First Run Production Knives -

T

Tostig

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Jun 16, 2009
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I have a few FRP knives , my RAM and Skyline come to mind.

My question to you guys is , do these have more of a collecter value because they are first runs ?

I want to mod both knives moderatly but I am apprehensive to because of this.

Ideas , comments , suggestions welcome :D
 
1st run knives aren't generally considered to have much in the way of collector value, their may be the odd exception. Prototypes would be more likely to have increased value to collectors. Their are so many LE runs, sprint runs, etc, (some of which can become highly valued) imo it has more to do with supply/demand (and other assorted factors) than anything. It could be a 1 of 2 first run (or proto or LE) but if no one likes or wants it it'll never be worth squat.

Future value is tough to predict, the old "if I had any idea those knives would become so popular..." Seems like the BM Ares was only moderately popular when in production; production ceased and within a few years it became quite sought after, but I don't know that a 1st production run of an Ares is worth any more than a comparable regular production run. Some people don't care for the blade markings, etc.

Mod away, use and enjoy them :)
 
Prototypes and L.E. runs are the only numbered knives that have added value. First Productions are normally worth the same amount as a regular production or at times worth even less. Have some fun and mod them. :cool:
 
Thanks for the ideas guys :)

Both of you confirmed my suspicions :D

Can't wait to work on these bad boys !
 
They overlooked something...

Any blade, fixed or folder, with 'First Run Production', or the like, is a real challenge to me. How long it will take for me to wear/rub/polish that off the blade can be quite a challenge. Sometimes I cheat, and out comes the Semichrome or Flitz... The Buck Christmas 110 tins at Wally World up to '07 are examples.

Seriously, I have 'collectibles' (Someone else please want them - I'll make you such a deal!), like Harbour Lights Lighthouses. I like knives because they are great cutting tools. I have old woodworking hand tools, revolvers, etc, too - all users. If collecting knives is your forte, more power to you. I have seen some really nice Buck and Case collections.

Okay, okay... I'll come clean! I have a locked and lighted glass display case my wife outgrew with her collectibles. It was a steal as a discontinued line display case purchased from a collectible/gift store. It now resides in my 'office' at home - with my folders displayed. Yep, there are even duplicates of some - to insure I had one. I know where the key is - and my 'ready EDC's' rotate quite a bit through the case. It's too pretty to ever use doesn't fly here. YMMV.

Stainz
 
I bought my RAM as soon as it was available from an awkshun site ;) I didnt know it was gonna have that on the blade.... and since I've had it I've had an urge to polish the blade up. :)
 
First editions of books are usually more valuable but I don't believe the same applies to knives, and anyway it's not always possible to identify when a knife was made unless they have a serial number or other dating system (like the Buck 110's symbol dating). In terms of value, the rules are similar to firearms where value to collector = combination of brand, models's age and rarity (eg limited edition and pre-production) and condition, with BNIB mint usually being the most desirable (main exception being provenance that identifies the object with high profile people and/or events). Value plummets once you use a knife so if you want to retain value I suggest you buy 2 of everything - 1 to keep and 1 to use - that way you can mod and abuse to your heart's content cause you know you have a safe-virgin (whether or not it becomes a safe-queen remains to be seen)
 
I hate numbered "first production run" stamped on my Blade. It makes feel (Sub consciously) That there is something special about it. But then they make hundreds of thousands of the same model. If It's Just for Collection purposes and it's a Low number and you're in to that kind of thing then cool. I hate it.

Whats really cool for collection ( For me) is a Blade stamped "Prototype" then they don't actually produce it, or produce it in limited numbers.

But Generally I Love Purpose driven and proven designs with little to nothing stamped on it, but U.S.A., Seki City, and the manufactures Logo or custom makers stamp.
 
Thanks for the replies guys :)

I'm droolin' with ideas.. holding my RAM and sippin' iced coffee ( it's HOT here !! )
 
not only do 1st production runs not bring premiums its the rare prototype which will, very few will bring a premium,

i used to collect BM proto's,

they just make too many of them, usually 400 or more.

its been my experiece that to bring a premium the proto will have to differ drastically from the production, like a BM 710 proto, the 710 proto has alloy handles vs G10, different thumbstuds which match the axis button, and a couple other things i cant recall right now, now it will bring a SMALL premium, maybe $50 or so, most are exactly the same as a production though except for the proto stamp and date.

in fact, the 710 and the stryker were the only 2 i had which were different, and i had probably 20 of the things at one time, of them all only the 710 and stryker were valued any higher than a std.

1st runs/etc usually dont add a cent.
 
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Use them.

IMHO, very few knives bring the $$$ - it's like gems, cars, motorcycles etc. The EXTREMELY rare models fetch premiums, and only if they made a HUGE mark in their respective industry or were owned by someone famous.
 
Thanks again for the replies folks.

I was gonna start on my RAM lst night but it bit the heck outta my palm ! :eek:

:D

Bad RAM , no modding.... yet !
 
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