Question about Collecting; when do you sell, and will knives deppreciate?

Greetings. I've been collecting Pumas and Benchmades since the mid eighties; there's been a lot of talk lately about collecting customs over productions, and I can see some sense in that. I've got one of every model BM new-in-box in a safe since they were still Pacific Cutlery. In the late nineties to present, I've been collecting low numbered pre-production models; my sick habit is called the "knife of the month club" by the wife. My question is this: when do you sell? Will the knives ever deppreciate? I've never sold a knife for less than what I paid, but generally you really only get what you paid unless the knife becomes discontinued or the like. I certainly don't need the money now, but factors such as the re-release of the BM Balisongs might conceivably decrease the demand for the older ones that I've got. Then again, they might stay classics. The sales of these for prices over 200.00 was skating the edge of reason IMHO, but certainly such sales will slow due to the re-release. Should I hang onto everything until I'm old and gray? Give my kids some valuable collectibles? Or would I be best served to sell them as I go? This is a question that I've never really asked before; I've always assumed that holding onto them was the best bet. Thank you so much in advance for any suggestions you might have. Professor.

 
PhilL

PhilL

Joined
Oct 1, 1999
Messages
6,490
Proff, this is a great question. You know where you should post this also is on B. Levine's Forum?

I have never sold a knife, but from what I've seen here and on Ebay someone is always selling production knives for less and someone is taking a beating. It's like buying a new car, they start to depreciate as soon as the tires hit the road.

 
A knife's resale value depends on three things:
1) The general level of interest
2) The condition of your example
3) How and where you go about selling it

Your production knives are well documented items. This is good because it will help to maintain a continous level of discussion, hence interest. While knife values may move the general trend will probably be upwards. The more so if you maintain your collection in excellent/mint condition. As time goes by example of your knives in mint condition will become rarer and more valuable.

For maximum return you should time the sale of your collection to some critical news release (a new book perhaps).

Good luck... and remember, you probably bought your knives for enjoyment first and as an investment second.
 
You might want to start picking up custom knives. Since the way it is now there isn't a lot of difference in prices compared to the high end factory knives. Customs are always in demand and since there are less of each model produced,their value will only climb. Plus a lot of the makers will make modifcations to your request to add that personal touch.
Now just remember, I'm up for adoption if you need someone to leave your knives to.
smile.gif
 
Thanks for the responses fellas. I've got a few customs, but I gotta say I've seen the productions I've got appreciate pretty well in the time that I've had them. Especially the discontinued models. The Puma fixed blades have appreciated too in that blade steels have changed from carbon to stainless, and some of the blades are now cut by laser thus eliminating the human factor to a higher degree. I definitely agree that the customs are likely never to deppreciate due to the smaller numbers. They're definitely prettier in many ways too. I envy you guys with large custom collections.

Not2Sharp, I think you confirmed my theory of time augmenting value. They'll stay mint for sure with some occasional care over the years. Thank you.

Terril, I need to enjoy them more. There's a big collection of "used" models that I carry occasionally but I tend to stick to a very few more than others. They probably are getting lonely in that drawer though. I'll go see them this weekend and take them some oil. Thanks!

Professor.
 
You have to have the right companies knives if you expect to show a profit on your investment.An example would be the Almar knives that are now discontinued.The prices on Almar have shot up recently! I personally really like the old Pacific Cutlery models but they dont seem to have shown any real increase in value, though that doesnt mean they wont in the future.
An essential buy for those intrested in collecting is 'Levines Guide To Knives And Their Values'-the best advice in the business.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top