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Collector question

us Offline ToolNerd

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Collector question
on: February 24, 2026, 11:52:35 PM
So I am by no means a collector, yet. And my question is simple I hope 🤞🏼. I just picked up a new inbox cobalt Signal. It's the sleeve style packaging that you can't see through and it has the round tape dot sealing it. The factory sticker appears original and describes what's in the box, tool and sheath. My question is, from a collectors standpoint, is cutting the tape to inspect the tool a mistake? This is one I've been looking for and the first tool I've pick up as kind of a collector piece.


us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: Collector question
Reply #1 on: February 25, 2026, 02:45:58 AM
I'm a collector of too many things.   :facepalm:  This includes vintage electronics and gaming systems.

For me personally, I'll hold on to the clam shell after I've opened it, if there's something unique or interesting about the way it's designed, or if the printed insert looks pretty cool or is informative.  I keep 90% of the boxes as well if I'm collecting it just because if I end up wanting to sell it or give it away down the road, I have something it can travel safely in.  I have a few things that I have left unopened because I already have a variant of it that I can touch and play with.

At the end of the day it just depends on what you plan to do with it.  If you bought it as an investment then it might be best to keep it sealed.  However, a perspective buyer is going to want to see it anyways (I know I would) so will probably have to open it regardless.  Unless the box has a window to view it through of course.

Just my 2 cents. Cheers!   :cheers:

May the best of your past, be the worst of your future.



us Online LoopCutter

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Re: Collector question
Reply #2 on: February 25, 2026, 02:52:32 AM
So I am by no means a collector, yet. And my question is simple I hope 🤞🏼. I just picked up a new inbox cobalt Signal. It's the sleeve style packaging that you can't see through and it has the round tape dot sealing it. The factory sticker appears original and describes what's in the box, tool and sheath. My question is, from a collectors standpoint, is cutting the tape to inspect the tool a mistake? This is one I've been looking for and the first tool I've pick up as kind of a collector piece.

Share a photo please
If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

A SMART man always knows what to say!
   A WISE man knows whether or not to say it!!!


us Offline ToolNerd

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Re: Collector question
Reply #3 on: February 25, 2026, 04:25:09 AM
I'm a collector of too many things.   :facepalm:  This includes vintage electronics and gaming systems.

For me personally, I'll hold on to the clam shell after I've opened it, if there's something unique or interesting about the way it's designed, or if the printed insert looks pretty cool or is informative.  I keep 90% of the boxes as well if I'm collecting it just because if I end up wanting to sell it or give it away down the road, I have something it can travel safely in.  I have a few things that I have left unopened because I already have a variant of it that I can touch and play with.

At the end of the day it just depends on what you plan to do with it.  If you bought it as an investment then it might be best to keep it sealed.  However, a perspective buyer is going to want to see it anyways (I know I would) so will probably have to open it regardless.  Unless the box has a window to view it through of course.

Just my 2 cents. Cheers!   :cheers:


Thanks of the response, I agree on all points. Keeping boxes for things like this has been a habit of mine too. Definitely keeping this box and future ones regardless since selling some will likely happen. Since you can't see this tool I think that is why I ended up getting it with no competition.

Pics attached for you LoopCutter  :salute:


us Online LoopCutter

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Re: Collector question
Reply #4 on: February 25, 2026, 07:58:20 PM
Thank you.  I was having hard time visualizing the box😊

No, I would cut the seal! 

I have several boxes for my SIGNALs that arrived with them. Many bought second hand, with boxes and sheaths included, yet it is obvious the tool was never used.

My COBALT
  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  
(Reused picture)
If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

A SMART man always knows what to say!
   A WISE man knows whether or not to say it!!!


us Offline ToolNerd

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Re: Collector question
Reply #5 on: February 25, 2026, 09:09:33 PM
 :like: :climber:
Thx


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Collector question
Reply #6 on: February 26, 2026, 02:36:21 AM
 :iagree: I would cut the seal :cheers: I don't really have many if any that have never been opened :D to me, personally, I enjoy opening and messing with the tool but some people may be different on the issue :salute:


us Offline ToolNerd

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Re: Collector question
Reply #7 on: February 26, 2026, 02:54:24 AM
Thx Poncho, you all think like I do so cutting it open and fondling it will likely be the outcome  :woohoo:. Pics when I do  8) :P


us Offline genevabuck

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Re: Collector question
Reply #8 on: February 26, 2026, 03:03:24 AM
I have the entire Garage collection still sealed in the box, if that answers your question.


us Offline ToolNerd

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Re: Collector question
Reply #9 on: February 26, 2026, 03:43:46 AM
 :like: :drool:


us Online LoopCutter

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Re: Collector question
Reply #10 on: February 26, 2026, 04:09:48 AM
I have the entire Garage collection still sealed in the box, if that answers your question.

:hatsoff: to you.

Those are so limited, sold out quickly, a premium priced item. Takes a LOT of fortitude to pay that price and not even hold it.

My new purchases get used, and fondled, even scratched.  Oiled, cleaned and sharpened.
And, several eBay items I have bought were bargains, and arrived with out a spec of dust or a scratch, or any sign of ever being opened to an examination.

That will not be what my grandsons will get when leave this world. They already know I buy users, sometimes two or three or more.  Plenty to go around. Even the granddaughters have eyes on some items.
If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

A SMART man always knows what to say!
   A WISE man knows whether or not to say it!!!


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Collector question
Reply #11 on: February 27, 2026, 01:30:19 AM
I have the entire Garage collection still sealed in the box, if that answers your question.

I have a few and opened then all :whistle: :facepalm: :oops: :rofl:

Props to not giving in to temptation  :salute:


us Offline Barry Rowland

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Re: Collector question
Reply #12 on: March 05, 2026, 09:30:29 PM
Me too buddy  :rofl:
Barry


cy Offline dks

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Re: Collector question
Reply #13 on: March 06, 2026, 11:51:12 AM
According to Pawn Stars opening the package or leaving it as is may make the difference between a 10000000USD/EUR and an 1000 valuation for your item.

Comic book Guy from The Simpsons also agrees.

In a more serious note, it is your property and we have no skin in the game, so you need to decide and take the gamble, if you want to.
We are not the ones that may lose money. If anything, you opening this makes our sealed stash more valuable!  :)   :)
Kelly: "Daddy, what makes men cheat on women?
Al : "Women!"

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us Offline ToolNerd

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Re: Collector question
Reply #14 on: March 06, 2026, 08:34:10 PM
"If anything, you opening this makes our sealed stash more valuable!  :)   :)"
[/quote]
 :rofl: :tu:


au Offline Huntsman

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Re: Collector question
Reply #15 on: March 09, 2026, 01:38:14 AM
If the seal is those round clear stick plastic stickers that LM uses...

Sometimes you can peel them off very carefully, then stick em back on again once you have had a gander!!

For me personally, I'd always open anyway
- I am a collector, but am not interested in having something in a sealed box, I'd at least want to handle it!!
- I also like items in my collection that have seen a bit of use, for similar reasons, ie MTs are for using, so I'd rather have a lovely old PST that has seen some usage than one in a sealed box.

But that is just me, others are totally opposite, and of course typically NIB for an old item will have significantly more value   


us Offline ToolNerd

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Re: Collector question
Reply #16 on: March 09, 2026, 12:44:02 PM
 :like:


 

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