Does SPA treatment increase or decrease value of older knives?

[Newt68]

I have an old pre-1967 110 Buck V2V1. If I sent it out for a SPA treatment would it hurt or increase the value of the knife in the future? I have had a few knives go for SPA treatment but nothing of real value. Would love to hear thoughts on the subject. Would you rather buy an old knife with original wear and tear or cleaned up looking all nice?

[eveled]

I say it helps the value as long as you are very clear what you want done.

Foe example. I sent in an old 110, “don’t sharpen it, don't round off the bolsters.”

[robpa]

Ive sent 6-8 for the SPA and am quite happy with the results. I re handle the most of them. if they are older I dont mess with them other than waxing and polishing the brass. They are for my personal enjoyment and I dont sell them. I dont think it hurts the value unless it happens to be a rare knife in very good condition.

[dsutton24]

The conventional wisdom is that you don't do anything to collectables, that collectors are discerning aesthetes who cherish the history of a piece. This is utter horsefeathers. I've never had anyone ask me if I had any cruddy junk, they want shiny.

I've sent a dozen or so knives to Buck over the years. They do a good job at a reasonable price. If a knife goes for Spa treatment, I note it in my records and figure my estate will do whatever the heck they want to anyway.

If you're buying for yourself, do what makes you happy. In my opinion buying a knife with an eye on what it may be worth down the road is futile. Collectors are a fickle bunch, you never know what will be hot at any point in the future.

[C-WADE7]

The conventional wisdom is that you don't do anything to collectables, that collectors are discerning aesthetes who cherish the history of a piece. This is utter horsefeathers…….
Collectors are a fickle bunch, you never know what will be hot at any point in the future.

In the antique engine community (hit and miss 1 cylinder large flywheel type) during the ‘80 and 90’s everyone cleans and sandblasted all parts and gave them automotive quality paint in correct colors. Now days they all want factory paint even if there are only small amounts and linseed oil on the bare portions. Things change over time and there is no way to know what will hold up. Guys buy new GEC’s for double price on eBay and spend hours trying to force patina them to post on Reddit and instagram, but are scared to death to actually use them.

[knfpkr15]

It depends. I think if the knife is a true high value antique i.e. 100+ years old, restoration would hurt the value. Other than that it is a matter of personal preference. I also think it is important to let the buyer know if the knife has been cleaned.