Thoughts on engraving valuable knives?

[knifeinanukefight]

I like personalizing them with short quotations and such from movies or books. I know it can affect resale, but last time I tried to sell a knife, eBay removed the listing anyways, so I kind of gave up on that idea.

Do you like to personalize your blades, and if so, what do you put on them?

 

[knarfeng]

I don't personalize a blade beyond resetting the primary bevel and putting my own edge on it.

 

[Blues]

I usually personalize my knives with a little of my own blood aside from doing what Frank does when necessary.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

I will have a knife engraved. Generally by a very talented engraver. Never “personalized” though.

 

[wharncliffe]

I did personalize my one Randall Made knife with my last name and then gave it to my son. I'm sure it reduced the resale value but I didn't want to sell it, so not concerned about it.

 

[ShaiHulud]

I personalize, ahem "engrave" my knives with scrapes, dents, bruises, that way no two knives will ever be the same

 

[Steven65]

I like personalizing them with short quotations and such from movies or books. I know it can affect resale, but last time I tried to sell a knife, eBay removed the listing anyways, so I kind of gave up on that idea.

Do you like to personalize your blades, and if so, what do you put on them?

I don't mean to be offensive or condescending in any way but honestly it depends what you mean by "valuable".

If, for example, it's a mint Tony Bose I would tell you absolutely no. But if it's something of reasonable monetary value like $100-$300 and it means something special to you then by all means.

Just know you will probably have reduced the immediate value by 50% or more.

 

[mitchnola]

I don't mean to be offensive or condescending in any way but honestly it depends what you mean by "valuable".

If, for example, it's a mint Tony Bose I would tell you absolutely no. But if it's something of reasonable monetary value like $100-$300 and it means something special to you then by all means.

Just know you will probably have reduced the immediate value by 50% or more.

I generally agree with this unless it’s definitely going to be a knife you keep forever. If that’s the case then do anything you like to it.

 

[Win Heger]

I've had quite a few knives engraved but never personalized them. I had several done with animals of my choice, some with scroll. With the scroll I picked engravers that did certain styles.

Chris Meyer was my favorite animal engraver, here I chose a caracal. Kinda personalized, not many would choose this subject.


For gold filled scroll I love Julie Warenski, she did several over the years, this is the last I have. Personal only in my choice of engraver, just turn Julie loose.

 

[eveled]

I do what I want to my things to make them how I want them to be. Value has nothing to do with it.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

I've had quite a few knives engraved but never personalized them. I had several done with animals of my choice, some with scroll. With the scroll I picked engravers that did certain styles.

Chris Meyer was my favorite animal engraver, here I chose a caracal. Kinda personalized, not many would choose this subject.
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For gold filled scroll I love Julie Warenski, she did several over the years, this is the last I have. Personal only in my choice of engraver, just turn Julie loose.

Wonderful Sawby!

 

[BP Green]

I like personalizing them with short quotations and such from movies or books. I know it can affect resale, but last time I tried to sell a knife, eBay removed the listing anyways, so I kind of gave up on that idea.

Do you like to personalize your blades, and if so, what do you put on them?

As already stated. Fine as long as you go into it knowing that the resale value is going to take a massive hit, and it’s ok with you. I wouldn’t do it unless I was absolutely certain I wasn’t going to be trying to sell it later on down the road.

 

[jlauffer]

WValtakis

 

[sgt1372]

I never attempt to personalize or modify in any way any knife in my collection.

If you personalize a knife with your name or initials, if you want to resell it, it will automatically be worth less than a non-personalized knife.

If you modify a knife in a way that cannot be undone, you reduce the range of those who will be interested in the knife if you attempt to resell it to only those who like what you've done.

If neither of these things matter to you, then do whatever you please. It's your knife.

 

[WValtakis]

WValtakis

I'm a little biased

 

[StrangeDaze]

I'm a little biased

WValtakis has entered the chat

 

[WValtakis]

I'm a little biased

That said... I'd have to agree that in most cases personalization and engraving will lower the value of a knife, and should only be done on knives that one intends to keep. There CAN be the occasional case of the opposite though, depending on the piece and the artist.

 

[STGS]

I will have a knife engraved. Generally with a very good engraver. Never “personalized” though.

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I don’t want to derail the thread but who did your Sebenza? Who would you recommend to do a PJ Sebenza in the US?

 

[Mk-211]

I don’t want to derail the thread but who did your Sebenza? Who would you recommend to do a PJ Sebenza in the US?

He's right above you.

 

[WValtakis]

He's right above you.

Nah, I do a lot of stuff but not scrollwork... just not my jam If I remember right, Jake Newell did that one for Coleman. I could certainly work on a plain jane Sebenza though if the OP wants something in my style. I do have about a two year wait list currently so that's a consideration.