Glad to see this thread arise, as it's an important topic that should be discussed. Like others, I've missed out on knives because they sell out instantaneously or a reserve window closes quickly while I'm deciding between bone or stag. But I've also reserved some nice knives and picked up other limited editions by being diligent about the hunt.
I don't flip knives. I carry and use every knife I buy and they will be passed down to my daughter. (No doubt when I'm gone, there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth when they realize that all these knives have been carried, sharpened and have scuffed bolsters). My knives aren't bought as investments. But, I can understand that there is money to be made here by flipping knives.
I was a part of a cigar board for many years that had a vibrant sales sub-forum. Profiteering was vigorously discouraged and you simply did not sell your sticks for more than you paid. We considered each other brothers that were a part of that community because of our shared love of the leaf and it would have been disrespectful to make money off of each other.
I would not mind seeing a limit set by distributors when they offer an SFO for reserve. A two-knife limit seems fair so that more folks could have the chance to own a limited model when it comes along. A profiteer might still flip those two knives at an obscene profit, but you could perhaps get more knives into the hands of those who just want a nice knife at a retail price. I realize that someone who just missed out on an Elk Mustang would agree with this solution, while those who were quick on the draw and reserved one in each handle choice would not.
This is a popular hobby that is growing. I myself just re-discovered the joys of collecting traditional pocket knives. People like myself add pressure to those who have been collecting in relative obscurity for years. More knife lovers are showing up, which is good for the industry, but bad when one sees new hobbyists joining the crowd that wants a limited commodity. New hobbyists also drive up the price...supply and demand. Look at KSF's recent Esky Zulu...$200 bone and $260 mammoth models were gone in three days. An entire run sold out in a feeding frenzy, at prices that just a few years ago would have been unthinkable for a production, tradional pocket knife.
Like most things in life, no easy solution and certainly none that would please everyone.
(All thoughts above are strictly my opinion, and worth every penny you paid for it!
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