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Knife Values - Need Help Figuring Out My Father-In-Laws Collection

towpilot

December 20, 2012 17:39

Hi

I am new to the knife world as my Father-in-law just passed away and he had a real nice collection of Benchmade knifes. I would like to determine the value of the knives for my mother-in-law. All the knives are in a benchmade box, never used, and look brand new. Any help putting a value on each knife would be appreciated. I have had very little luck finding values using google and Ebay. I suspect a lot has to do with my ignorance of this subject. I posted the list below, but lost a lot of formatting from my spreadsheet. If you have questions let me know. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Number, Manufacturer, Model, Serial #, Hardness, Description

4 Benchmade 40T Prototype Bali Trainer

5 Benchmade 40TR Prototype Red Painted Handled Bali Trainer

16 Benchmade 635 S30V 58-60 Mini Skirmish

17 Benchmade 705-03 28/100 D2 58-60 Axis w/Red Bone Insert

18 Benchmade 705-401 47/250 154CM 2004 AHS/EDC Special

19 Benchmade 706 TI 49/100 S30V 58-60 706 TI SWEEP

20 Benchmade 706 TI Concept S30V 58-60 706 TI SWEEP (RT)

21 Benchmade 706-02 Concept S30V 58-60 706 TI SWEEP (RT) 75 serialized

24 Benchmade 730CFD2 ??/75 D2 Ares w/CF D2

27 Benchmade 732D2BT 38/100 D2 Ares w/Black G10 D2BT

28 Benchmade 770 546/1000 154CM 58-60 CF Scales

33 Benchmade 940TI 21/500 S30V 58-60 TI Bead Blasted Scales

35 Benchmade 940TI-01 359/500 S30V 58-60 TI Anodized Scales

38 Benchmade 941D2CF 237/500 D2 Carbon Fiber

45 Benchmade 960-WW 66/100 D2 58-60 Osborne Winewood Limited Edition

109 Benchmade NRA 12800 Goucho

112 Benchmade 733 Prototype S30V Jan 2003

Comments

99 comments

something

December 23, 2012 05:32
quote:

Originally posted by loonybin:

quote:

Originally posted by something:
As I understand it, it would be the seller (or whoever puts it in the mail) that would get in trouble for mailing an auto. I'm not certain if the federal ban applies to balisongs or not, I've read differing opinions on that.

quote:

TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE
CHAPTER 29 - MANUFACTURE, TRANSPORTATION, OR DISTRIBUTION OF SWITCHBLADE KNIVES

Section 1241. Definitions

As used in this chapter -
(a) The term ''interstate commerce'' means commerce between any
State, Territory, possession of the United States, or the District
of Columbia, and any place outside thereof.
(b) The term ''switchblade knife'' means any knife having a blade
which opens automatically -
(1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the
handle of the knife, or
(2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both.

Yeah, I saw that part, but I thought I remembered reading that it didn't apply to balisongs. I did some digging and came up with this:

quote:

US District Court found butterfly knives are not switchblades within the definition of the Switchblade Knife Act 15 USC section 1241 in the United States vs. 1044 Balisong Knives Civil Number 70-11 (D.C. O.R.) 1970, the court found that although a person skilled in the use of the knife could open it with one hand, the blades did not open automatically by the operation of inertia, gravity or both. Thus the court concluded as a matter of law that the butterfly knives were not "switchblades" under the definition of 15 USC section 1241
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deathofallthings

December 23, 2012 05:38
You could probably easily get around the laws regarding to shipping autos by shipping the blade and the rest of the knife separately.

Either way, I've bought and shipped a lot of autos, never had an issue. I'm sure a lot of us here have the same story.
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patrick

December 23, 2012 05:50
Or...you can just ship them through dealers..like handguns w/ out the FFL,PIX's,NIX's..(dont know if this has been suggested, havent read every page).If I want to ship an auto to BM for work, Id have to go to a dealer to ship legally. As far as picking up or owning, because I am not active military,active or retired LE or handicapped, the most ive had to do (PA,NYC,CT,CO) was to sign a waiver stating the auto was a "Curio" for a collection. That I never intend to carry it. And I dont, where its not legal for me to do so.
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loonybin

December 23, 2012 08:19
quote:

Originally posted by something:

quote:

Originally posted by loonybin:

quote:

Originally posted by something:
As I understand it, it would be the seller (or whoever puts it in the mail) that would get in trouble for mailing an auto. I'm not certain if the federal ban applies to balisongs or not, I've read differing opinions on that.

quote:

TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE
CHAPTER 29 - MANUFACTURE, TRANSPORTATION, OR DISTRIBUTION OF SWITCHBLADE KNIVES

Section 1241. Definitions

As used in this chapter -
(a) The term ''interstate commerce'' means commerce between any
State, Territory, possession of the United States, or the District
of Columbia, and any place outside thereof.
(b) The term ''switchblade knife'' means any knife having a blade
which opens automatically -
(1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the
handle of the knife, or
(2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both.

Yeah, I saw that part, but I thought I remembered reading that it didn't apply to balisongs. I did some digging and came up with this:

quote:

US District Court found butterfly knives are not switchblades within the definition of the Switchblade Knife Act 15 USC section 1241 in the United States vs. 1044 Balisong Knives Civil Number 70-11 (D.C. O.R.) 1970, the court found that although a person skilled in the use of the knife could open it with one hand, the blades did not open automatically by the operation of inertia, gravity or both. Thus the court concluded as a matter of law that the butterfly knives were not "switchblades" under the definition of 15 USC section 1241

That's encouraging, but aUS District Court ruling doesn't necessarily affect everyone. It affects those within the jurisdiction of that District Court. It sets precedence, but you would still have to defend yourself and argue that precedence.
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mcm

December 25, 2012 04:36
sold separately

$7600.00 easy
0
mhasman

December 25, 2012 06:29
24 Benchmade 730CFD2 - $400-450
25 Benchmade 730CFHS - 350-400
27 Benchmade 732D2BT - 250-350
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towpilot

December 27, 2012 23:59
Hi Guys,

You all wanted pictures, and I finally got it done. Sorry for the delay. Below are one picture of each knife that will be sold. You can see all the pictures of each knife at the following photobucket page:

http://s1343.beta.photobucket....r/Towpilot1/library/

On my photobucket page, you will need to expand the albums so they are visible on the left side. you will then find knives in folders by manufacturer. You will find the knife number from the list listed in each album. I had to add "1000" numbers to keep the order correct. 1 K22 knife is also 1022. A K30 knife is also a 1030. This is my own inventory system for my own use.

If you sent me or do send me your personal email, I will let you know when a knife goes up for sale and how much. Below is an image of the knives to be sold.

PM me with questions or comments. I look forward to selling these items and having them go to collectors. Please be patient as I will be doing the sales over a fair amount of time rather that all at once. Thanks guys.

K4 BM 40T Bali Trainer

K5 BM 40TR Red Bali Trainer

K14 BM 5W Rescue Hook

K16 BM 635 Mini Skirmish

K17 BM 705-03 Axis

K18 BM 705-401 47/250

K19 BM 706TI Sweep 49/100

K20 BM 706TI Sweep Concept

K21 BM 706-02 Sweep Concept

K22 BM 710-01 Winewood and Brass Prototype

K24 BM 730 Modified Ares Black G10 Polished Blade & Dull Blade

K27 BM 732D2BT Ares 38/100

K28 BM 770 546/1000
K30 BM 880 Dark Star
K32 BM 940D2CF Prototype 2003
K33 BM 940TI 21/500
K34 BM 940TI-01 123/500
K35 BM 941TI-01 323/500
K38 BM 941D2CF 237/500
K41 BM 941TI-01 Prototype
K45 BM 960-WW 66/100
K109 BM NRA 12800
K112 BM 733 Prototype Jan 2003 S30V Carbon Fiber
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wulfftruble

December 28, 2012 00:07
just so you know that model #s on these should be
k35 941TI-01 323/500
K38 BM 941D2CF 237/500
K41 BM 941TI-01 Prototype
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wulfftruble

December 28, 2012 00:09
Nice pics!
0
loonybin

December 28, 2012 00:16
Those are awesome!
0
charloosi

December 28, 2012 00:19
Very nice pics.
0
dclark

December 28, 2012 01:13
Nice photos,

Looks like a couple knives got placed in the wrong box.

From your previous post, the photo you have listed under K24 is not a Carbon Fiber handle, but black G10. The K112, appears to be Carbon Fiber.

K24 BM 730CFD2
K112 BM 733
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towpilot

December 28, 2012 01:31
Wulfftruble - thanks for the corrections. Good eye.

d_clark. I will try to sort that mixup out. K112 has a 733 marking on the blade. I see your point, so I will have to try to sort that out. Is a 733 sometimes listed as a 730 as K24 is listed?

Thanks for the corrections.
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dclark

December 28, 2012 01:36
The 730, 732, 733 are essentially the same model, the handle material was originally the difference.

K24, and K27 are both Black G10.

K28, K30, K38,and K112 are all Carbon Fiber

Another possibility is that the blades were swapped out between the two knives.
0
thecollector

December 28, 2012 01:45
A couple photos had no benchmade markings. I am wondering if someone was doing some blade switching?
0
neuro

December 28, 2012 01:57
quote:

Originally posted by TheCollector:
A couple photos had no benchmade markings. I am wondering if someone was doing some blade switching?

The concept knives wouldn't necessarily have all the proper markings on them.
Since it is considered pre-prototype.
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markg

December 28, 2012 01:58
I have not read through this whole thread, however you can use eBay as a good gauge for value. Do a search, but set the search parameters to include finished auctions and see the price range. Know that sometimes a knife can go for way less than it is worth, or sometimes way more than the market will bear. But you should be able to nail down a good price range.

The secondary knife market is really soft at the moment, and you should not expect to sell knives for anywhere near what you would have gotten for them 5-7 years ago.

I tell people, if they don't know much about knives, then selling on an auction site is the best option, and in the end will make more money for you.

Keep in mind that selling on this forum is to happen in the for sale sub-forum, and you have to state a fixed price. Asking forum members here what the price should be is like asking the buyer to set their price. Not that I would say anyone here would do that, for the most part folks around here are fair and honest.

It comes down to this... If you want top dollar for your collection then an auction site is the way to go. If you want a fair price and will see that your father-in-laws knives go to folks you know will enjoy them... Then selling on a forum like this is the way to go.

Shipping autos is against the law. The US government does not ban the ownership of auto knives but restricts interstate commerce. It is a felony to introduce into commerce (in this case ship) an auto knife. Does it happen? Yes. Does giving info on how to ship autos and how to circumvent the law constitute "conspiracy?" Yep...

The only branch of federal law enforcement that cares to enforce The Switchblade Act is US Customs. But that is not to say that that will never change. US Customs interprets the law to include butterfly knives, and they cannot be imported. Most other domestic law enforcement agencies do not. Keep in mind that in some states they are illegal and I would avoid selling to folks in those states, especially New York.
0
towpilot

December 28, 2012 02:05
TheCollector - I know that my father-in-law liked to polish some blades. When he did so, sometimes the markings became hardly visible.

K21 Has no Markings on the blade that I can see at all. It is in very good shape and does not look like it has been polished. There is no discernable markings that I see.

K24 appears to have potentially been polished. There are what appears to be fine sanding lines on the blade....especially where the markings would have been. There are no markings on the blade that I see at all. Also, the description for K24 may actually be for K112 and visa versa.

K30 I can see all the Benchmade markings, although they are hard to see. This blade looks like it has been polished. I know this knife had been taken apart at one point....likely to polish the blade, I guess.

When I list them to sell, I will be trying to give a good description of the knife.

Thanks
0
something

December 28, 2012 02:08
quote:

Originally posted by d_clark:
The 730, 732, 733 are essentially the same model, the handle material was originally the difference.

K24, and K27 are both Black G10.

K28, K30, K38,and K112 are all Carbon Fiber

Another possibility is that the blades were swapped out between the two knives.

Shouldn't K112 (the 733) have come with winewood scales?

It looks to me like the blade was polished on K24, so it's hard to say what that is for sure. it could be the D2 blade that was originally on K112's handle, but I'm not sure where the black G10 would have come from - unless there was a black G10 version of the 733.
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towpilot

December 28, 2012 02:09
Mark G - Thank you very much for that helpful post. I appreciate it very much. I decided not to bring the auto's and Bali's home with me. Now I don't have to think about it
Thanks so much.
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thecollector

December 28, 2012 02:39
Very good to know, Thank you Mark for letting me know about the alterations. I am a purist

so I have to have the matching box and 100% original condition for collectability.

quote:

Originally posted by towpilot:
TheCollector - I know that my father-in-law liked to polish some blades. When he did so, sometimes the markings became hardly visible.

K21 Has no Markings on the blade that I can see at all. It is in very good shape and does not look like it has been polished. There is no discernable markings that I see.

K24 appears to have potentially been polished. There are what appears to be fine sanding lines on the blade....especially where the markings would have been. There are no markings on the blade that I see at all. Also, the description for K24 may actually be for K112 and visa versa.

K30 I can see all the Benchmade markings, although they are hard to see. This blade looks like it has been polished. I know this knife had been taken apart at one point....likely to polish the blade, I guess.

When I list them to sell, I will be trying to give a good description of the knife.

Thanks
0
mhasman

December 28, 2012 05:29
K24 is not 730CFD2, seems more like 732 /black G-10/, but blade is very strange… Is there anything on the other side?

K27 is 732D2BT Ares 38/100 - 100%

K112 is probably 730CFD2, please check the small "730" number under butterfly logo, and if "D2" on the other side. But if it is "733", and "S30V" on the other side then somebody mixed two knives blades and handles.

UPD. I am sure 732D2BT could be sold for good price. $300 easy and fast, but I would recommend to wait till some crazy ares collector takes it for $350-380
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towpilot

December 28, 2012 06:06
mhasman

Thank you for your input.

K112 has a 733 and S30V on the blade.

K24 has no visible markings at all and appears to have been polished. There is a more prominent area af sanding marks where the logo was. While the blade is polished, I would say it is not a perfect polish job as some sanding marks remain and polishing scuffs are present.

The blades of K24 and K112 are not identical in shape either. The most noticeable area is on the lower part of the sharpened area near the handle. I wonder what this all means to the value of these two knives.

Thanks for your knowledge.
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towpilot

December 28, 2012 06:18
I was looking at the list of knives that were on my father in laws spreadsheet that I did not find.

I wonder if K112 on the list is actually This one that I thought I did not find:

K26 Benchmade 730CFV S30V Prototype.

I also wonder if K24 is actually this one:
K23 Benchmade 730 S30V Modified Ares w/Black G10 S30V

These knives fit those descriptions. When I was trying to sort out the collection, I probably put the wrong knife with the wrong description. Let me know what you think.
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deathofallthings

December 28, 2012 06:29
The polished one has definitely been modified, so I'd say you're on the money with that being k23.

I don't think a 730cfv has ever been produced. So if that's a proto for an ares that never went into production... might be worth a lot to a few people on this forum. Few issues though, having 733 on the blade makes one think it shouldn't be called a 730cfv, no box, no back story. Like other people said, it could just be a knife that had a blade swapped. Really though, it's an ares with CF handles, so even if it is a mutant, people are still really going to want it.

Was there ever a regular production 733? The only ones I know of are the 733-01 and 02... which would both have LE numbers on them. That would make a unnumbered 733 blade an oddity in itself.
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towpilot

December 28, 2012 17:39
*** UPDATE ***

I updated the knife list and pictures to reflect corrections members have sent my way.

Changes were made to K24, K112, K35, K38, K41

Thanks
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towpilot

December 28, 2012 19:20
K34 940-TI has been listed for sale:

http://benchmadeforum.com/eve/...5718001#646005718001

Thanks
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whodareswins

December 28, 2012 19:54
Well done now everything is getting cleaner and easier, just a little bit of time and things will be OK..

Simply use the old saying measure twice and cut once, a very good rule of thumb to use.. :

I wish you all the very best with the project and it is a big one , I know this is a huge endeavor placed upon you and I genuinely wish you the very best of luck..
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thecollector

December 28, 2012 20:26
Alot of the for sale knives on the list are a 500 run so in all reality they are readily available and come up for sale every week or two and can be picked up reasonably. Some of the anodizing looks like it may have been polished down or even modified on some.

Most seem to have some carry wear or have been modified or don't have all the original paperwork.

I would throw down 700.00 on the 960 DM prototype, it looks original with box. The knives in the pictures on page 7 are the only ones for sale? Or are others on the list coming up?
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towpilot

December 28, 2012 20:31
The Collector - The knives and pics listed on page 7 are what is being sold.

The 960 was given to my wife, so it is not available. Sorry about that. Thanks for the input.
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