Ok,im a newbie to collecting.I have over 50 Knives in abit over 4 months of collecting and the fiance is not the bit too pleased
Ive decided to TRY to stick to Case Tested XX 1920-1940 and earlier and also Catteragus Knives,so i know im going to pay the long dollar 99% of the time.But do have an old camillus and a few Buck and other Good Brandings,but mainly case and catts.My Question is this,my grandad passed away 3 months ago and left me with a few knives which i had seen him use several times as a boy and wanted so bad to have,two of them being a W.R Case and Sons Half-Canoe 6203 Rogers Bone and a Case Tested XX 6383,both needing some tlc,the half-canoe was missing a handle and the other handle had a big grove in it,the tested xx 6383 had a big chunk mssing on one of the handles.So i thought id try to bring them back regardless of cost,so my first step i took a trip to Case in Bradford,Pa,i live roughly 35 miles away,i went to the main factory on a monday morning,i waited over 30 minutes and was told both repair reps were out,so i was greeted by a gentlemen who had the big goggles and big apron on covered with metal shavings
He told me his name and told me he had been employed there 23 years,he seemed very anxious and hurried,so i first showed him the tested 6383 with no expression he looked it over,i then unwrapped the severly banged up 6203 Rogers,his expression changed and his eyes lit up and a grin came about his face,i told him that they were my granddads and wanted him to do what he could.He said i can bring them back with a smile,but its going to cost you a few bucks:)Of course i said ok,he then said im going to start on them RIGHT NOW,and i will not let them out of my sight.I told him i wanted the original shields and bolsters and blades left intact..just cleaned and honed.He said ok.2 DAYS LATER the repair rep called and said my knives were ready for pickup!!I was shocked as i heard it usually takes a few months at least.But under the circumstances im SURE he went out of his way.I unwrapped them and about fell to the floor!!They didnt even look like the same knives!!! They were Beutiful,like new.I requested to talk to the gentelmen who i had talked to before as he was the one who worked on them,the repair rep replied he's very busy,and usually does not take on special assignments,but was touched and was allowed to do the restores per his supervisor.WHAT A CLASS ACT!!I got his name and left a thank you card and a Gratuity.Both Knives Were Re-handled with a perfectly matching set of what looks to be jigged stag(newbie here),new pins,original bolsters and blades cleaned to a mirror finish.Needless to say i was in awe of the craftmenship and time he spent on each knife.My question is,how much of the value is affected by this restore?And what kind of value for insurance purposes should i place on them??(not selling them)thanks for any responses/replys...i will be posting pics of both knives before/after if i can.
Collector Of Case And Catteragus Cutlery Knves/Nascar Diecast And Loyal Fan Of Mr.Dale Earnhardt Jr
What you did with you knives is great. 
They are no longer original and should be advertised as such if ever sold. 
It is just that original is just that. ALL ORIGINAL and that will bring a better price than tampered with. 
