Jeroboam

[LDSDFW]

A dealer has a 1987 South African made Chris Reeve Jeroboam in stock, new in the box. I have two questions:

1) What is the value of the knife? (I haven't been able to find it in any price guides.)

2) Does Chris Reeve make any knives comparable to that model now?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

ldsdfw

 

[Chris Reeve Knives]

Which model Jereboam is it? Both the Jereboam Mk I and Mk II had 9 inch blades - the Mk I had a sawback (much like a big brother of the Aviator) while the Mk II had a conventional clip point (like a larger Mk VI). If you want to check the comparisons, you can visit our website at www.chrisreeve.com . All knives made in South Africa were serial numbered so if you don't know which model it is, maybe the serial number would help us identify it. The Mk I was always a bit more expensive than the Mk II, because of the sawback - so if you let me know which model, we can estimate a fair price.

Hope this helps

Anne

 

[LDSDFW]

It has the saw-toothed back, so I suppose it's the Mk I. The blade only appears to be about 7.5" or so, though.

Thanks for your help!

LDSDFW

 

[Chris Reeve Knives]

A 7 inch blade makes it a different model! With a saw back, that would be a Mk IV - (FYI, the 7 inch without the sawback would have been the Mk V - and, I know it, the names of our knives are confusing!!)

Best estimate of a price would be in the $300 to $350 range.

When we rationalized the whole range of fixed blades four or five years ago, we stopped making all the 9 inch and 7 inch models in favor of the 7.5 inch Project I and Project II. We also stopped making all sawback models except for the 4 inch Aviator. The Project II would be the model that we make now that is most comparable to the Mk IV!!

Anne

 

[LDSDFW]

I misjudged the blade length. From hilt to tip, it's a little over 8.5". And the box identifies it as a Jereboam I (#239).

Rather than waiting for your estimate, I went ahead and bought it for $400. Was your estimate based on the assumption that it was a Mark IV? If so, how did I come out on the price of this knife? In either case, as I looked it over and hefted it, I decided that it was worth at least $400 to me personally. Years from now, I imagine I'll look at that price as a bargain.

Another question. The box was labelled "Black Jack Knives: Chris Reeve Custom Series." What was the relationship between Chris Reeve and Black Jack Knives?

Thanks for your timely and helpful responses!

ldsdfw

 

[Chris Reeve Knives]

At a little over 8.5 inches in the blade, the knife would be a Jeroboam Mk I and the price you paid is right in there with what we would have quoted.

Back in 1987, Blackjack Knives was just starting out and they acted as a distributor for our knives. The company was started by Mike Stewart and Steven Lewis - Steven is a South African and that was how we got involved. Blackjack was very poorly managed and almost went bankrupt very early in 1988 - and they owed us a lot of money. When we moved over to the USA in 1989, we realized that although our knives had been quite well advertised, in many areas they had been completely misrepresented. The whole relationship caused us a great deal of stress and concern and still comes back to haunt us from time to time!!

Anne

 

[Mad Bofo]

This thread is legendary. I just stumbled upon it, and coincidentally, a used Jereboam MK1 for sale. If anyone at CRK miraculously sees this, what do you think would be a fair price for this (serial no. 422)? It appears to be in “Excellent” condition, according to National Knife Collectors Association grading.

Chris Reeve 1987 South African MK1 Jereboam Ultra Rare | eBay

<p>If you want to save money on shipping and taxes, message me or make an offer and we’ll figure something out⚔️🤙</p>

www.ebay.com

Thanks,
MB

 

[randucci]

It is not worth anything close to that $12,000 asking price, I recently purchased #126 for $1100. They have had that knife on eBay for months, I guess their hoping someone would make them an offer of still way too much.

Top knife:

 

[Mad Bofo]

It is not worth anything close to that $12,000 asking price, I recently purchased #126 for $1100. They have had that knife on eBay for months, I guess their hoping someone would make them an offer of still way too much.

Top knife:

View attachment 2733498

Thank you. I figured that asking price was a Hail Mary intended to attract offers, but I had no idea how outrageous it was. Difficult to determine the market for a non-perishable item that doesn’t pop up for sale very often. In any event, those are beautiful specimens you have. I’m envious.

MB