Fixed Blade GRECO???

JD Spydo · Jul 17, 2006

I have a custom fixed blade hawkbill knife I got in a trade a while back. The knife was made by John Greco. It is like I said a fixed blade Hawkbill made with A-2 blade Steel and has a beautiful hand made leather sheath that fits the knife perfectly.

I have 2 questions: First of all about how much would this knife be worth on the open market>> Second: Is there a known rating system for some of these Custom knives and their makers?

Please pardon my ignorance because the Custom knife arena is totally new to me. Feel free to either PM me or e-mail me either one. JD

senoBDEC · Jul 17, 2006

1. John Greco is relatively inexpensive, but makes great knives (never seen a hawkbill online or in-person though) - here's his website: http://www.grecoknives.com/ ---seeing as it's probably a rarer type...

2. Not to my knowledge - other than membership of blade-smith associations and such - including attaining the coveted Master Smith title. Price is a good way. Don Fogg for instance commands in the thousands of dollars easily.

smcfalls13 · Jul 17, 2006

JD, if it's the Defender model I'm thinking of, I believe Bladeart sold them for a little under $100, if that's any indication of value.

http://www.bladeart.com/artists/john_greco/john_greco.htm

4th knife down. Is that yours?

As for a rating system, there no universal rating system that I'm aware of. ABS Mastersmiths usuall command high prices, but not always, and those who aren't even members of the ABS can command high prices. There's too many factors to consider.

Thinking of delving in the custom arena? Kiss what's left of your money good bye

beefangusbeef · Jul 17, 2006

Price is a good way.

Often price just denotes demand. There are a lot of good makers who's works rival established makers, but those makers have cult like following and for good reasons they make awesome knives! That doesn't mean though that the same quality of knives can't be found for a fraction of the price. I hope that makes sense?

MikeH · Jul 17, 2006

FWIW, John no longer makes his "tactical" looking line of knives. He still has some at knife and gun shoes, but they are all out of his old stock.

Lavan · Jul 17, 2006

Do not ABUSE one. I abused one by throwing it on the ground and the blade snapped off cleanly at the hilt.

While it was my fault, the break looked like a stress riser from the method of manufacture.

JD Spydo · Jul 18, 2006

smcfalls13 said:
JD, if it's the Defender model I'm thinking of, I believe Bladeart sold them for a little under $100, if that's any indication of value.

http://www.bladeart.com/artists/john_greco/john_greco.htm

4th knife down. Is that yours?

As for a rating system, there no universal rating system that I'm aware of. ABS Mastersmiths usuall command high prices, but not always, and those who aren't even members of the ABS can command high prices. There's too many factors to consider.

Thinking of delving in the custom arena? Kiss what's left of your money good bye

Yes it is the 4th one down but the handle on mine is a bit different. The one I have has finger grooves on it. And they really make the knife nice too. That blows me away that this knife was sold for under $200 because it truly is a quality built blade. The sheath is one of the most impressive I've seen in a while. Yep that is the one but with a different handle modification. Anyone want to trade

t1mpani · Jul 18, 2006

Lavan said:
Do not ABUSE one. I abused one by throwing it on the ground and the blade snapped off cleanly at the hilt.

While it was my fault, the break looked like a stress riser from the method of manufacture.

I remember that and this is an entirely different type/build of knife. This is exposed tang/scales construction and has no right angles in the blade/handle juncture that would cause that type of failure. I still wouldn't recommend tossing it at the ground, however.

4 s ter · Jul 18, 2006

Lavan said:
Do not ABUSE one. I abused one by throwing it on the ground and the blade snapped off cleanly at the hilt.

While it was my fault, the break looked like a stress riser from the method of manufacture.

I have a couple of Greco knives. A MST MKII 7" and a flat-ground Falcon Folder. I wouldn't hesitate to abuse either one.

While I realize that no knife is unbreakable, the MST with its full tang 1/4" A-2 steel comes pretty close.

John's knives have always represented great value! A unique style, tough materials, and comparatively low prices. I'm sorry he's not making his tactical designs any longer. I'm just not into "Scagal" (and other old school) type bowies.

FullerH · Jul 18, 2006

John still makes what is probably his most famous tactical design, the Whisper. If you doubt me, write a PM to Ken Cox and ask him.

Lavan · Jul 18, 2006

You're right about a non-hilt model. I was a fan of Greco until the breakage. Even though it was entirely my fault, many suggested I contact John about it. I did and was offered a discount on a new one. Which I thought was very fair considering that he didn't owe me a thing.

HOWEVER, when I asked if I could use the discount against a DIFFERENT STYLE (knowing the weakness of what I had) he refused. I can't understand that. It was about a 1/3 discount offered but ONLY if I would use it on a knife (same and ONLY same style) which (through my own fault but still valid) I now KNEW to have a construction deficiency.

What I .....should..... have done (but I'm not wired like this) is to have LIED and said it broke from CHOPPING and gotten a NEW one probably for free.

I would think that any of them which do not have a stress riser 90 degree angle cut for the hilt would be as strong as ....well.... steel!