In comparison, say someone wanted to start playing golf. They would need to buy golf clubs, a bag with a wheel cart, shoes, golf balls, tees, etc. And then there are the course fees, every time you play. Things aren't cheap these days, but without these necessities, one would have a very difficult time trying to play golf. And, other than sore muscles, a sunburn, and an empty wallet, what do you have to show for it afterward? Let's move on to stamp collecting and essential supplies!

Fortunately, stamp supplies are MUCH cheaper than golf supplies! In order to pursue stamp collecting it is absolutely essential to have the proper tools to handle your stamps, the means to house and display your stamps, the tools to correctly identify older stamps, and reference catalogs to assist in identifying, arranging, valuing, buying, or selling your stamps.

The essential tools you will need are stamp hinges or mounts, stamp tongs, magnifying glass, glassine envelopes, watermark detector, a perforation gauge, a stamp catalog for the particular area being collected, and a stamp album or stockbook to house your stamps.