Is this hobby becoming too expensive?

It became too expensive years ago😅

Ive slowed a lot lately but still get one now and then
 
I don't think its too expensive. If anything, the market has expanded greatly to include quality knives at all price points (other than free).

However, skyrocketing shipping fees are going to be a concern with increased gas prices. I drive a hybrid and I'm still not even filling my tank up all the way. For me, putting $20 worth in is like putting $5 in once was. Had to drive my cousin home to the city (Chicago) and gas down there in the Lakeview neighborhood was $7.00. Out in the far northwest suburbs its $5.79 but still is putting a damper on my other big hobby, shooting. Range is 45 minutes away.
 
Buffalohump Buffalohump - I think it's a combination of things.
1. Demand. Coronavirus and lockdowns have brought out a lot of hobbies and interests, knives being one of them. People with time and some spare money on their hands have 'got into' many hobbies that previously they didn't have, so the demand has increased.
2. Social media. The proliferation of the use of social media, the 'I want it now!' mindset, the ever increasing amount of 'Ltd editions', FOMO (fear of missing out) and desire to have the latest thing also can drive prices up.
3. Inflation. Everything has gone up - taxes, shipping, raw materials, labour etc. So increases across the board are expected (but granted, some prices are just crazy for what they are...)
4. Fame. Some have mentioned that one could buy a knife by a certain maker a year or two ago for a 'reasonable price' - well guess what, maker X has now become a well respected maker and is able to increase his prices due to demand for his product, a very fortunate and enviable position to be in.

I guess now would be the time to potentially regroup, consider if that Ltd edition or drop is actually worth it, why do you want the knife, and something I thought of recently - perhaps look at the lesser known newer makers and perhaps invest in what might become a classic in a few years. Buy now at a reasonable price a knife you like, before they become famous!
 
Mark prices have risen and the Rand has slid. Not to mention the exorbitant cost of shipping.
However there are still some fantastic local makers producing super stuff at amazing prices.
If you are in Jhb you should try and visit the KGSA show in July and the Brookland Show later in the year. Our local guys still make great value for money stuff.
 
Buffalohump said:
At the risk of sounding like a whiney old fart, I was wondering if anyone else if feeling that knives have become too expensive for words? Given that I have been collecting knives for half my life (I'm 53), it seems that prices of late are simply out of control. Kinda depressing to consider that this hobby might become too expensive to justify.

I used to be able to afford customs and then I had to drop that from consideration. Now even production knives are getting way up there. Hard to find productions under $200 these days, especially US or European companies which I prefer.

While I appreciate the use of high-end materials in knives, when it means they become much more expensive, who is winning here?

I'm kinda glad I bought what I did when I did and wish I hadn't sold so many off because there's no way I could afford to buy them now.

I should add that I live in South Africa so I'm also dealing with a weakened currency against the dollar and brutal shipping costs.
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Becoming? It's been too expensive for me since I started 44 years ago. Back then, I wanted a Buck 110, but it was out of my reach. Now, I've climbed higher in the tree and my reach is longer, but the fruit I want continues to be on a higher branch.

PS thanks for letting us have Chris Reeve.
 
I have been collecting more pre owned vintage knives. They are usually in brand new/minty condition. Also, they are usually knives that are no longer available on the new market. If one does some good searching around, one can still find good deals. I also now prefer the vintage knives to the new stuff. I guess it's a win, win, situation for me 👍😊👍
 
Mark, you know the famous knife shop that used to be in Sandton City. Go check their website and look at the custom/handmade knives they have on offer. You may find a great custom there for a very good price. Buying local is lekker.
 
Like many other things in life, it can be expensive or affordable, depending on how you approach it. My sister tells me, “Two ways to be happy: get everything you want, or adjust your wants to what you can get.”

I’m with Crag, making your own opens up a whole new garage door on knives. No more saying “I really like this (fill in the blank), but the handle’s too short, or needs another inch of blade, or a chisel grind…” Hey, I’m in charge of deciding all those details now. And each one I make is a true custom.

Price points other than free: I’m carrying around a free knife today. It cost me absolutely nothing for the materials. Broken threading tap from the scrap bin at work, handle wood from a pruning job, and a little segment of spring steel that I already had. The almost 40 hours of work I have in it? I count that as skill development, along with 10 hours making the sheath from old boot leather. So maybe it wasn’t strictly free, but it was fun. Now I’m making another one to correct the mistakes on this one.

Parker
 
Rufus1949 said:
Relativity has been expressed before (cars,watches,etc) which may or may not concern you. Yet I can buy 2 Shiros and a couple of spydercos for the cost of one needle..cartridge.. for my turntable. Thankfully not that often.
You live the life within your budget.
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You are supposed to change out the needles? How do I find out what kind I need?
 
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