The first known knives were developed during the Stone Age. These knives were made of flint, which could easily be chipped and scaled to shape. Later forms of the flint knife were ground to their desired shape. The advancing of technology brought with it new materials for making knives, including bronze, copper, and the iron based materials from which most modern day knives are made of.

Humans hold a special bond with their tools, especially those used for hunting. Over the ages, knives have been adorned with ornate designs which added a touch of beauty and reflected pride in the skills of the craftsman. Even in modern times, the knife must not only of lasting performance and quality, but also have an appealing design and finish that gives the owner a sense of pride.  This sense of pride is especially important to anyone collecting pocket knives, as it adds value to their collection, be it monetary value, functional value or just the value of knowing the collector has superior quality knives in his or her collection.

One of the most versatile knife styles to come out of this long history is the folding knife, or pocket knife. Pocket knives are popular because they can be easily concealed, they often consist of multiple blades which provide more versatility, and their fold-away blades make them safer than straight blade knives when not in use. The pocket knife also holds quite a bit of nostalgia. Many a knife has been handed down from generation to generation. It is not uncommon to see knives handed down from father to son, then to grandson and on down the line. This nostalgia, coupled with the pocket knife's versatility has made collecting pocket knives a fun and rewarding hobby for both young and old.

Case XX Pocket Knife

There are many different styles of pocket knife that you can add to your collection. The most basic pocket knives are probably the most nostalgic style, and they are the most readily available. These knives usually have between 2 and 4 blades, and are usually pretty compact in size. You can find good specimens in the display cases at sporting good and hardware stores. Some of the better brands for these knives are W.R. Case, Schrade, and Kershaw. You can often times find good quality commemorative knives in this style as well. Harley Davidson and Winchester make some of the more desirable commemorative pocket knives. If you are thinking about collecting pocket knives, this is a good style to begin with as they are usually less expensive and easier to find.

Folding Knife (Folder)

As you get into the heavier grade knives, you will find that most only have a single blade and are quite a bit larger. These knives are often referred to as folding knives (folders) as they are a bit larger than the traditional pocket knife. Many of these knives will have spring assisted opening, locking mechanisms, or other means to allow them to open quickly and stay open (or closed for that matter). These knives are usually intended for more rugged use such as hunting, sporting and even military use. Some varieties will come with carrying pouches and belt straps to keep them securely attached to their owner during periods of high activity.  The larger size of these knives allows them the possibility of having more design elements, making them more desirable to persons collecting pocket knives.  The larger handles allow for more stylish edges, and on some knives, you will find designs forged or etched into the handles.

Swiss Army Knife with USB Flash Drive

Another popular variety of knife is the Swiss Army Knife. These knives are pocket sized knives and contain many different blades that allow for a variety of different uses. These knives contain anything from toothpicks to spoons and forks to screwdrivers, and there is even a model available with a built in USB flash drive (for all you computer geeks out there). These knives are easy to find and can prove to be a lifesaver in a variety of situations. There are many different sizes and styles available, and the wide variety of designs and features makes this style of knife good for anyone collecting pocket knives.

Damascus Steel Custom Knife

The true nostalgia of the knife can still be found today from a variety of custom knife makers that make a wide variety of styles. Although these knives can be a bit pricey, the craftsmanship employed in their creation makes them well worth the money. Many custom knife makers use advanced metal working and forging techniques that make these knives true works of art. Many custom knife smiths use Damascus Steel in the creation process, which is a combination of different grades of metal which, when combined together, form patterns in the metal. Other advanced metalworking techniques allow the knife smith to add vibrant colors to the materials without ever using an ounce of dye or paint. Many custom knives are even etched with intricate designs in the handle or even encrusted with jewels such as diamonds or emeralds. Even though many of these knives can cost upwards of thousands of dollars, if you are serious about collecting pocket knives, they are definitely worth the money.

There are almost an infinite number of styles available when considering collecting pocket knives. Whether you have been collecting for years or are just starting out, you are sure to find something new and interesting all the time. The rich history of the knife means that there will never be a shortage of good collectible knives anytime soon.