Value with slight damage, any thoughts?

[averageguy]

Hi,I recently purchased a Blackjack Marauder MK1-A on Ebay. Since this was an auction and Blackjack knives are well tracked there, I will assume the $100.00 I paid to be close to fair value for this knife. Unfortunately the knife was very slightly damaged in transit. The edge near the tip got rolled back when it encountered some hard surface when it poked out of the box. Some small scratching at the tip as well. This damage can be sharpened out but the knife is not and will never be mint and original after that. I've offered to keep it if I can work out something in terms of value. This is very tough. Any thoughts?

 

[nifrand]

Try negotiating with the seller.No negotion,send it back.It was their packaging that caused the problem.

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have a"knife"day

 

[averageguy]

nifrand, the seller is willing to negotiate and/or take it back. My problem is ascertaining some value for it as is. Do I value it as a "user" or how useful it might be. Do I attach some collector value. The value in this knife is the make. But it seems Blackjack collectors - myself included would prefer an undamaged example. As a user the Ontario SP bolo is probably a better knife. Many Blackjack knives currently sell for somewhat more than their normal selling prices when they were new. I don't know where to begin any negotiation.

 

[Gollnick]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">But it seems Blackjack collectors - myself included would prefer an undamaged example. </font>

Exactly. The problem is that there are quite a few undamaged examples in existance. A collector doesn't need to settle for a damaged piece. Without seeing it, I'd estimate from your vauge description that this damage could half the collectible value of the knife. Sorry.


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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com

 

[not2sharp]

Averageguy,

What to do depends on what you want and what the seller agrees to provide. If you are looking for a mint example to put on display and the knife arrives in damaged condition, then by all means return it. If on the other hand you plan to use it and the damage is very minor, then contact the seller and come to an agreement. Blackjack knives in mint condition are currently selling a little above their original retail price. But, the premium is relatively small.

There are no absolute values in this, or any other collecting hobby, the important thing is to work up a number that seems fair to both parties. Offer whatever number makes you happy; and, don't forget to factor in the hassle of turning this into a prolonged arguement.

Sorry to hear about your knife.

N2S

 

[averageguy]

Thank you Gentlemen for your responses. You have been helpful in helping me formulate some ideas.