Comp. Old Timer with colored logo

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Dec 31, 2000
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Here's an interesting Old Timer variation that I hadn't seen before. The knife is a 194OT with the "Compliments of Schrade Cutlery 1984" blade etch, and the fancy beaded Old Timer shield.

But check out the backside handle:

ComplimentsOldTimer.jpg


The lettering and logo are actually cut into the plastic handle, then painted. I've never seen anything like this, and to be blunt it looks rather ugly. Did many of the "Compliments..." knives have this? There was a topic regarding the 1984 Comp knife describing the etch and fancy shield, but no mention of the blue and yellow design. I also could not locate anything like this in anyone's Corner at the Collectors website.

Any insight is appreciated.
-Bob
 
Yeah, it just came in the mail an hour ago. I saw the colored logo in the eBay photo but thought it must be a sticker or something. And yes, I paid too much...

-Bob
 
Bob,
If it's something you really want, you can't pay too much for it. I saw it, thought it was unique but didn't bid on it (at least I don't think I did). I bid on so much that I can't remember these days.

Marc
 
Some other Duck did bid on it, but not you.

If it's a truely unique item, then the price was OK, especially considering the condition. But if Schrade made thousands of these eyesores, then it's not really worth much more than any other NIB 194OT. That's my opinion anyway.

-Bob

--------------
I just noticed there's a hair on the T-shirt I used as a background. I hope no one is super-sensitive about such things. At least it's not a pube...
 
And yes, I paid too much...

Did you? Did you want it? Is it unique, more so than you thought? I have no idea what you paid, but IMHO if you are satisfied with the knife, and like having obscure examples, you got a deal.

Value is so elusive, so...subjective. If you will notice, I hardly ever answer "how much is it worth" questions. And the resale value of my own knives are never considered a factor in what I am willing to pay for one. Price guides? Gimme a break. Since the fluidity of the resale market with the advent of the internet, a price guide isn't worth it's postage for figuring values. Prices quoted are outdated by the time the book hits the market. As for unique items, value is in the eye of the beholder. I often give more than market value for a used knife because it helps me to document changes. Some collectors only buy the cream, the mint, new in the box desirable limited editions. Some just want one example of each of the popular production knives. And some concentrate on every variant of one or two patterns. Each has his own idea of value for a given knife. Maybe all opinions are valid. I'll let you know more when my 100th anniversary Bowie arrives. I got it for my wife. Best trade I ever made.
:D
Michael
 
I generally compute the 'value' of Old Timers in relationship to the last msrp of that model. Is a NIB worth a 10% premium, sure. Is something very unique worth a 100% markup, perhaps or probably. Is a used example of a common model worth a 50% surcharge, no way.

But like you say, it's totally subjective, a leaf in the wind of external conditions. Am I drunk? Is Wife around? What's the checkbook say?
:D
-Bob
 
Beauty is in the eye of the knife holder. So is value, in my opinion. I've never seen one of those before Bob (which doesn't mean a whole lot) but I always put a premium on unique. I like having things that not everyone else has. That's why I'm so frigging proud of the knife I got from Dale. I know how he poured over that knife and I guarantee that there isn't another out there. Just about 20 minutes ago I had a guy I know come over to the house and remark at how unusual that knife was. That's what I like. Also, he was telling me about all the Schrades he wons that are over 40 years old and how he was wanting to get rid of them. Those are the things I look forward to. Old and unique.
 
Now thats something I would of bid on had I seen it( once I saw you name bob I probablly would of bowed out) but either way Thats a great piece in my opnion to have in the display case. Unique, even if you think its ugly its still unique. dont know what you paid but I agree with these guys It is what it is worth to you. I do a lot of what codger said some of the stuff I cant afford so I will buy a beat up one so I have an example and some day hand it down to my son and I will buy a better one. But I kind of like buying used stuff I know it dosent hold much value but like codger said I have no intention of reselling and In my opnion it gives them charater, wondering what some old farmer was doing with this knife 25 years ago. Anyway its all what you love- D&B said it a while back if I wanted to invest Id buy realestate. -joel
 
The best part about this group of folks is how willing everyone is to share their 'unique' items and knowledge. Since my Old Timer website isn't posted yet I feel I'm not doing my share. But you guys are doing a huge service by 'donating' your photos to the Collectors website for everyone to see.

-Bob
 
Bob, I didn't see it on eBay and I don't know what you paid for it, but if you think you did pay too much and you want out, I'll send you your money back plus shipping right away. I have never seen anything even close to that knife and unique is very valuable in my book. Just let me know.

Paul
 
Nah, I'll hang onto it. My Old Timer collection is off to a pretty good start (60+), and I think this piece is definitely worthy of a place among the 194OT variations.

The funny thing, I end up winning an unusual item like this without much effort, but I can't get my grubby hands on an 858 or 165, which are relatively common...

-Bob
 
Thats a nice one Bob, doesnt look to bad. rare!!

As for value, is value only based on what people are willing to pay?? Its my own opinion that it is not because many arent educated enough to know even an estimate of what the value should be (Im not claiming I am).

Shouldnt a Schrade knife that is only one of ten made sell for $500, probably, but probably never will sell for that, doesnt mean its not worth $500 just because no one wants to pay more than $100.

Its possible that the rarer the knife is the more subjective its value is. In other words perhaps a one of ten knife is worth $100 to $500 or anything in between just to know that you wont see another like the one you have at home on your wall.

Any thoughts???
 
Nifty knife there Bob!

As to your original question, neither of my 194OT compliments knives have that Schrade design on them. Both are the regular plain backsides.

Here are pics of mine for comparison:

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/Schrade Knives/194OTCompliments1.jpg

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/Schrade Knives/194OTCompliments2.jpg

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/Schrade Knives/194OTCompliments3.jpg

Any idea what vendor your 194OT was given to? Might possibly provide some insight. I could potentially see a company producing something somewhat special for a 'star' seller.

Hope all that helps.
All the best,
Andy

EDIT: Sorry for the major necropost... I was directed over to this thread and didn't realize until after posting that it was so old!
 
Last edited:
Any idea what vendor your 194OT was given to? Might possibly provide some insight. I could potentially see a company producing something somewhat special for a 'star' seller.
It was an eBay seller. No idea what dealer the knife originated from.

I was directed over to this thread and didn't realize until after posting that it was so old!

No problem. Here in our quiet little corner of the internet we don't get many visitors. So anyone with information, pictures, or even questions related to a past topic are quite welcome.

Thank you very much for sharing your photos.
 
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