Feeling good about paying MORE!!

L

Lavan

Joined
Nov 8, 2000
Messages
2,301
I just had an unfortunate experience with a Boker folder I ordered over the Inet. It was....CRAP! Mismade, heavy, coin catching, etc etc etc.

So I returned it.

Then I set out on a new knife hunt. There is a new knife store here in town. The guy is in the back of a leather shop and it is small........BUT........he asked what I was looking for and I told him I really didn't know and he actually HELPED me.
Knows knives. He also does a lil sideline of sharpening them. Nice modest stock of production and a few customs.

I was looking at CRKT's, Cold Steels, Spydercos, Gerbers, etc.

I told him I didn't like the Spyderco Delica as it didn't feel right in my hand so he showed me a Native III. Fits like a glove. But I would never have guessed it had he not showed it to me. He was even showing me his wall chart on steels to explain the composition of the VG10 blade.

I felt like I was in LUXURY! Being HELPED by a knowledgeable vendor.

I bought the knife from him. I could have gotten it about $14 cheaper on the Inet (considering shipping and such) but figured my money was well spent on a guy with whom I can develop an ongoing trade and have some advice whenever I want it.

Felt good. Someone who KNOWS their product and can make recommendations based on experience.



:)
 
The internet is definitely the way to do things

Just be careful of ebay
Although it can have good prices, you must check the quality
 
A dealer like that, for any product, is a rare find nowadays, and well worth the cost to patronize. What you save by not buying sight unseen on the net or from a disinterested salesperson out of a "look but don't touch" display case, only to find out that it just doesn't feel right in your hand, more than compensates for the higher price you pay for a knife you already know feels good and works right. I'd give anything to find one like that within driving distance. You are indeed fortunate to have found that shop!
 
Lavan,

People like the man that helped you buy the correct knife for you deserves to stay in business. My hat is off to you for taking your business to him. While you were talking with him, did you mention BladeForums?...We need more good members like him (and you).
 
I frequently spend money with Dennis Wright, who is a forum member and knife store owner here in San Diego. He is a wealth of information.There are other places where you save money up front but the service in the long run is worth it.
 
I do all of my dealings with Chip Pitman @ the knife connection. While he isnt a retail shop, I do share the same things you do with your shop. Hes 100X better then any local shop where I live.
 
Originally posted by Lavan
...Felt good. Someone who KNOWS their product and can make recommendations based on experience....
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I know the feeling! :D :D :D

I have several places like that where I buy cameras, stereo equipment, watches, and cars. I consider the little bit extra that I pay my investment in customer service, satisfaction, and product knowledge - and it has been repaid a hundredfold.

Glad to hear you found someone like that. They DESERVE your business. Introduce him to Bladeforums and maybe he can eventually recruit some new customers here. :)
 
I do my buying/trading within BFC... any purchases of new knives(not pre-owned) I use my local B&M, and have posted thier info a few times when folks are looking. Few years of experience, both enployees and company itself... they were running shortly after we moved here in 89, I've been using them since 96... at times I buy something every month.

It's great walking into a store and spending time handling different models and comparing company and price, and asking opinions of folks who know it. Just try that in zellers and walmart.
 
The Internet has the best knife prices. I would rather buy from a traditional store (B&M) even if it means paying a higher price. I want to handle and inspect a knife before I buy it. No two knives are the same and I’m really fussy. I also get immediate delivery! If the salesperson is knowledgeable, that’s a bonus. Now all I need is more money.
 
I went to my local knife dealer enough times that he started giving me a discount on his prices. Another advantage is that he keeps a wish list for his customers and he will give you a courtesy call when the knife you are looking for comes in. He has been in business for 20 years and he knows his stuff. Find a deal like that on the net...This guy has a retail store and a website ( www.knivesplus.com ) He will answer your questions via email and give you the same great customer service.
 
Glad to hear you've found a good one too! There's a great B&M store here in Augusta that I visit on a regular basis, they sell cigars too so it's always a pleasure. I got on a first name basis with the manager and his wife during my first visit; he told me he really liked talking to a customer to whom he didn't have to explain every term and manufacturer. I was just as happy to find a retailer who knows as much as I do about knives. Plus they offer a military discount, which means a great deal to me on several levels. I try to buy from him whenever possible, it's a win-win situation for both of us.
 
Before I was living overseas I bought all my knives from B&M stores. It may have been a little more money, but I made some good friends in those stores. It was also nice to handle the blade a hour or so, put it in your pockect and find out if is comfortable to carry ect....



Steve
 
There is only one place near me that has any sort of selection of knives. An army Navy store. They have a unique pricing policy. MSRP+ 50% The large CRKT Crawford Kasper folder had a MSRP of about $52 bucks when I bought it. Most places on the internet had it for less than $40 Gun and knife shows it was around $38. The army navy store had it for $79 They had benchmades that sell for $80 priced at $150-$160. Add to that sales people who know nothing about knives. I don't see how they sell anything. You see cheap chinese junk like Fury,Tomahawk and Master brand knives in their display for $29. This is stuff that sells for $8 or $10 dollars at gunshows and flea markets.

I wish I was lucky enough to have a good cutlery store near me.

Drew
 
I wish I was lucky enough to have a good cutlery store near me.

Drew
Click to expand...

Believe me, I do consider myself very lucky because of this. While living at home and while stationed in Korea, there were no good knife stores to speak of, and certainly nothing with the kind of personal service I receive now. There are excellent stores on the net as well, and of course there's always the Blade show :D .
 
I ALWAYS try to support small, knowledgeable business owners. If you buy everything from the net, How do you know if it's ant good? Some knives are too big in your pocket, too small in your hand, pivot play, whatever. I miss Alpine knives sooo Much..--Joe
 
Hi,

I think the Internet isn't able to replace a little-or even an bigknive shop. I actually try to buy my knives allways in shops arround my hometown or I buy them seccondhand on internet communities.
I have once bought a knife online because I exactly knew which knive I wanted and it was about 20% less then in any othershop arround here.
But If I don't know what I want, or I don't know if a new model fits in my hand I go to a shop with good service and I'm willingly to pay more then on an onlineshop.

Greetings
Olli
 
i took a 2.5hr trip to solvang from woodland hills to buy a Walter Brend Model 2 Fighter...... for $1250.00!! i've seen the knife (sold) for $1200.00 on the net.

i dunno.. i'd rather see & touch a knife of this pricey level before i buy it - which i did, & am glad despite an increased cost & time investment.
 
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