CKCA-Mini Show The Knives 2014

[The Amazing Virginian]

I know what Steven means regarding the market. I am having trouble selling PRE OWNED knives from some of these makers. The makers them selves seem to sell the knives with the flick of a thumb. Its the aftermarket thats at stake if you ask me. And obviously the NON ABS folders are taking off and ABS is a bit slower, although I still prefer them.

I hear you.

There are always going to be knives and particular makers who do not do as well in the aftermarket - in any genre (forged, stock removal, tactical folders, traditional slip joints, etc.). And there is no doubt that embellished folders, and high precision / "tactical" folders, have become the hot items in the collecting community over the past five to ten years, while forged fixed blades have declined somewhat in popularity. One only has to visit the prominent purveyor sites to see that. Anyone who might have ever thought that simply stamping an "MS" on a forged knife was a guaranteed sale, or buying a knife with an "MS" on it was a protection against loss of value, has surely been disabused of that idea by now.

On the other hand, we both know that you also have some ABS forged fixed blade knives that you could sell in a New York minute for good prices. Of course it is natural that the knives which can be easily sold because lots of other folks want them are the very same knives that one does not want to sell. Such is life! LOL!

So I think it really comes down to the particular knife, and to some extent the maker. And of course the price. Always the price.

I am not a knife investor, but were I one I would know the one thing that applies to ALL investments would also apply to knives. You make your money when you buy - not when you sell.

 

[Kevin Jones]

I have been saying the below for years and it has always rang true for me. I know of no one style or type of knife, or any maker's knives that are an automatic sure good investment. It's much more complicated than that.

The secret to maintaing a positive ROI from selling custom knives is to buy the 'right knives' from the 'right makers' at the right price.

What is the 'right knife'?
Usually, a time proven classic design that stands out among the others (for a number of reasons) today and will most likely do so in 2-5 years. Also designs from makers whose past newer designs have proven to remain popular over time. Try to avoid purchasing 'flavor of the month' designs.

Who is the 'right maker'?
Usually, a maker who not only makes well designed and well executed knives, but relentlessly promotes himself and his knives and knows how to run his business thus achieving a favorable and sustainable position in the market.

What is the 'right price'?
The knifemaker's price or less. Try to avoid paying purveyor mark-ups, bid-ups, flipper pricing.

You can find knives that meet this criteria whether you collect forged, stockremoval, tactical, folders or whatever.

Anyway, this thread is about the outstanding knives that will be available at our CKCA show tomorrow night.
Not about, what market is declining, what's on the rise, what is a good investment and what's not.
See you tomorrow night.

 

[Jon Brand]

Have a great show.