Hi again it's Andrew from Andrew's Blokey Bits on The Happy Hoarders Tasmania.
I’ve had pocket knives or hunting / utility style knives in one form or another since I was a small boy on our farm in north western Tasmania in the 1960’s. Probably every farm kid had a pocket knife.
Now I’m older when I see a pocket knife somebody doesn’t want, I can’t help but say “I’ll have it!”. Most of them probably aren’t worth a cracker, however the odd one has some value.
So I suppose of late I’ve become a bt of a collector, but a mere novice when it comes to knowing anything about them. This newly acquired interest has prompted me to do some research and write this article.
As I said I’m a newcomer to pocket knife collecting, so please don’t be too critical if you’re a seasoned collector.
Let’s get started then.
I can see how collecting pocket knives is more than just a hobby, it’s a journey through history, craftsmanship, and practicality.
Each knife tells a story, whether it’s a finely crafted gentleman’s pocket knife from the early 1900s, or it’s a rugged workhorse that’s seen a lot of use.
The materials used for construction range from carbon steel to modern stainless alloys, with handles that are crafted from bone, wood, or even mother-of-pearl.
Some collectors , particularly the Americans, focus on specific brands like Case, Buck, or Boker, while others seek out rare patterns, military-issued models, or limited-edition pieces.
Condition plays a big role in a knife’s value, but so does it’s history.
A well-worn blade might hold more significance if it belonged to a soldier, a tradesman, or even a family member who carried it daily.
Then there’s the thrill of the hunt. Fossicking through antique stores, garage sales, or online auctions in search of that one elusive piece.
Whether you love their utility, their history, or their artistry, pocket knives offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, all wrapped up in a tool that still serves a purpose today.
If we look at Australian and American collectors; the following are some of the knives they prize.
Some knives stand out not just for their materials or design, but for the stories they carry.
Among the most coveted are the early Case Tested XX knives from before the 1940s, known for their hand-finished craftsmanship and the unmistakable feel of quality in their bone and stag handles. 
A well-preserved Case from this era, especially one with an unusual pattern or factory etching, is a prize worth hunting.
Then there’s the Buck 110 Folding Hunter, a knife that changed the game when it was released in 1964. Its lockback mechanism and sturdy construction made it an instant classic, and early models, particularly those with original sheaths and boxes are snapped up by collectors eager to own a piece of knife history. 
The same can be said for the legendary Remington Bullet Knives from the 1920s and 30s. Built for hard use, these knives were meant to be carried daily, which makes finding one in top condition a rare and exciting discovery. 
The Boker Tree Brand knives from before World War II have a devoted following, especially the German-made models with their flawless carbon steel blades and intricate handle materials. 
The same goes for Schrade Cut Co. knives made before 1946, particularly their early automatic models, which were built with a level of precision that’s hard to find today. 
Marbles Safety Knives from the early 1900s are another rarity, designed with a unique locking system that set them apart from the traditional slip joint knives of the time. 
Collectors with an eye for military history seek out vintage government-issued pocket knives from World War I, World War II, and beyond.
Camillus, Case, and other manufacturers produced sturdy, no-nonsense blades for soldiers and sailors, and those bearing military stamps or engravings are especially prized.
Western Cutlery knives from Boulder, Colorado, are another category of their own, their rugged designs built to withstand the demands of hunters and outdoorsmen. 
Queen Cutlery’s early stag-handled models and Winterbottom bone patterns, with their distinct textured grip, have a loyal following, as do the rare folding knives made by Randall, a company more famous for their fixed blades. 
Even the world of Swiss Army knives has its collectors, with early Victorinox and Wenger Alox models, particularly limited editions bring impressive prices. 
A pocket knife’s value isn’t just in its materials or its age, but in the life it has lived.
Some collectors look for pristine, unused examples still in their original boxes, while others love the character of a well-worn blade, imagining the hands that once carried it.
Whether it’s a hundred-year-old Boker with a patina that tells its own story, or a Remington Bullet knife tucked away for decades in a tackle box, the hunt is as much a part of the passion as the knives themselves.
In addition to these iconic brands, Australian collectors also seek out the German brands Linder, Puma, and Herbertz, as well as the American Camillus brand of knives.
Puma knives are enowned for their German engineering. 
Vintage Puma knives are highly sought after for their quality and design.
These knives have long been revered for their craftsmanship, precision, and durability.
The company was founded in 1769 in Solingen, Germany often called the City of Blades.
Puma built its reputation on producing high-quality hunting, outdoor, and collectible knives. With their meticulous approach to design and materials, the company became a trusted name among outdoorsmen, sportsmen, and collectors alike.
Throughout the years, Puma’s knives have come to be known by their distinctive blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.
Their blades, often forged from high-grade German steel, are known for exceptional sharpness and longevity, while their handles fuse the very best materials such as stag horn, wood, and micarta (A durable composite material made by layering fibrous materials with resin and placed under high pressure) .
While the company still produces its top notch knives in Solingen, some of its more affordable models are now manufactured elsewhere under the Puma brand.
Despite this the name continues to carry weight in the knife world, with vintage Solingen-made Pumas remaining highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Linder is another German brand held in high regard. Linder knives are appreciated for their traditional craftsmanship and durability. 
Linder knives embody the rich blade-making heritage of Solingen.
Founded in the late 19th century, Linder built its reputation on producing high-quality hunting, outdoor, and collector’s knives, each reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that defines Solingen steel.
What sets Linder apart is its commitment to blending tradition with innovation.
The company has long favored the very best materials such as stainless and carbon steels crafted for edge retention, together with elegant stag horn, exotic woods, and micarta handles. Whether it’s a rugged hunting knife, a finely balanced Bowie, or a collector’s piece with ornate detailing, Linder knives exude both functionality and artistry.
While the brand sticks to its German roots, like Puma some models are now manufactured outside of Solingen to meet market demands. Yet, for those who appreciate old-world craftsmanship and enduring quality, a genuine Solingen-made Linder knife remains a prized addition to any collection.
Now lets’s look at Herbertz knives. Collectors value Herbertz knives for their variety and the precision of their blades. 
Once again Herbertz knives trace their origins to Solingen, Germany. The company was founded in 1868. The C. Jul. Herbertz company built its name on producing reliable, well-crafted knives for hunters, outdoorsmen, and collectors alike.
What distinguishes Herbertz is its ability to balance tradition with practicality. Their knives, forged from high-quality stainless and carbon steels, are designed for both durability and precision. The handles are crafted from stag horn, exotic woods, and modern composites, which add to their appeal, joining both elegance and functionality.
While Herbertz has its strong Solingen’s blade-making heritage, not all of its knives are still made there. And like Puma, and Linder, to reach a broader market, many models are now produced in other countries under the Herbertz brand.
Now to the Camillus brand. 
Camillus has a history of producing knives for military use.
Vintage Camillus knives are prized for their robustness and historical value.
The company was founded in 1876 in Camillus, New York, where the Camillus Cutlery Company built a reputation for crafting high-quality knives, including those supplied to the military.
For over a century, the brand was known for its durability and precision. However, in 2007, the company closed its doors, marking the end of an era.
The Camillus name was later revived by Acme United Corporation, which now owns the rights to the brand.
While a select number of premium models are still made in the USA, much of today’s Camillus production takes place in China and Taiwan.
As a final word, Australian collectors also appreciate custom-made knives that showcase exceptional craftsmanship and unique designs.
Events like the Adelaide Knife Show provide opportunities for enthusiasts to explore and acquire such pieces, as well as to engage with the broader knife-collecting community.
Please note: The knives shown in the pictures are not from my personal collection and are not for sale by me.
Also: It is an offence to sell a knife to a person under the age of 18. Proof of age may be required.
