How was knife collecting as a hobby before the internet?

[senoBDEC]

Legality of knives was probably a lot less strict say... oh.... 50 years ago. But eh. Internet *shrug*

 

[Monocrom]

Today, though, competition from Internet stores has made it impossible for retail outlets to compete. Most hardware stores carry a few el cheapo utility knives by the likes of Sheffield, and a SAK or two if you're lucky, and sporting goods stores might carry a few hunting knives, if that.

It's not completely the internet's fault. Has anyone else noticed how just plain rude the retail sales-staff employees have become? (Unless they're working on commission, of course). I can understand if a customer is being obnoxious, but the attitude that you encounter from some employees is ridiculous! Recently, I went to a well-known Hunting-supply store in Upstate NY. (Not going to mention the name because I'm not going to give them free advertising). I was visiting a friend and wanted to see if they had any Surefire flashlights. They had the exact model I wanted! ...... And the sale's clerk, in that part of the store, didn't even acknowledge my existance! He was with a customer, but I didn't even get so much as a "Hold on, Sir. I'll help you as soon as I'm done with this gentleman." I got completely ignored.

When I tried to get the attention of another member of the sales staff, one who wasn't doing ANYTHING, I got "Sorry, I can't help you." My best friend and I stood around for 30 minutes. I decided I had enough of being treated like garbage, so we left. My best friend has spent most of his life working in retail. He flat out told me, "They don't care." When a customer complains that he can just go buy something on-line instead, their response is "OKay."
They don't care! :thumbdn:

I ended up buying a different pocket-flashlight from a different company. It works great! ....... And for less $$$:thumbup:

If retail stores want to compete, one of the things they need to do is quite simple: Don't treat your customers like garbage. (Should be obvious, but apparently it's not).

 

[Death's Head]

I would buy whatever was available the PX. At least they had a few Spydercos. I also bought knives that appealed to me visually. Didn't know snuff about what I was buy. Often times, I would pay retail. Looking back now, that was the worst part of it. Overpaying.