Retired makers - prices up or down?

smokin said:
I don't know about others, but GW Stone, Ralph Bone, Don Hastings, Jimmy Lile and a lot of others will allways hold a special place for me. Their designs and workmanship will allways be treasured. No, they weren't "fad" makers but their great designs and workmanship will allways be classic. I love em all.
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The question is not one of sentimental value. You cannot put a price on that.

The question is one of "where are they now?"

All of the makers previously mentioned, and possibly the ones that you have mentioned above have "potential" to increase, hold, or decrease in value.

There are so many variables. I can say for example that SPECIFIC pieces by Jimmy Lile have become very sought after, the Rambo 1, Rambo 2, his button lock folders and the Grey Ghost, and other fighters.

Others, like drop point hunters maybe just hold value in contrast to ANYTHING that Maringer made, commmanding top dollar.

According to the link given above(thanks, Joss) Maringer made just shy of 1,000 knives between 1975 until 1993 or so.

There is a bit of myth and legend to him, the pieces were exceptional, and very different, he kept great records, and he retired from making when someone was killed with one of his knives.

Great thread!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Tom Maringer recently announced that he is going to make a few knives again. He probably will not be making any of his old patterns, but will make a few knives that have been floating around in his head. He has always been an innovator and will probably come out with some cool pieces. I doubt if he will make more that a few pieces a year. He IS NOT taking orders.
 
striper28 said:
Coop-Sorry to burst your bubble but Potter and Selvideo are probally not going to be the hot makers to collect, smoke and mirrors.
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I agree with you, Chuck. Neither will be a hot maker to collect, but both of their works are getting sold @ 20%+ more in return than originally sold for. That's notable, if not hot.

Coop
 
Keith Montgomery said:
There was a time that Bo made all his knives himself. Those knives are very collectable, and worth a great deal of money.
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Yes, and they were kind of homely just like most Scagels and Bill Moran's early knives...lol. I read a statement a while back that said that among his many accomplishments, Bob Loveless shocked the knifemaking community into drastically improving the fit and finish of their blades.
 
STeven,

Coop listed Warenski and Rigney. I certainly would have also thought Warenski would be on the list. Not so sure about Rigney, even though I think his work is right up there and maybe a little more diversified, but he just doesn't seem as sought after. You also don't see that many pieces of his in the aftermarket.

I noted immediately that these two were missing from your list before I read Coop's post. Any specific reason you didnt' list these two?

Thanks,
Thor
 
Thor I am said:
STeven,

Coop listed Warenski and Rigney. I certainly would have also thought Warenski would be on the list. Not so sure about Rigney, even though I think his work is right up there and maybe a little more diversified, but he just doesn't seem as sought after. You also don't see that many pieces of his in the aftermarket.

I noted immediately that these two were missing from your list before I read Coop's post. Any specific reason you didnt' list these two?

Thanks,
Thor
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Mostly because I am not familiar enough with the market position on them to comment.

Even though it may sometimes seem to not be the case, I try to only comment on subjects that I have experience/knowledge with.;)

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Thor,

The very few Rigney's I have photographed for Knife Legends were sold immediately for top dollar. Immediately. Rare, yes. Only my experience.

Warenski easily fits the mold.

Coop
 
SharpByCoop said:
Joss: Alas, some of what you say is true. Kudos to the dealer who does his best to promote deceased makers work, though. :D

Makers who may 'survive':

Blue-chip knives; Jimmy Lile, Bob Ogg
Folder makers: Frank Potter, Ralph Selvidio, Richard Hodgson,
Artistic knives: Warenski, Rigney, Imel, Hale (still producing slowly)
(Do I think there will be a rush on Hill Pearce? No way. Too unknown.)

STeven, I am a rookie, apparently. There are five names in your list that I would not recognize a single knife from them, if shown to me: Bartrug, Hanson, Maragni, Maringer, Valochovic. Either their work is held tightly in collections, or I simply have overlooked them. I don't dismiss that they will uphold in value, but their production numbers have to be small (Like HP's work?) Not a barb, just a comment.

As always it points towards being an innovator or unique stylist, and having a solid reputation.

I have ALL the Knives Annuals. (I need to read them more, eh, Steven?) The pages are filled with quality work that will languish in return, if sold. Many, many, unknowns. As long as those makers whose work does not increase in value currently have made the past owners and themselves happy, it's been a good foundation for our craft.

Good thread.

Coop
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Love your mention of Bob Ogg. His knives sell for MUCH more than he sold them for. I have 15 of his customs and always looking for more. A maker of very high quality no nonsense knives.
 
Holy drop dead thread.....
Might be interesting to go thru this again now though huh!!!
 
Not often that I see a 16 year gap between two posts in a thread!!


On topic:
I believe one maker whose work will greatly appreciate in value after retirement is Scott Gossman. While his work is popular enough here on BladeForums, on BushcraftUSA he is an unparalleled legend. There are many thousands of people who place his work at the very top of desirability, and I’m willing to bet that will translate into very high appreciation in value over the long term.
 
Enzo’s Woodshop said:
Not often that I see a 16 year gap between two posts in a thread!!


On topic:
I believe one maker whose work will greatly appreciate in value after retirement is Scott Gossman. While his work is popular enough here on BladeForums, on BushcraftUSA he is an unparalleled legend. There are many thousands of people who place his work at the very top of desirability, and I’m willing to bet that will translate into very high appreciation in value over the long term.
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I agree completely on Gossman. The following he has is incredibly strong and loyal, I see his stuff only going up.
 
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