LFTI first production 551 value

isaidme

• May 12, 2013 03:12

Just considering selling my LFTI and not sure what I might expect to get for it. I paid $180 for it and its still BNIB. It says First Prodution 551 on it. Would I have a problem getting at least my money back? Thanks

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  painstakinglymeticulous

  • May 12, 2013 03:29

  quote:

  Originally posted by isaidme:
  Would I have a problem getting at least my money back?

  
  
  Not at all

  

  
  
  Being first production might not increase the value to let's say a LE, but it will still add some value to the knife - esp being NIB
  
  I'm sure someone here would be happy to take it off your hands
  
  (Dont forget the pics)

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  carson

  • May 12, 2013 04:15

  You should be able to get your money back I'd think.
  
  It's a recently discontinued model though and it often takes a couple years before they take off. I believe it was the first production (non limited edition) model to feature CPM-M4 steel and being a Ti monolock, I expect it'll be significantly more valuable in a year or two than it is right now. That seems to be the case for most of the Ti monolocks after they get discontinued. Also, with it being a Ti handle, it will mark up easily with any use at all so NIB specimens that have never even been handled will likely bring a heavy premium in the years to come.
  
  At the moment, there are still dealers trying to clear out their inventories of discontinued models, so they're still out there NIB with some being discounted down to the $160 price range. Right now $180 sounds fair especially if it's not partially serrated. I don't think the First Production really adds any value at this point. (I've seen people ask more for a first production in the balisong knives, but the first production run of those is normally numbered to 100 rather than 500 or 1000)
  
  
  It's odd that Benchmade charges more money for a serrated model (MSRP is usually $15 or so higher for the serrated and coated blades) when they're more often cheaper on the secondary market. With regards to the 760 LFTi, they had the same MSRP for the plain and serrated models. Most collectors prefer plain edge knives so NIB specimens will carry a premium after the model has been discontinued for a few years.

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  isaidme

  • May 12, 2013 14:48

  Thanks guys! It is the non serrated blade. I am another one of those that dont like serrations unless its a work knife and this one I bought only to fondle occassionaly. I may hold on to it for a while longer but there is this Emerson I really want.

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