It is always hazardous to generalize. People collect things for many different reasons, and sometimes the reasons define what they are willing to aquite and at what price. If you use tools in addition to collecting them , as I do, sometimes your criteria are different than they might otherwise be. Sometimes you pay a little more for something because you know you will need to use it for something, and even tho a cheaper/better one might come along, you don't know how long it will be.
Sometimes the line is a little gray...I sometimes wonder how many 'backup' socket sets I really need for everyday use....(Then again, I have sometimes split sets and made 'travel sets' with no qualms about not having something available in the shop...
Sometimes you just have to buy new things too -P
Sometimes you just need one last tool to complete a set...and you don't care much if it's a little overpriced...
>I'll take my chances on lucking upon one.
Functionally, amber colored handles do not add one cent to the value of a tool, so that is the practical side speaking. The coolness side says "hardly anyone has one ;:::P
Somewhere I have a neat looking handsaw with a bright red semi clear plastic handle. I am told they are somewhat uncommon (I assume most of them broke). I will hang it on the wall, or gaze upon it. I won't use it, it is rusted a bit, dull, and badly set, and I have a perfectly good wooden handled saw....
Sometimes it is just because it looks interesting....(But I admit, I paid nothing for it )
> I've seen seasoned collectors spend IMHO ridiculous amounts of money
Yes, even the old tool whores are susceptable to auction fever .....
The biggest thing I see with new collectors (collecting almost anything) isn't so much value/price, but lack of focus, they want to collect everything at the same time, unless you just won megabucks, you just don't have the resources to spread out that thin.....
>what that says for the person selling them at said high price.
A sucker requires a shuckster, no question....
