Greetings Panzerraptor. Here are my thoughts:
1. First rule of thumb: collect what you like.
2. As far as market value is concerned, that is a different question. Example: a custom knife maker makes a dagger replicating a Persian kard vs one found at HSN, then the custom piece is more valuable as a rule due to the better quality, craftsmanship, rarity, etc.
However, an original Persian kard vs a custom made replica, usually the original one would be worth more.
Again these are generalities assuming that the condition of the original one is near perfect and the quality and craftsmanship is superb.
This does not take into account demand pressures on the antique weaponry and custom knife markets. Plus, some folks like custom stuff only for the artwork, some the antique stuff for that plus the history.
Although this is more to this, these are the bare bones basic tenets that I see.
Clear as mud?
