All About Pocket Knives

I came across this old Keen Kutter on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/164824832914
The main draw is the low buy-in. The covers appear to be a little shrunken, and the pen blade seems to have its tip broken off. Since it has already been bid on, I'd like to know if it raises any red flags among Keen Kutter collectors. If not, I might just throw a bid on it.

It's real, but one of the lower end Keen Kutter knives made by Camillus in the 1950's. Not to be confused with the older EC Simmons marked Keen Kutters made by Walden/Winchester.

It's real, but one of the lower end Keen Kutter knives made by Camillus in the 1950's. Not to be confused with the older EC Simmons marked Keen Kutters made by Walden/Winchester.

knifeaholic wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 1:06 am It's real, but one of the lower end Keen Kutter knives made by Camillus in the 1950's. Not to be confused with the older EC Simmons marked Keen Kutters made by Walden/Winchester.

I agree but the condition is the question. "Blades have spring and or snap" ?

Many collectors will not buy an old knife with celluloid handles so the 'demand' is low, hence price is likely to be low.
kj

kootenay joe wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 1:26 am Many collectors will not buy an old knife with celluloid handles so the 'demand' is low, hence price is likely to be low.
kj

I will buy celluloids but only if the knife is special and price is below my threshold for what I’m willing to risk should the knife go bad. It’s a high criteria and a pretty low threshold so I don’t buy many celluloids.

Ken

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 1:30 am

kootenay joe wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 1:26 am Many collectors will not buy an old knife with celluloid handles so the 'demand' is low, hence price is likely to be low.
kj

I will buy celluloids but only if the knife is special and price is below my threshold for what I’m willing to risk should the knife go bad. It’s a high criteria and a pretty low threshold so I don’t buy many celluloids.

Ken

Something in the $5-$10 range, right.

Should make a decent user once you get that nasty celluloid off and replaced with something else. $10, as has been said, would be my budget. I don't mind a rough knife to give me an example of a certain tang stamp, but it has to be usable. As long as the snap is good, and there's minimal wobble, I'm fine with it. Yeah, I have low standards....

cody6268 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 12:39 pm I have low standards....

The same could be said of me. Adding minimal sharpening to Cody's list pretty well covers my standards.

Concerning the Keen Kutter I asked about, I'm not worried about it being made by Camillus so much as I am the covers being celluloid. Upon closer examination of the photos, it looks like some outgassing has already started. I wouldn't be looking at this knife as a user, so I'll pass on it.

Thanks to all for the help.