Lower priced knives sold at big box stores sealed in plastic.

[snapshot2017]

Seems today it's common to have their lower priced knives sealed in plastic, making it impossible to hold and try their operation.

I understand they are trying to keep them from theft, and for someone to cut themselves trying them out.

As an example my local Academy Sports used to have a large group of high quality and high cost knives, they have just sold them out not replacing them but now have a big group of from $15 to around $60 dollar knives all sealed in plastic hanging on a display wall.

Guess this is just a sign of the times with knife sales today.

 

[Robinson1]

It's really no different that buying online. Just a sign of the times but yes I also miss being able to actually handle the knife and looking at several of the same model to pick the best fit and finish.

 

[PoorUserName]

In the UK because you cannot handle or try on items you buy from the internet, you have 7 day`s starting from the day after you receive the item to return it for a full refund.

It` called the "Distance Selling Regulations"

 

[Kreyzhorse]

I'd guess that most knife people don't buy at big box stores. Id also guess that most big box stores do not sell a tremendous amount of higher end knives either. Economics is likely what is driving the lower cost, clam shell knives.

 

[danbot]

Also, it prevents people from returning them. They only accept the return if it's in its undamaged original packaging.

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd guess that most knife people don't buy at big box stores. Id also guess that most big box stores do not sell a tremendous amount of higher end knives either. Economics is likely what is driving the lower cost, clam shell knives.

I guess it depends on how you define "big box store". Bass Pro and Cabelas are sort of big box stores but primarily sporting goods or outdoors related.

I don't like the plastic packaging. Even with SAKs, I want to handle the one I am buying. Been known to just slice open the plastic display once I decide I am going to buy if all seems okay.

 

[Dutch_Henry]

I've been struck too by how many knife offerings are sealed in clamshell packaging, even at places like Cabelas. Kind of bummer I'd chalk up to theft prevention and lawsuits from mishandling. Plus those packs are kind of like mini buildboards. They give a lot of space for branding and advertising.

 

[l1ranger]

I've been struck too by how many knife offerings are sealed in clamshell packaging, even at places like Cabelas. Kind of bummer I'd chalk up to theft prevention and lawsuits from mishandling. Plus those packs are kind of like mini buildboards. They give a lot of space for branding and advertising.

this right here, i think its theft prevention, no mishandling, and catches your eye.
I do see in some places they will have display models of many of the knives so that you can handle one if need be.

 

[Hackenslash]

The worst thing about big box retail knives is clam shell packaging. You need another knife to get the knife you just bought out of the packaging...which means you need to buy more knives...making clam shell packaging the best thing about big box retail knives...

Its a conundrum.

 

[Mistwalker]

It's my understanding that REI demands everything in clamshell packaging, so with most gear companies they are credited with setting that bar for everyone else.

 

[USMCPOP]

I bet more people have been cut trying to get the merchandise out of the damned clam shell pack than from a loose or boxed knife.

On the other hand, how many people have checked out a couple boxed knives, then put the expensive one in the cheap box and had that one rung up? Or they play around and drop the knife and mess it up.

... Its a conundrum.

No, that's an abrasive. Like aloominum boxide or granite or silicon crabide.

 

[marcus52AR]

Thumbs down to clam shelled knives! I actually had a nice guy at cabelas let me open a couple to pick between display and the clam when I bought a few buck knives.

 

[22-rimfire]

....On the other hand, how many people have checked out a couple boxed knives, then put the expensive one in the cheap box and had that one rung up? Or they play around and drop the knife and mess it up.

Never done the substitution thing; that's called stealing. I have dropped a knife a time or two in a store.

 

[22-rimfire]

It's my understanding that REI demands everything in clamshell packaging, so with most gear companies they are credited with setting that bar for everyone else.

I would guess they have a shop lifting problem overall. I seldom visit REI. They just opened a store in my area. Before that I would visit usually in Nashville TN but that was rare.... sort of a once a year thing. Generally speaking their prices are too high.

 

[Uncle Timbo]

I HATE clamshell packaging. I realize it's prolly the cheapest, most effective way for manufacturers to package their items but how many have cut your self on the plastic before? I don't anymore. I take a heavy duty pair of scissors and cut at least 3 sides open.
Did I mention I HATE clamshell.....

 

[22-rimfire]

I HATE clamshell packaging. I realize it's prolly the cheapest, most effective way for manufacturers to package their items but how many have cut your self on the plastic before? I don't anymore. I take a heavy duty pair of scissors and cut at least 3 sides open. Did I mention I HATE clamshell.....

I have cut myself on the large packs of batteries that I usually buy. You open them up partially or just enough to get batteries out (and then use out of the big package so they don't spill out all over the place), and sometimes you aren't paying close attention and the plastic bites. As mentioned, I don't like this kind of packaging. Frankly, I don't think anyone does who actually thinks about it. Is this any worse than hot McDonald's coffee?

 

[bobobama]

I think we all agree- Clamshells suck!

To me it just cheapens the product, and like it's been mentioned, you can't get a feel for what you're buying. Nothing beats going into a brick and mortar and playing with the merchandise.

Hope it doesn't become the wave of the future.

 

[bralexander]

Also, it prevents people from returning them. They only accept the return if it's in its undamaged original packaging.

I have found this to NOT be the case, in real life. I have returned many items over the years, in clamshells that I have mangle and cut horribly, and never been refused a return. This is at many different brick and mortar stores and Amazon.

I do hate clamshells though...

 

[danbot]

I have found this to NOT be the case, in real life. I have returned many items over the years, in clamshells that I have mangle and cut horribly, and never been refused a return. This is at many different brick and mortar stores and Amazon.

I do hate clamshells though...

Okay, great! I know that used to be a policy of many stores. Must have changed it because it wasn't fair? I really don't buy things I don't want, so I rarely do a return.

 

[Uncle Timbo]

I like the way GEC does theirs in a hard cardboardish tube with the knife wrapped in heavy brown wax paper. Pretty slick.
But we have a knife store in the town I live in. Nothing like asking to see a particular knife and actually getting to do the ol touchy/feely thing first.