Finding Suitable "Project Knives"

[Fisher Cat]

Hello All,
Can anyone suggest a good place to find decent "project knives?" Seems like most of the ones I see on Ebay are "new old stock" or in excellent condition and sell for too much money. Most of the knives I find at antique stores and estate sales are heavily abused junk, and sell for too much money also. Where have all the well-used and cared for quality knives gone? Thanks in advance. - John

[Mark in PA]

I'd like to know the answer to that to. I got a couple of knives from Ebay for fixing up, but truthfully, I paid too much. I get the impression that everything is a bit overpriced on Ebay. Maybe I'm out of touch but I saw a knife go for sale on Ebay for $170.00. Is this knife really worth this much? The last retail price listed in 97 was $70.00. I guess if someone is willing to pay $170.00 then it must be worth that much. See link for knife. Schrade USA Uncle Henry 165UH PROSPECTOR 9-5/8" Fixed Blade Sheath Knife


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Schrade-USA-Un ... true&rt=nc

[Meridian_Mike]

Well....
I get most of my knives from ebay. You have to look everyday and you can find hidden gems.

I usually look for certain make knives like Schrade or Old Timer.
Persistence pays off.

Good luck!

[XX Case XX]

You have to look everyday and you can find hidden gems.

___________
Mike

[herbva]

I get most of mine via ebay too. I like to do total restorations with new handle scales, and I find that the knives with missing or badly broken bone scales or deteriorating celluloid are usually inexpensive. The best deals frequently are in whole lots of vintage knives needing TLC. You just have to be careful about what you are getting and ask questions when critical information is missing.

[OLDE CUTLER]

Yes, the concerns you have stated are certainly valid. I find mine at local fleamarkets, antique stores, gunshows and rarely at garage sales. I have observed over the past year or so that prices have gone up sharply on anything relatively decent in the area of old knives. I don't buy anything from Ebay.

[Madmarco]

Hello All,
Can anyone suggest a good place to find decent "project knives?" Seems like most of the ones I see on Ebay are "new old stock" or in excellent condition and sell for too much money. Most of the knives I find at antique stores and estate sales are heavily abused junk, and sell for too much money also. Where have all the well-used and cared for quality knives gone? Thanks in advance. - John

First of all John, to AAPK! I'm not a builder, mangler, or any other type of knife-maker, so I can't help with your question, but many here are, so hang around, keep asking questions, and someone will come long with answers for you. Ebay is rapidly becoming an over-priced online site chock-full of problems, but as was previously suggested, browse it regularly and occasionally you can find a good deal. Good to have you here! Mark!

[cudgee]

Keep checking the members store here, there are good project knives to be found. Not all the time, but they do bob up, there was a group of 3 i saw the other day, one which had damaged scales, and very reasonably priced.

[kootenay joe]

I am some older knives that have been used and re-sharpened so are not wanted by most collectors.
How much 'project' are you looking for ? like tighten up blade play ?, replace or remove a blade ? replace handle slabs ? etc.
I have a few knives with celluloid handles beginning to off gas. These knives need handle replacement.
Send me a PM if you want to discuss this further.
Note: i do not want much money per knife but i would want to send you a number of knives so that the $20+ cost of postage from Canada is covered & i make a few $ for my time involved in selecting and packing & mailing.
kj

[Fisher Cat]

Hi Roland,

This is John (previously from New Mexico, moved to Maine). I bought your Melanika puukko and Destensky fixed blade last year. I'm sure you have something more suitable for restoration as well. I'll PM or email you soon. Thanks - John

[kootenay joe]

John, i sent you a PM before i read your post about buying 2 knives from me. I will certainly do my best to find you interesting knives that need some 'restoration'.
kj