State of the state.....

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Ben Seward said:
And face it, boys....knives are hot items on Instagram. Unfortunately forums aren't what they used to be...or shows...or maybe even dealers for that matter. Imo, the marketing has shifted to a less easily tracked medium. I also think the "kids" are being reached via new medium. This demographic is probably more comfortable buying without having met the maker at a show...and it's more convenient to track a favorite maker's work on Instagram than a forum.
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You have this nailed it on the head. Even the laptop and tablet are dead. It's all about the phones now.

Good dealers are still doing ok because if the "kids" miss a knife on Instagram they google it, see who has one for sale immediately and they buy it. Gone are the days when people are prepared to wait months and years for a knife. There are so many makers now offering stuff all the time on Instagram that you could practically buy a knife every day if you wanted.

As for prices and investment I have done well with my customs over a long period of time. I buy knives because I love them, but it's nice to know that they have maintained their value.
 
mwschilling said:
"This demographic is probably more comfortable buying without having met the maker at a show..."
I get what you're saying and its probably true, but where's the fun in that? For me, getting to know the makers is what its all about. I haven't bought a knife from a maker I didn't know in years. Maybe I'm limiting my options but collecting works from makers you know, trust and respect is more important than just acquiring something everyone else is hyping on social media. Not suggesting makers should limit sales to those they meet, as that is not feasible, but for me I enjoy going to shows and meeting makers first. Probably makes me old and not part of the demographic to which you are referring.
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I agree 100% Mark! And there's a Lot more collectors out there that agree with us than some here think.
 
Steven65 said:
You have this nailed it on the head. Even the laptop and tablet are dead. It's all about the phones now.

Good dealers are still doing ok because if the "kids" miss a knife on Instagram they google it, see who has one for sale immediately and they buy it. Gone are the days when people are prepared to wait months and years for a knife. There are so many makers now offering stuff all the time on Instagram that you could practically buy a knife every day if you wanted.

As for prices and investment I have done well with my customs over a long period of time. I buy knives because I love them, but it's nice to know that they have maintained their value.
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Good post

Steven by the way

MIRABILE is finish8ng up your scabbard for delivery at Blade

Reach out when you have time
 
I believe that if some collectors spend as much time selecting the knives they add to their collections as they did complaining / worrying about the poor state of the secondary custom knife market they may just find that there was nothing really to worry about.
 
I think the forum has more relevance than the typewriter by far, Bob;) I just don't think that the market can be measured strictly by forums, dealer sites...even shows for that matter.
 
Ben Seward said:
I think the forum has more relevance than the typewriter by far, Bob;) I just don't think that the market can be measured strictly by forums, dealer sites...even shows for that matter.
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I agree Ben, all components necessary to facilitate a healthy community/market.
 
This is kind of like the 'Polls' ya hear about on the news.

Who the hell are they polling. I've never been polled and I've never heard of anyone I know being polled?

Guess us country folks don't count fer nuthin. ;)
 
I see what you mean, Don. It's like the death of the forged bowie...haven't heard the death-rattle in my log book yet, and you probably haven't either:)
 
as humanity moves forward, specialization seems to become much more normalized. Forums existed first, and were the catch-all for those who were computer savvy, and now that many more people are using computers and the internet, new venues are becoming available. I don't think that diminishes the significance of forums at all, and in fact, I think it's good for them. Spark's decision to revamp this forum, despite the huge headache, reinforces my point that the overall quality of forums will improve as the chaff is separated out into various other internet venues. Things like ig and fb are easier to get at for a wide array, you've got to be more dedicated toward a topic to find interest in forums
 
Nice snapshot for this time and place.

Thread closed. We will certainly see what the future brings....

And see if my State of the State was close to the mark.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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