I ordered a Bone Collector 15000-1 to use this year during waterfowl and deer season. I received it in the mail yesterday and it is a very nice knife, perfect for the designed task. I was tickled when I looked at the blade and discovered it is number 278 of 500. After some thought I started wondering if I should use it or save it. Right now I am 99.9% sure I'm going to use it. I was wondering what everyone else did with their low production blades when they are lucky enough to get them?

This is a very sweet knife and will most likely replace my favorite hunting, fishing, and deer processing knife.

I think most of us use the First production knives..They really don't have any extra value IMHO.

The 1st production is not considered to have a greater value than the usual production and some say they prefer the 1st production (numbered, a bit special), others are saying that they dislike the writing on the blade.

I'd use it.. but on the other hand - i'd probably wait until i get one w/o a number and/or buy second hand.

In case i'd get something like.. 5 out of 500 i'd probably try to trade for a usual model (no number anymore or a greater number).

s_f

Prototype no, first production yes, and without hesitation.

Yes I do, I dont see any extra value they hold either. IMO I would rather have a benchmade without all the extra writing on it..

Thanks for the replies. I don't mind the writing on the blade and I'm sure the deer won't either.

I think it is kind of cool to have them numbered. I seen the photo of the two folders one person posted that were numbered 1/100 and 100/100. I would have to save those and buy another one to use.

Next question is...How do I get my hands on a preproduction knife?

Keep your eyes open on both eBay and the other knife forums...Benchmade doesn't do 'Pre's' any more, so you're looking for older models for that category.

I have my "14 of 250" 806M4 in my pocket. It is a user.

I don't use them- but that's just me

Just rec'd 806-901 #236. Sharpened it and it's going into the rotation. I'm having more fun using the four or five Benchmade's I have than when I had 19 under my bed in a box.