Customs & LE's - to use or not to use?

[postfallsidaho]

One other thing from my point of view, How many of the older bucks, '40's-'50's were limited edition or customs? How many guys thought that some day they would bring the prices they do? They were users! Who knows what knife will be valuable down the road? To me its just as valuable to use and enjoy as it is to collect and look at to the next guy. My dad uses a D2 steel 118, I dont know how many were made, but it sure puts a smile on his face after hunting doves when he gets to use it!
To each his own i guess

BTW, I wouldn't use gold etched knives either. Thats a little different I think

 

[Samael]

Every one of my custom/LE Bucks has been carried/used - but I'm not hard on knives. Betcha you'd never be able to tell the difference.

Now, the Randalls are a different story . . . but five of them (out of 36) have even been used, albeit lightly.

 

[wolfdog]

BTW, I wouldn't use gold etched knives either. Thats a little different I think

That's the way I feel. Whatever can be done by a gold etched blade could also be done by a standard 420HC or 425M blade without marring the artwork.

There are other exceptions, too that I'd make.

 

[wolfdog]

I have five or six of the recently discontinued folding S30V Kalingas in brass and rosewood and I doubt that I'll ever carry one of those.

To me they are just as beautiful and artfully crafted as my Customs.

Yep, they are a great production knife. Sad to see them go. I have some I won't use, just to keep pristine. I have one that I have used lightly and will carry in the woods when I feel like carrying a folding S30V rosy kalinga, and I have a backup that may get called into use if something happens to my user. (Unlikely to be sure, but unlikely things do sometimes happen.)

 

[BG42EDGE]

I just might carry one of my S30v Brass/Rosewood Folding Kalingas at some point in the future......just because it's such a useful, beautiful and lovable knife. I like the knife, I like the sheath, I like the way it deploys......don't know if I'd actually use it though.....maybe a little.

 

[Scott Hartman]

I voted to use the Customs & LEs, especially if they have premium steels. Cutting something with a great looking knife...and a super sharp blade...is one of the few pleasures in life. You can always send it back to Buck or to Leroy for a "sharpen & clean"....and they always come back looking factory fresh. I can't imagine you guys would pick the gravel stones out of concrete or cut barbed-wire with your Custom or LE

 

[Samael]

For whatever it's worth, I guess you'd call the AG Vanguards in S30V "LE" knives. I've got three of 'em - one in rosewood and two in rubber. The rubber ones are my "go to" knives and get a pretty heavy workout. The rosewood one has seen 13,000 feet in elevation camping, so it's no slacker either. Great knives.

 

[bucksforus]

I've been reading these statements, it kinda reminds me of the american muscle cars. Some were stored in garages and never used, except a Saturday now and then. Then there were the rest of us that did not have the forethought and drove the dickens out of them. Then sold them cheap. Look at what we look for and bid up on the auction sites. NIB's always bring the most. I think it depends on your own wants and pocket books. LOL

 

[Samael]

True, but these things are never going to be worth great gobs of money more than you paid for them. Anyone who thinks they will be is a dreamer. They're great knives, but they're not Barracudas, Firebirds or Camaros. Sorry if that bursts anyones' bubble.

 

[postfallsidaho]

I've been reading these statements, it kinda reminds me of the american muscle cars. Some were stored in garages and never used, except a Saturday now and then. Then there were the rest of us that did not have the forethought and drove the dickens out of them. Then sold them cheap. Look at what we look for and bid up on the auction sites. NIB's always bring the most. I think it depends on your own wants and pocket books. LOL

True, but these things are never going to be worth great gobs of money more than you paid for them. Anyone who thinks they will be is a dreamer. They're great knives, but they're not Barracudas, Firebirds or Camaros. Sorry if that bursts anyones' bubble.

:thumbup: Darn right! And if I could afford a 2010 Camaro SS, I would drive the heck outta that too (except in the snow and ice )

 

[Samael]

:thumbup: Darn right! And if I could afford a 2010 Camaro SS, I would drive the heck outta that too (except in the snow and ice )

I had one of the older Camaros - drove it til it literally fell apart. Don't have any regrets about it either. And you're right about the ice and snow. (Frickin' rear-wheel drive.)

 

[Flatlander1963]

Dave,

Good luck understanding the meaning of that bar chart.
I've decided to use 'em or loose 'em. I just but that Jigged Buff BG42 on my belt today.

 

[BG42EDGE]

From what I've seen in the real world auctions, estate sales, etc., almost ANYTHING more than 10 or 20 years old that's NIB with all the papers will bring a darn good price and is quickly gone.

I mean, even the most mundane household items seem to have somebody, somewhere, that collects them.

Quality knives are the same way, but an old and obviously used knife will still bring pretty good money as long as it doesn't look abused.

This, of course, can vary widely depending on supply and demand. But there's a cost to NOT using a beautiful knife when you would really LIKE to use it.

It's all a matter of personal choice with fairly well-known consequences.

 

[Samael]

Mmm, no.

Here's a 20-25-year-old Randall that was just appraised by the only shop-authorized appraiser at about $40 more than it would cost to buy a new one:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7952972#post7952972

 

[wolfdog]

I think the point is, don't plan your retirement on Buck knife investments.

Certainly Plumberdv's collection will be quite valuable as a group some day in the future, Especially in the distant future. But it will be a generation at least before we will see a substantial increase in relative value of most of what we buy.

My knives are for my pleasure. Some I will keep pristine, some are to be used.

 

[BG42EDGE]

Mmm, no.

Here's a 20-25-year-old Randall that was just appraised by the only shop-authorized appraiser at about $40 more than it would cost to buy a new one:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7952972#post7952972

That's why the smart guys are buying now.....not selling.

 

[110 Dave]

:thumbup: Darn right! And if I could afford a 2010 Camaro SS, I would drive the heck outta that too (except in the snow and ice )

brought to mind that i had a 1967 Impala SS Convertable
not numbers matching as i did have the build sheat
but i had it fully restored (over 12k with 5 k on body and paint alone)
and i drove it to work
in rain and show
day care
grocery store and in that cart filled lot
it was a CAR
And i cleaned it up and drove it to
daytons speed way for car shows
even got to drive the back straight away in it..
it was a edd (every day driver)
sold it for more then i had in it a few years ago
so i guess any one can use a custom if they want
many did not belive i drove that car every day..

 

[garryale]

It is good question and good discussion.
This question does to worry all and in Russia too.
I voted for to use and carry too.
But good knifes are a pity for spoiling sometimes, so they are good.
The dual personality sometimes visits me when there is a choice from some good knifes.

 

[skyhorse]

I plan to get two more LE's so when I kick the bucket,or possibly never come home from work all 3 of my grown kids will have one.IMHO our economy will never be what in once was in my lifetime.My son came home a 100% disabled vet,and I cherish the memories of all the great times hunting and fishing together when he was a kid.Who ever would have thought Winchester could disappear.For awhile now sometimes on Saturdays,I stop at the little roadside flea markets in rural NM and buy old American made tools cheap.Never in my wildest dreams would I've believed my country could be in massive debt to communist China!The same country that supplied the VC Rats.Every time I buy a new USA made Buck Knife it helps ease my anger for awhile.Please excuse the rantings of an old man.

 

[BG42EDGE]

Hey, rant away.

You have that right.

You are a Limited Edition yourself in a way. A lot of us are. We're getting to be fewer by the day.

The life we once knew was always limited.

All things change. Remembering the old ways is a comfort. Roll with it. The world is gonna be what it will be no matter what we think.

:thumbup: