Things for collector value

S

Screaming Eagle

Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
47
I'm curious about what the key things are that a 'real' collectors collector would consider 'worth' points in a 110/112 in particular. I realize that beauty (and value) is in the eye of the beholder and the 'want it' factor is probably the most important but I'm wondering about an objective estimation of value. I can predictably guess that the number produced, age, general condition etc would figure in, but are there any special markers?
If a 110/112 were to show up on Antiques Roadshow in 150 years, what would the erudite know-it-all point to in calling the price of a knife found in grandpa's drawer?
 
They'd probably be most impressed with one of the legendary "Rubber Bucky" models created by the fabled Buck Expert 334Dave.

As for the standard models, they'd probably dig out Joe Houser's 110/112 file and point to the rarity of the Third Version/ninth variation 110 in near-perfect original condition.

I don't know. You ask a very interesting and also very difficult question.
 
I'm sure some of the limited editions would be considered valuable. Some would be more valuable than others, depending on number made, quality of work and the circumstances surrounding their production.
 
Ever since I saw a United Cutlery David Yellowhorse set (looked VERY much like the 110), I have always admired his work. I plan on picking up a chipflint 110 this year, and would say that all of David's work and collaborations are top of the line for Buck. The only ones that come close are Tom Mayo's designs, at least in my opinion. After that, I really like the Wild Bill Cody 110 designs that I have seen in the Cabelas catalog, those Shop Bowies should do really well too. I saw a couple Buck collaborations (Harley Davidson was one of them) on Knives Live TV, they were specials (ie cost too much to put the price on the air), and they said they went quick. Some of these looked like custom shop pieces. A chip flint BG42 110 would be my ultimate wish.

I've found that the basic 110 doesn't do a thing for me. However, I can't get enough of those custom shop 110's. I always go back to the custom shop damascus 110 with stag scales I had, and the custom job 112 I picked up at a flea market. Some guy had put stag scales on a 112, not the best job, but I liked it nonetheless. Hindsight is 20/20, I still kick myself about that damascus 110.
 
silenthunterstudios said:
I always go back to the custom shop damascus 110 with stag scales I had... I still kick myself about that damascus 110.
Click to expand...

You no longer have it? I called Randy at the Buck Knives Custom Shop a few days ago trying to see if I could get a Damascus on a Sambar Stag custom 110. The answer was "NO" (told to me in a different way and politely). It looks like I'll have to break down and get a Paua Shell 110 Limited Edition just to get a new Buck Damascus... oh well ... but I won't be able to buy a "backup" for that one, I don't think ...

oh well
 
wolfdog said:
You no longer have it? I called Randy at the Buck Knives Custom Shop a few days ago trying to see if I could get a Damascus on a Sambar Stag custom 110. The answer was "NO" (told to me in a different way and politely). It looks like I'll have to break down and get a Paua Shell 110 Limited Edition just to get a new Buck Damascus... oh well ... but I won't be able to buy a "backup" for that one, I don't think ...

oh well
Click to expand...

I was selling things off to finance a small micarta Sebenza, which I later traded for a Strider SMF LE, which I later sold, to buy a Gossman, which I traded later on...

It is a vicious cycle.
 
We all have those vicious cycles occasionally....fortunately, they get to be fewer as you get older.

Usually.

:)
 
One "key" thing for me is having a 110 that is mentioned in Blade guide as being a rare version. Makes it more collectible to me.
 
Eagle, Those things you named are correct . ie. numbers made, limited editions, ect..
Beyond this would be NIB, w/ box, papers and sheath . The earlier the better . Some of the accepted holy grail items are, one line 110's, two line 112's, 3 line inverted 110, the early Aurum etched series 1974-75 and anything substantiated from the early custom shop . On sheath knives, the stacked lucite handled early models, barrel nut models and some in stag all w/ the accompanying paper work or a knife touched by H.H. or Al Buck . Hope this helps . DM
 
there are many things that govern price now
and 30 years from now
there will be a diffrent set of things used
true customs from the custom shop with COA's will bring the highest values

customs with some kind of provenance will follow..
after market 'customs' will bring more then now with provonence
but will be the lowest and quality of work will be upmost
there are some that put in mass produced scales and these
now and likely then will be worth only what a user is worth..

rare factory knives will increase in value more then now
oddities will also increase a lot ..
edit:
after market work by folks like me ..
most likely be worth much less then a broken user as they are now..
buy what you like then if the price drops you will still have some thing you like
some of my gold etch bring much less then i paid a year or two ago

another category is employee knives..
these are nonstandard production knives made or modified by or for a buck employee
these were some times made in the custom shop as project for a company event
or a kinda of after work or lunch time govt project..;)

these are showing up more offten as the economy contumely lags..
 
Last edited:
wolfdog said:
I called Randy at the Buck Knives Custom Shop a few days ago trying to see if I could get a Damascus on a Sambar Stag custom 110. The answer was "NO" (told to me in a different way and politely). ..
oh well
Click to expand...
yes i also tried to find a contact to get a DAM SS blade
and was told by all my contacts that it jest was not going to happen..
one even told me the blades were under lock and key...
so no mater who you know some times the answer is no all around..
 
Very true......which is why I mentioned the two knives that I did at the very beginning.

What Buck 110 says should be strongly emphasized to young buckaroos with money to spend.

Spend it on the average working knives......not fancy gold and silver trimmed knives in elaborate boxes.

If you have the knowledge to look for rarities among the existing high-quality working man's knives on the market and the patience to get them in great condition......you will prosper as a collector.
 
BG42EDGE said:
Very true......which is why I mentioned the two knives that I did at the very beginning.
What Buck 110 says should be strongly emphasized to young buckaroos with money to spend.
Spend it on the average working knives......not fancy gold and silver trimmed knives in elaborate boxes.
If you have the knowledge to look for rarities among the existing high-quality working man's knives on the market and the patience to get them in great condition......you will prosper as a collector.
Click to expand...

while i do agree with 110 some times and with 42 much less
this time i dont agree with either..
but then i am rude contrary person any way
more collectors means more demand for the few that are
not tightly held in firm hands as it is said in the collector world
ask any one still building a collection with a distant direction..

as to 334 - that guy made a very different looking and shape 110
he sent it to some GI some place
did any one ever noticed the high similarity of that one to the new buck light?
with the one front finger grove?
if not i suggest you go look again..
could it be the unofficial prototype..?
you "pudents" tell me..
 
Hmmmmm......

:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8IfCSnYPYo

The Rubber Bucky invented by 334Dave (Soon to be known as 110Dave) undoubtedly inspired many imitators--as such brilliant innovations usually do.

If nothing else, it is an example of how a rare modification to an existing classic could be the Holy Grail of the next century!!!

And I say.......BRAVO.....BRAVO--for the old master.

:thumbup:
 
I don't think he has me on ignore, Sam.

How would he send me PM notes about my posts if he wasn't reading them?

At any rate, I am quite serious when I use the Rubber Bucky as an example of a modification that could, not only have an impact on subsequent production models, but become a valuable and coveted object for collectors down the road in the next century, assuming proof of authenticity (provenance, I think it's called).
 
samael, no i dont have him on ignore
that may or may not be his goal

and yes i have pm him on a post which i feel
was a test to see if i am reading his posts

he is what he will be..
i have much more important life issues to worry of then him
btw sam my man - did you post you wanted a free buck knife?
if not why not!!
if you win it is free! ;)
by the way all rubber buckies have a id on them
as preferred by buck ... so none are covered by warranty...'and Joe has the first one......
If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. Men will believe what they see.
Henry David Thoreau
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top