Shop Local or Online...?

timberweasel

timberweasel

Joined
Jan 5, 2011
Messages
6,194
Sorry if this is an old topic, but I'm a n00b... :)

Since being bitten by the 'knife-bug' I have been weighing the pros and cons of ordering my blades through my local vendor versus purchasing over the internet. Now, most retail outlets cannot hope to compete with the super-low prices offered online, but as long as prices are generally alligned with the MSRP listings, I've been willing to fork over the cash in my home town. At least so far. This averages roughly to paying 20-50% more when shopping local: sometimes a little less, but most times a whole lot more (I've passed on a few items tagged with a 100%+ mark-up over the MSRP--some serious bullshine there, imho!)

Sure, I'd have a larger collection if I bought everything online, but I can't help but feel there's a little more to consider when buying a commodity like pocket knives (I certainly have more that I actually need!) I'm not adverse to saving some coin, but I'm also a fella who chooses to not shop at Wal-Mart.

How about you?
 
I always shop local except when I'm doing trades. Local cutlery shops are the heart of the knife world in my opinion. I became educated and interested in knives by visiting a local shop while living in Washington. Became great friends with the whole staff and eventually started working there.

Maybe it's just me but I feel like as soon as people stop buying this from local businesses and buying strictly online the heart of the knife collecting culture will die a little.

Of course that being said, paying anything marked up over MSRP is not okay with me. I would just avoid that shop in general. But a lot of companies do not allow some retail businesses to sell below MSRP. We werent allowed to discount any Benchmades.
 
I shop locally as well as online. You'll generally find a better deal online, plus you don't pay tax which also makes it cheaper. However, if the price isn't a huge difference, I'll often buy locally if possible to support the business. Just in the last two weeks, I've purchased online, and locally :D.
 
I would shop locally 24/7 if possible just because I hate waiting...but unfortunately the Tri-state area really lacks quality shops. Of course if something opened that stocked CRKs, Hinderers and Busses I'd be bankrupt...
 
I used to shop at the local knife store when it was still open. I've always liked being able to physically see the piece I'm buying. They couldn't compete with online prices though, and are no longer in business.
 
Reno's B&M knife selection sucks - they aren't just knife stores. Scheel's and Sportsman's Warehouse have the best knife selection but for a Knife Enthusiast like me, their inventory is very limited - I'm pretty much forced to use cyber space. I can get your everyday Spyderco or BM with a special single knife now and then but that's about it.
 
Yeah if you live in an area that doesnt have any local shops that's hard not to buy online I guess I can get that. They are harder and harder to come by these days.
 
i like to shop local also, yeah i pay a few bucks more per knife but i get it right away, and the guy i buy from will sharpen and oil the knives for free for as long as you own it
 
While I do try to support local businesses, I find that I do almost all of my shopping online nowadays. Selection, low or free shipping and I don't have to drive all over town. Also, CA charges 9.25% sales tax, it's this kind of stuff that's killing local B&Ms.
 
I tend to buy online, only because there aren't any real knife stores near me. just a few walmarts, and a target...But when it comes to outdoor gear, I buy locally if I can find it cheaper than online (if I can find it locally at all).
 
Local knife store. Whats that?
I live near Pittsburgh and there are no knife stores that I am aware of. I wish there were local stores to support.
 
It has been a while since I overpaid at a local knife shop. The few in my area (Bass Pro, REI, and Ace Hardware) are way overpriced. I might feel differently if the owner was a knife person but for the most part I feel like I end up educating the people behind the counter (please don't read arrogant).
 
You're in Canada, you have to narrow your location down. I am always checking out sporting goods stores, local pawn shops, local antique/junk mall shops, flea markets etc. If I see something in the Exchange I like, I get it. If I just have to have something now, I have a few online retailers I will order from.

Depending on what you are after, True North Knives is in Canada. If you have no problem ordering used knives, try out the Canadian section of the Exchange.
 
I have one knife store nearby. Been in there twice. They are just way over on price, unfortunately. I have inquired about them making a sheath for me.

But other than that, I shop online. Its good and bad. Some of the knives I've ordered, I had never physically seen, just online pictures. Some surprise you. A Mora 2000 I bought, was even better in person.:)
Had I seen the Ranger Rd6 in person first, I probably would have got an Rd 4 instead.
"Life's like a box of chocolates, never know what your going to get.":D
 
I am fortunate to have a great, local, cutlery shop nearby and I frequent it enough that they all know me, sort of like Cheers bar, everyone knows my name:) I try my hardest to check with them first if I am considering a new purchase. They are smart enough to realize the power of the internet most of the time and I get some great deals. Decide you need a new knife and have it in your hands that evening is something the on line stores cannot give you. Support you local knife stores whenever possible.
 
I buy from whoever is cheapest, which is virtually always online. The difference is usually substantial, and I really can't justify spending something like $65 for a Delica when I can get it on an auction site for $39.99 with free shipping (there are at least 10 at that price now).

On a side note, I live in the same city as onestopknifeshop.com and have paid for UPS rather than spending an hour driving across town, buying the knife and driving back.

So I guess its fair to say that I am both cheap and lazy. :yawn:
 
The closest local knife shop is in Mobile, AL. They carry a good selection, but price is roughly $50 - $100 more than online prices on the knives they carry (no joke). I stopped even going there when they started being condescending as well as overpriced.

I buy from KW online though, and they are close enough to me that I consider them local :D ;its like getting free overnight shipping. They are a lot easier to deal with than the cats in Mobile, too.
 
Sublime40 said:
i like to shop local also, yeah i pay a few bucks more per knife but i get it right away, and the guy i buy from will sharpen and oil the knives for free for as long as you own it
Click to expand...

That's a great perk for your patronage! Your local knife guy is on to something there... I wish my vendor offered free sharpening. Or something. Anything. Free catalogue or product guide of some kind? A keychain? The courtesy to wait until I leave the store before he chortles as he pockets the $40 mark-up...? ;)
 
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