Do you continue using a discontinued knife?

[Charlie_K]

This is almost analogous to avoiding sex out of fear of wearing out your unit.

Considering the prevalence of STDs that've been upgraded to super bug status, that's not very far off.

One thing people don't (like to) consider is the possibility of times getting tough, and some of us actually needing to sell some of our knives to make ends meet. In which case a discontinued knife still in good condition becomes an investment.

 

[NMpops]

I have a lot of knives but I'm not a collector so I use all my knives. Mos knife companies make a model for awhile then discontinue it. Sorta like Ford & Chevy. My Ford Explorer Sport Trac is no longer made but I continue driving it daily.

 

[AntDog]

Yep. If I don't use it, it gets sold or traded.

If something is rare or discontinued, you can usually use the hell out of it and still get good money out of it if you sell it. You don't have to beat the crap out of your discontinued knives, but you should at least use them. Otherwise, what's the point? To have something cool to cut things with and let it sit in a safe til it's worth 3 times what you paid for it? Sheeeit. I'd rather use it and consider the money lost if I sold it a rental fee of sorts. Rare stuff still sells for good money - even if it's scuffed up!

 

[red mag]

It's safe to say you are a "knife-nut" for posting this question.
It's also safe to say I'm a "knife-nut" for posting an answer.

There is a difference between a user and a collector, although interference is common.
The user (as the name implies) uses each and every pice he owns.
When the user makes the transition to the collector he starts to buy pieces he will not use - in the sense of the primary use of the knife.
He uses it by putting it into his collection and is happy to own it, show it, whatever.

When you use pieces of your collection, then your question arrises.
From what I understand you have already used it, so you can continue doing that.
If you want a certain model preserved you should have bought a double or used another one instead.

That said it is not easy to predict the future value of a knife today. Just look at the well used Kabar's of the II WW.
As for the future fate of any collection, proper documentaion and education might help the next generation to enjoy it wisely.

red mag

 

[amsquare]

Gotta tell you, I have found that many of my knives have beaten the stock market. I have paid for my extensive collection by the sale of my rarer (including production) knives. My calculation shows that I own my many remaining knives with a net outlay of essentially zero dollars. Picking knives that will appreciate is akin to picking stocks. Gotta identify predictors of value and know what and when to buy...and when to sell. Tricky business, but very enjoyable.

 

[leghog]

Me also. I have a few NIB in storage from Camillus that have increased in value

I'm not familiar with the value of Camillus knives. Realistically, how much would it go up in value?

There are MUCH better investment vehicles than discontinued Camillus. If you buy a Camillus use it as was intended.