Using old handle...OK?

DanGraves

DanGraves

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
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Herre is a knife I just made using an old handle. Blade length is 8 3/4 over all is 14 inches. My Ribbon San Mia Damascus of 1095 and nickel with guard and ferrule nickel silver. The buttcap is sterling silver (marked) from an old knife as is the stag. estimated date 1900. Used my new stamp also. I thought it was so nice it deserved a blade. What do you think? Is it OK to use it?



 
I see nothing wrong with it as long as you disclose it, as you have done.

Actually, it's quite cool :cool: in my opinion.
Not too unlike using old architecturally significant building components such as wood beams, doors, trim etc. in new construction.

Good job.
 
Nicely done!

Not a problem at all as long as it's disclosed. Infact, it could be a selling point, as folks sometimes enjoy the reclaimed nature of things, breathing new life into forgotten objects.

Gil Hibben once had a very handsome series of custom knives based on retrofitted hunting cutlass and saber handles.
 
How does it effect the value as I am trying to price it.
 
My view is that if you price it the same as you would have, had it been new, that the customer will be getting a bargain in the deal. It would depend on the individual and his acceptance if you tried raising the price because of it. Some might go for it in a flash and others might not even look at it seriously at a higher price. Remember what is intangible to you will also be to most of your customers.

You certainly did a good job. It looks great in the photos. I'd have to reserve final opinion until it was in my hand.

Paul
 
From a collector's prospective, I would expect to pay approximately the same as you would ask for a similar knife for which you had made the handle.

Of course, what you would need to get for the knife and still profit could depend on how you came to acquire the old handle and the cost associated with it.

Hope this helps.
 
Kevin, I agree with you. Just the same as another good piece of stag. It is a really nice piece with lots of popcorn which is a little rare these days.
 
DanGraves said:
I thought it was so nice it deserved a blade. What do you think? Is it OK to use it?
Click to expand...

I agree, it is nice and did deserve a blade. I can't see why it wouldn't be OK. When you are selling the knife you will obviously be letting people know about the old handle. After that it is up to the potential customer to decide.
 
Kevin Jones said:
From a collector's prospective, I would expect to pay approximately the same as you would ask for a similar knife for which you had made the handle.

Of course, what you would need to get for the knife and still profit could depend on how you came to acquire the old handle and the cost associated with it.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

IMHO, Kevin, you are probably right with respect to price parity between a classic old handle/stag such as this and a new piece of stag with more current fittings.
However, I think the demand for the piece, in terms of the population of prospective buyers, diminishes with the use of the old handle vs new stag and fittings.
 
betzner said:
IMHO, Kevin, you are probably right with respect to price parity between a classic old handle/stag such as this and a new piece of stag with more current fittings.
However, I think the demand for the piece, in terms of the population of prospective buyers, diminishes with the use of the old handle vs new stag and fittings.
Click to expand...

Probably so.
 
New stag old stag who cares

makes it more interesting you are obviously discloseing that the handle is an antique and I think it is a very cool project
 
Aesthetically speaking, I think it would be a shame NOT to use such a fine looking piece of popcorn stag with decorative silver fittings!

Peter
 
It is a great piece of stag that has aged very well. I would use it in a second. I would also not hesitate to say where the stag came from. Honesty is always best. One rule you break at your own peril. If someone turns his nose up at that knife because of where the stag came from, that is his problem. Would it have been different if the piece of popcorn stag had spent the last 50 years in a drawer somewhere and then was found and used? I have some walrus tusks that were once the legs to a foot stool. I also have some extremely figured fiddle back ash that was a hammer handle. Handle material is where you find it...
 
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