Why do the old ones look so much better?

[ron_m80]

I just got Sheldon's book in the mail today. Thank you, I like it.

I quickly noticed the fighting Stiletto and the long flat grinds on the model 1, from the 50's. Could these knives look any more beautiful?

I have the feeling they are WAY out of my league So just out of curiosity, not because i would seriously pursue them, How much do they go for, if they aren't locked into a specific circle of collectors?

 

[Melvin-Purvis]

Ron, thanks for your kind words.

As to your question; unless you use it, an item only has value twice - when you buy it, and when you sell it. Thus, value is really up to you and you alone. (the Golden rule and all). Yes, there is a group of RMK collectors that have very specific ideas of value for older knives, usually based on perceived rarity, condition, and in the case of war time manufacture, collectability based on provenance.

Within this collectors group, values can typically run in the $2000 to $4000 range for a late 40's thru mid 50's RMK fighter. On the fringes of those prices are collectors with above average means willing to pay more, and frugal collectors such as myself interested only when paying much less.

My rationale is that not all knives from a certain timeframe qualify for a premium price; in fact, most don't. In other words, I don't believe that each sale is a benchmark for those to follow - instead, I believe that each knife should be priced on its own merits, and purchased accordingly.

Going back to the initial premise, and being in this hobby of ours for the long haul – I’m much more inclined to turn over a lot of stones to find that one gem a year in the $300 to $400 range. Also, I look at each purchase as an investment, and if I'm not sure of profit at resale I probably won't buy.

Finding such a gem doesn’t happen that often, takes equal parts luck and hard work, and usually the knives aren’t super-primo – but I usually find at least one good, older Randall knife each year for a song. Hell, if I can do it Ron, a smart guy like you can too…well, if you’re lucky and work hard at it.

Shel

p.s. Cash talks…

 

[chevypilot]

Two years after this post I just got Shel's book. Only had time so far to flip through some pictures, and I pretty much had the same question pop into my head..... damn, I need a better job or hit the lottery or something. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a sleeper at the local swapmeet or estate auctions some day.