Benchmade Limited Editions

USAFSP

USAFSP

Joined
Jul 2, 2000
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I just got a 733-02 and am very impressed with it, but I have a question for any BM knowledgable people. Other than the limited options, these are just made the same way as the rest of the BM blue line knives right? My first BM was an Aries with the original red and black handle, and it was my favorite EDC for a year. I lost it and even though it took a a few years to come around, decided to replace it with this 733-02 #278/500 that I got in a trade. Other than the wood handles, and the S30V blade it appears to be the same knife. I don't know how much these 733-02's cost, but is this a collectors knife, or just a jazzed up regular model. I don't have an issue with using an expensive knife, but I don't want to use something that is going to grow in value.
 
I really wonder about that. I have a couple of BM limited editions, but I bought them because I like the particular combination of features (blade shape, steel, materials). I do use them as working knives. I wonder if "limited edition" is like "collectible"--and therein lies the value. The average person, maybe even the average knife knut, woutld look at the "limited edition", and the price, and go "WTF?????"
 
USAFSP said:
is this a collectors knife, or just a jazzed up regular model.
Click to expand...


Yes and Yes.

The whole 73x line share the same characteristics, blade shape & handle shape. The 733-01 & 733-02 were both limited runs of 500 each, and were both made with S30V blade steel. Being that it's a great looking knife (IMO) and it's a limited model, it may increase in value eventually to a decent point. I wouldn't count on it happening really quickly though.

The Ares line is the most versatile line of knives that Benchmade has made. They've had models in ATS-34, 154CM, D2, S30V, and M2.

If you enjoy it, use it. It will make either a great user, or a great addition to a collection. Which one is your call.
 
Thanks man, great information as always. I know this was't one of the Gold Line knives. If it was I wouldn't use it. I would use a custom before one of them, seeing as they make so few of them. I personally like the 733-02 out of all them, because of the mix between tactical and refined. A refined tactical. I was told once, that if it is XX/100 or XX/50 then the value is going to be high, but XX/500 isn't all that special I guess. Either way, I will use it in good health.
 
The LEs are made just like the others, same process.

Appreciation is a little harder to nail down. My rough guide is, if they offer something really different, they're more likely to seriously go up in value. In my experience, this has more to do with handles than blades. The 730 (which I love - my 730CFS30V is my personal baby) is a scales-over-full-liners knife. The LEs with CF and Pakkawood scales and D2/S30V blades are holding a high-ish value, but they started with a high sticker. My sense is that the LEs that are really appreciating are the completely different handles though. The 94X series is normally only available as a full aluminum handle. The carbon fibre and titanium handled models are going for VERY nice premiums these days, as is the LE aluminum handled 710. I expect the full carbon fibre handled 960 to do similarly. Interesting or unique LE balisongs seem to do very well indeed, and may be the most collectable BMs from a value stance.

In my experience, even xx/50 will not necesarily appreciate significantly, if the differences between it and the regualr model are minor. For instance some of the 960 and 690 LEs do not seem to be holding any noticeable premium value.

That said, personally, my 940CFD2 is not a safe queen, and has quite a lot of well-loved beauty marks. :)
 
I was all into Bm limited editions and numbered stuff, but after a while i was looking on ebay, and noticed it didnt raise the price any. Yes benchmade makes great user knives, but in my opinion i cant really see them as all that collectiable; Just check out ebay and the prices and form your own opinion. P..s before i get any hate mail, im not slamming BM i have a griptilian that i love and USE.
 
I have a ltd ed. Big Spender w/ti handle and D2 blade. Great Gent's knife -- almost sort of a poor man's William Henry. I carry, use and enjoy it. I feel I'm getting the most value out of it that way.
 
When it comes to Benchmades, I think the limited numbers make more a difference on price than the "Limited Edition" etching does. Benchmade IMO goes a little silly on etching stuff on their knives. Prototypes, Pre-Production, First Production Run, Limited Edition, etc. I have a Pre-Production 31S, 447/500. 500!?! How many can somebody produce before it stops being "Pre" and simply becomse Production?

Again, when it comes to LEs, it's number that matters. Take for example the MC series of the 4X balisongs. Only 250 combined of 5 different styles were made. Because of the demand vs supply, a NIB one, if you're lucky to find one, has nearly doubled in price. However, it took the 42SS, of which there were 500 made, much longer to see a similar inflation in value. Why? Because there were more of them. But there's always been a bigger demand for BM's balisongs, since even their non-LE models are retaining or gaining value because of the limited numbers and high demand.

As for the 733-02 you have, I kinda doubt it'll increase much in value until much later in time. It's simply not as popular a knife. If you want to use it, go ahead, and don't feel like you're ruining something irreplaceable. You might want to pick up another though.
 
I don't think it has anything to do with how many were made for the most part. It has everything to do with what knife it is.

Many of the editions of 500 can be found with a little patience for a reasonable price. Then you have the 941ti-01, which sells for $250 or more regularly. The 690DM (damascus blades) series only had 25 of each piece made. You can hardly get anyone interested in them for $250, even though that's below cost. The 941 & 940 series in Carbon Fiber are going for good premiums, and they had 500 of each made.
It depends on the demand of the exact knife, and the exact configuration of that knife. Another example, I just saw a 941BC1-Red at $150 with no interest, also an edition of 500.

Balis are a whole different game. They are more a niche market with a very strong following. Even editions of 500 can be well in demand, like the 42SS.
 
patryn's right, you can make only 50 limited editions no one wants and cant find anyone to buy it for 10$
 
Good points everyone. Again, I don't really collect knives. I have a bunch that I use, and I love. I am not a collector, I am a user with an appetite for different
styles of blade. I just needed to make sure I wasn't going to use something that wasn't replaceable. Here is an example. I have a custom DDR on order. now, it is being made to my specifications, but I can order another one down the road if I need to. After BM makes a knife, and then discontinues it, that is it. No more.
 
I'll add this. I do have a couple BM LEs I don't carry. I got them because I thought I might love them, and realized I didn't. I'm not holding them to watch them appreciate, though - I'm just keeping them as minty as possible so they'll be good trade bait. :)

My LEs that I do love, one the other hand, get carried and used regardless of their investment potential, because they are great, satisfying using knives, which is why I own them.

With that said I want to know who I have to kill to get in Patryn's will. :D He has some Benchmades and Pacific Cutlery pieces moldering away in a safe that I NEED to carry around and roll in the mud with. :D :D :D :D
 
USAFSP said:
Again, I don't really collect knives. I have a bunch that I use, and I love.
Click to expand...

I suppose everyone on these forums has said that at one time or another. :D

No wait!! I REALLY don't collect knives!! But they do seem to accumulate.....
 
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