Does anyone collect raw cards exclusively in this age of TPG???

[auggiedoggy]

I was curious to know if there are collectors out there that purposely avoid slabbed cards and collect the old fashioned way. In this age of slabbed cards, where even reprints are sent off to PSA, we now use the "raw" descriptor. Back in the day we just called it card collecting.

Leon, if this topic has been done to death then deep-six this thread and we can move on ...

[Wite3]

There are many of us...I tend to only collect raw and when I do end up with a slab, I often liberate the card. I can count on one hand the amount of graded cards in my collection at this point.

Joshua

[4815162342]

This might have something to do with it: http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=168612

[bobbyw8469]

I collect raw when I am set building.

[7nohitter]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

I collect raw when I am set building.

Me too...I HAVE purchased many '57's for my set that are graded, but as soon as I receive them I crack them out.

[Jayworld]

I have and always will collect "raw" cards. Been collecting now for 38 years and counting. All my cards are in Ultra Pro pages in albums, with a handful of "odd" sized cards (T201, Topps 1955 Doubleheaders) in rigid card holders. I don't worry about buying raw, as I buy from 2-3 very reputable dealers on eBay, Deans Cards, and here on the boards. I consider anyone who lists in the B/S/T forum to be reputable. This forum is a very safe place to buy, sell, and just talk cards. Love it!

[SmokyBurgess]

I primary loved and collected cards not entombing the player...until recently...as I just like baseball types now, will get graded examples because of the altering, fraud, deception going on.

Peace of mind.

[brianp-beme]

I went 24 years of collecting vintage without ever owning a single graded card, and still 95% of what I pick up now is raw. Of course it helps that I have low standards.

Brian

[KCRfan1]

I always try to buy raw. I can usually find nicer cards at better prices than graded examples.

[conor912]

Often times I can't even find what I'm looking for raw.

[ALR-bishop]

My cards are not "raw". They are cards in their natural state...

[auggiedoggy]

Originally Posted by Wite3

I often liberate the card. I can count on one hand the amount of graded cards in my collection at this point.

Joshua

Is that easy to do without damaging the card inside or is there a technique to it. I've not tried that yet but I have a 98-card set that is 3/4 raw and I don't look forward to the time and expense involved in getting it graded.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Wite3

There are many of us...I tend to only collect raw and when I do end up with a slab, I often liberate the card. I can count on one hand the amount of graded cards in my collection at this point.

Joshua

me 2

[Paul S]

Old Skool folk here. It's like The Who's rock opera Tommy -- 'See me, feel me, touch me.'

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Paul S

Old Skool folk here. It's like The Who's rock opera Tommy -- 'See me, feel me, touch me.'

I believe I could fit two entire raw T206 sets in the custom T206 oak box I bought from a forum member. That's keeping them in sleeves only (no top-loader). Even the rigid card-savers add a lot of volume that's unnecessary unless you need to ship them or leave them laying around. Just my opinion - since I primarily sell them in PSA or SGC holders I probably sound hypocritical, but that's just because valuation/pricing is so much simpler.

[Cardboard Junkie]

I used to be a "raw only" guy. Now I am a "graded only" guy....and I prefer PSA. Dave.

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by Runscott

,,,since I primarily sell them in PSA or SGC holders I probably sound hypocritical, but that's just because valuation/pricing is so much simpler.

That's how I would sell mine as well, in most cases , to the general public.

[BradH]

Originally Posted by auggiedoggy

I was curious to know if there are collectors out there that purposely avoid slabbed cards and collect the old fashioned way....

I don't purposely avoid slabbed cards, and have purchased many when the price is right, but I too have cracked most of them out. I feel that I'm definitely an "old fashioned" collector. I love the cards for what they are and not for the grade or the potential future dollar value, so buying them raw has never been an issue for me. Maybe that's dumb or naive, but that's just the way I do it (and I have nothing against those who insist on slabs).

For example, I started working on a 1951 Bowman set last summer and am basically doing it in raw VG condition. I've purchased probably 15-20 in PSA/SGC slabs that were graded as 4s and 5s, and I promptly broke them out and slipped them into my three-ring binder. When it comes time for me to get the more expensive Mantle and Mays cards, I won't have any problem buying them raw if I feel good about the card and the seller.

I did the same thing with my '33 DeLong set and I love it in the binder.