I did not purchase last years forum knife because I don't really consider and Italian modern slip joint to fall into the confines of what I consider a traditional American folder.
I think this highlights the difference in how one might view the Forum knife (and its process) versus another. Personally, I would buy the forum knife regardless of who produces it, whether or not I even liked the pattern. Why? Because it isn't just some knife to acquire - it is reflective of a process that brings a lot of us together to discuss and decide on what knife we'd like to represent our community with. It's not about the knife for me, it's about the process and our community.
If folks from Facebook, Instagram, or wherever want to come and join our community, I have no issue with this. If they are doing it simply to get their hands on a knife and then ghost, well... there is the rub. Some folks here have no issue with that - I do. It means we are getting taken advantage of and sorry, but that feels gross. If a separate group, community, or others were to organize a desirable knife, I would certainly not be joining up for the soul purpose of getting my hands on their knife.
Perhaps it is just a matter of principle. In the end, it is simply a knife so one's mileage will most certainly vary.
I can tell you that I saw dozens and dozens of those sold on Facebook alone. Funny how it seems there was no real issue with that.
How many of those did you see sell for an absurd markup? I guarantee it will differ considerably now that a GEC knife is being proposed - the 2019 knife demonstrates this quite effectively.
Wanting a witch hunt on imagined flippers is a toxic argument that comes up every year and has been beaten into the Earth.
Honestly, I can't disagree with this. There are many folks, even respected members here, who have no issue with what we deem as flipping. It is a problem as old as the act of collecting is. That said, it is starting to have a very negative impact on our enjoyment of a hobby and that is why we share these concerns and highlight them for discussion.
How about just leave it to the people in charge and worry about ourselves?
Again, I agree. Ultimately, with regards to this years knife choice, the mods will develop the criteria that needs to be met. Knowing this tends to assuage my overall concerns.