Buying Used CRK knives

jjg6319

jjg6319

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2011
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When you guys are looking at used CRK knives in the for sale forum what do you look for? Are there certain parts of an add that will dissuade you from buying it? The flip side is there something about an add that will really make you want to buy the knife?

I was hoping you guys could share your insights that might help me find some nice used knifes and avoid potential problems.

Thanks,
Jeff
 
I personally look for a couple of things:

I avoid knives with sticky locks.

Knives that have not been over sharpened, I prefer a factory edge.

Knives without too many scratches on the blade.

knives with original birth card and box.

I don't mind if the knife has snail trails on the handles.

To sum it all up I pretty much like to buy CRK's that if sent in for a "spa" service can be brought back to like new condition.
 
Great advice above. I've bought a few used CRKs and the beauty of the design is 1) you can immediately tear it apart to clean and lube, and 2) if you want a new looking knife you can simply send it back to Chris for a spa treatment.
 
I guess it depends what you are looking for. I've seen some heavily used CRKs get snapped up quickly because they are at a (relatively) low price. On the other hand I've willingly payed more than what I thought was the "fair market" value for a CRK because I "needed" it to round out my collection.

Unless it is a heavy user, I look for a birth card at a minimum and the original box is high on my list. I prefer all the other goodies to varying degrees, but they are not as important to me. Beyond that I look at condition versus price and how the price relates to a new purchase from a dealer. I prefer the factory edge but some people will immediately send their recent purchases to be sharpened on an Edge-Pro.

As far as the more exotic and/or rare CRKs are concerned, I don't have enough experience to give advice....
 
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From what I've experienced, the value of the knife is relative to the complete package, box in good condition, birthday card, allen wrenches, warranty card, sticker. If it's not all there, the value of the knife goes down. If it a user and has a lot of snail trails or the blade is scratched up. I'll offer less a spa treatment for the knife. I like to ask if the knife has been taken apart by the seller. Some folks just can't put them back properly. Learned that after a purchase. CRK can take care of most anything if the knife is sent in. They have an outstanding CS department.
 
In my experience, some of the best knives to buy used are CRKs. The prices are almost always low, vs what it would cost new. If after communicating with the seller, I feel reasonable certain that the knife wasn't abused, and there aren't any serious issues, I'm most likely going to buy it. I have no problem with the knife having general surface scratches, scuffs, snail trails, etc., because of CRKs' consistent and outstanding customer service. A Spa treatment will almost always bring the knife back to its' original beauty and function, while I'm free to use the knife, immediate, without fear of scratching it further. CRKs, for my taste, actually have their beauty enhanced by the markings.
 
Everything said above and I like a good description, nice pictures and good feed back score. If the seller takes the time to a good description and pictures that say a lot to me. With good pictures I can usually tell if it what I am looking for. I have never been disappointed on here if those things are met. Best of luck.
Bill
 
cigarrodog said:
In my experience, some of the best knives to buy used are CRKs. The prices are almost always low, vs what it would cost new. If after communicating with the seller, I feel reasonable certain that the knife wasn't abused, and there aren't any serious issues, I'm most likely going to buy it. I have no problem with the knife having general surface scratches, scuffs, snail trails, etc., because of CRKs' consistent and outstanding customer service. A Spa treatment will almost always bring the knife back to its' original beauty and function, while I'm free to use the knife, immediate, without fear of scratching it further. CRKs, for my taste, actually have their beauty enhanced by the markings.
Click to expand...

Well said Harvey, and good to see you around.
 
Thank you Harris. It's a pleasure to be here with you and everyone else. I love a lot of different knives, but a CRK is honestly the first knife I go to when there's work to be done. The markings on mine are indicative of their constant use. Knowing what a gem of a company CRK is gives me the confidence to buy one used. They're made to be used. Period.
 
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