Pristine Mint condition or other??

T

taztim

Joined
Feb 1, 2006
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1
Hi
Im new to this forum but not new to knives. I was very interested to see a discussion on tarnished brass bolstered knives in otherwise A1 condition being called mint if they were then cleaned.

I believe that knife collectors use the term PRISTINE and not the term mint condition and that PRISTINE implies that a knife is exactly as it was when it came off the assembly line. From my experience it is very rare to find a perfectly pristine knife even if the seller says it is new or mint. A MINT knife on the other hand is the next step down from PRISTINE and would imply that it is something slightly less (whatever that is I cant say?).

A knife that has tarnish or oxidation is a knife that has waste material clinging to it but it is still part of the knife. If it is removed and the original dimensions of the knife have altered "even slightly" due to its removal then it is "not a mint knife".

I once had a buck 110 and I polished the bolsters with abrasive polish (foolish me?) until they became visibly dipped and it lost its original dimensions (did this easily). Clearly this then would not be a mint knife ?

I like to use the word Superb condition if it warrants a high rating, it is far less misleading for knives.

The best rule of thumb if you cant personally hold the knife when purchasing then get the seller to inspect it again even if he doesnt like it. This is to make sure you know exactly what your getting. Light marks can often be removed very easily so long as its not nickel plated and in some cases they can be too if they are very light marks.
Regards
 
Blade's guide to knives and their values has a few pages on grading and the issue of polishing the brass is addressed. The highest grade is "mint" which means it must be in an untouched condition even if it means the brass is tarnished. If you polish the brass, it downgrades the condition and value. I try to strike a balance. I use a non-abrasive polish and bring the bolsters back and then try to keep them that way with a soft cotton cloth periodically. I rationalize that if someone wants to see a tarnish on the bolsters all I have to do is let the knife sit for a couple of weeks. :D My knives are for MY enjoyment.
 
I collect 110s... there, I finally said it. I want them to look as good as possible, meaning nice shiney bolsters. I don't see a problem in lightly buffing them to bring back the shine.

Like Mike said, my knives are mine, I don't intend to turn a profit. I look for the best possible examples I can get of a particular piece, of course, but I like the know that if I needed to, I could use one of my "collection" pieces and not really feel too bad about it.

It kinda reminds of a violin collectors who don't play. They're obsessive about these silly condition ratings. To them a 17th century Cremonese violin under glass is worth much more than a well played and worn violin of the same age. Is it? Behind glass it's a box of wood with some sheep intestine strung across it. A sweat shop Chinese fiddle that cost $56 (and there are lots of them) is worth just as much behind glass.

Same with knives. A $2000 handmade knife behind glass is worth no more than a chinese knock off.

People raise things up to some high and mighty standard and say "look at it, it's capable of doing this." When asked to see it do whatever it's intended function is... "no, it'll get scratched."
 
Psychopomp said:
I collect 110s... there, I finally said it. I want them to look as good as possible, meaning nice shiney bolsters. I don't see a problem in lightly buffing them to bring back the shine.

Like Mike said, my knives are mine, I don't intend to turn a profit. I look for the best possible examples I can get of a particular piece, of course, but I like the know that if I needed to, I could use one of my "collection" pieces and not really feel too bad about it.

It kinda reminds of a violin collectors who don't play. They're obsessive about these silly condition ratings. To them a 17th century Cremonese violin under glass is worth much more than a well played and worn violin of the same age. Is it? Behind glass it's a box of wood with some sheep intestine strung across it. A sweat shop Chinese fiddle that cost $56 (and there are lots of them) is worth just as much behind glass.

Same with knives. A $2000 handmade knife behind glass is worth no more than a chinese knock off.

People raise things up to some high and mighty standard and say "look at it, it's capable of doing this." When asked to see it do whatever it's intended function is... "no, it'll get scratched."
Click to expand...

"A $2000 handmade knife behind glass is worth no more than a chinese knockoff"
"They're obsessive about these silly condition ratings."

Well thanks, but I'll take the $2000 handmade knife & you keep the chinese knockoff. As for silly condition ratings, well, you lost me there too. Last time I checked, condition is critical in determining somethings value.
Maybe I need more coffee...your logic escapes me.
 
I can understand there are several ideas acquainted with collecting knives and knives in mint or pristine condition. Some view knives as a tool, to be used; either with great pleasure or some form of pain, depending on quality. Others treat knives as collectibles,preserved for future generations to enjoy or sell at a great profit,depending upon 2 peoples' (buyers&sellers) definitions of "mint" or "pristine".
Knives are forms of steel.A custom maker or a worker at a factory put the finishing shine on that knife. Odds are pretty good,if that knife gets used, it could be restored to original condition,with no future buyers being none the wiser.
I like Psychopomp's thought, People raise things up to some high and mighty standard and say "look at it, it's capable of doing this." When asked to see it do whatever it's intended function is... "no, it'll get scratched."This reminds me a an Ed Fowler story from his first book Knife Talk where he meets Harlan Suedmeier,at an O.K.C.A. Show in Oregon,where Mr. Suedmeier is diplaying Frank J. Richtig knives. Harlan invites Ed to test the knives ,cutting rope, chopping 2x4's, and a 90 degree flex test. These test knives could never be replaced, as Mr. Richtig passed away in 1977. After the evaluation,the knives were determined to cut better than 99 percent of any Ed had tested.
Why miss out on enjoyment, you could fix any thing short of major blade damage:)
 
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