View Full Version : Ray Mears, Alan Wood, Wooodlore knife
James Watson
13-08-2004, 20:44
Hi All.
I’m thinking about selling my Ray Mears, Alan Wood, Wooodlore knife. I’ve got my eye on a custom made Bison Bushcraft knife. The Woodlore knife is about 3 years old and in good condition. There’s slight damage to the handle where, I dropped it. In slow motion!!! I usually have to point the damage out to people. I like to think it makes it a little individual. I was wondering how much you think I should sell it for? I’m not sure when I’m selling it. It all depends on how long Bison take to make my new knife. I hope not as long as Woodlore, their estimated time of arrival is July 2005!
Best wishes,
James
it might seem a little mercenary, but the market value on ebay seems to exceed the cost of a new one. with the waiting list for a new one being so long....
i'd start the bidding at about the 200 quid mark.
i've deleted the duplicate copy of this thread, btw.
cheers, and.
tenbears10
13-08-2004, 21:02
Trying to reply to the thread you deleted there Sargey, very confusing. Was going to say the same sell it on the bay and you'll get 200 at least or make friends and sell it here to me for instance :wink: The condition will make a difference to the price but then again probably not on ebay.
Bison's wait is around 3 months at the minute I think.
Welcome to bcuk as well.
Bill
rapidboy
13-08-2004, 21:08
Any pic's of the knife and the damage??
Dropping it in slow motion usually cuts the price in half though. :lol: Now if you had done it so fast that no one could see it, that's a different story. :lol:
Yep,
Its a common cause of hilarity over on British blades what they fetch on ebay, particularly as there are a whole host of folks over there like Shing, Guycep, Trond and many others (just listed those two as I have first hand experience of their work) who can make you somthing every bit as good, to your own spec, for less money than the new RM/WL costs! Yep its a good knife but plenty others are just as good!
Cheers
David
TheViking
13-08-2004, 22:05
Yep its a good knife but plenty others are just as good!
Haven't tried a woodlore, but I bet it's good. But we all know what they say: "the most popular way to do it, isn't always the right"... or something like that!? :wink: :-)
Trying to reply to the thread you deleted there Sargey, very confusing.
:o):
sorry mate, i saw you there, but it's mostly due to adi's 50/50/90 rule. i had a 50/50 chance of deleting either thread, but it was a 90% chance that it was the thread someone was trying to reply to. :shock: :?: :roll: :o):
cheers, and.
tenbears10
13-08-2004, 22:55
Didn't realise what was happening until it was too late. Fing and jeffing that I had to write the post again but it came out better the second time anyway. Definitely the 50/50/90 rule.
Bill
Yep,
Its a common cause of hilarity over on British blades what they fetch on ebay, particularly as there are a whole host of folks over there like Shing, Guycep, Trond and many others (just listed those two as I have first hand experience of their work) who can make you somthing every bit as good, to your own spec, for less money than the new RM/WL costs! Yep its a good knife but plenty others are just as good!
Cheers
David
Ironically, Alan Wood can make you a better knife to your own spec for less money. ;)
The General
14-08-2004, 01:50
I would say it is a very good knife but would agree that there are better deals available elsewhere. Thing is, with the Alan Wood Woodlore, you are getting a very very dependable and proven product. It will not let you down and it will save your life if required. The branding only adds to the package.
I own one myself and think it is somewhat overpriced, but I don't regret paying over £200 for it as I think it is one of those knives that a serious collector needs to own for at least a little while! :rolmao:
TheViking
14-08-2004, 07:24
Hi...
But isn't it correct that this knife only has been famous and wanted, because of Ray Mears?? I don't know, but that's my guess... :wink:
James Watson
14-08-2004, 08:27
What can I say, I was young and naive :rolmao: I do think it's a good knife, but I feel that the blades a little too long for what i prefer. To tell you the truth, I use a real ugly short bladed knife more than the Ray Mears. It's great. Made by a "Mountain man" that I met in the US a couple of years ago. When I say ugly, I mean ugly :lol:
I'll try and put a photo of the Woodlore on the site later on to day. Don't hold your breath though. I'm ok with flint, bone, wood and skin but when it comes to computers... :?:
Out of interest. who would you say the most accomplished knife maker in the UK is?
Best wishes,
James.
PS thanks for the welcome
Ironically, Alan Wood can make you a better knife to your own spec for less money. ;)
Yeah, there's something really hillarious about that. What is side-splitting is that Alan Wood can make a knife that's both cheaper and outperforms, say, the Wilkinson Sword Woodlore, and you will be getting a hand made knife rather than something that's come off a production line, and a knife that is backed by the reputation of the maker - I'm never seen or heard of an Alan Wood knife being released with an imperfect edge, rust or any such problems.
James Watson
15-08-2004, 08:13
Hi Guys.
I've eventually managed to get a photo on the site. It was a long journey but i got there. :-) Unfortunately it's not the greatest photo. It's made the damage to the handle look 100 X worse. :yikes: Believe me, in the flesh it doesn't look that bad. I think it's due to the camera. It only has 3.2 mega pixels.... What ever that means :?: I'll take a photo with my normal camera and scan the image. hopefully I'll be able to do that by Monday or Tuesday.
Talking of ebay. How much have you seen the Woodlore knife go for? It seams a lot of money, if I were to put the starting bid of £200 :shock:
James
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/Jamwatso/Knife2.jpg
£255 has been done but I think that was in new condition. I sem to remeber one that was a year old that looked like a 5 year old had sharpend it bringing £200 +
Talking of ebay. How much have you seen the Woodlore knife go for? It seams a lot of money, if I were to put the starting bid of £200 :shock:
No one who knows what they are about will pay £200 for that knife. It's years old, there is damage (looks like you've chipped off the birds beak????), the blade looks heavily sharpened and worn, as does the sheath. But some clueless chump might fork out for it. I would think you'd be very lucky though.
I would like to see a close up of the blade, that's more important than the handle IMO (handles can be replaced). BTW, 3.2 megapixels should be more than enough to give you a pin sharp picture. Play around with the settings and take 20 pictures, one of em will be OK. This is the kind of picture I would like to see...
http://www.britishblades.com/pics/bbk/awoodbbk01.jpg
I took that with a 2 megapixel camera, so your 3.2 should cruise a quality snap.
For that knife (judging by your pic), I'd be shooting for about £120 final bid (and if the blade is as worn as it looks in that pic, £120 would be pushing it).
My advice, stick it on ebay, put a reserve of £120 on it and see what happens. You might get lucky. Be honest about the condition though, or your ebay rating might suffer. ;)
eBay is eBay ... you can get what someone is willing to pay for it. It has little to do with the actual value of something or the condition of it. In fact, so many things seem to be sold on eBay using incorrect details that it amazes me that it is still a seller's market. However, the reason that things go for crazy money is that most bidders have no idea how auctions work (and if they were at a real, physical auction, they'd probably leave with a handful of beans and no bus fare home). They get caught up in the bidding rather than in getting a product. If you "want" an item too much in an auction, you are the loser, because remember, in an auction it's the person who is willing to pay the most that "wins".
So, you might get £300 or you might not make £100 ... depending on how the bidders feel.
Personally, it's a quality knife and I'd stick with it ... but that's me!
Martyn, you're generous :o): ... I'd the reluctant to pay more than £70 ...
Martyn, you're generous :o): ... I'd the reluctant to pay more than £70 ...
LOL, I didn't say I'd pay £120 for it Adi. :D
Actually james, I'm wondering why you're selling it? Is it because it's damaged and worn and you just want to swap it for a new knife?
You have options, have you thought about sending it to Alan for a new handle and regrinding? He will charge you for it obviously, but you'll get an "as new" knife back for a lot less than a new Bison knife. If Alan wont do it, pop over to www.britishblades.com and ask for someone there to do the work for you. You could pick the handle material of your choice and they should be able to clean the blade and grind up for you too. If it were my knife, that's what I would be doing.
As an aside, what do you think a 3 year old, worn and damaged Bison knife is worth?
I'm not saying it's a lesser knife, but it'll never have the aftermarket value of your Woodlore (not unless Roger becomes a TV star ;) ).
I'd stick with the knife you've got and get it repaired.
reckon £30 - £50 for a rehandle and tune up , depending on condition and chosen wood. Got Thuya burr, Imbuya, Ebony, Eucalyptus, ash, figured oak, stacked beech and Wormy maple in stock .. can do single wood or combinations and inlayed work .. comes with an impregnated epoxy coating ;)
LOL, I didn't say I'd pay £120 for it Adi. :D
He he he ... but that's my kind of auction ... the price goes down!!!
Brynglas
15-08-2004, 17:50
I'm with Martyn on this, despite the Bison knives getting excellent reviews by those that have bought them, and the fact that they are first rate knives, Alan Wood is also a real master at his art and he dosent turn out anything but a first class blade. The knife just needs a bit of TLC and it'll be as good as new.
I'm still using knives that I've had for years, the dings that they pick up just adds to the character and feel of them, with a bit of looking after there's no reason why the woodlore shouldn't see you right for a very long time. The design of the woodlore dosen't appeal to me for my uses, but that's why Ray Mears designed it for himself, it's just that my uses are different.
:o\\:
James Watson
15-08-2004, 18:40
Hi All.
Thanks for all your comments about the knife.
[QUOTE=Martyn]Actually james, I'm wondering why you're selling it? Is it because it's damaged and worn and you just want to swap it for a new knife?
Martyn I’ve actually been quite happy with the knife. I just feel that the blades a little too long for me. Also, I don’t know about you, but most people dream about future cars and holidays but I dream about knives, axes etc. I have a design for a knife in my head which I consider to be my dream knife. I haven’t much money so I thought I would try and sell the woodlore, tan one or two deer hides to sell and hopefully commission someone to make it for me.
When I initially posted my first email I was shocked by the reply of putting it on ebay for £200.Ironically, before I asked you guys I thought you would say around £70. Personally I couldn’t morally justify selling it for more than its worth.
Simon, thanks for your info. If I do sell my knife I’ll pass your details on.
Martyn, that’s one beautiful knife. How long have you had it? Man, I wish I could keep my blades in that condition. I always seem to get slight tarnishing on them, even after oiling them regularly. Any tips?
I’ve taken some more detailed photos of the knife, especially the blade as requested. I’ll get them developed tomorrow. Do you guys think you could take another look, and give me an opinion so that I can sell it at a fare price?
Thanks again,
James
I hear ya James, sounds reasonable. :)
Simon, thanks for your info. If I do sell my knife I’ll pass your details on.
You may be better advised to take Simon up on his offer - his work is first class and the price sounds good. Try this on - value of knife = £70-£120, add £50 for new handles and tune-up, total = £120-£170, put it on ebay as superb condition "which it will be" and get yourself £200 to £250 depending on demand.
Martyn, that’s one beautiful knife. How long have you had it? Man, I wish I could keep my blades in that condition.
I've only had it a few weeks and i took that pic the day after it arrived. It's a custom I had made for me and was on order from last September. I think Alan made a few to that design at the time, but at £140 a piece, they got snapped up pretty quick. He'll make you one though, but it's back to his normal waiting time now.
I always seem to get slight tarnishing on them, even after oiling them regularly. Any tips?
Dont worry about the tarnishing, also known as patina, it's normal and expected and doesnt harm the knife at all. If anything it adds character. Just keep it oiled and it'll be fine.
I’ve taken some more detailed photos of the knife, especially the blade as requested. I’ll get them developed tomorrow. Do you guys think you could take another look, and give me an opinion so that I can sell it at a fare price?
Thanks again,
James
With pleasure, post the pics as soon as they're developed. They will help the sale on ebay too. Although as Adi says, a fair price is whatever someone is prepared to pay, so dont worry about that. just be honest about it's condition and some good pics help a lot.
good luck. :)
Burnt Ash
16-08-2004, 09:35
When I initially posted my first email I was shocked by the reply of putting it on ebay for £200. Ironically, before I asked you guys I thought you would say around £70. Personally I couldn’t morally justify selling it for more than its worth.
A thing is WORTH what someone else is prepared to pay for it. If you wish to sell your property for less than its worth (or even, give it away), then that of course is entirely your right.
Burnt Ash
I hear ya James, sounds reasonable. :)
You may be better advised to take Simon up on his offer - his work is first class and the price sounds good. Try this on - value of knife = £70-£120, add £50 for new handles and tune-up, total = £120-£170, put it on ebay as superb condition "which it will be" and get yourself £200 to £250 depending on demand.
Flatterer :wave:
Ironically, Alan Wood can make you a better knife to your own spec for less money. ;)
No doubt!
Only reason I didn't include him in my list is I've never been lucky enough to get my mitts on any of his work!
Cheers
David
a secret admirer asked me to make a handle blank for him to finish off, I thought i'd show you ... probably a bit more fancy than you had in mind :wink: This one is for a hidden tang scandi style
http://forums.dfoggknives.com/iB_html/uploads/post-11-70350-handle_2.jpg
Hmm... Did this secret admirer allow you to use any power tools? ;)
That's a nice bit of thuya, birch plywood, engraving laminate?
Hmmmmmm :35:
it's not engraving laminate, it's solid colour formica style laminate
oh and it's beech plywood ... you ought to know .. you've got some of it :P
James Watson
16-08-2004, 18:08
Hi
Here's my new photo's, that I took yesterday.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/Jamwatso/Knife1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/Jamwatso/Knife3.jpg
Martyn. Good advice about taking simon up on his offer. It's something to think about... trouble is, you know what will happen, I won't want to sell it. :-) Do you think you could tell me some more about your knife. Did Alan give the design a name? I like the blade shape. Whats its dimensions, handle material etc?
You guys seem to know a lot, so I was wondering if you could give me some advice about a Damascus steel. Whats its pros and cons?
Thanks,
James
Is that a secondary bevel I see on the blade in the top image?
tenbears10
16-08-2004, 20:07
Martyn. Good advice about taking simon up on his offer. It's something to think about... trouble is, you know what will happen, I won't want to sell it. :-) Do you think you could tell me some more about your knife. Did Alan give the design a name? I like the blade shape. Whats its dimensions, handle material etc?
James this is the thread on bcuk about Martyns knife and it links to his review on British Blades. It should have all the info you need. It is an attractive alternative to a bison bushcraft and around the same price.
http://www.bushcraftuk.net/community/showthread.php?t=2068
Bill
James Watson
16-08-2004, 20:13
Is that a secondary bevel I see on the blade in the top image?
Hi Adi.
It could be. :?: Is that a good thing? I use The Razors Edge sharpening kit. Which produced the "secondary bevel." As you can see from the second image I get it quite sharp. I usually test its sharpness by shaving the hair of my left arm. To my girlfriends horror :yikes: by the end of the year I have to start testing it on my leg hairs :rolmao:
James
Hi Adi.
It could be. :?: Is that a good thing? I use The Razors Edge sharpening kit. Which produced the "secondary bevel." As you can see from the second image I get it quite sharp. I usually test its sharpness by shaving the hair of my left arm. To my girlfriends horror :yikes: by the end of the year I have to start testing it on my leg hairs :rolmao:
James
Well,
Looks like a secondary to me as well. Shouldn't really be there on an AW/RM so may ut off buyers wanting the pure article as there is a lot of work to do to put it back to the original grind.
Cheers
David
It could be. :?: Is that a good thing? I use The Razors Edge sharpening kit. Which produced the "secondary bevel." As you can see from the second image I get it quite sharp. I usually test its sharpness by shaving the hair of my left arm. To my girlfriends horror :yikes: by the end of the year I have to start testing it on my leg hairs :rolmao:
James
It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it isn't how you got the knife, it isn't how Alan made it. It looks a big secondary bevel too, so it's gonna be hard work to put the single bevel back onto it. for someone to part with £200, it's got to be in "as original" condition.
The damage to the handle doesnt look too bad. To be honest, I really would consder paying someone to clean this knife up before selling it. Even the handle damage can be "masked" by a little judicious work.
James Watson
17-08-2004, 07:15
The damage to the handle doesnt look too bad. To be honest, I really would consder paying someone to clean this knife up before selling it. Even the handle damage can be "masked" by a little judicious work.[/QUOTE]
I think I will. :-) Any tips for sharping future knives?
Bill thanks for that thread.
I think I've fallen in love :lol:
Thanks,
James
Oh Any info on damascus?
oh and it's beech plywood ... you ought to know .. you've got some of it :P
Brain fade. Beech, birch, starts with a b, ends with a ch. They taste the same :roll:
James, you wanna get over to BB and search for damascus there .. you'll find more than enough info :wink:
Brain fade. Beech, birch, starts with a b, ends with a ch. They taste the same :roll:
Don't eat it Peter :nono: