Blade serial numbers

[110 Dave]

Some LE and Custom blades typically have serial numbers such as 00x / 00X or 000x. And some times also on the front of the blade a 1 of 00x.
Also i have sets of identical blades marked custom that one has a SN and one DOES NOT..
The reasons for not having them can be : prototype , Artest proof, salesman samples, or less then 10 to 20 made.. ( did i miss any)
All things be consitered, when you bid on a knife does it make any difference if it has a SN or it does not (and it shouldn) ...?
Me i like mine with out [ but seldom will they have a coa ].. because of the chance it is a protorype... or never issued for sale...

 

[DeSotoSky]

Random thoughts.
In the age of the internet and better documentation we don't need to rely on the presence of the sn to tell us if a knife is a LE or not.
I kinda like the way Copper and Clad does it, a simple number on the first 100.
If the maker can't resist the need for a number, I think 1 of xxx is a better scheme. Really now... is sn11 that much better than sn46. Number envy?
My biggest complaint about sn's is that they put them on the blade and not the tang, ruins the canvas. Even an artist signs the corner of the painting, not the middle.
Now if we could just get Buck to stop laser etching "LIMITED EDITION" on the blade of every expensive knife... it is so cheesy!

 

[bucksway]

I like Copper and Clad numbering of the first 100 of the run. LE stamp on the tang on the back side is ok too but I agree most collectors know a knife is limited so why state the obvious..I do like to know how many the run is because that does effect the 'perceived' value. So many times a knife will be separated from the box,shieth and paperwork tho so I can see the point of basic information such as steel,and number of the run on the knife.

 

[afishhunter]

I have no idea if a SN on the blade or bolster makes any difference.

 

[Makael]

I don't know why copper and clad number up to 100. If only 100 were made that makes sense. I can't imagine a serialized standard production knife makes any sense. Scale color or blade steel?

 

[st8yd]

Personally I like #xxx or 1 of xxx. It's an obvious distinguishment. I like the "Limited Edition" on the blade as well, and definitely don't find it cheesy.
I agree with Mike no point in sn on standard production.

I have been in a position where more than one was intended to be purchased and can make having consecutive #'s kinda neat.

 

[DeSotoSky]

The reasons for not having them can be : prototype , Artest proof, salesman samples, or less then 10 to 20 made.. ( did i miss any)

Overruns. Buck bases the serial number for exclusive limited editions based on the number of knives the retailer expects to order. Anyone who has spent any time perusing the Special Projects lists knows there are many instances where the actual production number falls way short of the serial number total. Perhaps the knife did not sell as well as expected or whatever. It also happens that a knife does really well and the retailer places an order for more knives exceeding the original estimate. Those knives are production numbers beyond the original engraved serial total and are not numbered.

 

[bertl]

I think I am more or less in Roger's camp. I don't like logos, limited edition stamps, or signatures on blades. I have some 303s that are stamped "prototype", but I'm not really sure what that means. My guess is that it doesn't mean it's the only knife stamped prototype. Maybe a hundred or so were made for use by sales reps. I guess I am more interested in collecting knives, and particular versions, instead of collecting serial numbers. For some of my knives, I have a pretty good idea of the limited number made. I don't need a serial number.

I do have a question about serial numbers. Is a serial number put on a blade before assembly of the knife, or after? If it is after, the situation may be that whoever is in charge of serialization may say, "Hey, Joe bring me 500 hundred of those knives." In that case serial number 1 does not necessarily mean it is actually the first knife made. If it is before, then the meaning of the number is even more vague.

Bert

 

[pjsjr]

I think I am more or less in Roger's camp. I don't like logos, limited edition stamps, or signatures on blades.

Me too...
The old custom shop just numbered the knife, they were an edition of one...I like to find one! Preston

 

[DOGPOUND77]

how bout limited edition and serial number on tang just like the buck usa stamp??? so its not out in the middle of the blade like a sore thumb---- ----ooops sorry mike.....not making fun of sore thumb dang!!!!!!
then blade steel s30v 154cm etc can still be stamped or etched on top part of spine near the tang....

 

[110 Dave]

Overruns. Buck bases the serial number for exclusive limited editions based on the number of knives the retailer expects to order. Anyone who has spent any time perusing the Special Projects lists knows there are many instances where the actual production number falls way short of the serial number total. Perhaps the knife did not sell as well as expected or whatever. It also happens that a knife does really well and the retailer places an order for more knives exceeding the original estimate. Those knives are production numbers beyond the original engraved serial total and are not numbered.

Ah ha... knew i missed one...yes over runs...thanks ... but pver runs are the allowance for QC issues like dropage or bad etching or plating..
I am atracted to thoes knives that are in the " wander what this would look like and if some one would buy it " camp.. this includes salesman samples...

 

[jb4570]

I will also say I fall in line with Roger for the most part. I also, don't like a knife Tattoo that tell's me the obvious. However, in the last few years Buck has gotten into the habit of issuing parts knives from old LE runs (some times called build-outs) that are not serializes and that is fine as long as the seller makes that clear upon re-sale. I will not pay the same $$$ for one of these as it is not part of the LE run. Buck has even put the same LE ID number on the boxes of some of these over runs and I have been duped buy clueless re-sellers more than I should have been (I blame that on Buck)!!!

JB

 

[bucksway]

I do love odd logos,unions,safety and service award 112's..Some are really unique and seldom if ever found. One of my favorite 112's is a Union knife with engraved bolsters, lazer etched handles, pad print blade AND finger grooves..The only option not added was nickel silver frame lol! But that's not a LE by Buck..

 

[Christiantrevor]

I’m a big fan of packaging and documentation. Put a nice card in a black box with a gold elastic bow describing the knife and if it’s a limited run serialize the paperwork (one of xxx) and leave the knife blade unmarked.

 

[st8yd]

So as jb4570 mentioned, if it's labled better chance you will know what it is when searching.
Also if your displaying it, you may know it is an LE, but most likely others viewing it won't. So personally I don't see it as stating the obvious.
It makes it different than all the others.