So, are there like, 'surges' in the knife business? You know, some cultural influence stimulates men, (and some women) to get really interested in knives, so they go out and buy them. Then they run out of money, and start selling them, because, as Steven pointed out- knife collecting at its core is really not mass consumable.
I experience the same in the bicycle biz. Say Lance Armstrong wins the Tour, (again) well huge surge in road bike sales.
Then sales peter off as the demand is met. While everyone is looking for a road bike, the only ones to be had are overpriced, even rat bagged P'sOS. When most of the people who've geared up realize that they'd rather go to the gym than ride a bike on the road, there is suddenly a glut of road bikes on the market to be had often for substantially less than regular price, which are also hardly used.
Some of the people who buy these used bikes really get into it- maybe they've always wanted to but couldn't afford it do to age or societal economic level. They may just love biking and all aspects of it. Just generally appreciative of the whole thing. Especially the dude who you see cruising around, the color of dirt, who obviously sleeps in the bush somewhere. Lost without a bike, even.
Some people get into biking because everyone else is doing it, love it, but then realize that maybe road biking in general is not for them, so they specialize. Maybe they'll get a mountain bike, or a unicycle, or a recumbent...They've found that cycling is in their heart and will never let it go, but there's only one kind that they like. They will know more than most will ever need to know about their specialty, but don't consider the whole scope of the cycling 'thing' very muc.
Cyclists, at their core are very hardy, committed individuals. Again, it's not for everyone.
I feel that somehow I rode into this industry on a wave that carried many others, and that the wave is now crashing onto shore. While most others try to swim back out to find their surfboards, or get stuck in the undertow, the few remaining will sit on the beach for awhile and get to know each other over a nice coconut.
Well then you factor in a. a new president, b. an unpopular war, c. a severely diminished environment, d. a staggering national, (and global) economy, e. rising personal transportation costs, then people are even more uneasy and uncertain and less likely to prize their possessions over a quick buck.
I'm glad I'm getting my education now, and saving up, so that when prices REALLY drop, I'll be able to start 'truly' investing. I don't mean to seem callous, I'm just calling it the way I see it. Which probably seems pretty callous...
. But I'm full of love, man!
My advice to collectors? Buy some high end hand made bicycles, and save your money on the overpriced knives of today! The bicycle industry is going to be so hot, you'll be kicking yourself for passing it up.
