Camillus made knives as investment?

[FlaMtnBkr]

I know Camillus has not officially gone under but it is not looking good from what I can tell.

So does anyone think that their knives will become more valuable in the future? It already looks like some models are becoming harder to find. There are some I have wanted but have not yet bought (mainly fixed blades). If I am able to track them down I was just curious if I should keep them as safe queens if they might become more valuable down the road.

Would other knives made by camillus be the same way? I know cold steel will just go to another manufacturer but the Carbon V as it currently is, seems highly praised. What about Becker? I do not know the relationship so it may be they just find another manufacturer as well.

Just curious as to what others think. Thanks!

Ryan

 

[Bob W]

I've picked up a couple of Camillus knives that interested me, just in case - 2 Beckers and a USMC.

The answer would be more clear-cut if there were overstock or closeout sales. Buy a discontinued average-quality knife on closeout, and there's a good chance that it'll increase in value. Pay a premium price for an ordinary factory-made knife, and it may or may not.

What about Becker? I do not know the relationship so it may be they just find another manufacturer as well.

Any popular knife that is dicontinued will be of interest to collectors, just look at discontinued Benchmark and Spyderco models. Doesn't necessarily mean they'll quadruple in price, only that there will almost certainly be a future demand for NIB examples. Beckers are very popular, especially among "knife people". Even if the production is switched to a new manufacturer, there will always be a demand for the "Camillus-era" models.

I think a good comparison would be the Ek Knives. The first were handmade, them mass produced out east, then made in Effingham, then moved again back east. There is no shortage of buyers for the Effingham models. And if you bought Effingham models on closeout for $30, you've seen up to a 500% price appreciation. But if you paid full price you've only 'made' 50%-100% in ten years, not a particularly good investment.

In short, I won't be buying any more Camillus unless on closeout/overstock discount.

Just wanted to share my insight. I'm sure other long-time buyers have their own ideas too.

Best Wishes,
-Bob

 

[TorzJohnson]

I imagine the top-of-the-line Camillus stuff, like the OVB Bowies, CQB's and Cuda Maxx's may one day be sought after... but as to appreciation, there's no way to predict it.

 

[Redguy]

I EDC a long discontinued Camillus model since 3 years or so. I used the heck out of it, and I really like it. If I ruined an investment I don't care. I love this beaten-to-death knife the way it is and I'm planning to abuse it for a long time. :thumbup: