knife condition considerations

sdrmvy

sdrmvy

Joined
Jun 1, 2009
Messages
19
I have a general question. What are your feelings about purchasing custom knives, let's say in the $1000- range, that have light scratches on the clip, handle and/or blade?

These knives would likely sell for several hundred dollars more if they were in mint condition. Let's also say that these knives are hard to come by so please consider this as part of the question.

Is it better to be patient and wait for a mint knife to come along or do you purchase less than perfect knives (for collection vs. EDC)?

Thanks for your thoughts.
 
If I was going to spend 1K on something used and a new one cost 20 or 30% more I would wait for a new one. It really depends on if you are going to keep it for collecting, resale or EDC it. Also depends on the maker, materials used and scarcity of the knife.
 
If it was going to be a usin' knife, I'd welcome the savings, but if this is a knife for the collection, I would want it pristine.
 
I agree with SOLEIL and CWL. I'll also add that $1000 is pretty steep for a general EDC and a marred custom would seem to fall into that mould if you ask me since it's not a perfect safe queen anymore . . .
 
Last edited:
If it is going to be EDC'd, then I would buy it. If it just for the collection, then I would wait for a mint one. It also depends on how bad you want the knife too. If it is something that I have been after for years, the I would so buy it the way it is.
 
I carry and use my customs. I'm expecting a few and they will all get pocket time.

edit:

There are some knives I buy that I don't carry or use... yet.
 
Last edited:
CWL said:
If it was going to be a usin' knife, I'd welcome the savings, but if this is a knife for the collection, I would want it pristine.
Click to expand...

IMO words to live by. I mostly collect daggers (semi fancy ones) and slip-joints. Not into dagging things so those need to be pristine, if it is a knife I am going to carry I welcome the savings. (not to mention the oh-no I scratched my new knife feeling!) ;)

A lot of makers will do "fluff and buffs" or will even re-bead blast for a reasonable fee. So if the knife it hard to get it might be of benefit to touch base with the original maker and see if they would be willing get the knife back to as close to original as they can.
 
I also use my customs, knowing that I can send it back to the maker for a refurb.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top