Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a rugged, tactical-inspired folding knife featuring a distinctive 'skeletonized' aluminum handle designed to reduce weight without sacrificing structural integrity. It represents a specific era when traditional tool manufacturers like Stanley experimented with aggressive, modern industrial design for the everyday carry market.
Story
In the early 2000s, Stanley broke away from their classic yellow-and-black box cutters to create this 'sport' series. It was designed for the weekend adventurer who wanted the reliability of a job-site tool in a pocket-friendly form.
Maker / Origin
Founded by Frederick Stanley in 1843, the company began as a small shop in Connecticut making bolts and door hardware. Over 180 years, they became the world's gold standard for hand tools, famously merging with Black & Decker in 2010 to form a global industrial titan.
Condition & Value
The blade shows signs of sharpening and the black finish on the handle has some edge wear, which is typical for a tool that has been carried. The logo remains legible, which helps maintain its modest collector appeal. Wear reduces value by about 20% compared to a mint-in-package example.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.