Request for valuation on carried/used (not abused) T. Bose "Saddleback" folder

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alongoria

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Good afternoon. I'm a current govt civilian (GS-2210 IT Specialist). Considering retiring.
Do you gentlemen think there'd be much buyer's interest in a carried and used (gently, not abused) T. Bose handmade folder "Saddleback" in ebony? Purchased new in 2014 from a vendor that won the lottery at a show. Full disclosure, paid $2995. Interested in what you gentlemen think market demand would be and suggested asking price.

From vender: Tony Bose 4 5/8-inch Saddleback - Marked No. 0
Beautiful Ebony Scales
Marked #0
Flush Jointed
416 Stainless Bolsters
Satin-Finished CM154 Steel Blade Steel
Halfstop
Bow-Tie Shield
Beautiful Swedge
The very best Fit and Finish, Great Walk and Talk
Specs: 4 5/8-inch Closed; 3 3/4" Blade; 8 5/16" OAL
Condition: Brand New from Maker's Lottery at the 2013 Blade Show in Atlanta
 

I think this post might have been incorrectly moved, it was originally in the general forum but then disappeared. I wrote this response but by the time I finished writing, the thread was gone:

I can't tell you a market price for this knife, but there certainly would be interest in it. Tony was considered the best living traditional knife maker until he passed away a few years ago. In the past year or two, I've seen his annual Case collaborations shoot up in price as demand has outpaced the finite supply, I'm sure the full on customs have seen a similar bump.
 
Trying to get more than what you paid for it may not be out of line however I don’t know it’s value, here’s why:

That pattern isn’t very common considering it’s a blend of knife patterns not a recreation of a knife made in the early 1900’s. It’s something he created and I doubt there’s a ton of them floating around out there making it pretty special. It’s a number stamped knife at that, #0 usually being the first knife made I believe?

The only downside to a quick/profitable sale that I can see is due to the size, his smaller pocket knives like the Wharncliffe Trapper or Swaybacks are more common because collectors asked for them. The big hunting knives like this are sweet as hell though in my eyes.

KnifeHead KnifeHead can definitely help here.
 
Pretty sure Tony called this Saddleback. Saddle horn blade ( Sabre grind style clip ) / Backpocket frame . There’s many collectors who would purchase this and love to have it.
 
I think what you paid or a little more; 3-3500 is reasonable in the current market. The right buyer may stretch that, as it’s not a common pattern or handle material but not one of the more popular patterns or handle materials either. For a data point, I paid 4000 for a mint, unused T. Bose Zulu in stag earlier this year.
 
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Front and back pics from a few years ago. My understanding on Mr. Bose creating this knife is that a relatively well known actor (and big fan of Mr. Bose's knives) asked him to make a Saddlehorn blade and a Back Pocket frame knife. Mr. Bose was nice enough to make it for him. I guess Mr. Bose made at least one other (mine).
My personal feelings are that I would ask for less than what I paid for it new ($2995) since I've carried it and used it. But that's just me and how I feel about these things.
This will be my last post on this unless anyone has any specific questions. Thank you all for your feedback.
Best regards and God bless.
 
alongoria said:
vcm3qjS.jpg

l0L1RZr.jpg

Front and back pics from a few years ago. My understanding on Mr. Bose creating this knife is that a relatively well known actor (and big fan of Mr. Bose's knives) asked him to make a Saddlehorn blade and a Back Pocket frame knife. Mr. Bose was nice enough to make it for him. I guess Mr. Bose made at least one other (mine).
My personal feelings are that I would ask for less than what I paid for it new ($2995) since I've carried it and used it. But that's just me and how I feel about these things.
This will be my last post on this unless anyone has any specific questions. Thank you all for your feedback.
Best regards and God bless.
Click to expand...
That's really admirable of you accepting less than what you paid, but you could get a whole lot more considering the rarity of this knife, minor use or not.
 
I'm a Christian. I just wouldn't want to squeeze every last penny out of someone. Also, I like the idea of passing something special on to someone that would really appreciate it for what it is/was and who maybe not be able to afford top dollar for something special.
I've been blessed. I like when I can "pass a little something forward".
 
I think the OP has answered his own question at this juncture.
 
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