Tested Folding Hunter or Arkansas Hunters?

[A&E]

I have a question.

I've had an old Tested 5165 for a while. It's pretty nice. I've posted some pics of it in the forum before . . . but I'll post them again.

I know it's a question of taste, but putting taste aside, what do you think of the following:

I am really liking the new Arkansas Hunters (Case / Tony Bose collaboration) but they run at least $300. There are also a couple variations (MOP and abalone) that are more. I'm thinking of selling the 5165 and buying a couple of the Tony Bose knives.

My wife asks, "Which will go up in value faster?" And frankly, I can't answer her questions. I know none of you have a crystal ball, but what do you think? It's so hard for me to hang on to my knives, because I always want something new!

But really, which do you think would be better to own - for investment purposes?

Thanks.

[jonet143]

keep the 5165. buy a tb/case.

[A&E]

Well, that's the obvious answer. But convincing everyone around here of that might not be the easiest task

[jonet143]

hey eric, you won't likely find another 5165 later in that condition for anywhere near what it would sell for now. i think the tb/case hunter will be available somewhere for a while.

[philco]

Eric,
I tend to agree with Johnnie's line of reasoning. The knife you now have is likely more of a rarity (based on its age and condition) than the Tony Bose piece is. I would hang on to what I have and start me a little savings for the TB. Even if it takes you a couple of years to put together the funds, you'll likely be able to find one for not much more than today's price.
I would guess there are far fewer Tested folding hunters out there in the condition yours is in
than there are mint TB pieces today.
Phil

[stockman]

No question keep the 65

Stockman

[Gunsmoke47]

As nice as the TB's are, I agree 100%..... Keep the 65 at all cost!

[A&E]

thanks guys . . . y'all sound like my wife! I guess she's better at this collecting business than I thought!

[muskrat man]

keep that 5165, aint no collaboration knife nicer than THAT!

[lenny357]

Some folks wont like this, but I think in the near future the T Bose will go down in price. Also in todays market you wont get what the 5165 is worth and by this time next year you will be sorry for selling it.

The 5165 is the center of any collection and a fantastic knife!!!

By next year you will be able to find the T Bose I bet for $100 less than what they sell for today. I know this because last years and the year before that are cheaper than they once sold.....except the lockback whittler, and some Abalone hover around the retail price ::blah:: .

[sunburst]

Eric,

That is a fantastic Case Tested knife my friend.... My opinion on the Tony Bose Collaboration knives is as high as it gets but it would probably be a mistake to sell a knife as great as the one you own. Only sell or trade that knife if you have to but do your best to keep it. I have sold similar knives that were rare and beautiful (probably not as nice though) and most of the time I never look or miss the knife I got rid of.

"But" there are a couple that I can kick myself twice a day for letting go and I keep looking for them everytime I click on ebay or walk by a garage sale...

This economy is not the best of times to sell or trade and expect your full return on the item being sold no matter what the condition of the knife. Then again it might just be the best time to buy knives and find that bargain that will never be there again.

Sunburst

[sunburst]

Some folks wont like this, but I think in the near future the T Bose will go down in price.

By next year you will be able to find the T Bose I bet for $100 less than what they sell for today. I know this because last years and the year before that are cheaper than they once sold.....except the lockback whittler, and some Abalone hover around the retail price ::blah:: .

Chris,

I disagree with your opinion but it's really going to get interesting with knife prices and where our economy is the next year or so. It will be interesting to watch and buy if we can scrounge up the funds to do so. I do my best not to purchase a Bose/Collaboration knife at the store prices because "They Are Way Too High" in price.

Take this hard to come by Tony Bose Abalone Dog Leg Collaboration knife - http://cgi.ebay.com/Case-Rare-Tony-Bose ... 286.c0.m14

I paid $291 for the one that I have a year ago and this one is currently selling for $476 today. It all comes down to availability and quality. Anyhow I am doing a good job at ::blah:: myself and appreciate your opinion... ...

Sunburst

[A&E]

ummm, it's up to $711 now

by the way, thanks for all the great advice guys. I'll hold on to the 5165 . . . but it doesn't lessen my WANT for the TB / Case knives - I just love that Arkansas Hunter. Sometimes a knife just strikes you the RIGHT way, and that's one of them for me.

[sunburst]

ummm, it's up to $711 now.