LocoGringo
Member
I did a little bit of research for a project I've been working on for years. The project is a "coming of age" gift for my son when he turns 13. The gift consists of a custom bolt action rifle (serial number is his initials and birthdate), a custom/semi-custom knife, matching leather sling and sheath and a Pelican case for secure transportation.
I've already completed the rifle and was looking at knives. I first put my name on the wait list for a Jurassic World knife from Steve Auvenshine made from 1095 steel. Then I realized this knife will be going to a 13 year old and I'm not crazy about the idea of handing over a $550 knife to an early teenager. I came across a Bark River Matterhorn and was able to get one with Chechen burl scales for less than half the price of the Jurassic World knife. After the distributor received it, it turned out to be a first production run knife.
This knife isn't meant to be a collector item. I wanted heirloom quality stuff that he can be proud to own and USE all of his life. I can see my question going two ways. It's the first run and if it takes off, it could be worth more. Or, it's first run and they need some time to work out the kinks, so it's potentially a sub-par example. It's made from A-2 steel and is surprisingly light. Bark River seems to have a generally good reputation, but of course, there are some questions about the owner and some haters.
What do you think? Would you prefer a 1st Production Run knife, or would you wait for a little more experience on a new model, or would you even care?
Searching for an opinion especially from @hso .
I've already completed the rifle and was looking at knives. I first put my name on the wait list for a Jurassic World knife from Steve Auvenshine made from 1095 steel. Then I realized this knife will be going to a 13 year old and I'm not crazy about the idea of handing over a $550 knife to an early teenager. I came across a Bark River Matterhorn and was able to get one with Chechen burl scales for less than half the price of the Jurassic World knife. After the distributor received it, it turned out to be a first production run knife.
This knife isn't meant to be a collector item. I wanted heirloom quality stuff that he can be proud to own and USE all of his life. I can see my question going two ways. It's the first run and if it takes off, it could be worth more. Or, it's first run and they need some time to work out the kinks, so it's potentially a sub-par example. It's made from A-2 steel and is surprisingly light. Bark River seems to have a generally good reputation, but of course, there are some questions about the owner and some haters.
What do you think? Would you prefer a 1st Production Run knife, or would you wait for a little more experience on a new model, or would you even care?
Searching for an opinion especially from @hso .
