clam package vs boxes?

I forgot that one, and since you mention it, there was the 897UHCPSS - the free Arkansas Sharpening Stone. Several patterns were offered with these.
 
I have two.The first is the newer 152 in the diamond plate clampack,the second is the green pack with oil,stone,and cloth.Don't know the age of either.Arnold
 
I did some searching on these a while back, and I found a copyright date of 1995 on some of the green bonus packs. The diamond plate packs, judging by the patterns seen, appear to be 2003-04. They followed the blue stripe packs of 2001-02. Before that was the tan clampacks of 1985-2001. Of course the clampack designs followed the artwork on whatever box design was most current with the exception of the bonus clampacks.
 
I don't mind buying clampack knives, but I'd prefer boxed. With the clam-packs, as mentioned already, you can be sure that the items in the package are complete and mint.

But I don't save the knives in the clampacks. I open the pack, save the cardboard insert, put the knife in a SackUp, and toss the plastic. I've tried to save knives in their clampacks, but it never works out. The plastic gets 'crinked' and becomes opaque, tears, yellows, and takes up too much space. Also, I like to fondle my knives. :D

-Bob
 
Many collectors feel this way. And besides, clampacks are the ultimate in disposable packaging. I can't count how many I've opened and tossed myself. The knife, without any sort of packaging has it's own value both to the individual and on the collector market. The knife, unused and complete in a box has yet another value. And the same for a knife in a clampack. Years down the road is where I believe the clampacked knives will become a much sought after collectable in their own right. Of all the knives sold in clampacks between 1985 and the 2004 auction, what percentage of them do you suppose were opened? And will yet be opened? Even as high as the attrition rate is for the softer boxes, I think the rate for the clampacks will be extremely high by 2014. Resale values are sure to rise, and it would not surprise me to see them pass a MIB example of the same knife. Of course that is only one type of "value". I think most of us will admit that knives suck as an investment if financial gain is the goal.

A group of clampacked knives often overlooked is the NASCAR/Racing clampacks. They were relatively inexpensive knives to start with, mostly SP3 Firebirds with custom handle material colors and blade etches. With them and a few other such CP issues, the artwork on the package is definately half of the lure. These are "crossover" collectables appealing to racing fans as much as to knife collectors, if not more so.

Another group overlooked is the various anniversary knives, both for Imperial Schrade, and for SFO's such as Sears/Craftsman. There were several knives in each catagory which were not available in fold down or presentation boxes or in tins.

Some Ducks Unlimited issues were only available in clampacks as well. When any of these knives are removed from their clampacks, a bit of historical context is lost, IMHO.

Check the value of an early 1960's G.I. Joe doll alone, and compare it to one still in it's cellophane windowed store box with clothes and equipment. You'll be amazed. Point of sale packaging can double the value on the collector market.

Michael
 
I have one of the SP3s from DU.I bought it to use but when I got it and saw the etch I decided to leave it in the pack.Arnold
 
Check the value of an early 1960's G.I. Joe doll alone, and compare it to one still in it's cellophane windowed store box with clothes and equipment. You'll be amazed. Point of sale packaging can double the value on the collector market.
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I think that will be true with the boxed knives. But the clam-packs? Long-term they'll obviously be worth more than used knives, and probably worth more than loose knives, but as much as the boxes? Only time will tell.

-Bob
 
....well I definately didnt leave my GI Doll in its packaging....as Bob said I like to fondle it.....
Knives as an investment suck you say Codger..its all about timing...many Mint box Schrades Collectables I garnered in 2002/2003 for $30 to $40 are worth perhaps 5 times more at the moment.....however I'm not selling at the moment..so supply and demand will dictate if I ever sell my favourites however I'm having the best made with asbestos sheathes so they can go with me......some of my throwing knives I will save for my death bed as certain grieving relatives leave...
An example of how the knives have appreciated in the last 24 hours Ebay#300068302403...Schrade Loveless Hunter Mint in Special Presentation Box just sold for $202.50....I purchased in 2003 for $38 Mint identical and yet when issued originally they cost $72..all about timing..the original purchaser lost when he sold to me although it was a Deceased Estate.!..which is why I'm taking mine with me.....Hoo Roo
 
Well, using the Loveless RL-2 as an example, it listed for $72 in 1975? And now sold for $202 31 years later? Well, that is a $130 profit, roughly 4% per year? Inflation has devalued the dollar since 1975 though. For instance, gold was $160.86 an ounce. Today it is $626.28? A gain of $465.42, or 15% per year. At this rate, the knife would sell for $406.80. An average price of gas for our car was .57 cents a gallon. Today in is over $2.25, easily four times what it cost then. Four times the $72 paid for the knife in 1975 is $288.

Yes, a person can make a few bucks cherry picking knives, and turning them on market upswings, but they really are poor performing investments, IMHO.

Michael
 
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I got Ernie Irvan on the way, 8$ with shipping. For being almost 15 years old I don't think they look too bad, Dale Jerrett is getting a little yellow but Harry Gant is still going strong. I just gave a 147OT brown handle cp with the bonus sissors to my brother for Christmas, I can only hoard so many clam packs. Rick
 
....I like your figuring Codger, still about timing...I'm like a woman mate ...you know "my minds made up so dont confuse me with facts"! Hoo Roo
 
Larry303 said:
....still about timing...
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Well, sure it is. I could start selling my collection today, carefully watching for a dirth of a certain pattern, and triple what I paid forthem within just the past three or four years.

Years ago I played the gold and silver market, mostly silver. Not futures or certificates, but bullion. I played counter the market. When the market was dropping, I was buying. When the market was on a rise, I still bought to a point, then I sold. It was about timing.

Also fewer years ago, I was a single father trying to keep my daughter in a private school. Laugh if you want, but I did it buying and selling....Beanie Babys...!! I bought in a three state area at retail, and shipped them to dealers for resale. By moving certain models from my area of the country where they were plentiful to areas where there was a dirth, I made a tidy sum, sometimes doubling my money after expenses. Then one day, with a few thousand of the ugly things sorted and packed, I shipped my last and bought no more. Not long afterward the fad died, and the dealers turned back to selling rare coins. I made a tidy sum using timing. But as investments, they sucked.
 
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