Bullet knife question

[coffeecup]

I'm trying to plan some future purchases here and need some information first.

I want a decent repro or copy of the Remington 1173. By "decent" I mean having 1095 or similar blades (no stainless or tool steel), jigged bone or stag handles (not delrin, wood, rhino hide, or whatever), and a lined thong hole. What I'm looking for has to have all these, anything less is a deal breaker. I've got several of the Camillus repros; OK but not what I want now.

I'm trying to decide between a current-production knife (if I can find one), an earlier repro (Bowen or similar), or an original or custom.

Thanks!

[remington collector]

While some of the reproduction are pretty to look at, they are not in the same league as the originals, as far as being collectable, value wise, as an investment, etc. I would suggest buying an original. You won't be able to find one in mint condition, but I'd rather have 1 authentic used knife than a half dozen mint copies.

[coffeecup]

Sorry, I should have been more clear--I'm looking for a user. For many years I carried an original, but became concerned about the risk of loss so I gave it to a nephew. Now I miss it! I won't worry as much about losing a reproduction. On the other hand, if I go with an original or custom, I could at least have exactly what I'm looking for.