13 Most Valuable Vintage Pocket Knives For Collectors: A Complete Guide To The Best
Pocket knives have been around for centuries and have been used for various purposes, from opening letters and boxes to hunting and self-defense. While pocket knives are often considered functional tools, they are also highly collectible, especially vintage models.
So what are the 13 most valuable vintage pocket knives for collectors? The most valuable vintage pocket knives range from the Vintage Remington Bullet at just $825 to the Chuck Gedraitis Custom Clever Girl Automatic Knife at $4500.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about the most valuable vintage pocket knives for you as a collector.
1. Marfione Customs Hera D/E OTF Automatic Knife Carbon Fiber
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 3.8 inches
- Material of Blade: M390 Steel
- Brand: Marfione Customs
- Origin: United States
- Price: $3,429
This knife is considered a vintage item due to its high-end craftsmanship and the rarity of its production. Crafted with carbon fiber and M390 steel, this knife is a testament to the exquisite taste of collectors.
The carbon fiber handle gives it a distinct look while providing a sturdy grip, while the M390 steel blade ensures that it retains its sharpness for an extended period.
The Marfione Customs Hera D/E OTF Automatic Knife Carbon Fiber boasts an automatic opening mechanism, making it user-friendly and easy to operate. This knife has a sleek and stylish design, making it an attractive addition to any collection.
One of the main advantages of this knife is the high-quality materials used in its construction. This ensures its durability and longevity, making it a worthwhile investment. The automatic opening mechanism is another advantage, making it easy to use and carry.
However, one of the disadvantages of this knife is its high price, which may need to be more affordable for some collectors. Additionally, the automatic opening mechanism may not be legal to carry in some areas, limiting its use.
2. Tuch Umqua Liner Carbon Fiber Knife
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 3.25 inches
- Material of Blade: CPM-S30V Steel
- Brand: Tuch Umqua
- Origin: United States
- Price: $3,000
This pocket knife is a remarkable piece of engineering, designed and crafted by master knifemaker Dan Tuch.
The knife features a sleek and stylish carbon fiber handle with an excellent grip and a drop-point blade of high-quality CPM-S35VN steel. The razor-sharp blade can easily handle all kinds of cutting tasks, from opening boxes to slicing through rigid materials.
One of the unique features of the Tuch Umqua is its dual-action auto mechanism, which allows for both manual and automatic blade opening. The knife also has a reliable liner lock that keeps the blade in place.
However, the Tuch Umqua may be lighter for some users, which is the only significant disadvantage of this pocket knife.
3. Chuck Gedraitis Custom Clever Girl Automatic Knife
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 4 inches
- Material of Blade: Steel
- Brand: Chuck Gedraitis
- Origin: United States
- Price: $4,500
The Chuck Gedraitis Custom Clever Girl Automatic Knife + Stand is a true work of art handcrafted by the renowned knifemaker Chuck Gedraitis. The knife is considered vintage due to its uniqueness and limited production.
It features a stunning blade made of Damasteel, high-performance stainless steel that is beautiful and durable. The blade has a tanto-style shape with a sharp point, making it a versatile cutting tool.
The handle of the Clever Girl is made of titanium and has a unique design that provides a comfortable and secure grip. The knife also comes with a beautiful custom stand, making it an excellent piece for display or collection. The frame is made of high-quality materials to showcase the knife’s unique features.
On the other hand, the knife’s expensive price tag may not be accessible to all buyers, which could be considered a con.
4. Vintage Remington Bullet
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 3.25 inches
- Material of Blade: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Vintage Remington
- Origin: United States
- Price: $875
The Vintage Remington Bullet pocket knife is a highly sought-after item produced in the early 1900s, making it an authentic vintage treasure. It is known for its unique design and historical significance, making it a valuable addition to any collector’s repertoire.
The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring it can withstand the test of time. Its compact size of 3.25 inches makes it perfect for everyday carry, and its bullet-shaped handle is a conversation starter.
The blade features a lock-back mechanism that securely locks the blade in place when opened. However, the handle can feel slippery in wet conditions, so using it with dry hands is best.
5. Vintage Case XX Tested 1920-1939 Whittler 8308 Genuine Pearl Blade
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 3.25 inches
- Material of Blade: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Case XX
- Origin: United States
- Price: $1,500
This pocket knife is a rare and highly sought-after item among collectors from the early 1920s. Its three blades are made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring its longevity.
The handle is made of genuine pearl, adding a touch of elegance to this already beautiful knife. Its compact size of 3.25 inches makes it perfect for display or carrying in a pocket. However, its high price may be a barrier for some collectors.
However, due to its age, visible signs of wear and tear may add to its vintage charm, but it may not be suitable for some people’s tastes. Additionally, with a compact size, it may not be better for smaller hands or for those who prefer bigger knives.
6. KABAR Stag Union Cut Co PAT 1907
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 4 inches
- Material of Blade: Carbon Steel
- Brand: KABAR
- Origin: United States
- Price: $1,175
The KABAR Stag Union Cut Co PAT 1907 pocket knife is a vintage piece from the early 1900s. The knife’s era and unique design add to its charm and appeal. The knife’s carbon steel blade is exceptionally durable, making it an ideal tool for camping, hunting, or collecting.
The knife features a handle made of a stag, which gives it a rustic look and feel. The knife also comes with a fork, making it a handy outdoor cooking tool.
On the downside, the knife may feel heavy and bulky, making it less comfortable to carry around. Also, the knife may be unavailable due to its vintage status, making it difficult to find.
7. Boker Tirpitz Liner Lock Knife Aluminum/Walnut
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 3.5 inches
- Material of Blade: Damascus
- Brand: Boker
- Origin: Germany
- Price: $1,048
The Boker Tirpitz Liner Lock Knife is considered vintage because it was produced in the late 20th century and is no longer in production. This knife is known for its unique design, with an aluminum handle adorned with walnut inlays that add to its sleek and elegant appearance.
The blade is secured by a liner lock mechanism that ensures its stability and safety during use. The Boker Tirpitz Liner Lock Knife is a testament to the manufacturer’s commitment to creating high-quality products.
However, the Boker Tirpitz Liner Lock Knife may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks due to its lightweight construction. This means it may need help to handle tasks that require a sturdier and heavier knife.
Additionally, it may need frequent maintenance to keep the blade sharp, which could be a drawback for those who prefer low-maintenance knives.
8. Randall Made Knives-Model Knife-Bear Bowie
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 8 inches
- Material of Blade: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Randall Made Knives
- Origin: United States
- Price: $1,850
The Randall Made Knives-Model 12-8 Knife-Bear Bowie is a high-quality vintage hunting knife made by the renowned American manufacturer Randall Made Knives.
The handle is made from a beautiful crown stag, which gives the knife a rustic and elegant look. The blade is designed for hunting and can be used for a variety of tasks in the field.
The elegant design of the knife adds to its aesthetic appeal, making it a collector’s item. Additionally, the knife is produced by a reputable brand known for its quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
However, the knife’s size and weight make it unsuitable for everyday carry, which can be considered a disadvantage. Nevertheless, the knife’s overall performance and quality make it a valuable addition to any collection or a reliable tool for hunting purposes.
9. 1920 1940 Case Super Rare Teste 6151 Green Bone Banana Treapper None Better Knife
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 4.125 inches
- Material of Blade: Carbon steel
- Brand: Case
- Origin: United States
- Price: $1,050
The Case Super Rare Teste 6151 Green Bone Banana Treapper None Better Knife was produced between the 1920s and 1940s, making it a vintage collectible. Its green bone handle and carbon steel blade stand out from other knives of its era.
At 4.125 inches, the blade is perfect for everyday carry while still being long enough to handle tougher tasks. This knife was made in the United States and is an excellent choice for anyone who values quality craftsmanship.
However, the Case Super Rare Teste 6151 Green Bone Banana Treapper None Better Knife is relatively expensive compared to other vintage knives. Collectors who prefer traditional designs may like something other than the knife’s unique look.
10. HUGE Antique Folding Dagger Bowie Knife Genuine Pearl Sculpted Bolsters
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 6.75 inches
- Material of Blade: Steel
- Brand: Huge
- Origin: France
- Price: $3,950
The HUGE Antique Folding Dagger Bowie Knife is a vintage masterpiece with a unique and stunning design. The knife is a testament to the craftsmanship of the time, featuring genuine pearl-sculpted bolsters that add a touch of elegance to the knife’s overall appearance.
At 6.75 inches, the blade is large enough to handle serious tasks, while the genuine pearl-sculpted bolsters add a touch of elegance. This knife was made in France and is an excellent choice for collectors or enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the knife may not be suitable for everyday handling due to its size and vintage nature. However, this is a highly sought-after and valuable piece for collectors or enthusiasts that adds to any collection.
11. Case Tested XX 551 Stag Folding Bowie Knife
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 5 inches
- Material of Blade: Carbon steel
- Brand: Case XX
- Origin: United States
- Price: $1,550
The Case Tested XX 551 Stag Folding Bowie Knife is a vintage piece from the early to the mid-20th century. Collectors covet it due to its rarity and unique features.
The 5-inch carbon steel blade is perfect for hunting and other outdoor activities, while the stag handle adds a touch of elegance. This knife comes with a sheath for easy carrying.
The history of this knife is also significant, as it was a popular tool among outdoors people and hunters during its production era. Its material and design reflect the craftsmanship and quality of knives from that era. Owning one is a way to connect with the past and appreciate the artistry of vintage knives.
One possible downside of this knife is that its blade length may be shorter than some collectors prefer. However, this may be a minor issue for those who value its historical significance and unique design features.
12. Attn2Detail Mercantile MK 3 Med Frame Lock Knife Jigged Ti
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 3.5 inches
- Material of Blade: Steel
- Brand: Attn2Detail Mercantile
- Origin: United States
- Best For: Collecting, EDC
- Price: $1,150
The Attn2Detail Mercantile MK 3 Med Frame Lock Knife is a precision-made folding knife with a 3.25-inch blade made of CPM S35VN steel, known for its toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. The blade has a flat grind and a stonewashed finish, adding to its durability and appearance.
The knife features a titanium handle with a jigged texture, providing a comfortable and secure grip. It also has a frame lock mechanism that keeps the blade securely in place when open. The knife has a flipper tab that allows easy one-handed opening and a pocket clip that enables easy and secure carry.
However, the lightweight construction of the knife may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks, which may require a more robust and sturdy knife.
13. W R CASE & SONS 1905-14 Super Rare Rogersbone Combo 6251
Key Features:
- Length of Blade: 2.5 inches
- Material of Blade: Stainless Steel
- Brand: W R CASE & SONS
- Origin: United States
- Price: $1295
This pocket knife is a vintage folding knife produced during the early 1900s. It has a 2.5-inch stainless steel blade that is durable and sharp and a fork that is attached to the handle. The handle is made of Rogersbone, a material known for its durability and attractive appearance.
The knife also features a nickel-silver bolster and pins, adding to its aesthetics. It has a slip joint mechanism that keeps the blade securely in place when open and a bail allowing easy attachment to a keychain or lanyard.
The knife’s vintage production era and rarity make it more expensive than other knives with similar features. Its specific design for outdoor activities may also limit its use to those particular situations, making it less versatile than other knives in some cases.
What To Consider When Collecting Vintage Knives
Collecting vintage knives can be a fascinating hobby. But it can also be overwhelming and confusing, especially for beginners. Here are some things to consider when starting your vintage knife collection.
1. Production Era
One of the most critical factors to consider when collecting vintage knives is the production era. The production era of a knife can significantly impact its rarity, value, and overall quality.
2. Material and Design
Vintage knives are often made of high-quality materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or Damascus steel. The design of a knife is also essential and can include features such as bone, wood, or synthetic handles, unique blade shapes, and intricate detailing.
3. Authenticity
When collecting vintage knives, it’s crucial to ensure the knife is authentic and not a counterfeit or replica. Research the knife’s production era, markings, and other features to confirm its authenticity.
4. Condition
The condition of a vintage knife is essential, as it can significantly impact its value. Look for well-maintained knives with no signs of corrosion, rust, or damage.
5. Rarity
The rarity of a vintage knife is another critical factor to consider. Knives produced in limited quantities or with unique features are often more valuable and sought-after by collectors.
6. Value
Having a budget when collecting vintage knives is essential, as prices vary widely depending on the knife’s production era, rarity, and condition.
FAQs
Here are a few related questions you might be asking yourself right now.
Q1: How do I know if a vintage pocket knife is authentic?
You can authenticate a vintage pocket knife by examining its materials, design, and markings and consulting with field experts.
Q2: Can vintage pocket knives be used for everyday tasks?
While you can still use vintage pocket knives for everyday tasks, they are generally not recommended as they may be fragile and lose their value if damaged.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 13 most valuable vintage pocket knives are an excellent resource for collectors looking for rare, high-quality ones. Each of the knives on this list is unique and offers something special to collectors.
Whether you are looking for a rare vintage knife or a vintage knife with a modern look, there is something for everyone on this list. Remember to always research and buy from a reputable dealer to ensure you get an authentic product.
