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Trying to learn more about my old Ruana knife

Hi folks, I'm new here. I am very excited to have found this diverse communtiy to learn from and to share what I can! I have an old Rudy Ruana knife and was hoping to get some help in determing when it was made, and what this knife is worth in my collection. Any help is appreciated!

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on November 30, 2015 at 18:54

That is a very nice Rudy! Let's see if we can find out some info on it for you

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on December 1, 2015 at 13:25

J.P.--The tang stamp with the M indicates that your Ruana was made circa-1962-1983.In general, the dovetailed handles indicate later knives, but Rudy actually started using the dovetail equipment in 1944.If I had to guess without further information I would say it was made in the 70's.In regards to the value, hard to say without a picture of the blade condition in profile, the model number, or in lieu of the model #, the OAL and the blade length along with a picture.In general, Ruana's of this vintage sell in the $300-600 range, with the average around $400-500.Obviously, condition, size &model also determine this. If you can provide some more info, hopefully I can give you a more accurate appraisal.I don't know if you are looking to keep it as a collectible, a user, or plan on selling it. http://www.ruanaknives.com/ can offer certificate of authenticity and date it to within 10 years for a small fee, can refurbish it to your specs, or buy it from you any any condition. FYI

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by jpcarlson on December 20, 2015 at 14:25

John,

I believe the model of this Ruana is the large Skinner. Does that help in appraising it? Should I send the thing in to Ruana for appraisal and get their certificate of authenticity? Does that help increase the value of it for collecting?

If I do decide to sell this one, do you think Ruana would offer a good price for it since they buy back old knives? Or is better to find a collector who may appreciate having this in their collection? This has been a "user" as a hunting knife in my collection for several years. It's a good knife and will hold a good edge. I have never really "bonded" with this knife for some reason:) I'll work on posting a few more pictures of the blade to show the shape it is in. It is in pretty good shape with no pitting or rusting.

Thanks,

Jans

John McCain said:

J.P.--The tang stamp with the M indicates that your Ruana was made circa-1962-1983.In general, the dovetailed handles indicate later knives, but Rudy actually started using the dovetail equipment in 1944.If I had to guess without further information I would say it was made in the 70's.In regards to the value, hard to say without a picture of the blade condition in profile, the model number, or in lieu of the model #, the OAL and the blade length along with a picture.In general, Ruana's of this vintage sell in the $300-600 range, with the average around $400-500.Obviously, condition, size &model also determine this. If you can provide some more info, hopefully I can give you a more accurate appraisal.I don't know if you are looking to keep it as a collectible, a user, or plan on selling it. http://www.ruanaknives.com/ can offer certificate of authenticity and date it to within 10 years for a small fee, can refurbish it to your specs, or buy it from you any any condition. FYI