tthen Posted May 31, 2019 Share #1 Posted May 31, 2019 First off I will tell you this is not mine nor do I have a dog in the fight. Just thought you might want to watch this one. It's kind of beat but considering it's rarity might be fun to see were it lands. Auction # 372680248450 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catfishcraig Posted May 31, 2019 Share #2 Posted May 31, 2019 Ive been watching this one since the listing started. Figured it would eventually make it to the forum and hopefully in the hands of a forum member. Although its not in pristine shape, I bet its going to fetch over $2K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKIPH Posted May 31, 2019 Share #3 Posted May 31, 2019 This should be a good one to watch. Thanks for posting. SKIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted May 31, 2019 Share #4 Posted May 31, 2019 Looks like it has been shorten considerably. Still a hard find! Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzyzzogeton Posted May 31, 2019 Share #5 Posted May 31, 2019 I think the tip has been broken off and the blade reprofiled. The blade and handle should both be about 4-1/4", OAL about 8-1/2" but it appears that the blade is about 1/2" short, based on the very unprecise measurement method of holding a 3x5 card up to both ends (front of gaurd to tip and front of guard to pommel end and comparing that way, since the seller can't seem to figure out the proper way to display an item and a ruler. At least the seller is honest about the spine tang being broken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tthen Posted June 9, 2019 Author Share #6 Posted June 9, 2019 Closed at $860.00 with one bid retraction. Cheaper than I thought, but considering condition maybe not. Deal or no deal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catfishcraig Posted June 9, 2019 Share #7 Posted June 9, 2019 Closed at $860.00 with one bid retraction. Cheaper than I thought, but considering condition maybe not. Deal or no deal? I did not realize the knife had been shortened, however if I was a collector on the hut for this knife it would have been a good deal because of the scarcity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sactroop Posted June 9, 2019 Share #8 Posted June 9, 2019 I get that the buyers had their reasons and I have to respect that. With the broken knife and a very modified blade I'd rather put the money towards an example I'd be happier with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sactroop Posted June 9, 2019 Share #9 Posted June 9, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flytiger Posted June 10, 2019 Share #10 Posted June 10, 2019 Big to differ think it was a good buy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzyzzogeton Posted June 10, 2019 Share #11 Posted June 10, 2019 I bought it. I was waiting until it arrived before posting anything but it won't get here until late this week. Yes the knife appears to have been shortened and has a lot of wear. I'm the one who identified that. I bought it for 3 reasons - 1- The sheath, while crudely repaired with rivets, is one of the original sheaths that are damn near impossible to find. MOST (not all) of the W31s that have been sold with the original sheaths have gone for in excess of $4000. I can pair my EXCELLENT condition W31 with this sheath and increase the value of my 1st W31 for much more that I paid for this knife and the sheath. Win-Win #1 for me. 2. I like challenges. I intend to disassemble the knife, repair the broken tang and rehandle it with as much of the original removed parts as possible. This should make a usable knife out of a broken knife. Win-Win #2 3. As a shortened, worn and repaired version, I will then be able to use the W31 as a user without feeling overly concerned about using such a relatively rare knife. It is currently unusable (safety wise) by many folks. The handle of my 1st W31 fits my hand like a glove and one of the many projects I have scheduled was to make my own "W31" clone, with a similar blade size and handle shape/size. Now I will have a REAL W31 to play with and don't have to make one "kinda like a W31". Win-Win #3. If and when I do sell it, full disclosure regarding tang repair will be included in the description. I will be marking the knife in such a way as to readily identify that the knife has had repairs made to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted June 11, 2019 Share #12 Posted June 11, 2019 I bought it. I was waiting until it arrived before posting anything but it won't get here until late this week. Yes the knife appears to have been shortened and has a lot of wear. I'm the one who identified that. I bought it for 3 reasons - 1- The sheath, while crudely repaired with rivets, is one of the original sheaths that are damn near impossible to find. MOST (not all) of the W31s that have been sold with the original sheaths have gone for in excess of $4000. I can pair my EXCELLENT condition W31 with this sheath and increase the value of my 1st W31 for much more that I paid for this knife and the sheath. Win-Win #1 for me. 2. I like challenges. I intend to disassemble the knife, repair the broken tang and rehandle it with as much of the original removed parts as possible. This should make a usable knife out of a broken knife. Win-Win #2 3. As a shortened, worn and repaired version, I will then be able to use the W31 as a user without feeling overly concerned about using such a relatively rare knife. It is currently unusable (safety wise) by many folks. The handle of my 1st W31 fits my hand like a glove and one of the many projects I have scheduled was to make my own "W31" clone, with a similar blade size and handle shape/size. Now I will have a REAL W31 to play with and don't have to make one "kinda like a W31". Win-Win #3. If and when I do sell it, full disclosure regarding tang repair will be included in the description. I will be marking the knife in such a way as to readily identify that the knife has had repairs made to it. First off, congrats, this is not an easy knife to find. Even with the flaws already pointed out you did good for the final price paid. I have only seen a handful of these sold in the last 10 years or so. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max0073 Posted June 11, 2019 Share #13 Posted June 11, 2019 Hello, nice purchase I guess I was the 2nd bidder Best, Max Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
byf41 Posted June 11, 2019 Share #14 Posted June 11, 2019 As far as I know this Is the only type of sheath originally Issued with these rare knives . Note the location of the retainer strap , folded construction , rivets , etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
byf41 Posted June 11, 2019 Share #15 Posted June 11, 2019 Reverse side ........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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