Greetings and pic of my Robert Rippy Knife

A

Anti-venom

Joined
Sep 4, 2006
Messages
1
This is my first post and would like to say Hi.

I have had this knife since Jan '90 when I traded an old 22 rifle to Mr Rippey for this knife. I had a table behind him at a Gun and knife show in Texas. He was displaying about 8 different knives that he and his wife had made. I fell in love with this skinner, it felt perfect in my hand. During the gun show we talked fairly often and I kept picking up this knife. He explained to me that he did the blades and his wife carved the handles. We struck up a deal for the knife but I had to let him keep it on his table so he could display his work. I have posted pictures of the knife and the receipt signed by both Bonnie and Robert naming this knife "Scott's Skinner". There have never used this knife to cut anything because it was too nice to use. He offered to make a custum sheath for it for $15 if I would send it back to him, sadly I never did. There have been times when I have needed some money and considered selling it, but when I get it out to sell it feels to good in my hand and I fall in love with it all over again.
I did the same thing just a about an hour ago and decided to research it but found out that he had passed away several years ago.:( Now I don't think I could ever sell it, he was a very nice guy who seemed to be friends with everyone.

rippyskinner.jpg


Rippystamp.jpg


RippyReceiptFront.jpg


RippyReceiptBack.jpg


I was wondering what you guys thought of it and to share a picture of it as very few people saw this knife. Also, just for grins, what type of value should I place on it?

Thank you,

Scott Hilmoe
"Anti-venom"
 
I like the knife a lot. Mr. Rippy made quite knives that I really like the look of.

I don't know about value.
 
Hi Scott,

Welcome to Bladeforums, and thank you for your concise post. You have, indeed, a find knife there. Robert Rippy's work is not very reknowned, but it sure looks like quality. My advice to you is to pay to have a small sheath made for it (which will cost you more than $15 these days!), and then enjoy it as you are. Mr. Rippy was a gentleman to you and there is more value in that, than a sale (which I would risk a guess of only about $150, even with your documentation. I hope I am wrong.)

The value of owning a custom knife has much to do with the relationship and respect afforded the maker. You own the biggest piece of this already.

Coop
 
Nice little Knife. I havn't seen Rippy in a lot of years. Is he still around? If so, give him a big Texas Howdy for me. Mike
 
One of the first "custom" knives I handled was a Rippy Combat knife, dont know the exact model, but it was a damn nice knife. All I remember it was double edge, about a 7" blade, pointy as hell, finger groove, full tang, double guard. Had micarta handle and one of the best made and stout sheaths ive seen. Nice package indeed.


I dont think Mr. Rippys knives ever really took off in value, I actually think he was a bit ahead of the curve on the tactical/combat fixed blade market. By the time the market cuaght up, he wasnt really making knives.

I would guess, and its a pure 100% uneducated guess, the skinner is worth $200+/-. If it has sentimental value to you, its far better to hang on to it.
 
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