Yes, the post auction finished knives are pretty abundent just now. 165 pattern knives are as well. It is unknown who added the covers and where. It would make economoic sense to have the work done domesticly here I think. A pretty full variety of tang stamps are seen on these post-factory finished knives. Almost all that I see are stainless blades and seem to be factory finished. Many have "LTD" limited edition or even "UH" tang marks. As a collector, I have very little interest in them. However to be honest, I/we comprise a relatively small market segment for these knives. While some of the dealers selling these are a bit less than forthcoming about their heritage, some are pretty open about them. And they are evidently selling to someone. As for myself, I might have been more interested in a few unfinished blades as opposed to blades with non-factory handles.
As users, as long as the finisher did a workman-like job putting a final edge on them, they should work as well as the factory finished knives. Eric has in the past suggested that the heat treat and grind was done pre-closure and after some thought, I would have to agree that to most likely be the case.
Will they ever gain any collector value? I don't know. I think the certificate copies have been debunked as an indicator of anything in particular. Except maybe as a selling tool. Muddying the collector waters? Somewhat I suppose. Most serious collectors would spot the differences I think, but new collectors might be caught unaware. I mostly see them selling cheap though so even if a new collector is duped, it isn't like he is being taken to the cleaners paying premium prices for them. I am seeing the 165 patterns sell for $40-50, so that is below the 1991 MSRP of $51.95 which, inflation adjusted is $87.55 today.
