For Sale Threads

RamZar

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My last For Sale thread in the “For Sale: Folding Knives (Individual)” forum was in December 2019 and nothing since due to the pandemic years.

Today I looked at that forum again for the first time in ages.

It seems to be pretty low in traffic with few replies and offers.

Nobody wants to sell?
Prices too high?
PP G&S blowback?
What gives?
 
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I have a theory but it's probably wrong.

It might be a "baby boom" thing. A lot of people are reaching retirement age and holding onto their funds. The Friends and Family surge probably isn't helping either.
 
I think most people who like folding knives are probably checking out the traditional section, maybe due to nostalgia or preference for traditional styles, rather than the modern folders. Secondly, that folders section is for production models or mid tech models, are more custom folders under the custom section and people confused where to look? Just a thought, it definitely is not for a lack of interest in modern folders.
 
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Many people are buying less as well, both because of increased costs of everything and many knives are listed fairly high, IMO. Seems many people want to list "LINIB" and then put it near retail prices from BHQ, Knifecenter, etc.

Also, the PP thing has had a significant impact, IMO. Other forums have seen the same.

I'm sure there are other reasons and it differes between people, but after talking with some other knifemakers and sellers, selling in a couple forums has seen a similar slow down and increased randomness of whether something will sell or not (good selling models no longer selling out really well, but some tines they do, like CPK).
 
Before the pandemic the “For Sale: Folding Knives (Individual)” forum was extremely active with lots of for sale threads, views, replies, offers, sales, etc. I guess at some point thereafter activity fell off the cliff! Of course, there’s the added cost of everything due to high inflation the past two years.
 
True about the economy making it hard to buy knives when other things are more important right now, less disposable income for hobbies and such, but I also think the point was well made in another thread about higher end knives, your cutting needs is also served by a moderately priced knife as opposed to an expensive knife. so I say the economy has a lot to do with it. I have no problem paying for a knife using goods and service, but selling some of mine to make more room or raise funds for other purchases has been affected by the Pay pal thing, (so it affects supply in The exchange?) and I am sure the other paying services have Similar experiences.
 
Since January 2022 many knife manufacturers raised their prices significantly due to high inflation and other cost increases.

The $600 limit on PayPal Goods & Services taxes since 2023 is also a big burden for items one has already paid tax & fees on. Most are individuals selling their personal knives to get other knives and they're not merchants.

USPS rates have gone up as well as I'm sure with other carriers.

From the first 40 sales threads half have no replies at all and some others have inconsequential replies.
 
I'd chalk it up to a lot more people trying to sell higher end knives as well.

You don't get ton's of lower tier's or that sweet spot for 40-100 anymore so more people are passing on folders that are 150+ plus a lot of sellers lately are new members or don't have a lot of feed back which make people hesitant as well.
 
I'd chalk it up to a lot more people trying to sell higher end knives as well.

You don't get ton's of lower tier's or that sweet spot for 40-100 anymore so more people are passing on folders that are 150+ plus a lot of sellers lately are new members or don't have a lot of feed back which make people hesitant as well.

Good points. I think what used to be $150+ four years ago is now closer to $200+.
 
Good points. I think what used to be $150+ four years ago is now closer to $200+.
Exactly and getting a good $50 knife will cost you closer to $100.

Everything has gone up so much, it's crazy but that's inflation for you.
 
Several things:
1. Inflation for two reasons - because all the free pandemic cash that was the major cause of the inflation is now either spent or being hoarded, and also because prices are up across the board and are never going down, so willingness to spend on luxury items has gone from near-record highs to below average.
2. It's a buyer's market now, lots of people trying to offload luxury goods as they eye their family budgets and stacks of bills. Sellers don't want to lose money if they can help it, but nowadays they can't really help it.
3. Social media - Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit get the lion's share. Only us old farts are on bulletin board forums.
 
yea, economy. my grocery and electric are up like 100% ... just skimming back on frivolity
 
For myself, F&F is a no-go.

I used to purchase quite a few knives…but when asking almost full price plus I have to pay F&F fees on my end with no protection…stopped my buying in it’s tracks.
 
We are on the edge of a recession, there is a little anxiety about tax laws, inflation on knife cost, and manufacturers aren’t exactly putting out stellar stuff these days.
 
Prices on new knives are just too high now for ordinary steels and handle materials.

For instance:

  • Spyderco Paramilitary 2 with S45VN & G-10 is now $185.50
  • Benchmade 940 with S30V & Aluminum is now $216.00
  • Zero Tolerance 0450 with S35VN & Titanium is now $232.00
 
Prices on new knives are just too high now for ordinary steels and handle materials.

For instance:

  • Spyderco Paramilitary 2 with S45VN & G-10 is now $185.50
  • Benchmade 940 with S30V & Aluminum is now $216.00
  • Zero Tolerance 0450 with S35VN & Titanium is now $232.00
Yeah, the upcoming MicroJimbo is $171.50 retail for a standard Golden Spyderco with S30V and black G10, and it's like 6" overall. I'm not blaming Spyderco, but it's only been a few years since a PM2 was $130.
 
Yeah, the upcoming MicroJimbo is $171.50 retail for a standard Golden Spyderco with S30V and black G10, and it's like 6" overall. I'm not blaming Spyderco, but it's only been a few years since a PM2 was $130.


On top of everything many online dealers started charging sales tax around 4 years ago.

MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) pricing has increased street prices starting with Benchmade in January 2014, Zero Tolerance in January 2015 and Spyderco in January 2016. Before that dealers were selling for whatever price they liked.

With Spyderco MAP became 40% off MSRP in JAN 2016, 35% off MSRP in JAN 2018 and 30% off MSRP in JAN 2020. Every change has raised the price for the consumer.
 
Just my personal story, but when I was newer at collecting I always wanted a new knife, without a second thought I could check out the exchange and grab a Kershaw or Spydie for an affordable price to satisfy my craving. Now that production knives command hundreds of dollars, that isn't an option. Instead I focus on custom knives that I truly feel a connection to the designer, maker, or whatever.
 
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