How do you sell yours Knives?

I don't sell knives often, but when I do, it is always here on Bladeforums. I have always gotten what I wanted price wise, though I never did try to make a profit. I have however, broken even.
 
We speak fairly often here about the three pillars that many knife enthusiast believe hold up the custom knife industry.

They are the "Piece"; the "Maker" and the "Price".
Most here rank the importance of these pillars in the above order.

In regard to ease of sale and probability for profit, IMO a collector is best to build a collecting strategy around individual makers, rather than individual pieces.

Individual pieces are very subjective to individual tastes and popularity subject to change with time and/or trends.

On the other hand, there are makers whose knives seem to always be in demand and always hold or rise in value. As a matter of fact, there are quite a few makers where as if you are able to buy directly form them you have 10-20-30% equity the minute you take delivery.

I'm sure to take some fire here as my "Maker"; "Piece"; "Price" philosophy is in the minority here.
 
You have always put the maker first.

It is the PIECE from the MAKER that does it......

Let's compare apples to apples, for this exercise, ok?

A drop point hunter from Loveless will trump just about any other drop point hunter, agreed?

BUT drop point hunters are a dime a dozen...there are so many great ones to choose from.

Then, after amateur hour is over, we get into the bowies, and the fighters, and the subhilts and the daggers...these are the biggies.

The bottom line is that makers probably pop out 7 or 8 smaller pieces(drop points, utilities, boot knives) for every bowie, or fighter or subhilt or dagger that they complete....which automatically makes these "bigger" pieces rarer, and one would hope, if they are done right, more desireable.

BUT.....MANY makers cannot resist screwing the pooch, and messing with a good thing, which means that although the bigger knives might have many great attributes, there is something "wrong" with them...a glaring inconsistency. For every big piece, like your bowie that Jerry did, or the bowie that Peter got from Tim Hancock, that had us all breathless, or a great Loveless subhilt....there are lesser pieces by these great makers.

Piece first, from the RIGHT maker....it is a no brainer. For every masterpiece, there are 9 or more "failures"....that is the distillation of collecting great custom made knives, in my experiences.

The reason that I was flip and somewhat dismissive of your basic question, is that it is such a case by case basis. How do I sell a hot maker, with a good piece? Make some phone calls. How do I sell a moderate maker, with a nice piece at a small profit. Here in the Exchange section. How do I sell a Don Fogg bowie? If I was going to, I might try e-bay...for the experience.....and I have sold more knives than most collectors will ever SEE in their lives....it is not a simple answer to a simple question....but Anthony was right, Joss, Les and Stephen are studying spalted wood grain in the forest.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
You have always put the maker first.

It is the PIECE from the MAKER that does it......

Let's compare apples to apples, for this exercise, ok?

A drop point hunter from Loveless will trump just about any other drop point hunter, agreed?

BUT drop point hunters are a dime a dozen...there are so many great ones to choose from.

Then, after amateur hour is over, we get into the bowies, and the fighters, and the subhilts and the daggers...these are the biggies.

The bottom line is that makers probably pop out 7 or 8 smaller pieces(drop points, utilities, boot knives) for every bowie, or fighter or subhilt or dagger that they complete....which automatically makes these "bigger" pieces rarer, and one would hope, if they are done right, more desireable.

BUT.....MANY makers cannot resist screwing the pooch, and messing with a good thing, which means that although the bigger knives might have many great attributes, there is something "wrong" with them...a glaring inconsistency. For every big piece, like your bowie that Jerry did, or the bowie that Peter got from Tim Hancock, that had us all breathless, or a great Loveless subhilt....there are lesser pieces by these great makers.

Piece first, from the RIGHT maker....it is a no brainer. For every masterpiece, there are 9 or more "failures"....that is the distillation of collecting great custom made knives, in my experiences.

The reason that I was flip and somewhat dismissive of your basic question, is that it is such a case by case basis. How do I sell a hot maker, with a good piece? Make some phone calls. How do I sell a moderate maker, with a nice piece at a small profit. Here in the Exchange section. How do I sell a Don Fogg bowie? If I was going to, I might try e-bay...for the experience.....and I have sold more knives than most collectors will ever SEE in their lives....it is not a simple answer to a simple question....but Anthony was right, Joss, Les and Stephen are studying spalted wood grain in the forest.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

You make good points on the subject and we have debated this before and will no doubt again.

But know that "piece" follows very close behind my maker, as I'm not one that buys anything they throw on the table. Yes maker first, but still very particular as to what I acquire.
 
Kevin Jones said:
You make good points on the subject and we have debated this before and will no doubt again.

But know that "piece" follows very close behind my maker, as I'm not one that buys anything they throw on the table. Yes maker first, but still very particular as to what I acquire.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the compliment, as always it means a lot.

What if you were at a show, and saw, again, as an excercise, on Les's table....chute knives, an S.R. Johnson, a John Young, a Deitmar Kressler and a Walter Brend chute knife, all on consignment, very attractively priced, and you could have TWO, because that is what your budget permitted....what would you get, and how what would be the final place for these knives(how would you sell them, if that is what you were going to do)?

I will give you my answer, and the reasons why, after you respond.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
, Joss, Les and Stephen are studying spalted wood grain in the forest.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

Actually, I think its more like looking at a map and arguing about where the forest should be!:D;)


But on the Piece before Maker or Maker before Piece argument I 'd draw your attention to the Cashen short sword on the forum Exchange. Both Steven and Anthony are on there saying its undervalued at its original asking price. There is no doubt in my mind that if it was a smaller cashen piece like a bowie it would have gone in minutes at a lower price but still at a profit to the seller - but that sword has hung around for months and is now at 75% or less than its "undervalued" asking price. Why? Because its a piece that appeals to a much smaller market.

So back on track with this thread ....... is the seller better sticking to his original price and waiting the same or a longer length of time, mainly because he is just waiting for the right person to see it (i.e. someone who collects and appreciates swords) - or should he do as he has done and keep dropping the price over the same period so that when the "right" person does see it they get a bargain, but in doing so leaving all the casual observers with the perception that this type of Sword is overpriced to begin with and a bad "investment"?

I know which one I think he should do ....... the first! But this may mot be an option for him.

(my apologies to the seller if you think I am out of order, its a beautiful piece, you have great taste, and your circumstances may dictate that you have no choice in this matter - its just that your sale is a perfect example for this discussion)


Stephen
 
Hello everyone,

I truly enjoy threads like this one, and many others that bring out
well thought out responses by serious makers and collectors. Special
thanks have to go to Kevin....

My only regret is that I live so far away from where everything is
happening and that I do not ever get a chance to meet any of you guys
nor can I afford to do more that one knife show a year....

Shall I be able to see any of you at the AKI in two weeks? I have something
going on, about which I would love to have your thoughts....

Thanks for everything,
David Darom (ddd)
 
Stephen F said:
Actually, I think its more like looking at a map and arguing about where the forest should be!:D;)


But on the Piece before Maker or Maker before Piece argument I 'd draw your attention to the Cashen short sword on the forum Exchange. Both Steven and Anthony are on there saying its undervalued at its original asking price. There is no doubt in my mind that if it was a smaller cashen piece like a bowie it would have gone in minutes at a lower price but still at a profit to the seller - but that sword has hung around for months and is now at 75% or less than its "undervalued" asking price. Why? Because its a piece that appeals to a much smaller market.

So back on track with this thread ....... is the seller better sticking to his original price and waiting the same or a longer length of time, mainly because he is just waiting for the right person to see it (i.e. someone who collects and appreciates swords) - or should he do as he has done and keep dropping the price over the same period so that when the "right" person does see it they get a bargain, but in doing so leaving all the casual observers with the perception that this type of Sword is overpriced to begin with and a bad "investment"?

I know which one I think he should do ....... the first! But this may mot be an option for him.
(my apologies to the seller if you think I am out of order, its a beautiful piece, you have great taste, and your circumstances may dictate that you have no choice in this matter - its just that your sale is a perfect example for this discussion)


Stephen
Click to expand...

IMO, what the seller should to do is remove the sword form the exchange and seek a more productive method of selling it.

Don't understand why so many think this forum is the "end all" place for selling a knife.
It may be the least effective I know for selling; very effective for buying.
And I don't mean to bash the exchange as its the sellers here that have made it that way.

My "test" on the Dunn Hunter that I mentioned earlier proves that.

My primary reason in starting this thread was to get collectors to "think outside the box" in regard to selling their knives.
 
Kevin Jones said:
It may be the least effective I know.
And I don't mean to bash the exchange as its the sellers here that have made it that way.

My "test" on the Dunn Hunter that I mentioned earlier proves that.

My primary reason in starting this thread was to get collectors to "think outside the box" in regard to selling their knives.
Click to expand...

Not sure I fully agree with you Kevin. For certain types and value of pieces the exchange forum is very good, but once you start heading north of the $1400/1500 mark then it proves difficult IMO.

These are the sort of dynamics that we sellers need to take into account. What sells on the forum are: The current hot styles (eg. Slipjoints), tacticals in the 350 to 750 range (these tend to go for less than original price if the adverts are correct), hot names, good value ABS work upto $1400/$1500.

The exchange forum is not the best place for high end work, which most of your collection falls into! Why? Because high end needs the right buyer to see it at the right time ....... the fact that it can hang around the forums for a long time waiting for that right person is the issue - observers read this as a problem!

Stephen
 
Kohai999 said:
Thanks for the compliment, as always it means a lot.

What if you were at a show, and saw, again, as an excercise, on Les's table....chute knives, an S.R. Johnson, a John Young, a Deitmar Kressler and a Walter Brend chute knife, all on consignment, very attractively priced, and you could have TWO, because that is what your budget permitted....what would you get, and how what would be the final place for these knives(how would you sell them, if that is what you were going to do)?

I will give you my answer, and the reasons why, after you respond.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

Very interesting scenario STeven.

First, if they have micarta :eek: handles we need not go any further. ;) :D
So in continuing, I will assume beautiful matched amber stag. :thumbup: ;) :)

First the Kressler would be limited as he makes TOO many knives for my taste. The Brend would be eliminated as I know very little about his knives and I only buy what I know.

With the key being "very attractive price" I would buy the SR Johnson and Young then contact Hanlon; Angelo or Ellis to negotiate a deal for a Loveless Chute.
If a sufficient trade/+$ was not in the cards, then I would keep them until a opportunity came around. I do like and respect both makers and their knives so may keep them.

OK I have showed you mine , so now show me yours.
 
ddd said:
Hello everyone,

I truly enjoy threads like this one, and many others that bring out
well thought out responses by serious makers and collectors. Special
thanks have to go to Kevin....

My only regret is that I live so far away from where everything is
happening and that I do not ever get a chance to meet any of you guys
nor can I afford to do more that one knife show a year....

Shall I be able to see any of you at the AKI in two weeks? I have something
going on, about which I would love to have your thoughts....

Thanks for everything
David Darom (ddd)
Click to expand...

Thank you David, I enjoy the knowledgeable input and interaction also.
We don't always agree here, but perhaps we opens our minds.
 
Stephen F said:
Not sure I fully agree with you Kevin. For certain types and value of pieces the exchange forum is very good, but once you start heading north of the $1400/1500 mark then it proves difficult IMO.

These are the sort of dynamics that we sellers need to take into account. What sells on the forum are: The current hot styles (eg. Slipjoints), tacticals in the 350 to 750 range (these tend to go for less than original price if the adverts are correct), hot names, good value ABS work upto $1400/$1500.

The exchange forum is not the best place for high end work, which most of your collection falls into! Why? Because high end needs the right buyer to see it at the right time ....... the fact that it can hang around the forums for a long time waiting for that right person is the issue - observers read this as a problem!

Stephen
Click to expand...

IMO, the issue is that sellers are too impatient, in that if a piece does not sell in 36 hours (many times less) they drop the price and continue to do so. And It's not just the expensive pieces.

The most successful knife dealers set a realistic price at listing and almost NEVER drop it unless market conditions change drastically.

Look at the dealers that buy here. A recent ABS stag engraved Hunter was purchased here by a dealer and marked up $500 and listed on his site. And he's offering it at a fair price.
 
Kevin Jones said:
IMO, the issue is that sellers are too impatient, in that if a piece does not sell in 36 hours (many times less) they drop the price and continue to do so. And It's not just the expensive pieces.

The most successful knife dealers set a realistic price at listing and almost NEVER drop it unless market conditions change drastically.
Click to expand...

The good thing about the forum exchange (and E-Bay, for that matter) is you can stick to your guns (set a reserve). You don't have to take below $XXXX dollars for your piece if you would rather not. If you have to move it, then that is a different story.

- Joe
 
Kevin Jones said:
Don't understand why so many think this forum is the "end all" place for selling a knife.
It may be the least effective I know for selling; very effective for buying.
And I don't mean to bash the exchange as its the sellers here that have made it that way.
Click to expand...

That has decidedly NOT been my experience. I have had very good success both selling and buying here on the forum. It is a real benefit to be dealing with people I "know".

Roger
 
Kevin Jones said:
Don't understand why so many think this forum is the "end all" place for selling a knife.
It may be the least effective I know for selling; very effective for buying.
And I don't mean to bash the exchange as its the sellers here that have made it that way.
Click to expand...

RogerP said:
That has decidedly NOT been my experience. I have had very good success both selling and buying here on the forum. It is a real benefit to be dealing with people I "know".

Roger
Click to expand...

I agree with you Roger, as I have noticed you don't "play" the drop every 24hour "game".

When you see a piece is not going to bring what you see as "market value" you let the post die. The most recent example was your Newton Bowie (flower engraving w/ bluing).

By the way, didn't you acquire that piece as a result of just the condition this thread addresses? As I remember more than one sold that piece WAY ($$$$$) under maker's original price. :eek: ;)

There is real benefit dealing with people you "know" however, many times there's a cost associated with it. I have sold knives to my friends for less than I could have received otherwise.
 
Kevin,

The "Dutch Auction" concept like Peter espouses is a good way to sell a knife, IMO if you need the money fairly quickly.

IF you have or can afford everlasting patience, almost any knife will sell for a great profit in my experience.

Steven G is spot on with his questions.

I have a "pool" of about 25 makers in my head when I go to a show. When I first saw a Russ Andrews knife for sale I bought it even though I had only a vague Idea of who he was at the time. I am glad I did. Sometimes you have to "buy" outside the box to advance your collection.

I don't limit myself to those 25 makers though. At one show I bought a Damascus and Ivory Kasper folder for $500 and sold it for $750 within minutes. He wasn't on my radar, but the combination of knife+price made the deal attractive.

I am currently dealing with an "unknown" maker that makes spot on replicas of Moran knives with maple, wire and damascus. His prices are so good that I buy several a year. They please me because I always wanted a real Moran but these are 1/20th the price and are extremely well made to my specs.
They will always be worth more than I paid for them as they are underpriced to begin with. I have bet on this maker with my purchases because I think one day when he makes more knives and gets better known that he will be a player and his prices will double or triple from their current rate. Thats part of the fun for me.
 
Bladeandbarrel said:
Kevin,

The "Dutch Auction" concept like Peter espouses is a good way to sell a knife, IMO if you need the money fairly quickly.

IF you have or can afford everlasting patience, almost any knife will sell for a great profit in my experience.

Steven G is spot on with his questions.

I have a "pool" of about 25 makers in my head when I go to a show. When I first saw a Russ Andrews knife for sale I bought it even though I had only a vague Idea of who he was at the time. I am glad I did. Sometimes you have to "buy" outside the box to advance your collection.

I don't limit myself to those 25 makers though. At one show I bought a Damascus and Ivory Kasper folder for $500 and sold it for $750 within minutes. He wasn't on my radar, but the combination of knife+price made the deal attractive.

I am currently dealing with an "unknown" maker that makes spot on replicas of Moran knives with maple, wire and damascus. His prices are so good that I buy several a year. They please me because I always wanted a real Moran but these are 1/20th the price and are extremely well made to my specs.
They will always be worth more than I paid for them as they are underpriced to begin with. I have bet on this maker with my purchases because I think one day when he makes more knives and gets better known that he will be a player and his prices will double or triple from their current rate. Thats part of the fun for me.
Click to expand...

You make GOOD points Anthony. :thumbup: And should be commented and appreciated for seeking out new talent, supporting it financially and promoting it. Perhaps I don't have the market-wide savvy and knowledge you do so I stick to narrower focus in my collecting. But I do try to notice new talent and promote it.

I'm not singling out Peter here, as IMO this issue is more global rather than about an individual. I have not mentioned names here and only bring this topic up for discussion as I fear this concept of "turn & burn" (i like that is case you have not noticed) is disastrous long term for the custom knife industry.
I'm sure I have angered some here, however feel it's that important an issue. So I will "take one for the team" if I must in getting the cold shoulder from some friends for a while.

And I realize that at times folks need to sell non essential items in light hard times, but that's not the issue here. Just perhaps that if collectors want or need to dispose of knives in a hurry, try to do it privately first, rather than here for ALL to see.

And just for the record; I don't think our pal Peter will miss any meals or be out in the cold waiting for his knives to bring close to "market price". ;) :)
 
Bladeandbarrel said:
Kevin,

The "Dutch Auction" concept like Peter espouses is a good way to sell a knife, IMO if you need the money fairly quickly.

IF you have or can afford everlasting patience, almost any knife will sell for a great profit in my experience.

Steven G is spot on with his questions.

I have a "pool" of about 25 makers in my head when I go to a show. When I first saw a Russ Andrews knife for sale I bought it even though I had only a vague Idea of who he was at the time. I am glad I did. Sometimes you have to "buy" outside the box to advance your collection.

I don't limit myself to those 25 makers though. At one show I bought a Damascus and Ivory Kasper folder for $500 and sold it for $750 within minutes. He wasn't on my radar, but the combination of knife+price made the deal attractive.

I am currently dealing with an "unknown" maker that makes spot on replicas of Moran knives with maple, wire and damascus. His prices are so good that I buy several a year. They please me because I always wanted a real Moran but these are 1/20th the price and are extremely well made to my specs.
They will always be worth more than I paid for them as they are underpriced to begin with. I have bet on this maker with my purchases because I think one day when he makes more knives and gets better known that he will be a player and his prices will double or triple from their current rate. Thats part of the fun for me.
Click to expand...
Good for you, sir! I hope that we see a few more "unknown" makers trying the Moran style in the future.
 
Kevin, this is a good thread with some excellent questions. Like many people here, I have to let go of current pieces in my collection in order to add new ones. I do not mind sharing my "secrets".

• What's your preferred method of selling your knives?

For custom knives, I prefer the forums. Ebay has been very inconsistent in terms of getting me what I feel is market value for customs. For production knives, though, I feel like I have done better on Ebay than on the forums.

• Is it important for you to get as much as you can, or just to get rid of them as fast as possible with the least effort?

I am rarely in a huge hurry to move stuff, so I don't typically have to put pieces up at "fire sale" prices. However, I don't like things sitting around for sale forever, and I don't like pushing other people's sale threads down with BTTT's or price drops, so I just try to price things right from the beginning. The majority of the knives that I put up for sale go within 24 hours, so I am guessing that my estimates are not too far off.

• Can the way in which you sell your knives affect others?

I think the custom knife secondary market is small enough so that every knife that goes up for sale can affect any other knife potentially going up for sale.
 
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