Gravity knife questions

[scotty1418]

I just came across a gravity knife for sale and was hoping someone experienced enough could help me out.

It appears that the maker was buffed out of the blade, but I don't have any real reservations about the authenticity. the blade slides in and out very loosely (is that normal?) but there is definitely tension to the pick tool.

A quick search pulled pricing betwen $300 and $800. Any idea on pricing for a piece like this one?

Scott

[Johnny "the kid"]

Scotty,
Your questions are more complex than you might realize...
If there is no maker on the blade this may be because it is a later produced piece which (instead of a makers mark) have an RMBO # on the Marlin Spike (usually).
The blade should not slide loosely in and out unless the knife is inverted and the release lever is being pressed. If it slides in and out then you may have an internal part (which applies pressure to secure the blade) which is broken.
Value depends on a LOT of factors and is impossible to estimate from the info. given thus far.
If you want to know all that there is to know aout these knives I would suggest buying thr "bible"" "Luftwaffe Gravity Knife" by Pattarozzi.

Good luck!
Johnny

[scotty1418]

I'll get some pics and come back

Thanks Johnny

[scotty1418]

Ok,
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...8/gravity1.jpg

As you can see there is the '5' number on the spike. It does look like the maker has been ground off the blade though (although there might be slight traces somewhere).

It is in great condition. Nice wood and plenty of spring on the pick. I haven't checked for a marking on the catch yet though. Slightly ground blade.

The metal also has a 'sheen' brightness to it, maybe from buffing?

I also just found out it's not a take-down.

Does that help?

[scotty1418]

Would anyone care to take a shot at value for this?

a non-takedown with the maker ground out but the waffen still on the spike. function seems ok and wood grips are in ok shape.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...8/gravity2.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...gravity1-1.jpg

[LH 600]

gravity

Would anyone care to take a shot at value for this?

a non-takedown with the maker ground out but the waffen still on the spike. function seems ok and wood grips are in ok shape.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...8/gravity2.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...gravity1-1.jpg

I will never payed more than 250 $ for that one. In Norway internet auctions such knifes i nthat poor cond cost from 200 - 300 US approax

Go for a better one with fine minty blade and markings. Paul Wayersberg is a fine Gravity knife. 1 modell Gravity you dont cant takedown. Only the second model types.

It always best to buy top quality knives for collection. That is my advice

Minty to exellent ++ knives will cost you about 800 to 1100 $ ( But worth every dollars when you get the knive in the hands )
Belive me



Regards

LH 600

[scotty1418]

Thanks for the suggestion. While I appreciate the advice to buy mint etc, My budget really doesn't allow for it.

I'm just looking for a decent value/price to offer for it.

[Johnny "the kid"]

Scotty,
Yes, your is the earlier "non-takedown" type. The "5" is the Waffen Ampt approval stamp. With these knives the value is really in the condition of the blade as well as how well the release and locking mechanisms work. I have purchased just a few of these knives and they are the only ones that I will only buy with an "in hand" inspection. Ideally the blade should be held in place very tightly with no "jiggling" when it is either reteacted or extended. The blade should also not stick when sliding in or out. A mint knife which opperated perfectly is a HARD find (I have 1) and worth about $1K. However your example has some grip damage, a pin that looks to have been damaged, a ground or buffed blade (there should be a MM on this model of knife), all in all I think that the previous ewstimate was fair: about $250.
Thanks for the pics.
Good hunting,
Johnny