New to Knives. Are auctions a safe place to buy?

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daniel1215

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I've recently gotten into collecting Knives. I got an email about an auction that is going to have a fair amount of older collectible knives, but what is the general thought on buying them through auction. Specifically if I can't go inspect them in person?
 
Lots of fakes of some stuff out there. Make sure you know signs of the model you're looking at
 
Welcome to BladeForums! Auctions are tricky, even for experienced buyers and collectors. Are you looking for specific older knives? That would make it easier to advise you.
 
In this instance I'm looking for older ones. I talked to the company and they said these came from a man who was a well known collector around the area. It's mostly 1940-80s Case that I'll be looking to buy in this case.
 
The rule is don't catch auction fever. Set your bid limit and stick to it.

It's hard to say if it's worth traveling to the auction to inspect them without knowing the time and distance and the listed value of the collection. And it's even harder to say if you have the experience to fully vet the authenticity and value of the collection.

What I can say is there are some very reliable and knowledgeable people here who are well versed in Case Knives and there's a lively sales area. I would take baby steps when building a collection so go slow and you'll find the knives.
 
daniel1215 said:
In this instance I'm looking for older ones. I talked to the company and they said these came from a man who was a well known collector around the area. It's mostly 1940-80s Case that I'll be looking to buy in this case.
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Hopefully, the well known collector who owned these knives knew how to spot counterfeits because Case is the most counterfeited vintage brand out there. It’s very easy to get a counterfeit if you don’t know your stuff.

If you don’t know your stuff or buy from someone who does, you will inevitably end up with some fakes.

I am not well educated on spotting fake Case knives. As a result, my personal approach to the subject is that all vintage Case knives are counterfeit unless proven otherwise.
 
One thing that catches out a lot of new to buying through auctions folks is the auctions buyer fees.
Before placing any bid take the time to read and understand the auctions buyers fees they can sometimes be as high as 25% on top of your bid then there might be a sales tax charged on the total fee.
Also be familiar with that auctions removal and shipping policies that can catch you out as well.
 
About this time last year I got my very first Hinderer folder at a great price. Just $125ish new in the box. When I received the knife man was I excited!! I had never seen or handled a Hinderer in person. I flicked it and thought to myself - WOW ... what a knife!

I proudly show a picture of my new "Hinderer" on the forum. Several novices gave the knife 👍🏼 but other people who actually knew about Hinderers pointed out all the obvious things that were wrong compared to an authentic knife.

In knives ... there are so many brands and models that unless you have knowledge of what you are bidding on - counterfeits may easily trick you ... especially without seeing it face to face.

Another rule on a place like the 'bay ... if the price seems too good to be true for something of high quality - 9x out of 10 ... it is.

Lesson learned.
 
Depends on the auction, and even the better ones aren't totally safe. I've seen smaller auctions salt in a few bad knives to get rid of them. There was a famous mid sized one that was famous for passing bad Bowies, etc.... The truth is, most auctions either rely on the owner's description or a quick google search when it comes to knives. Only the super high end, famous collections get more than that.

If you're just starting out, buy through trusted dealers till you get your bearings or if you want to try auctions, try J Bruce Voyles. He runs antique knife auctions every few months, and I've never seen him be shady with anything.
 
FWIW it is free to ask questions here. Don't post links to auctions. You could copy the knife photos to ask questions here. It may sound awkward, but it's better than getting burned.
 
Danke42 said:
The rule is don't catch auction fever. Set your bid limit and stick to it.

It's hard to say if it's worth traveling to the auction to inspect them without knowing the time and distance and the listed value of the collection. And it's even harder to say if you have the experience to fully vet the authenticity and value of the collection.

What I can say is there are some very reliable and knowledgeable people here who are well versed in Case Knives and there's a lively sales area. I would take baby steps when building a collection so go slow and you'll find the knives.
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That helps! Thanks!
 
GrumpySoreOldBastard said:
One thing that catches out a lot of new to buying through auctions folks is the auctions buyer fees.
Before placing any bid take the time to read and understand the auctions buyers fees they can sometimes be as high as 25% on top of your bid then there might be a sales tax charged on the total fee.
Also be familiar with that auctions removal and shipping policies that can catch you out as well.
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Gotcha, I did read through their terms and the only fee for this one is a 10% buyer's premium. I've bought other things at auction before so I'm at least a little familiar with the overall process.
 
tltt said:
Depends on the auction, and even the better ones aren't totally safe. I've seen smaller auctions salt in a few bad knives to get rid of them. There was a famous mid sized one that was famous for passing bad Bowies, etc.... The truth is, most auctions either rely on the owner's description or a quick google search when it comes to knives. Only the super high end, famous collections get more than that.

If you're just starting out, buy through trusted dealers till you get your bearings or if you want to try auctions, try J Bruce Voyles. He runs antique knife auctions every few months, and I've never seen him be shady with anything.
Click to expand...
Awesome thanks!
 
Dragon_Man said:
FWIW it is free to ask questions here. Don't post links to auctions. You could copy the knife photos to ask questions here. It may sound awkward, but it's better than getting burned.
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Thanks, I actually hadn't really thought to do that yet. Is there a specific place to do stuff like that?
 
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