How to figure out the value of a knife

Les Robertson said:
Hi Anthony,

Kevin is right...you gave him way too much credit. There was no way he could have created the CKCA himself!
Creating a successful organization is the never the effort of one person but very much a team effort.

Hi Kevin,

50 -55 hours a week! Really? Im going to have to call BS on that. That would be 10 - 11 hours a day (Five day week). Almost 8 hours a day 7 days a week.
Les, not that I have to account for my time to you, however since you have called my integrity into question even though you know absolutely nothing of how active the CKCA is and the time required to manage it I will respond. All inclusive, the 50-55 hours is low as managing the CKCA is a 7 day job and actually busiest on the weekends. That's when I get the most member inquiries, the most members joining (34 new members in the last 30 so days/245 total), the most questions on the CKCA in general etc, etc,. My wife has pointed out on several occasions that I spend more time managing the CKCA since I retired than I spent in my career managing construction for a major retailer. That's not too far from fact.

I received an average of 23 knife related e-mails per day between general CKCA communications, the CKCA website "contact us" link, the CKCA forum "contact us" link, general correspondence and being asked questions and having questions answered. Most of these require an answer and I make it a point whenever possible to respond to each in the day it was received to keep them from piling up.

I usually spend around 2 hours per day on the phone discussing knives or knife related issues and that can be as much as probably 4 hours if there issues regarding our cancer research projects, website/forum issues etc. In addition to the above there's the general day to day operation of the CKCA which I won't even bore you with those tasks. Then there's the stuff that just pops up. For example, I spent about 12 hours last week working on something for Mike Haskew of Blade Magazine. Over the next 2 weeks I will spend probably 2 hours per day writing my first major article for Blade Magazine. I could go on and on, however I will just say ALL this time and effort goes towards promoting custom knives not Kevin Jones.


Anthony is right as well. You do promote the knives (and their markets) of the knives you collect. You do so because you love this type of knife but also because you now have Tens of Thousands of Dollars tied up in them.

Now that's total BS, I aggressively promote ALL CUSTOM KNIVES, anyone who knows me will back that up 100%.

Kevin you are not alone in the "promotion" of the knives you buy. Your participation and "promoting" of the styles and makers is partly what this forum is for. To show photos, discuss custom knives, their materials, construction techniques, sheaths, ideas, concepts, shows, hammer-in's, gatherings, articles, etc.

That's pretty obvious Les.

Hi Jtech,

I think it is important for those coming here to seek "Prices and Values" of knives that they check out the "experts" on this and other forums. To find out what the "expertise" is.

Take the Hancock for instance. I suspect no one really knows what it is worth...we can guess...but we don't know.
So with all the years experence you guess as to what a knife is worth? Anyone who has spent years studying, following and collecting Tim's knives should be able to tell within 10% what that knife will bring on the broad market. I'm NO EXPERT, however pretty sure I could come within 10-15%.

You can contact Tim and find out what it sold for initially. I'm sure that would be an excellent starting point.

The ABS website no longer lists the dates the makers received the MS or JS stamps(???). Tim's website shows he received his MS in 1994.

Perhaps the first question to be asked is why no MS Stamp? To acquire the Master Smith rating takes years of hard work to attain. Consequently, the makers are generally very keen about putting "MS" on their knives somewhere.

Absent of a "JS" or "MS" mark is rare as I stated earlier, however it happens. I have a Fisk Boot Knife made in 1995 only marked "FISK". Why, because Jerry misplaced his stamp. Perhaps Tim didn't put his normal mark on this one because of it not being forged or the very limited ricasso area and/or small blade.

Perhaps it is a different "Hancock"?

Perhaps it is a forgery?

In my opinion it's an authentic Tim Hancock as the "Hancock" and "1997" marks are consistence with marks he has used. Don't need to be an expert to tell that as a look at page 145 Of David Darom's book "Tim Hancock The Western Bladesmith" supplies the information. You being a paid "knife promoter", I'm sure you have a copy of this book.

Also, look real good and see the sheath is marked "Hancock" as well which is also consistence with Tim's sheaths.
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How did this thread turn into THIS

To answer the OP's question call the makers that the knives in question represent maybe they can give an aproximate value or even hook you up with a buyer

N ext when you figure out what they are worth to you see what they are worth to someone else. Anything is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

You can post them here on the exchange or put them on ebay and set your reserve at the least amount of money you would except.

I sell on both the forum and ebay and regularly get a 10% to 25% return on my investment. Don't get me wrong sometimes I break even and to friends even realize a loss but knives are not my business they are a hobby

If you do not want to take the time to do some homework and list them yourself call up a well known dealer or auctioneer and have them sell them or by them off you. But as we all know dealers do not make money buying high so I feel you have your best chances on your own I have done very well on ebay and here on the forums. At Blade I offered a knife to Les for 400 which is what I paid for it on ebay he politely declined so I came home and sold it here on the exchange for 550. Pretty good return on my initial investment
 
Les Robertson said:
Hi STeven,

Good point about the knife not being forged...that may in fact be the answer.

STeven, as you know Kevin sought out and loves his leadership position. It is his choice and his alone to retain the "mantle" given to him.

Totally false. I NEVER sought it out, though I definitely realized the organization was desperately needed. I was asked to spearhead the creation of the organization asked if I would accept a nomination to be president.

I can't speak for Anthony, but I will leave the keeping and cutting of the "slack" to more civil and gentle beings such as you and Coop!

Im sure that the CKCA and the "promotion" of custom knives is a labor of love. Im still calling BS on the 50 -55 hours a week! :D

With that much time invested I can't understand he missed that Jerry Fisk was listed by Bruce Voyles as one of 12 people to meet in, not just custom knives across the board. ;)

Im sure Kevin pours over KI..if no other reason than to read Les's Picks! (For Purposes of Full Disclosure that was a Shameless Act Self Promotion..LOL) :D
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I stopped getting KI. It's the only knife publication I don't receive. I use to enjoy it.

I don't need to read the magazine to know who's Les's picks are going to be.
 
Hi Joe,

You are right.

Kevin answered the question regarding the Hancock.

Now it is up to the seller to find out the price and sell the knife.

Kevin:

I don't need to read the magazine to know who's Les's picks are going to be.
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All Right Kevin...name the next 4 makers that I am going to write articles about. If you can't name them you owe this forum an apology for once again being full of BS.
 
Les Robertson said:
Hi Joe,

You are right.

Kevin answered the question regarding the Hancock.

Now it is up to the seller to find out the price and sell the knife.

Kevin:



All Right Kevin...name the next 4 makers that I am going to write articles about. If you can't name them you owe this forum an apology for once again being full of BS.
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Les, I started this post and have decided I'm not going to let you waste any more of my time. I can't believe I took the time for my long reply to your first post. Find someone else to play with you.
 
Kevin,

I don't need to read the magazine to know who's Les's picks are going to be.
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I know you can't name the 4 makers. Once again you are "fronting" like you know about custom knives.

I asked you to name the next 4 makers I am going to write about or apologize to this forum for being full of BS.

You will of course do either. The first part you don't know. The second part you won't do as you lack the moral conviction to do so.

Kevin, you MO is always...run your mouth until you get called out. When you can't respond (exposing your lack of knowledge with regards to custom knives) you make some asinine statement such as.

Les, I started this post and have decided I'm not going to let you waste any more of my time. I can't believe I took the time for my long reply to your first post. Find someone else to play with you.
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You being a paid "knife promoter"
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Kevin you were exactly right There:

People who are paid to do something are "Professionals".

People who are not paid to do something are "volunteers".

One of us is a Professional and the other is well a volunteer.

Kevin, in the future you will once again "Play" with me. How do I know this?

Unlike you....I will tell you.....

2 things.

1) In the past you always have.

2) And this one is the biggest reason.....You just can't stand seeing someone post....and you not get your 2 cents in.

Wait for it.......
 
Kevin Jones said:
I stopped getting KI. It's the only knife publication I don't receive. I use to enjoy it.

I don't need to read the magazine to know who's Les's picks are going to be.
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I think we all know what Kevin is saying here. He's not trying to be a fortune teller. It gets old trying to get something worthwhile from some of these threads that are started with good intentions. Then, we have to wade through some of the bullshit that gets thrown in. I value my time more than that. I am sure Kevin does, also.

And, I appreciate all the time you have put in for CKCA, Kevin. We are lucky to have you on board.

- Joe
 
Les, all anyone has to do to determine how much a professional you are is to observe your conduct from your post #36 forward.

I have finally been convinced that my calling you out and participating in these ridiculous back & fourths and allowing myself to be successfully baited by you and Anthony only reflects badly on myself and the CKCA.

As one of those who contacted me put it in a comical way that hit home:
"Your going back and forth with Les on a forum is much like wrestling with a pig in a mud hole. Regardless of the outcome, you and the CKCA get dirty while Les loves it."

Jtech, sorry for my part in taking this thread off course and I hope I along with others were helpful in laying out a wide range of options for you and family to consider.
 
I am reading a research paper (over 400 pages) on vlaue, pricing, advertising and the psychological dynamics involved. Many of the comments in this thread are very transparent.

Way to go Kevin!
 
Kevin,

Les, all anyone has to do to determine how much a professional you are is to observe your conduct from your post #36 forward.

I have finally been convinced that my calling you out and participating in these ridiculous back & fourths and allowing myself to be successfully baited by you and Anthony only reflects badly on myself and the CKCA.

As one of those who contacted me put it in a comical way that hit home:
"Your going back and forth with Les on a forum is much like wrestling with a pig in a mud hole. Regardless of the outcome, you and the CKCA get dirty while Les loves it."

Jtech, sorry for my part in taking this thread off course and I hope I along with others were helpful in laying out a wide range of options for you and family to consider.
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Im still waiting for you to apologize to this forum. You told us you could predict which 4 makers I was going to write about next. Then you couldn't so you wrote some BS about no longer "playing" with me.

Now you are full of it again as you are trying to "play"...

The reason? See number 2 in my previous thread.

Caineforge came to your rescue (guess he figured you couldn't handle it on on your own).

He was right there is a lot of Bull Shit in this thread....and it starts and ends with Kevin Jones.

Regarding the CKCA...this has nothing to do with the CKCA. It has to do with you Kevin. You are responsible for your words and deeds...except when you realize you are wrong...then you find some way to wuss out of your comments.

As you have once again done with regards to your lack of ability as a self-proclaimed fortune teller.

Tell you what Kevin, as you do reflect the CKCA (as is evident by the email you received). In the future every time you provide your opinion and it is misleading (as you do often) I am going to call you out on it.

Now that you are promoting custom knives 50 - 55 hours a week. You should be able to research your comments before you make them for accuracy.

Perhaps this will help you refrain from grandstanding with comments such as you know who I am going to write about. Without having a friggen clue what you are talking about.
 
Ed,

My comments are straight forward....there is no transparency on my part...it is crystal clear.

I suspect the last thing you want to do Ed is get a thread started on your knives and their pricing structure.
 
Les, I am at a loss to figure what you or we as a group will gain from your confrontation with Kevin and now Ed. As it pertains to the initial subject of this thread, I see little or no relevance. As it pertains to the good of the community, I again have a hard time finding the relevance. It is beginning to appear that it is more of a personal nature that might be best served out side the forum, privately.

Regarding CKCA, and I was one of the founding members, or charter member or whatever, I have personally seen Keven work very hard and VERY long and I don't question the number of hours, but I do applaud the results and the growth of the organization by, if not his personal efforts, then his leadership to get it done.

Regarding Ed's pricing and marketing strategy, I believe that is just about 100% his business, and considering the stature he has attained and the respect he is afforded within the Knife Community, he must be pretty good at it.

Finally, Les, I have always counted you as a friend, and I am surprised at the image you put forth here, because I believe you are a much better person than that.

Best regards, (also)

Paul
 
there is no transparency on my part...it is crystal clear. ? ( don't know how to do the quote stuff, but that was in the last post by Les.

The only reason I commented on this thread is that I read a statement that when the collectors of the art of Jim Schmidt are gone the value of his knives will diminish.

Most readers have seen the same result when the original collectors of the art of Rembrandt, Picasso and Van Gogh and many others sold their paintings.
 
HI Paul,

I appreciate and thank you for your comments. You are of course correct.

My feeling is now and has been for as long as I can remember. That it is incumbent upon those of us with the "knowledge" pass it on to those seeking it.

The custom knife market is so huge, dynamic and diverse that no one person is all knowledgeable. Portraying themselves as such is to do a disservice to custom knives.

We are fortunate to have several knowledgeable members....many with a high level of expertise...to include Kevin Jones. However, having expertise in one area does not automatically mean you have the same expertise in another area of custom knives.

I have a fair amount of expertise in a couple different areas with regards to custom knives. The majority of the articles I write for knife magazines are about makers who are less well known. Yes, I have turned down doing articles on better known to legend makers.

The makers I chose to write about are generally less known or unknown. These makers do quality work and offer value to their clients. To have someone offer a thinly veiled and snobbish insult (because of the makers I choose to write about and or work with) was something I could not let pass.

For better or worse I always speak my mind. I do this with full knowledge that on occasion I am wrong. Fortunately that doesn't happen very often :D

Thanks for reeling me in Paul.
 
Thank you!! I knew the REAL Les was lurking in there somewhere.:D

Now back to our regularly scheduled programing.....

Paul
 
...and I was ready to get popcorn. :D
Thanks for being the gentlemen you are ! :thumbup:

Doug
 
Kevin Jones said:
Yes Anthony, you are missing A LOT.
Like the individual you refer to works 50-55 hours per week promoting/progressing custom knives, not himself. Yes, while you are at your job making that fat paycheck, he's working just as long and diligently trying to advance our community for no pay. So what little he makes from selling a custom knife from time to time is pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

I would like to sincerely thank you though, as for you to think I could start and organization such as the CKCA on my own is a wonderful complement, however one I certainly can't take credit for.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obfuscation.
 
Bladeandbarrel wrote:
Originally Posted by Kevin Jones
Yes Anthony, you are missing A LOT.
Like the individual you refer to works 50-55 hours per week promoting/progressing custom knives, not himself. Yes, while you are at your job making that fat paycheck, he's working just as long and diligently trying to advance our community for no pay. So what little he makes from selling a custom knife from time to time is pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

I would like to sincerely thank you though, as for you to think I could start and organization such as the CKCA on my own is a wonderful complement, however one I certainly can't take credit for.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obfuscation.
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Anthony,

Maybe you should read this. It was written about you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)

Jim Treacy
 
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