Retail Packaging (clamshell) and Resale Value.

Jamboi

Jamboi

Joined
Feb 7, 2013
Messages
384
With a lot of knives coming out in various clamshell packages I have been wondering something. If you cut open the package to get the knife out, can you still consider it new? Will it lower the value? Should you even keep the package once you open it? I really like my knives to come in boxes, but it really seems like the industry is moving away from them.
 
That's something I've been watching with the original Old Timer values since Schrade went out of business in 2004. Overall it sure seems as if clam-packs are less desirable than boxes. But as one other collector pointed out, it's a good way to ensure the knife, package, and accessories are a correct match. And you can be sure the knife was never used.

On the other hand, if you open the clampack to fondle the knife, there's no way to put it back in. And the clampack plastic over time can become brittle and yellowed.

The compromise I arrived at for my own collection, discard the clampack plastic but keep the cardboard insert.

Hope this helps!
 
I don't like to generalize, but most high-value knives that have the potential to achieve a collector status or value are probably not clam shell packaged. The knives that most companies will put in a clam package are the high value, low msrp, mass produced blades that can be sold in large chain retail stores and hence need clam packaging due to shelf display space.
 
Bob W said:
That's something I've been watching with the original Old Timer values since Schrade went out of business in 2004. Overall it sure seems as if clam-packs are less desirable than boxes. But as one other collector pointed out, it's a good way to ensure the knife, package, and accessories are a correct match. And you can be sure the knife was never used.

On the other hand, if you open the clampack to fondle the knife, there's no way to put it back in. And the clampack plastic over time can become brittle and yellowed.

The compromise I arrived at for my own collection, discard the clampack plastic but keep the cardboard insert.

Hope this helps!
Click to expand...

I did not even think of the yellowing and disintegration factor. So it seems that even if you never open it, it will still lose value. Thanks.
 
retzius said:
I don't like to generalize, but most high-value knives that have the potential to achieve a collector status or value are probably not clam shell packaged. The knives that most companies will put in a clam package are the high value, low msrp, mass produced blades that can be sold in large chain retail stores and hence need clam packaging due to shelf display space.
Click to expand...

I agree that I am not talking about high- value knives. What I am keeping in mind though is that a lot of retailers are doing "exclusives" now. Many of those knives are lower end, mass produced, but collectable none the less. I have seen them at Walmart, Kamart, Cabelas, Target, Bass Pro, etc.... I never would have imagined I would see a Kershaw blur sell for $750, but I just did.
 
Jamboi said:
I did not even think of the yellowing and disintegration factor. So it seems that even if you never open it, it will still lose value. Thanks.
Click to expand...

That can also work to an advantage to us buyers; I once got a sweet deal on some Victorinox knives that were in clampacks that were brown and cracking. :D
 
I have never bought any knives to actually collect. I buy knives to use. So the packaging really does not matter to me. In fact I have bought several knives with no box or papers that claimed to be new. I would be more worried about buying a knife and opening the package, not liking it and not being to sell or trade it as "new" because I opened the clamshell.
 
Jamboi said:
I agree that I am not talking about high- value knives. What I am keeping in mind though is that a lot of retailers are doing "exclusives" now. Many of those knives are lower end, mass produced, but collectable none the less. I have seen them at Walmart, Kamart, Cabelas, Target, Bass Pro, etc.... I never would have imagined I would see a Kershaw blur sell for $750, but I just did.
Click to expand...

Which one did? That would be interesting!
 
To me a total non-problem (in fact, I thought it a joke when first reading the OP - concerned about clam shell packaging, really! But to each his own, I guess).
Im not a knife collector (just have a bunch of knives, which I use more or less on a semi-regular basis) and certainly dont give it a second thought when discarding clam shell packaging.
 
I have a big box where I throw every package for everything that I own that I might sell someday, within reason.

Since I eventually sell just about everything, as tastes and needs change, it has saved me a lot of money.
 
MatthewSB said:
I have a big box where I throw every package for everything that I own that I might sell someday, within reason.

Since I eventually sell just about everything, as tastes and needs change, it has saved me a lot of money.
Click to expand...

That is how I am as well. I will either give away or sell most of my stuff at some point. I know from my comic, action figure and toy collecting days that people are much more likely to buy something with the original package.
 
The clamshell is a coffin. Liberate the knife then you can decide if it is worth keeping. Mass produced items attain value quite slowly so don't hold your breath.
 
$750 for a Kershaw?
Really?


I have never been a fan of Kershaw, but I do own a Leek and a Blur. Somebody got screwed or is a total idiot if they paid that for a Blur. I think I paid less than $50 for mine and still feel like I wasted money.

As for clamshell or boxes, I really don't care. I buy mine to use. If I don't use them, they get sold or given away. Only boxes I keep are for my CRK, due to the fact that most folks are anal about having the box and info card. Now that they have changed their packaging, it will be interesting to see if the new boxes are still desired.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top