A 66 for $20...buy or pass?

[Dan In MI]

I just came across this 66:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353562123623

It's awfully tempting, but I have a few questions about it. I can't see any evidence of a pin near the head bolster; should there have been one? Upon enlarging the photos, the covers seem to be made of wood (based on the wear); am I correct? And finally, is it a steal, a reasonable value, or a ripoff at $20?

[Colonel26]

Dan, it would make a good ol HOK to tote I’m sure. As to the pin, I don’t know. Could be the angle of the pic, could me missing.

For me, I’d say that’s about as high as I would go, but then again that’s not a pattern I pursue. But I can just about guarantee that it’ll have awful good steel in those blades!

[jerryd6818]

It's a short line so here's a catalog cut showing the original 66. No doubt it's been rehandled. As far as value? Cuz is on the money. If you're looking for a steal and deal investment, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a carry knife, it would probably be a good'un. Value is what ever you're willing to spend. Is $20 a steal & deal? Not in my opinion but then it's not a "rip-off" either. JMHO

[1967redrider]

Someone scratched 'er up, hope it was you, Dan.

Very decent blades on that EDC.

[tongueriver]

Save your money. There are better places to put it.

[Dan In MI]

Someone scratched 'er up, hope it was you, Dan.

It wasn't.

[XX Case XX]

And finally, is it a steal, a reasonable value, or a ripoff at $20?

I know it's "after-the-fact", but for $20 I would have bought it. I would have sent it to one of our knife mechanics here and had him take it apart, clean it up, then add some good, solid handles to it. Then I would have a really well made pocket knife that not only would last for years, but it would be one of a kind as well.

I did that with a straight XX I bought from Steve. It was an 18 pattern, clean, with those Yellow Delrin (type) handles. It had some paint on the back handle that just wouldn't come off so I bought some really nice Orange-ish Giraffe Bone material and sent it to Kaleb.

I now have a beautiful Case XX 18 that is one of a kind, albeit not original.

_________
Mike