Buying a knife sight unseen

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robertj298

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Mar 7, 2014
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I'm ready to buy my first GEC knife and I've pretty much made up my mind to get one of the scout models in stag.On the net some sights have an actual photo of the knife you will be getting and some just a stock photo. I know buying in person would be the best way to go but it's really not an option for me. What are the pros and cons of getting a knife from an actual photo of the knife vs. a stock photo?
 
With stag especially this is a huge deal if you care what you get. I look at a lot more than just stag too. I won't buy sight unseen ever again.
 
Unless you can trust the dealer, a single pic is a risky proposition for purchasing a stag covered knife. Both sides and a spine shot are best. Minus that, you can judge stag covers somewhat on a GEC by looking at the pins. Sunken center pins are indicative of a swelled handle generally. Experience helps but good pictures are best.
 
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I don't think you'll have an issue with buying a quality knife like a GEC online, especially from a reputable dealer. I'm sure you'd have the option to return it if you weren't satisfied, perhaps minus a small restocking fee. The only cons of buying online for me is waiting on the mail man. The nice thing about buying online is the unlimited selection.
 
If the posted pictures are not of the exact knife, I'm always leary. Call the dealer and tell him what you are looking for. Thin stag, gnarly stag, dark stag etc. Some dealers will email pics that you might want. Find one that will do that for you and you'll never have to look elsewhere.
 
There are some over the tops dealers here for sure.

Peregrin said:
If the posted pictures are not of the exact knife, I'm always leary. Call the dealer and tell him what you are looking for. Thin stag, gnarly stag, dark stag etc. Some dealers will email pics that you might want. Find one that will do that for you and you'll never have to look elsewhere.
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robertj298 said:
I'm ready to buy my first GEC knife and I've pretty much made up my mind to get one of the scout models in stag.On the net some sights have an actual photo of the knife you will be getting and some just a stock photo. I know buying in person would be the best way to go but it's really not an option for me. What are the pros and cons of getting a knife from an actual photo of the knife vs. a stock photo?
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I have bought about four new bone Case XX knives sight unseen.:cool: Every time, I was disappointed with the bone color upon arrival.:grumpy: I have purchased many nice knives online where multiple photos were posted and when the pictures were lighted properly and in good focus. Every time I purchased that way, I was pleased upon arrival.:) I did take a chance last week on a new and sight unseen GEC sheepsfoot walnut handled Charlow and I was happy with the knife when it arrived. I guess that GEC might be a safer bet or maybe it was just less of a chance since walnut probably varies less than bone colors.
 
Robert-Without wanting to wave my own banner to loudly:p I'm an expert in the field of buying sight unseen knives!
I have absolutely no way of handling them until they get here which sometimes takes so long I forget that I bought it.
Actually post has been quite speedy of late.
My tip would be contact the dealer and get them to take better pics such as mentioned above by Gary. You are spending a lot of hard earned cash with them so its the least they can do especially if they want you to come back for more later.
Stag is appealing because no two pieces are the same.The downside is that neither are people so even if you say "select me the best most beautiful one " ??
My other tip as this is your first GEC would be downsize(price at least) to bone which is much more consistent in appearance across the run. I have many and all are great.hmm no stag tho gonna have to do something about that one o these days.
Many of the dealers do show pics of THE knife you are buying which is the best way IMO.
One thing I can confidently say is that it won't be your last. Do it.
 
meako said:
Robert-Without wanting to wave my own banner to loudly:p I'm an expert in the field of buying sight unseen knives!
I have absolutely no way of handling them until they get here which sometimes takes so long I forget that I bought it.
Actually post has been quite speedy of late.
My tip would be contact the dealer and get them to take better pics such as mentioned above by Gary. You are spending a lot of hard earned cash with them so its the least they can do especially if they want you to come back for more later.
Stag is appealing because no two pieces are the same.The downside is that neither are people so even if you say "select me the best most beautiful one " ??
My other tip as this is your first GEC would be downsize(price at least) to bone which is much more consistent in appearance across the run. I have many and all are great.hmm no stag tho gonna have to do something about that one o these days.
Many of the dealers do show pics of THE knife you are buying which is the best way IMO.
One thing I can confidently say is that it won't be your last. Do it.
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I actually thought of downsizing to bone but the thing is I really like wood too especially cocobolo decisions decisions lol
 
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Yes there are some beautiful woods to be had-check out the 42LB Trader in Osage Orange-a wood that definitely has that individual character .
421114LB-OSAGE-ORANGE.png
 
After thinking about it, as much as I like stag, I'm not sure its worth paying over $50 more for it over bone or wood for the same knife.
 
For stag I always purchase the knife pictured or inqure if there's none pictured. For other materials such as bone, celluloid, micarta I find it pretty safe to pull the trigger sight unseen. Other materials I'd like a picture on would be certain woods (like light vs dark ebony) and ancient ivory (bark ivory mostly).
 
robertj298 said:
After thinking about it, as much as I like stag, I'm not sure its worth paying over $50 more for it over bone or wood for the same knife.
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It is worth it WHEN the stag is exceptional and is pleasant on both sides of the knife, but...it often isn't. If there are quality photos and you will get that knife shown then OK but otherwise opt for bone or wood I'd say.
 
Stag is a little tricky to buy online. IMO, you need lots of pictures. The sides may or may not match, they may be really thick or thick on one side.... lots of stuff.

Bone, wood, micarta, delrin.... much safer to buy without pics or with few pics.
 
robertj298 said:
I'm ready to buy my first GEC knife and I've pretty much made up my mind to get one of the scout models in stag.On the net some sights have an actual photo of the knife you will be getting and some just a stock photo. I know buying in person would be the best way to go but it's really not an option for me. What are the pros and cons of getting a knife from an actual photo of the knife vs. a stock photo?
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Due to an upgrade in technology recently, I have started showing the individual knives represented (in stag / primitive) by a list to choose from. And, when working with dealers who do not cull through their own stock, there is a chance you will not be happy with what you receive in many cases. But, from a dealer point of view (with aforementioned policies in place), there are two truths to the difference of having all pictures or only a stock picture. 1) It makes no measurable difference in the number of knives a dealer will sell, nor the number of satisfied customers. And, 2) The last guy buying always gets the dog on those individually pictured. And a couple more observations; a buyer will buy a knife and be tickled as long as he doesn't see the nicer ones that were previously sold. But if you leave the sold images up, many times he will pass on the one he would have otherwise been happy.

I have had exponentially more customers respond that the knife they bought via a stock photo was nicer than they expected; than those that expressed any opinion of dissatisfaction. But I do feel as if there are dealers that will look thru their entire lot and find the nicest to take a picture. But, as I mentioned, upgrades to every aspect of my business has allowed for individual pictures of those slabs that display large variances. But I still don't have enough time in the next 18 months to retrofit :(

So, as a lot, we collectors are not only a picky bunch - but we are a pessimistic bunch. And I am the worst of which I speak. Burned so many times by what the listing did NOT say on eBay, that I was already chapped off before I opened the box. But when you get to be a dealer you see the best of it and the worst of it, and you learn to love them everyone.
 
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