Serial Number Advice

Dark Nemesis

Dark Nemesis

Joined
Mar 20, 1999
Messages
7,497
I am looking to get a Benchmade 880 Dark Star now that the pre-produciton run is out. In the past I have never been able to get a serial # on a knife under 100. While that was my goal with this pre-series, I found #232 at a local knife store. It is not common for the low serial numbers to end up in Baltimore. Would it be wiser of me to grab the #232 or try to reach my goal of a less than #100 ? The chain near me has a policy that serialed knives can not be returned. Thanks

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All of God's Critters may have knives, but most of them are stamped with the name BENCHMADE
 
DN, I fully empisize with you on this subject. I recently picked up an LDC Sebenza #20, and when I found out the LDC109 Sebenza #20 was still available, I just could not resist. And when I found out that Darrel Ralf had the Apogee available with the #20 in all three sizes, I went way overboard.

I had been thinking of picking up a Pinnacle, but had put it off until offered one of the pre-production models with seriel #218. I also picked up an ATS-34 Small Sebenza because it was #170 of 200 numbered models.

I do not know if the numbers add any value to the knives except to myself, but that is who I bought them for. I don't know if you will be able to fing a Dark Star 1-100, but if that is what you want, hold out for it. If you really want the knife and any seriel# would increase its value to you, then go for it. Whatever makes you happy
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James
 
stjames:

I'm not sure either whether a lower serial # increases the value. I have just never been able to get a Benchmade with a 1-100 serial #
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I was hoping this would be my first, and God I love the Dark Star(what a beautiful knife).

You have a good point though, if it would mean more to me personally, then I should wait and find one. Thanks, you really did help in this decison I have to make.



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All of God's Critters may have knives, but most of them are stamped with the name BENCHMADE
 
DN, glad I could help. If I hear about a Dark Star with the right number, I will be sure to let you know.

Good luck, I hope you find the blade.

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James
 
Ok, now I have to see it! Where can I find a picture of this Dark Star? It's not on the Benchmade site.

Rob

[This message has been edited by Robert Monteux (edited 22 May 1999).]
 
I just got a Pinncle and it says Pre-Production 076/300.Is this knife special in anyway?I heard that these # don't add any value to the knife.Is this true.BTW I was'nt too impressed with the Pinncle when I first handled them due to poor lock ups.Well,I found one that was acceptable and now my opion has changed.This is a real nice knife.Lock up is solid and it makes impressive noises when opening and closing.Sorry,I got off the subject.
scott w
 
I second the motion for posting a picture of this DARK STAR knife.

If you have one - it is your duty to enlighten the less fortunate of us that dont have one...



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I want a Light Saber.

 
I think James' advice on serial numbers is right on the mark. For the most part serial numbers do not increase the value of a knife but if you can get series of knives in your favorite number they will certainly increase the value to you.

Levine reports some interesting things about serial numbers on factory knives:
*they are applied at random, either in parts before assembly or when finished and have nothing to do with the actual sequence of manufacture.
*Numbers up to 10 can command a premium price, sometimes up to 100%
*The last of a knife series (i.e., 2000 or 2000) many command an extra 25-50%.
*beyound the above, serial numbers usually do not affect the value at all (except to the buyer who has a favorite number---so right on StJames
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)
*Serial numbers on customs are different and usually indicate a real sequence which may or may not mean the knife is actually better--the number offers more info than monetary value (i.e., who made it, where, who it was sold to, etc)

Interesting reading and a good question.

Ref: Levine's Guide to Knives And Their Values, 4th ed.

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~Greg~

 
Ok, here is a picture I found for everyone. Another person actually had a real life picture but took his website down, if it goes back up I will post that picture as well.

The picture below does not even begin do do the knife justice, and they still look great.

Dark Nemesis

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All of God's Critters may have knives, but most of them are stamped with the name BENCHMADE
 
Ok, here is a picture I found for everyone. Another person actually had a real life picture but took his website down, if it goes back up I will post that picture as well.

The picture below does not even begin do do the knife justice, and they still look great.

<img src="http://www.skylandscutlery.com/images/benchmade/bm880.jpg" align=center valign=middle border=0 alt="Benchmade Dark Star">


Dark Nemesis

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All of God's Critters may have knives, but most of them are stamped with the name BENCHMADE

[This message has been edited by Dark Nemesis (edited 22 May 1999).]
 
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