Refinishing Hurts the Collector's Value???

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Deployment Solutions

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Feb 8, 2007
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I have a Jereboam MK I SA Manufactured 9" blade, low 300's serial #, with original sheath(no box or paperwork). It has some pitting in the blade when it changes the angle and side bevels to begin the top of the blade. This is the old lighter gray finish. I was told that some of the SA leather sheaths held some moisture (tanning process) and that may have been the cause. The knife is is perfect condition except for the pitting on both sides and a small rub on the handle cap.

My question is if I send it in to be refinished (hopefully the pitting can be removed), will this hurt the collectors value?? Is the old finish still available?
What might be the approx value of the knife be and how much will refinishing diminish its value.

Gold Member!!! Yeah!!!

Thanks in advance for your time.

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Im not sure if it would diminish the value on a CRK fixed blade but I do know on old traditional slip joints your not supposed
refurbish them. Especially if they have a nice patina and even I think if there rusted. Acutally I think on most antique items
your supposed to leave them as is.
 
If I were buying your knife, I'd want it to be in original condition with that original finish...that is something that cannot be undone should you have it refinished. If the new owner wants it refinished they can have it done, that way they have the choice.
I think the value is in its original form.
As far as the approximate value of the knife, that's a tough one. I'd have to guess somewhere between $700-1,000. Hopefully others will chime in as perhaps my guess is low and it's worth much more. I rarely see a MK 1, if it has the original box and birth card that will add to the price it may fetch. If it were going to auction, I'd be sure to put a hefty reserve on it as sometimes there is lots of bidding, sometimes not.
 
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Thanks! All of your help is appreciated. I need to add that I do not have the box or birth papers, just the knife and original sheath. Born date by serial # is Sept/Oct 1988. The pitting bothers me. I spoke with Anne @CR and she said some of the SA sheaths held a little more moisture than the ones made in the US due to the tanning processes being different. I know it was never put in the sheath wet. It was even lightly oil coated.

I don't know if I want to part with it. I may just send it in for refinishing if I decide to keep it. I am on the fence at the moment. I have two MK IV's from years ago that I have used extensively and will keep. This one was never used, that is why the pitting bothers me so!
 
Deployment Solutions said:
I was told that some of the SA leather sheaths held some moisture (tanning process) and that may have been the cause.
Click to expand...
You really should not store any knife in its leather sheath, a quick wipe with a Sentry Solutions Tuf cloth before storing will go a long way in preventing further damage.
 
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lisantica said:
As far as the approximate value of the knife, that's a tough one. I'd have to guess somewhere between $700-1,000. Hopefully others will chime in as perhaps my guess is low and it's worth much more. I rarely see a MK 1, if it has the original box and birth card that will add to the price it may fetch. If it were going to auction, I'd be sure to put a hefty reserve on it as sometimes there is lots of bidding, sometimes not.
Click to expand...

I spoke with Anne yesterday and she told me only 529 were made in SA.
 
If you send the knife to CRK to be refinished you're not really going be losing anything on value and could probably cover it with the resale amount given the going price. That said, a refinished knife should be stated as a fact with any future sale. :)
 
I would agree that spa treatment won't hurt the value. Not having the box and papers is a greater concern to me for what it's worth to a potential seller.

This thread sounds a bit like an advertisement for an upcoming sale. I'd urge caution in that regard. Regardless of your membership level, it's bad form to advertise in a mfg forum. I'm not saying you are, just offering a tip;)

That is a nice piece, and I'd urge you to hold onto it as it will only become more desirable over time and you may regret parting with it.

As for sheath...ALL sheaths can/will cause problems. This is one of those rare cases where "always" and "never" can be used. Always be concerned with the sheath and never store a knife in the sheath beyond what is absolutely necessary.
 
I love me some necro threads :)
 
Not to worry..I have raised the dead many times.

I'm sure the OP's blade was kerplunked looong ago.
 
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