What would you do?

[Railsplitter]

They were sold as a set, and if I took one out to edc, the set would be incomplete!

Can I change my vote?

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Take 'em out of the packaging and be done with it. You'll have more fun.

 

[DavidZ]

Can I change my vote?

Sure! What is your new vote?

 

[Railsplitter]

Sure! What is your new vote?

Keep them sealed in their original package. I would not break up the set or remove the packaging if it were me.

 

[not2sharp]

I'd keep them sealed in the box, but I'm more of a collector. It's just too easy and affordable to buy a brand new yeller handle Case or any of the Buck 300 Series for users to ever use a collectable or pristine older knife in my opinion.

I would also keep them sealed in the original box. In part because, although I hate to admit it, I don't really need another knife to use. But, a pristine set of collectable vintage knives...well that is still something to get excited about.

n2s

 

[knarfeng]

Well I guess I am either an uncircumcised Philistine, or an engineer.

• A tool ain't no good if it don't get used, and
• you don't know how well the designers did their job until their design gets used.

I'd use them.

 

[on_the_edge]

I'd use them. I won't go into who I am talking about, but I know at least two very talented makers of traditional folders that both feel a knife is a tool and tools should be used.

 

[rprocter]

David, this is a good question because it is a situation most of us come across at least once.
Are all 10 sealed in 1 package ? Or if each is in it's own package what makes them a "set" ?
I didn't think that Bertram knives came sealed in plastic. Sealing them in plastic might have been done some time later after leaving the factory ? If so, this would make a difference to me in my decision.
I have a set of 5 Bertram Hen & Rooster Pen knives, each with a different handle material that came in a hinged display 'box'. (no plastic, so no decision needed)
I need to see pics of your knives to know for certain what i would do, but most likely i would remove the plastic as it may not be original and i dislike plastic especially in association with a quality knife.
roland

Edit to add: here's my set of 5 if anyone wants to see it: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...t-Hen-amp-Rooster-quot-set-of-5?highlight=Hen

 

[zippofan]

While I am a collector of Zippos and have quite a few NIB displayed, I don't collect knives to display but to use. I guess it depends on your idea of collecting. Keeping them in the wrapper and displaying them retains the value, but I've found (at least with Zippos) the collector market is volatile and in order to make a profit you have to wait for the right time to sell (if you ever do).
As for sets, I usually keep them intact and use another that is similar, but since all Zippos are the same and only differ in their case decoration that's easy.
Tough question, especially if there is a pattern that you really want to carry. I'd also have a hard time not opening the wrapper to at least enjoy their construction etc.

 

[markpmc]

I went for #2 - Set them free, because I'm not a knife collector, I'm a knife user.

After setting them free I'd promptly exercise #4. Keep one or two for myself and pass the others along. It's good to be my friend

 

[DavidZ]

Here are some pictures of the knives:

I had to open one and look at it - It was awesome.:thumbup: The rest will have to be opened as well. I just cannot help myself!

 

[Pipeman]

They look "home sealed" to me. Contact AGR and ask him if they were originally sealed like that.

Regards

Robin

 

[rprocter]

Absolutely, OPEN them all. that plastic is not factory. likely done at AGR to block moisture. this plastic wrapping adds nothing to the value. actually makes them look cheap.
How 'bout giving us 10 pics, 1 of each knife, blades open ?
roland

 

[DavidZ]

Absolutely, OPEN them all. that plastic is not factory. likely done at AGR to block moisture. this plastic wrapping adds nothing to the value. actually makes them look cheap.
How 'bout giving us 10 pics, 1 of each knife, blades open ?
roland

I will be sure to do that. I took each one out now - They are really nice!

 

[wintermute]

I voted to keep a few and gift the others - that's until I saw that they were all old H&Rs - I'd now vote to open them all, cradle them, sitting on the floor, rocking back, whispering "My Precioussssss". Then I'd put them in my pocketses and use the heck out of 'em.

 

[babakanoosh45]

I would lose my mind not being able to handle them. Cut stuff and what not...For sure I would be pocketing them the moment I received them. Just sayin...

 

[markpmc]

Don't forget to pass a few of them out to your friends. Do you need my address ?

 

[whetrock]

Open them and use em' IMO it's the only way to truely appreciate a tool for what it is. Life's just to short to worry about "Mint Condition" as far as I'm concerned.

 

[DavidZ]

Open them and use em' IMO it's the only way to truely appreciate a tool for what it is. Life's just to short to worry about "Mint Condition" as far as I'm concerned.

I agree - Here are some pics in this thread as well. I wish that I could take better pictures, and I will try when I can get some free time, but here are some quick pics of the ones I just got:

The ivory, horn, and the pearl is just super on these knives, but what really impresses me, is the action - they walk and talk so smoothly it is unbelievable. the insides are beautifully polished, and I really like the fact that the liners are nickel silver, and not brass.

 

[johnny twoshoes]

OOO, OOO, I think that I should get a prize for participating. :thumbup:
I'll take that stag, WOW, it's gorgeous.