The problem with finding "mint" old knives, as I understand it, is that the old knives were tools that were meant to be used. That's why its hard to find real Case XX knives that aren't beat up. But there sure are plenty of fakes and "Kentucky mint" knives out there now.
Thanks for posting those pictures.
Mike I was not really referring to Mint old knives,just ones in good condition,not refurbed
A guy once told me,"the good thing about vintage knives is that most are used,so using them a bit will not really hurt thier value" I don't know how true that is,but just think about that
An older knife dealer told me,before the days of the internet,one could go to a show & see plenty & reasonable
But via the internet,collectors have "gobbled" up a lot,and now there is fewer
And,to go on some auction sites,bidders who really do not know what they are bidding on (that could be me,lol) kinda drive up prices
I certainly am no authority on this,I look & listen.But I certainly am in awe of some knives I see , with a little common knowledge of thier condition and current value,it just amazes me
The current issue of Knife World (Thanks Mike & Tony for the intro)has some gorgeous Case knives in there.
I just gotta hand it to serious collectors of the old knives.It's like an elite division of knife lovers
-Vince