What are some valuable items to knife collectors?

Knife collecting is generally divided into two specialties: knives used as tools and knives used as weapons. Vintage military knives are some of the most highly collectible knives on the market.

Knife collecting started in the early 1900s, and formal clubs started appearing around 1940. Collectors often focus on decorative bone or celluloid handled knives from the 1950s and 1960s as the prize in their collection. These are often American-made and have finely machined blades. Antique folding knives are also intensely popular, with some examples dating back to 500 B.C. Those who collect folding knives often avoid mass-manufactured brands, instead seeking custom cutlers who create each knife by hand.