What to do with old Camillus, Schrad knives?

[Hobydog]

Hey, everyone.

Over the years, I've accumulated a few (very few, perhaps 8 or 10) Camillus and Schrade knives. Now that both companies have closed their doors, I'm wondering what to do with their old knives. I've some "demolition" folding knives, a couple of marlinspikes, and a couple of fixed-blades.

I'm wondering if I should put them in the "do not use - they might be worth something someday" box, or if I should continue to use them, as time probably won't increase their value enough to make it worth it.

Any thoughts?

 

[555]

i have the same thing in knives.

i find this a personal choice.

i've parked most of these in the do not use collection and get them out now and then and say to myself, you can't these anymore.

i have some as users yet, just to carry a piece of history.

but, thats me.


also i have a ton of beater knives, you know those China jobs. and that is what i do with these abuse them.
who cares there cheap throw aways.

 

[Fujimo]

If that auction site is any real indication, Camillus is pretty hot right now. A number of the rigging knives (which I collect) that were in the $25-$35 range a couple months ago are now consistently selling over $30 if in good shape. Schrades don't seem to sell quite as high at the moment. Maybe people at ebay haven't figured out that Schrade closed 3 years ago.

 

[ducks_and_bucks66]

If that auction site is any real indication, Camillus is pretty hot right now. A number of the rigging knives (which I collect) that were in the $25-$35 range a couple months ago are now consistently selling over $30 if in good shape. Schrades don't seem to sell quite as high at the moment. Maybe people at ebay haven't figured out that Schrade closed 3 years ago.

To the contrary, Schrades (NIB) are commanding pretty high prices. Summertime is kind of slow as compared to wintertime where more are sitting around the computer. If you're looking to get a return on the knives, I'd put them in the do not use pile and keep them there. I have both users and non-users and will keep it that way. I don't have anything to do with China knives and as I see it, the place of honor of any knife is the pocket, only carry USA knives. But, that's only my opinion.

 

[Fujimo]

I'll be damned, but over the weekend a KaBar 1121-a nice used rigging knife, but nothing special, went into a bidding war and sold for $200. So did a Schrade SS 735 rigging knife and an obviously used Case 6246 (pre-dot). Good weekend to get high dollar for rigging knives this past weekend.

For comparison purposes-that KaBar ususally sells for about $30, as does the Schrade. A used pre-dot Case (blade sharpened, scratches on the blades, etc.) usually sells for around $55.

 

[Codger_64]

To the point of the original question, knives which have been discontinued are generally more desirable to collectors. More so if they are in factory fresh condition with all packaging. Reasonably intact used knives, depending upon scarcity, are also deemed collectable by many. They just don't usually bring the prices of the nicer ones. Used knives are used, and never will be new again.

If you want to use them... use them. If you want to make an investment... buy the mint examples. And be prepared to hold them a while. And be good at guessing the fads.

I have knives of all ilk in my collection... mint complete near mint, lightly used, used, are well used. I keep them because I like them not because of what someone else might be willing to pay for them. Some I have for the history. Some for the novelty, some for the utility and design, and some that I use in my work.

Collect what interests you, use the ones you want to. But then I am just an old...

Codger

 

[Bob W]

What I would do: If the knives are already used, I'd keep using them. If they are new, I'd set them aside. Dollar value isn't the issue for me, it's the simple fact that the knives aren't being made any more that makes them worth saving.

Of course, if you use/lose/sharpen/scratch your's, it makes mine more valuable.

Best Wishes,
-Bob

 

[orvet]

If I really like a pattern I buy one to use & one or more to set aside.


I just saw a 123OT sell new in box for $126 with papers.
I bought an unsharpened one for $26. It will make a great user! I was actually surprised to get it so cheap. I thought it would go to at least $50.
I must have gotten lucky so close to the the 4th of July.

Dale

 

[ducks_and_bucks66]

Dang! I saw the same 123OT! I was as shocked as any. But then, it does have a way of evening out. I've seen some go for much less than I thought. Now, as I'm looking for LB7 type knives, it seems they're going for more than they should. I truly believe the ebb and flow of Ebay revolves around what I'm trying to collect. If I'm interested, it goes for higher than normal.