Buying Knives Used

[Adventure Wolf]

Does anyone here have a problem with buying knives from second hand sources? If I did buy a knife from a thrift store or a pawn shop, what should I look for?

 

[Jwasm1992]

i have a hard time buying used, i like the "magic" of knowing im the 1st to own it, that being said some higher end knives would be out of reach to me if i didnt get them used, as for pawn and thrift store, dont buy it unless is marked with the blade steel, stay away from 440 from china as is will be crap, look for brand names that you know and make sure its a model you are acquainted with so you don't get a knock off

 

[akula83]

Nothing wrong with used knives at a cheap price. It's a learning curve anyway, crap knives generally look and feel like crap. Check for blade play and centering, excessive corrosion and the like. Dirty or cruddy ones in sound condition are best because you get to clean them up and re sharpen them, thus making your "mark" and they truly feel like "yours" from all along.

 

[AKC]

Not a problem, you just have to be able to sift the wheat from the chaff, and that ability comes from experience.

It just take time to learn what's good, and what's junk.

 

[wroughndt]

FWIW, I have had more issues with new knives than the used knives I have scored on the exchange.

 

[Grease]

Aye, the exchange here is the best place to get knives IMO. 10-30% cheaper than new, with little to no wear and tear. I've saved myself close to $100 on the three knives I've picked up so far. Thrift stores and pawn shops should be no different, if you know the general value of what you find (smartphones are hugely useful for quick price checks )

 

[rick melear]

I prefer buying on the secondary market, especially here on the forums

 

[MEJ]

I have gotten used knives here and they have both been perfectly fine (people here are awesome)... the only worry i will have is that someone who sells/trades me a folder doesnt tell me that he/she used to sit on the couch and flick it a couple thousand times.. but im a bit obsessive!

 

[00ChevyScott]

I've bought used knives on here that look/function better than many knives I've bought new. I have absolutely no problem buying off the exchange here. The prices simply cannot be beat, and the selection is outstanding. The only thing wrong with it is what it does to my bank account lol.

 

[calvinw]

I've bought used knives here on the forum without any issue. I've never found a used knive in person (thrift store, pawn shop, estate sale) that was worth buying. It was either junk or way overpriced, or both.

 

[eisman]

You really have to know what it is you're looking for. I've bought 40-50 used knives this year. Some of them just to look them over, others were real finds. The junk ones are good for learning how they're made, taking apart, or just using for "experiments". I've got some really nasty ones I picked up for a buck or two that I've been using to find the best solution in my ultrasound tank. Don't want to test something on a really good knife when a POS is just as easy to abuse.

Here's a good example:

Kitchen knifes are all over the place in most pawn shops or thrift stores. Most are junk. But I found this Sabatier for $18 last spring. It's over 100 years old, bautifully balanced, high carbon steel, and very high quality. On eBay they sell for over $200 to people who know. I've had it rehandled and professionally sharpened and it'll last longer than I will.

From this:

To this:

 

[Yo Mama]

I've bought 2 Victorinox knives from a pawn shop:

I knew a bit about blades by then, and tested the lock on the Trekker, it was solid. 15 bucks, only had wear on the emblem from pocket carry, tools looked unused, like it was only carried and babied. The other has eluded me, can't figure out the specific model, it's an Officer, but has been hard to pinpoint. I also bought this one for 15 bucks, a steal.

 

[Bladesfreak]

Don't see the problem with it. Found a lot of nice Swiss Army knives in Goodwill for a good price.

 

[Steel130]

Aye, the exchange here is the best place to get knives IMO. 10-30% cheaper than new, with little to no wear and tear. I've saved myself close to $100 on the three knives I've picked up so far. Thrift stores and pawn shops should be no different, if you know the general value of what you find (smartphones are hugely useful for quick price checks )

I have to agree. I love buying stuff from the exchange. I also like the fact, that I can ask about any concerns I may have.

 

[deth1313]

I've purchased many second hand users and I've never had a problem. Being familiar with the manufacturer and their warranty is always helpful. This way if you do happen to buy a steaming pile, you can always have it repaired.

And buying from the forums, as everyone else has said, is an excellent source. USUALLY very fair pricing, you can ask tons of questions and the feedback area is a great way to learn about the seller.