To open, or not to open: that is the question

gerleatherberman · **on:** March 14, 2019, 02:36:16 AM

So I received the Gerber Multi-Lock Trailrider today and have a dilemma. It is sealed in the original clamshell packaging. Which is not common to see with a Trailrider. BUT, that said, I am not very happy with the condition of the packaging. It is yellowed, has some broken edges, sheath compartment is squished inwards and the packaging is quite brittle. The chances I would ever sell the tool are slim. It wouldn't be for any reason except an emergency. I only paid $118 for the tool, so I know I wouldn't lose money if I had to sell it without the packaging still on it.

The problem is that I know there are probably not many of the Trailriders still in the clamshells. And some collectors are absolutely fervent about a tool being in its' original packaging. I just don't think the poor state of the clamshell would be worth it for another collector to pay shipping(both ways with insurance) to swap a mint Trailrider(w/ sheath) for it. The tool has the beginnings of Gerber Spotted Fever as well(which I could likely remove now more easily than later).

I am feeling a little apprehensive about taking it out. For me, personally, I don't like clamshells. I prefer a tool that is less expensive without packaging most of the time(though I possess a large amount of tools with original boxes/sheaths/papers). Clamshells are just destined to become yellow and brittle. But, I do know that taking it out reduces the already low number, of Trailriders in the clamshell, by one more example.

I would be very grateful to read what other collectors have to say, knowing the situation.
Worth mentioning: If it gets removed, it would be removed respectfully by preserving the graphic clam card within the plastic.

Here are some photos of the tool in its' packaging. Note the damage on the corner, bottom, and sheath compartment. Also note the yellowing of the clear plastic.

It will just be hanging on the wall until a verdict is reached.

Nix · **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2019, 02:57:02 AM

G-man, I'd like to see a poll attached to this thread.

"Open", "Do NOT open", etc......

gerleatherberman · **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2019, 03:01:38 AM

You're right, Nix. That would have been a good idea.

I'll contact one of our moderators.

Poncho65 · **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2019, 03:17:47 AM

Poll added

I am voting now

gerleatherberman · **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2019, 03:18:21 AM

Quote from: Poncho65 on March 14, 2019, 03:17:47 AM

Poll added I am voting now

Many thanks, Poncho!

Poncho65 · **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2019, 03:20:43 AM

No problem

I will say that I like the packaging and it is very cool

I would keep it for sure but I would have already liberated the tool from its confines

cody6268 · **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2019, 03:56:30 AM

I voted to keep it in its plastic prison, mostly because the Trail Rider is truly rare, not uncommon as many others are. But, if it were something more common (and if this model was more common) I'd rip it open in a heartbeat--I can't stand old, yellowed blisters.

Nix · **Reply #7 on:** March 14, 2019, 04:09:57 AM

I voted to keep it in the original packaging.

It's a cool model. While the packaging is a bit yellowed and banged up, that packaging adds to the 'antique' quality of the whole presentation.

I'm not a collector, so my opinion isn't worth two cents, but that's my two cents. And I voted.

Mechanickal · **Reply #8 on:** March 14, 2019, 06:55:47 AM

Do not hang it from the wall!

The plastic will become more brittle over time, which will cause the loop to break.

Your collectible tool will plummit to the ground and who knows how it'll come out of that accident

Mechanickal · **Reply #9 on:** March 14, 2019, 06:56:59 AM

Quote from: Nix on March 14, 2019, 04:09:57 AM

I voted to keep it in the original packaging.

It's a cool model. While the packaging is a bit yellowed and banged up, that packaging adds to the 'antique' quality of the whole presentation.

I'm not a collector, so my opinion isn't worth two cents, but that's my two cents. And I voted.

I'm screenshotting this comment...

gerleatherberman · **Reply #10 on:** March 14, 2019, 07:15:18 AM

Thank you, everyone who replied so far.

It is helping with understanding why it needs to stay sealed. I just wish I could get a template of the hoof pick(since it doesn't have any complex grinds or shaping). I wouldn't mind making one for a donor 600. Would just need to find a Gerber awl to complete the Trailrider body-double. Believe me, it is hurting my OCD-tendencies for the Trailrider to be away from the other 600s in the watchmaker's chest.

Nick,
I'll pop a couple of support pins under the bottom tomorrow.

gerleatherberman · **Reply #11 on:** March 14, 2019, 07:16:48 AM

Realized it was actually "tomorrow" and had to fulfill my promise of supporting the tool better. Weight is off the plastic bridge. The damage to the bridge was there before it got hung on my wall.

I would like to say something. It is so awesome to have such a wonderful place like MT.o, where MT collecting is taken seriously. Nobody I know around where I live gets it. Not even close.

Steinar · **Reply #12 on:** March 14, 2019, 08:59:48 AM

I voted open, but do what feels right. When I buy something, I want to be able to fiddle around with it. Also, old, yellowed, brittle plastic is something I think by default should be disposed of responsibly and only very rarely guarded as a treasure.

Poncho65 · **Reply #13 on:** March 14, 2019, 11:10:38 AM

Interesting arguments on both side as to why to open it or keep it closed

I also get that no one around me collect MTs, plenty of knife collectors but they look at MTs differently $:-\$ I am totally cool with keeping it unopened as well but there was a poll....... So I voted

The other way, so open it

magentus · **Reply #14 on:** March 14, 2019, 11:24:25 AM

I guess if you have it as a collectors item and aren't going to use it, then keep it in the packaging.

Fuzzbucket · **Reply #15 on:** March 14, 2019, 11:37:42 AM

If it's rare, then I'd be reluctant to open it.

Fuzzbucket · **Reply #16 on:** March 14, 2019, 11:39:28 AM

Oh no! I think I've swung the vote... The pressure!

Wspeed · **Reply #17 on:** March 14, 2019, 12:38:14 PM

Open it GLBM

Don Pablo · **Reply #18 on:** March 14, 2019, 12:46:31 PM

I accidentally voted open.

magentus · **Reply #19 on:** March 14, 2019, 12:47:32 PM

Quote from: Don Pablo on March 14, 2019, 12:46:31 PM

I accidentally voted open.

You Pabloed the poll!

sawman · **Reply #20 on:** March 14, 2019, 12:55:19 PM

The only way to ensure it’s quality is to open it up, inspect it and while you’re at it maybe add a couple drops of oil.

Don Pablo · **Reply #21 on:** March 14, 2019, 12:59:24 PM

Quote from: magentus on March 14, 2019, 12:47:32 PM

You Pabloed the poll!

A snowball effect!

Now everyone is voting for the option in the lead.

Poncho65 · **Reply #22 on:** March 14, 2019, 01:25:28 PM

Quote from: Don Pablo on March 14, 2019, 12:59:24 PM

A snowball effect!
Now everyone is voting for the option in the lead.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #23 on:** March 14, 2019, 01:31:35 PM

There's only one reason to keep it closed, and that's for the resale value, or in other words, the value of the tool to someone else. But how do you value it?

So...

If the reason that you own it, is so that you can sell it at a profit, then keep it closed. You know that once you open it, the potential resale value drops, and you cannot undo that action once you've done it.

If you haven't bought it with the intention of profiting financially, then will you enjoy owning this tool that you can't handle, as much as the other tools that you can? What gives you enjoyment from your collection, and will this tool being enclosed be able to deliver on that, the same way your others can?

I get no enjoyment from tools unless I use them. For me, it would be open it or sell it. That doesn't apply to you. You need to view it however you enjoy the rest your collection, and whether it is there as an investment, or as something you wanted to hold, clean, polish, or whatever..

ducttapetech · **Reply #24 on:** March 14, 2019, 01:34:16 PM

Open it, then use the hell out of it.

Wspeed · **Reply #25 on:** March 14, 2019, 01:35:51 PM

It’s screaming to come out of the nasty packaging!!!

gerleatherberman · **Reply #26 on:** March 14, 2019, 02:07:40 PM

Thank you again for even more great input, gentlemen!

In the event the vote goes open by the end of the poll, I've been brainstorming some ideas on how to do it. Such as a heated razor blade between the two clam halves. Very carefully going around. Allowing reclosure with a heated crimper later on. And, on another note, this thread alone would give the tool provenance. But, as mentioned, I have no intention of resale.

But, on the other hand, I'm still thinking, as well, that it may be the only known example left in a clamshell package, which makes it unique as a collection addition.

Aloha · **Reply #27 on:** March 14, 2019, 02:22:59 PM

I'd open it. Keeping it in pristine packaging for collection purposes and possible future value makes sense. This packaging is not pristine and opening it carefully would not damage the tool plus packaging value IMO. The fact that you do not plan on selling it mean any future value is someone else's. I ask myself if more pleasure is derived from holding a tool confined in packing or the tool itself having opened the package.

It all came down to the condition of that packaging for my vote.