Best time in the year to sell knives?

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
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I am curious - I suspect there's seasonality in the knife market like in anything else. What are the best times to sell, for makers, dealers, and collectors?

Thanks,

JD
 
Joss,
I tried to sell a few here on the forums a couple of months before the big show in Atlanta. Some of the responses I got were that viewers liked the knives but they were saving for the show. So prior to Blade might be a bad time for individuals to be selling, at least to buyers who are Atlanta bound.
 
The worst times are probably right after Christmas when people are getting their credit card statements, and before the Blade show. One of the best times is when people are getting their income tax returns.
 
Keith Montgomery said:
One of the best times is when people are getting their income tax returns.
When is that? I can't recall ever getting one. :(
 
AG told me years ago that the best time for them was christmas through march. People using Christmas money and income tax money. Things might have changed but I would guess that is probally right. That info is also why the Arkansas show set the time it did for its show. I think the internet has probally changed that to a degree over the years. Now, due to the internet any time is probally good as another except as was mentioned right before the Blade show is probally not the best time nor right after. Course a good deal would pass any time of the year. Just my opinions anyway.
 
Truth be known, if your last name is Fisk and it's on the knife, it's gonna sell, no matter what time of the year it is. ;) :)
 
Like Danbo said, it all has to do with the maker. If it's an unknown maker it simply won't sell, unless you reduce the price dramatically.
 
I think everyone agrees that before and after Blade isn't advantagious. That said, after a substantial show it is a GOOD time for a dealer to sell--because they have probably scored some desirable pieces from makers.

The rest of us probably have best luck selling collective pieces between shows. But, since shows are nationwide and worldwide, that *shouldn't* matter.

The internet has really changed things, methinks. Let's hear from someone with more facts than me....:rolleyes: ;)

Coop
 
The outdoor sporting goods industry peaks between Sept-Dec.
Lots of gift shopping in Nov-Dec.

I have found this time of year to be the best for high end knives on Ebay, fwiw.
 
Post-Christmas winter is probably the worst, for dealers, ebayers, and collectors all. Everybody's broke, and has new toys already. I remember selling a knife (I forget which one) right after Christmas, one that I would have thought would have sold quickly, and it took forever.

I was shooting the breeze with the owner of a local B&M shop, and he was saying that he like doubles or triples his inventory during Christmas season and doesn't have problems with unsold stock.
 
The obvious worst would be, IMHO, after Christmas, in January and February, when people see how much they spent over the holidays, and start to hoard their money over the winter months.

But thats just my opinion :D.
 
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