Desire for original box on resale

[Landshark99]

Am I alone in wondering why people want the original box when you are selling a preowned knife for less than $200.
In the beginning of building the collection, I never kept any boxes but as the collection grew I have kept only the boxes of the more expensive knives say $400 and above. For example I have trashed boxes for Kershaw Leeks, Civi Knives and CJRB Pyrites but kept the boxes for say a Shirogorov or Koenig, mainly for the COAs. The only exception on the cheaper knives is if they come with a pouch I tend to keep those in a drawer. The only other thing I keep original boxes for is photo, watches and recording equipment, but then again none of that stuff is under $200. I have only so much space to store and organize stuff, just wondering if I just don't get it or does everybody hang on to all their boxes.

 

[stevejams]

i always keep my boxes because it helps me think “when I sell this knife, I’ll have the box.” But then I never sell it. But it’s good to have the box!

 

[Bill Siegle]

I don’t see much reason for the boxes unless you’re trying to sell as mint/NIB. However the reality is that it does seem to matter enough that folks want a serious discount if the packaging isn’t available. In my experience this applies more to folders than fixed blades.

 

[hhmoore]

I agree - there isn't much point in keeping boxes for inexpensive users...but until I decide I like something enough to keep/use it, I keep the box because it matters to some people.

 

[Kettleman]

I tossed all boxes for guns and knives for years. I once got hate mail here for showing a picture of a CRK box I cut up! I now keep all my boxes because my daughter who will inherit my collection asked me.

 

[eveled]

I throw them out if they are cardboard. I collect knives not cardboard.

 

[Peter Hartwig]

I want and keep boxes, because others will want them when/if I sell.
Otherwise they don't matter to me.
It builds on itself.
I am sure most manufacturers never consisered people saving them

 

[Wolverine666]

I keep all the boxes of my knives. I like them. And if I sell one then it’s a nicer package to include the box.

 

[The Mastiff]

I keep my boxes and always want the box when I'm buying new or used.

 

[mitchnola]

I could care less about the boxes but keep them in case I ever have to sell them. I have no plans on selling any but ya never know. If we could get everyone to agree we don’t need boxes, I’d trash em but that aint gonna happen. I also don’t care if the og packaging is included when buying secondhand but seems they usually are.

 

[K.O.D.]

I tossed all boxes for guns and knives for years. I once got hate mail here for showing a picture of a CRK box I cut up! I now keep all my boxes because my daughter who will inherit my collection asked me.

Unless it's absolutely the bees' knees I often toss the box, unless it a cool box.

If I have reservations about keeping it, I hold on to the box in case I want to return or sell it.

Same with guns, though I've never sold a gun, yet. Need to sell my Remington 887 Nitro Mag.

 

[Terry M.]

Eh. I got a pile o’ boxes sitting in the basement. Maybe I’ll sell, maybe I won’t. Nice to have the box in case

 

[Danke42]

I think there's an unsaid thought that a person who kept a box and knew where to find it when selling the knife has a better chance of also being meticulous and taking care of the knife.

There will of course be a lot of exceptions to this. In the world of collectors things like packaging, instruction manuals or anything else that came with will increase the item's desirability.

 

[gazz98]

I keep my boxes and I prefer (not demand) a box when I buy a knife second hand. Although I keep my knives in a pelican type case, it is nice to have the box just in case. I don't find it a bother in any way.

 

[coolbreezy37]

I always keep the boxes.

 

[jmh33]

I just watched Antique Road Show and there was a folding measure stick where the box was worth more than the measure stick!!!
John

 

[Grasshopperglock]

This is why, we don't ask to buy an original box.

Depending on the box but it makes up a certain percentage of the knife.


Original in the box. The box it came in.


People will hardcore collect anything.



You're not getting the box.

 

[jmh33]

This is why, we don't ask to buy an original box.

Depending on the box but it makes up a certain percentage of the knife.


Original in the box. The box it came in.


People will hardcore collect anything.



You're not getting the box.

This is why we ask if the box is included!!
John

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

I keep the original packaging of ALL my knives for at least one year or the warranty period. In addition to this, I buy a padded storage bag for all my knives.

 

[Grasshopperglock]

This is why we ask if the box is included!!
John

I'm with you. But if someone is asking to buy boxes? Original boxes.

A Spyderco box? That'll be a minimum of $20 bucks for something common. If you wanted a box for a rare model. You're going to pay up.