Thought I scored big

[Lindey]

Today while treasure hunting at an antiques market I came across a vendor with a good selection of flea market blades, wall hangers and some more modern military knives of no value Amidst the rubble a nice looking hunter in a well made sheath caught my eye. I picked it up and pulling on the finger grooved ironwood handle I revealed a perfectly ground blade about 5 inches long and there it was, a stamp that read "Centofante, Tampa, Fla". I asked the fellow what they were asking for that specific piece and he refered me to his father who took me by surprise by saying "Tell him he may want to sit down for this". Thats when I piped up there was no need, I already seen the name on it and I knew roughly what he was going to say. I told him I heard of Frank Contofante and I was hoping he hadn't. He chuckled and told me he knew Frank personally and gave me a bit of the history on him and said that if I ever had the opportunity and was inhis neck of the woods to drop Frank a line as he loves to chat. Anyway, it was still a cool find and intersting how many people just pass by such things drawn more to the big and tactical. By the way, he said his last offer for the piece was $800 and he passed. Take care all.

-Chris

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I really like Frank's knives, but I wouldn't pay a price of more than $800.00 for one of his fixed blades. He still sells some very nice folders at less than that.

 

[Lindey]

Yeah, I figured 800 was a bit steep for a fixed blade. But apparently this was one of Frank's last knives out of Tampa and the handle was custom done fr the seller so he was in no hurry to move it. Frank's folders are beautiful though. The reason I though I had scored big was because this knife was just sitting in amongst a bunch of knives priced no higher than $120Can. or so. this seller also had alot of Holly knives.

-Chris