Just so everyone knows, I could not keep up with the orders, so I have been selling the Barlows through 5 dealers, most of who are members here on BF.
i take a small percentage of the factory orders for an archive I am creating, and for a group of collectors who have purchased every SFO since I started.
If someone keeps a knife for a while, any knife, and can sell it when prices are high, that is American capitalism at work. I have paid $600-700 (not very often) for an old knife that is virtually impossible to find, but I had to have it for my collection!! The key is, no one has to pay a high price, unless they "gotta have" that knife!
Now, I have as many Barlows made as I can afford. What I cannot afford, is to have a boatload of unsold knives! It's a balancing act where I also have to keep my head above water.
I am sorry if someone misses out on a Barlow, but consider this:
I have hunted for a few knives for over 10 years before a presentable one showed up!
If you are patient, you will find whatever knife you want!!
PS: I do not sell on eBay!!
Waynorth, don't worry about any negative sentiment. You are doing so much for us as knife collectors, users and admirers.
I have had the option to buy direct many times, and it was just not the right time. (either a custom knife or out of production higher end knife has gotten in the way, or unexpected expenses, son's broken leg, unexpected taxes etc). And not selling other knives (lets be real here!).
The mere fact that the knives are being made, to such a high standard, in so many options, covers, blade shapes, etc, is simply magical to me!
I love seeing them. And appreciate them, even when I don't have one in my pocket.
You keep doing what you do. You have contributed a wealth of knowledge, and just plain eye candy to this forum! Both your old knives you graciously share with us, and the new ones you are intregral in making available to us.
A big thanks!
I have have been part of collecting hard to find, price bumping production knives, and never let the fact that a knife being harder to get increases the resale value discourage my enjoyment. By knowing market value, original value, and fair price you insulate your self from buying mistakes. Most importantly, you simply have to know what you are willing to pay for a knife. I have bought and used knives that increased in value, even after hard use. This was because of limited production numbers (or one of a kind, desirable, serial number for one knife). There were often sour feelings by people trying to purchase a knife after it was no longer in production!
At this moment, I am sure I have more pocket knives than my own father, and grandfather have ever owned in their whole lives. I mean that sincerely.
I have more guns than my grandfather on both sides combined ever owned in their whole lives.
Even if I never end up scoring a TC Barlow, I am just fine. The mere fact that they continue to be made is enough! The just make me smile. I have a custom slip joint. I have a handful of GEC production knives, and I have my own grandfather's well used barlow.
I "need" a TC Barlow, but I don't need one.
I'll buy one some day, if I can, but if not, thank you for the great stuff you are putting out.
:thumbup:
