Dilemma. Do I use this "new to me" knife or keep it stashed away?

S

SoDak81

Joined
Jan 27, 2023
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I've been wanting a 501 in either stag or elk for the last few years. I was just about to order a custom 501 from Buck when I happened to find a 1989 Stag Handle 501 that was still new/mint in the box which I recently purchased with the intent of carrying on a daily basis.

Now that I've received the knife, I'm having a hard time making the decision to carry it because it is so dang nice and if it is collectable/valuable, maybe I consider ordering a custom to carry.

It looks like Buck must have released some stag handled knives in 1989, so this isn't a custom knife, per se, but it's pretty slick.

My question is, do I turn this into a user or keep it stashed away? Is there anything rare or unique about the 1989 stag line that would/should sway me from using the knife vs keeping it in mint condition?

Any insight or information would be much appreciated as you all know far more about Buck knives than I do!
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My personal philosophy is that a knife/gun/dishes/etc. that is too nice/valuable to use is worthless. Why have nice things if they aren't going to be used? Sometimes a thing really is too valuable to use, in which case I'd want to sell it to buy something else nice that I was willing to use.
 
Thanks for the input. I think I'm gonna throw it in my pocket and use it, as that was my intent when I decided I wanted a Buck in stag.

I just don't want to be that guy who came across some rare/valuable/limited release gem of a pocketknife and used it without knowing it's value when it could have been something that was kept mint and passed down to one of my kids as a collector's item.
 
I really like the "Tools not Jewels' comment.
That said, like the rest of America, there are divisions in thought and ideology, even among knife people.
Personally I think it is too nice to use. I have more Buck knives at my disposal than most could ever imagine,
but in my pocket at the moment is a used Vanguard I bought at a gun show for $10
 
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I'm going to differ...
They don't make them like that anymore, there won't be stag like that and it won't be matched like that. I would not use it...I would coon eye and chicken finger that beauty a lot. Beautiful knife, it's yours so do what pleases you.
 
pjsjr said:
I'm going to differ...
They don't make them like that anymore, there won't be stag like that and it won't be matched like that. I would not use it...I would coon eye and chicken finger that beauty a lot. Beautiful knife, it's yours so do what pleases you.
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Agree. Also, I have maybe 300 Buck knives - they can't all be users. Some just feed my addiction.
 
pjsjr said:
I'm going to differ...
They don't make them like that anymore, there won't be stag like that and it won't be matched like that. I would not use it...I would coon eye and chicken finger that beauty a lot. Beautiful knife, it's yours so do what pleases you.
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I'm stealing that sayin from ya Preston.....

yeah there is no wrong answer.....keep it and look and play with only..... or carry and use. both work if it brings enjoyment.
 
I have varying degrees of use so just about all my knives get carried. If you know it’s gonna be an easy day and you can get away with simple cutting chores go for it and carry it. Gonna be repairing the truck and cutting stuff that you know will scratch and tear up the blade, carry something else.
 
S SoDak81 You probably paid more for that 1989 stag 501 than you would for a new custom in elk (not that there's nothing wrong with that).
I understand your dilemma - you've got a somewhat rare piece in mint condition. Ask yourself if you will appreciate it more keeping it pristine vs using it. Either way, it is something that can be passed along to one of your kids...in one instance, it's a knife in a box that may have some monetary value; in the other, it's YOUR knife - the one that was part of so many memories.

Even if you choose to keep it tucked away, there's no rule that says you can't decide to pocket/use it later if you want to.
 
Ask yourself why you bought it and whether you ever plan to sell it ?

I'd use it, otherwise I wouldn't have bought it.
Beautiful knife with some real nice stag covers on it.

These 2 were both bought mint in the box, and both went right into my pocket.
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pjsjr said:
I'm going to differ...
They don't make them like that anymore, there won't be stag like that and it won't be matched like that. I would not use it...I would coon eye and chicken finger that beauty a lot. Beautiful knife, it's yours so do what pleases you.
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I've definitely been tinkering and admiring for the last two days!
matthewtstock said:
First off, I must say that is a handsome knife, and I don't even collect the Squire.

Easy fix is order a custom for edc and use the '89 for special occasions.
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I do gotta say, the easy fix sounds like it might be my favorite option. I could order a custom 501 elk with the S30V and save this one.
 
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