To Break The Seal Or Not. That Is The Question.

[jerryd6818]

So I've fished this one out of the Bay and it will come sealed in shrink wrap like it came off the store shelf. There was another one for sale that the seal had been broken on so I know what's in the can without opening it. My question is as old as collecting. If I break the seal will that diminish the value of the knife. All opinions welcome.
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This is what I'm getting.

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This is what's in the can.

[dlr110]

Dang Jerry it might for some purist collectors, but it would not change anything for me. What's the sense in collecting if you can't show what you've collected. JMHO.

[Railsplitter]

Are you sure there's a knife in there?

[Waukonda]

Are you sure there's a knife in there?

Open it up,Jerry, it makes for more interesting pictures!

[Steve Warden]

Looks like a done-at-home job with the shrink wrap.

[cody6268]

I remember when I bought my Case Carhartt Mini-T, the tin was shrink wrapped like this.

Given this is a purpose-made "limited edition commemerative" collectible, I say open it. It's likely not worth more than what it was new, so you're not ruining some high-value knife. If it was a case of a half-dozen or so from 60 years ago, I wouldn't touch it. And besides, that red bone is way too pretty to be sealed up in a steel can. If a knife is older, and quite cheap; and the seller has multiples, I will buy one for my EDC, and another that will stay sealed in the box. Of course, most of those are sub-$20 SAKs and Colonial ad knives; so not really much of a "collectible" item.

[jerryd6818]

Are you sure there's a knife in there?

Wasn't expecting that.

Looks like a done-at-home job with the shrink wrap.

Well maybe so. It was a fund drive between Case & Lowe's with 10% of the purchase price going to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. (stamped on the bottom of the can)

[Louisville.Boy1947]

I am a believer that you have to enjoy life. Don't let others (other potential collectors) determine what you do. You bought it and as you ask the question you apparently want to open it and enjoy the knife for what it is. My vote is do what makes you feel good. If it were mine it would already be opened and on my display for all to enjoy.

[doglegg]

Did you buy it for the knife or for the tin?
Did you buy it for yourself or for someone down the road?
Did you buy it so the next person can break the seal and enjoy the knife?

[Mumbleypeg]

Being a ready-made “collectable” its value is not likely to change much, if any, whether or not it has the wrap. Since they had more than one, and the other was unwrapped - was there a difference in price between them?

Ken

[jerryd6818]

When I'm indecisive I sometimes like to ask the opinions of others. It doesn't hurt anything and it doesn't mean I will follow the advice of any one person or even all of them. It just gives me a new perspective and alternate ideas to consider. Sometimes the opinions knock me off dead center. Ya know, ya can't always think of everything.

[jerryd6818]

Being a ready-made “collectable” its value is not likely to change much, if any, whether or not it has the wrap. Since they had more than one, and the other was unwrapped - was there a difference in price between them?

Ken

He's asking much more than what I paid.

Y'all should know that for me, this has nothing to do with money or value.

[RobesonsRme.com]

If you found a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver, circa first year of production, still in a sealed blue and silver box, would you not open it?

Charlie Noyes

[Beavertail]

Rip 'er open!!

[KLJ77]

Personally, I don't believe the plastic 'seal' has any value to it at all. All it's doing is protecting the tin. I would be more concerned with protecting the tin from scratches, dents etc., because the tin is part of the Limited Edition / Commemorative aspects than the seal. And...I would personally want to inspect the interior and the knife for continuity sake and admire the knife itself.

Be a Nike guy, Jerry...and "Just Do It!"

[XX Case XX]

Are you sure there's a knife in there?

More reason to open it. Plus, that post is funnier than he%#!!!

___________
Mike

[bighomer]

Get yore head out marine and drop and give me 20.

[jerryd6818]

It's marked as shipped. Now if they would just hand it over to the Post Office, it might arrive as early as Friday or Saturday. Otherwise, next Monday is Columbus Day so it might be Tuesday or later. I'll decide when it's in hand.

[jerryd6818]

Get yore head out marine and drop and give me 20.

Dang! I would be happy if I could do one. I guess it's off to mess duty for me.

[bighomer]

I know, me too.

[Old Folder]

Excellent topic Jerry.
Perhaps my opinion is on the "extreme" side. However, that would not by any means be new .
I would find a Lab and have it "x-rayed"
Get a copy of the x-ray, display it within a shadow-box frame along with the "unopened" tin.
Wa-la...you have a nice wall hanger conversation piece for your Man Cave.
Perhaps even add a identical Case knife?
Yes, this would have some financial cost, but well worth it.

[rea1eye]

Open it Jerry. You deserve to handle it.

Bob

[Doc B]

Do what they said Jerry!

[philco]

Can you coonfinger it through the shrink wrap?

No?

Well then perhaps it's time to open that little gift you got for yourself.

[Doc B]

Can you coonfinger it through the shrink wrap?

No?

Well then perhaps it's time to open that little gift you got for yourself.

Maybe the best answer yet, Phil