern you can find. If you like the knives, you can be certain you'll enjoy your collection. You can look at our Ebay Listings to get an idea of what knives are currently for sale on Ebay.

Collecting by Pattern

If you decide you want to collect a certain pattern of knife, you'll need to decide which pattern is your favorite. We suggest starting with just one pattern. There is always time to start another collection of a different pattern. Give yourself time to admire and learn about the patterns before you attempt to acquire multiple collections. Just choosing a pattern is a huge task. Case XX produces many patterns, so you shouldn't have a hard time choosing one you particularly like. There are the Trappers, the Stockmans, the Whittlers, the Muskrats, the Copperheads, the Peanuts, the Congress, the Gunstocks the Sowbellys, the Toothpicks, the Canoes, the Elephant Toes, the Barlows.....and on and on the list goes. Some of the patterns come in different sizes, so you may need to narrow your search down even further. You might choose to collect Mini Trappers rather than the full size trappers.

Find a pattern that you are fond of and start trying to find that pattern in lots of different handles. If you love the Peanuts, then collect Peanuts in many different handles. If the Gunstocks are more attractive to you, start finding Gunstocks in different handles.

As you can see, there are tons of choices if you decide to collect by pattern. Start out by choosing just one or two, and focus on those for some time before venturing onto others.

Collecting by Handle

Some people choose to start their collections by handle rather than by pattern. This is a fun way to begin a new collection, and you may prefer collecting by handle over collecting by pattern. Either way, just try to focus on just a few things at a time, or you will become overwhelmed. If you like the Bone Stag handle, then start obtaining different patterns in the Bone Stag handle. Try to find a Peanut, and a Trapper, and a Toothpick, and so on and so on. You will soon complete that set (at least until Case introduces something new in that handle) and can move onto another favorite handle.

Popular Collections

You may have such a hard time making up your mind where to begin, you'd prefer to know what lots of other people collect and base your decision on that. That's fine, too. There are certain patterns and certain handles that seem to be the most sought after. For those with plenty of spending money, the Mother of Pearl handles are frequently chosen as collectibles. Stag handles are sought after by almost every collector, because they are becoming rare. There is an embargo on stag, so these knives are becoming harder to get. Some people like to collect synthetic handled knives, like the yellow or black. Others go after the Appaloosa or Blue Lapis handles, which tend to be more expensive and exotic than the jigged bone handled knives. Many people have a strict budget for collecting, so they choose the more affordable Old Red Bone handles or the Caribbean Blue handles or the Barn Board handles. It is really up to you and your wallet. Remember, no matter your budget, try to focus on just a few collections at one time.

Some patterns seem to be more sought after than others. The Russlock pattern is popular, probably because it was the last pattern designed by legendary knifemaker Tommy Hart. Others love the Butterbean pattern. Still others are struck by the Mid-Folding Hunter pattern. The Toothpick is the favorite of some collectors. As you can see, it's just a matter of personal choice.

One thing to keep in mind when starting a new collection is how old or new the pattern is. The older patterns have been around a long time, so it makes sense that it might be difficult to obtain a complete collection of that pattern. Unless you find someone who wants to get rid of their knife, it might be difficult for you to find a Trapper that was made in, let's say, 1956. If you choose a newer pattern (like the copperlock) you'll have a greater chance of getting a complete set. The copperlocks are fairly new, so you'd have an easier time getting one of each handle. You wouldn't need to wade through hundreds of years of knives to find a copperlock because it's a relatively "new" pattern. The Small Congress, the Mid-Folding Hunter, the Baby Doctors, and the Small Saddlehorn are other newer patterns that are fairly easy to start now and be able to complete a set.

Limited Editions, First Run Productions, Licensed Products

Some people don't have a favorite pattern or handle. Instead, they focus on knives that are produced by Case in limited quantities. The Limited Edition knives are numbered by roman numerals. Right now, in 2006, Case is up to number XIX in the Limited Edition series. The earlier the series, the harder they are to find. The newer the series, the better chance you'll have to complete a set. Right now, the Limited Edition XIX Ocean Blue knives are available, but there are only 3,000 of each of these knives made. If you want a complete set of the Limited Editions, grab them quickly. They sell out fast.

Other people focus their interests on First Run Production knives. These knives are just what their name implies. They are the "first run" by Case of making that particular knife. There are only 500 of any First Run Production knife, so if you want to collect these, it is important to not let too much time pass before getting your hands on them. The new India Stag handle produced by Case is out as a "first run" at the time of this writing. In just a few weeks, they will all be gone.

Case teams up with other companies to produce Licensed Product knives. There are Boy Scout Case knives, there are Coca-Cola Case knives, and there are John Deere Case knives. Case usually makes these licensed knives in all the patterns, so some people try to collect a favorite licensed product in every pattern.

Have Fun and Network with Others

As you can probably tell, there are endless types of Case knife collections you can start. There isn't one "right" way or "wrong" way to collect. It should be fun and you should enjoy yourself! You can learn more about the collection you wish to accumulate by networking with others at knife shows or swap meets. You can search on Ebay and other online websites and see what is available in the handle, pattern, or specialty knife you have chosen to select. Make yourself a list, and try to stick to it! When you've crossed nearly everything off of one list....it's time to make a new one!

Please look over our auctions to get an idea of what type of knife you are ready to collect. Visit our About Me page and feel free to contact us with any questions you might have to start, or finish, your Case XX knife collection.

Check out our other GUIDES on Ebay to learn more about Case XX knives.