Are the "old" R.A.T. logo knives going to be collectible?

It would be interesting if in ten years the old RC logos are highly sought after simply because we all beat the snot out of ours and there aren't any left by then lol. Do like the old logo more myself, not that you can really make it out on my 3 anymore with all the pine sap and pencil graphite on it nowadays. Gotta love that these just scream with all their might, USE ME!!! :D
 
i'd buy a first run RAT logo'd Izula.

and i'd use the fallkniven WM1 i just ordered.
 
Maybe for knife collectors they will be intresting. However not much of the people here are collectors.
 
IMHO anything with RAT logo should be beaten heck out of it. That is what RAT/ESEE knives are intended: For use. I'm not collector, it seems knives just accumulate me and I have large rotation.
 
The only ESEE knife I have that I'm probably not going to end up using is my Pack knife. And that's because I already have a 3 on my EDC bag that's had the snot kicked out of it and still working fine so I don't have any reason beat up my pretty one. :p
 
Only RC/ESEE knife I have put up to save is my RAT Pack 3 serial 003, Reason I purchased a pair LOL ,1 user & 1 safe queen but it has the Skull logo so it does not count :D
 
texastonydobbs said:
Only RC/ESEE knife I have put up to save is my RAT Pack 3 serial 003, Reason I purchased a pair LOL ,1 user & 1 safe queen but it has the Skull logo so it does not count :D
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Hehehe, Skull logo I understand and you have two of them. If you would have had only one and it would have safe queen that would have been completely different :D
 
have to admit, that i too, have put up the rat pack 3. tho i take it out and fondle it sometimes....
 
I will sell my "authentic" and "distressed" RAT logo knives to the right collector.

RC-4 with many stories to tell in trade for (2) new ESEE-4s, 1 black and 1 tan
NEW, MINT, EXCELLENT CONDITION RC-6 for a new ESEE-6 and a Junglas

Man what a bargain, let me clean my PM box. :D

My Rat Pack knife rides in my Get Home Bag in the car and will take beatings just like the rest of them. Hope to field dress and skin some deer with it this season.
 
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Collectibility is a function of supply vs demand. As the guy behind the products and marketing for Upper Deck in its early years I can tell you that it was exactly the use and abuse of product that led to the shortage. When people make knives just for collecting they have to be very careful they don't overproduce or lose their mojo.

I look at Busse and Strider and I can see why people want them but I think they are already drilling pretty deep into their narrow base. Its easy to drive perceived rarity and perceived quality (because people don't actually use collector knives) with hype but my experience people ultimately like to collect things that make them smile when they drag them out and they should be inherently interesting or unique products that were produced in much smaller quantities than initially perceived.

I always like to do a numbered release of a product and only market it through quiet channels. BUT I make that product a great deal. We sold the DPx HEST with a signed hardcover book and certificate for list price which made it a better deal than the production model. That makes people go Whoa damn. I should have snapped that up. When I am dead and gone I think people will appreciate they have something that links the knife to the person.

Its also a generational thing. People tend to buy the things they wish they had when they were young and couldn't afford. So yes the very fact that people love and USE their RAT/ESEE and DPx knives will make them collectible but not for a while :)
 
RYP said:
Collectibility is a function of supply vs demand. As the guy behind the products and marketing for Upper Deck in its early years I can tell you that it was exactly the use and abuse of product that led to the shortage. When people make knives just for collecting they have to be very careful they don't overproduce or lose their mojo.

I look at Busse and Strider and I can see why people want them but I think they are already drilling pretty deep into their narrow base. Its easy to drive perceived rarity and perceived quality (because people don't actually use collector knives) with hype but my experience people ultimately like to collect things that make them smile when they drag them out and they should be inherently interesting or unique products that were produced in much smaller quantities than initially perceived.

I always like to do a numbered release of a product and only market it through quiet channels. BUT I make that product a great deal. We sold the DPx HEST with a signed hardcover book and certificate for list price which made it a better deal than the production model. That makes people go Whoa damn. I should have snapped that up. When I am dead and gone I think people will appreciate they have something that links the knife to the person.

Its also a generational thing. People tend to buy the things they wish they had when they were young and couldn't afford. So yes the very fact that people love and USE their RAT/ESEE and DPx knives will make them collectible but not for a while :)
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Excellent analysis Robert, and thanks for venturing out of the Black Flag Cafe to visit us. I think you are spot on with the analysis from what I've witnessed with other quality brands. As a fan of Chris Reeve knives, I can tell you that Chris and Anne NEVER thought their knives would be collectable. They're cutting tools first and foremost. Without even keeping early records, they just made them as well as they could afford and gradually ramped up the business over the years. Now, try to find a mint Sebenza from the early '90s and see what I mean.

Look at old USA made Schrades, Marbles, and other brands as well. Popular, well made knives ALWAYS increase in value, if only after many years. Now in my case, my RAT 6 will take about a century to appreciate in value, as beat up as it is :D
 
Well,
they're never ever going to be made in that incarnation again, right?
And with everyone beating the you know what out of them,
that will only make a pristine one that much more rare...
Just a thought.

oct.
 
texastonydobbs said:
Only RC/ESEE knife I have put up to save is my RAT Pack 3 serial 003, Reason I purchased a pair LOL ,1 user & 1 safe queen but it has the Skull logo so it does not count :D
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I got a pair as well. Even though I have a beater 3, I EDC one RP, and the other i'm having trouble not using :)
 
my user is the 3mil Stripped and I piddle with the rest... got another 3 inbound as we speak...
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For me the logo is just something to rub off as I batton,chop and hack my way through everything in my path.My RC-4 is scuffed up and my Brand new Junglas looks like it's been through a 4 day war after this weekends hiking trip.
 
savagesicslayer said:
For me the logo is just something to rub off as I batton,chop and hack my way through everything in my path.My RC-4 is scuffed up and my Brand new Junglas looks like it's been through a 4 day war after this weekends hiking trip.
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My point exactly.

and Hiwa, i know for a fact you will hammer your ESEE's/RATS...you use your knives, and i respect that.
 
Gaurdian_A1 said:
My point exactly.

and Hiwa, i know for a fact you will hammer your ESEE's/RATS...you use your knives, and i respect that.
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You know it man ! I may have a "few" , but I rotate them and use them. Best users I have ever had.
 
Just received my 1st RAT4 in a trade. Its mint, but not for long, lol. I plan on using it every chance I get. So there is one less RAT in mint collectible condition.....
 
Some of the older doo-dads might end up being collectibles like the old lighters or stickers or RC3 sheaths with "RAT Cutlery" on them but the knives darlin are to be used:)
 
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