Prototypes..

cpirtle

cpirtle

Leathercrafter
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 28, 2001
Messages
4,622
I have a few prototype models in my stash, and just wanted to gain some insight as to whether there is any added value to them over standard models. Does Busse make a ton of prototypes or are they fairly rare? I know I don't see many of them floating around out in the wild. I'm not looking to sell them but I consider myself more of an "anti-collector accumulator", most people would call what I have a collection but I don't have anything that isn't going to be used. I also use them for patterning and molding leather & the occasional Kydex sheath. I'd hate to be beating on something that someone else would value as a collectible when the normal equivalent would do the same job fine for me.


What do you think, should I be looking to move these to collectors and replace them with standard models? Any insight you can offer would be great, thanks.
 
I'm sure like in most things some of the prototypes are more desirable than others and hard to come by. I'm sure a more knowledgeable Hog will be along, but they'll probably need to know what models you have. I believe the only prototype I have is the SOB that was released at KC, I forget how many knives maybe 50 ????
 
Yeah, didn't mean to be cryptic, off the top of my head I have these two, but think maybe one more. I'll try to grab some pictures of the SOB soon if needed but the Boss Jack is attached.

SOB, grey Micarta scales, double cut finish
Boss Jack, Brown/Tan/Black G10, satin finish, choil
 

Attachments

  • BossJackProto.jpg
    BossJackProto.jpg
    25.6 KB · Views: 109
There are more than a hand full of those out there and they come up for sale often enough to not be astronomically overpriced but possibly a premium (10 to 30 bucks) over a standard boss Jack or sob.

Just my opinion, I'm no professional, and I stay in Marriott so no genius here
 
Depends on whether the distinctions matter to you and/or the potential buyer. There are usually far fewer PROTOs than production models and a difference or two between it and the production model. My BJ Proto is DCBB with saber and fuller to convex grind while the CG is (nearly) full convex main grind (and black coated). If you strongly prefer the Proto for the differences, you have a case for a significant premium because of those differences and the scarcity. If you are only interested because there are fewer of them, you might say they are worth a few more $ or are not. Would you pay more for a TTKZ or for the production Killa Zilla ? One of those may not be worth more than the other to you (or to me).
I got my BJ Proto because it was the first offer of a knife this size with a no-choil option and wanted to make sure that I got at least one. Bought two more CGs when they finally went into production as this is one of MY grail knives. Had Jerry gone straight to the production knives and skipped the protos or offered them only at shows my heart would not have been broken but I'm not unhappy to have it.
Pete
 
prototype sounds cool, but they typically don't add much if at all to values. I had two prototype ergo SHE's and I literally gave them away.
 
Cobalt said:
prototype sounds cool, but they typically don't add much if at all to values. I had two prototype ergo SHE's and I literally gave them away.
Click to expand...

You giving away choppers these days cobalt? My shbms need company... DONATIONS if you please!!!
 
Cobalt said:
prototype sounds cool, but they typically don't add much if at all to values. I had two prototype ergo SHE's and I literally gave them away.
Click to expand...

Cobalt,
How long ago did the protos come out and when did you give them away? According to 'The Busse Collector', the SHE came out in 2001 so the protos may have been available in 2000. By now, they might bring a premium but.... Were these protos the ones with the handle more offset from the blade than the production model? Looked awkward to me. Those might have value only as curiosities.
Pete
 
I got exactly the same Boss Jack Proto. It is hands down my favorite Busse. Going to order battle grade today so I can have a beater that feels the same. It wasn't very rare when it came out, but it has satin finish and different grind then most follow up models. Would I prefer my proto to other models? Yes. Would I personally pay extra? Maybe, but only because it is satin finish which always costs extra, and the g-10 handle is in the color I want.

Despite being out of production, there have been multiple variants and offerings of the knife. So if you are in the market for something similar, it's not too difficult to find, especially if you need a user. Other then that it has about the same mark up value as other Busse knifes that are no longer in production from that time.

Collector money are in the original satin jacks, and custom shop variants.
 
People come in and out of the Busse world all the time. Not uncommon at all to see massive collections by people that have only known about Busse knives for a year. Do they add value..... Yes! Keep them.!
 
Thanks for the insight everyone - very helpful!

I don't have any plans at this point, doesn't seem to be a compelling reason, but I do have my eye on another beauty of a Boss Jack that may force my hand on the proto...
 
Cobalt said:
prototype sounds cool, but they typically don't add much if at all to values. I had two prototype ergo SHE's and I literally gave them away.
Click to expand...

That's because the E-series was a pariah once the Fusion handle came about. I never understood that. Then again, I don't own any Ergo's anymore either. So who am I to talk? There was a SH I should have held onto. And my satin ZTBM. :( Dumb dumb dumb


Proto's of the Boss Jack and the CABS are pretty common. I would think some interesting proto's would go for a bit more $. Short of the flying seahorse thing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top