Is it worth it?

[cody6268]

I'm currently looking at an $30 lot of mostly well-used crap Far Eastern made knives, but one of the knives is a 1967 dated Camillus Pilot's Survival Knife. The very tip end of the blade appears broken off, and leather stack handle is well-worn. Only other knife I see in the lot of any value is a Victorinox Bijou, which is worth around $5. The other 8, I believe will probably end up thrown away, unless I know they're good quality enough to keep.

Is the price worth it for the Camillus alone?

Seller allows a best offer option. Using the value of the Camillus alone, what should I offer?

[coffeecup]

First question is are you buying these for yourself, or for re-sale? At current prices, factoring in shipping/listing fees/etc, I suspect you'd not make a profit . . . .

A tip loss of 1/32" is one thing--easily sharpened out--while loss of 1/4" would mean extensive work to re-shape the blade. Absent particularly-interesting provenance (documentation that the knife was carried by some noteworthy pilot, for example), the knife you describe is not really in "collectible" condition. As a user, once the tip is corrected it might be worth $20-30. Or less.

Is the sheath with the JPK? Knives are often found without the sheath, so sometimes it is worth buying the knife just to get the sheath (or in extreme cases, the stone in the pocket). Depending on the pattern, a used issue sheath in good condition might be worth $15-30.

It might also take 6 months to a year to realize those prices if offered for sale. On the other hand, if you really want the knife (and the tip loss isn't too bad), an offer of $30 including shipping might be reasonable.

[cody6268]

Personal collection and probably for occasional use as well, given the condition.

No sheath, but I will be purchasing one for it.

I have submitted an offer of $20 plus the $8 shipping to the seller.

[orvet]

Hey Cody, did you win the knives?