I started collecting pocket knives when I stumbled across a good source of them. In a state where I used to live, I got to know a couple of state employees who worked with state surplus. Big warehouse with vehicles and equipment and things. There was this 50 gallon plastic barrel, and it was just full of loose knives. It turns out that this was the final destination of knives seized at the airport by the TSA. For a year or two, I could dig through the knives and buy as many as I could carry in two hands for $20, a box of donuts, and a box of coffee.
Later, the state figured out they were worth more and started having announced sales, with some researching on the prices. Those sales were cleaned out of good deals in minutes,
But I got a few that I like. Here's my favorite airport knife, a limited edition assisted opening Buck with Damascus blade and fossil mammoth scales:
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