Any experts on Ruana Bowie Knife

[knifegnome]

Was at a garage sale and asked if they had any knives.Guy said he had a Ruana Bowie. He brings out this knife and says he wants $1500 for it.I know very little about Ruana.10" blade,15" overall,only stamp is on the butt.Any experts out there that can help.

[Mountain Man Knives]

That's one of his Big Bear Bowie's I think , could be wrong though......Send these photo's to his Grandsons and ask them they may Know - I would want to make sure it was a Custom Job done by Rudy and not someone else, if that checks out I'm pretty sure the guys asking price isn't Surprising ~ https://www.ruanaknives.com/

[Mumbleypeg]

Even if legit, it’s in pretty rough shape. I’m no expert on Ruanas but in that condition I would not give that for it. JMO

Ken

[Cletus Awreetus]

according to Frank Towsley's book on Ruana that appears to be a 40A Bowie from the 50's. Considered to be some of Rudy's best work. As Mountain Man mentioned your best bet is to contact Mark or Mike Hangus up there in Bonner Mt. They're good guys and will tell you everything you need to know about it.

[LittleAugieMo]

Not an expert but with the"little knife"stamp and being stamped on the butt cap appears to be older knife along w/brass guard and buttcap. Definitely reach out to the guys in Montana they could give you more info

[kennedy knives]

I would have been glad to give that much great old knife It's worth that no Problem Get in touch with me if you get it
Gary Kennedy
864-647-7228
Email [email protected]

[tongueriver]

The knife is legitimate, pre 1962. Fair market price, maybe even a little low. Much better stag than usual as well. The grandsons, Mark and Mike can refurb it to near-new condition for a reasonable price. If I had the chance, I would buy it myself, right now.

[Mumbleypeg]

So given what y’all have said, what would the knife’s approximate value be if mint?

Ken

[kennedy knives]

The knife is legitimate, pre 1962. Fair market price, maybe even a little low. Much better stag than usual as well. The grandsons, Mark and Mike can refurb it to near-new condition for a reasonable price. If I had the chance, I would buy it myself, right now.

I would buy it also and it's worth what ever some one will pay !!!!!!

[tongueriver]

So given what y’all have said, what would the knife’s approximate value be if mint?

Ken

I would say at least $2K. Bad day $1200. Great day $2500. The "little knife" stamp is important here. Want to see some cash knife porn?
https://www.ebay.com/sch/nick1110.516/m ... 7675.l2562

[Mumbleypeg]

Thanks Cal. I know some of those Randall and Loveless customs go for big bucks, but wasn’t aware Ruana was in that price range. If a mint example is worth $2500, given the condition of the OP knife I still think $1500 is a stretch. Maybe the old adage that mere sharpening cuts the mint value in half doesn’t hold for custom fixed blades. But I’m a notorious cheapskate, so wouldn’t be a player anyway.

Ken

[knifegnome]

Thanks guys, i will contact them tomorrow.

[knifegnome]

Ruana update , It's been over a year since I posted on the Ruana Bowie knife I was asking about,I contacted Mike Hangus and sent him the photos, he replied a couple days later and confirmed it was a genuine Ruana.I contacted the man the next day and he told me he gave it to his brother to sell online,I gave him my card in case he didn't sell it.He had a garage sale about 6 months later and I stopped by and asked about the knife,he said he sold it and got what he was asking for it,Oh well ,I missed my chance at my first Ruana knife.Got a message on my answering machine yesterday,The guy said he had my card and wanted to sell the Ruana knife.I called back and we met today.Got my first Ruana, Knife is in great condition after closer inspection,it's huge and weighs just over 2 pounds,I can't imagine carrying it on a belt.

[doglegg]

What a great story and what a great knife. Congrats.

[kennedy knives]

Great Knife wrong Sheath

[jmh58]

Kool story!! Congrats.. Funny how some things work out!!!
John