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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
The current 'Tactical Custom Folder' market = HOTTEST ever?
- Thread starter SharpByCoop
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I used to think of tactical knives as too thick, square edges and exposed screws.
So.....I just ignored them.
But recently I have been seeing a subcategory of "Dress Tactical" that I am starting to like.
Styles change. Some jump on the bandwagon and duplicate what they see, while others develop their own variations of the hot newer style.
I still don't like micarta and exposed screws though.
So.....I just ignored them.
But recently I have been seeing a subcategory of "Dress Tactical" that I am starting to like.
Styles change. Some jump on the bandwagon and duplicate what they see, while others develop their own variations of the hot newer style.
I still don't like micarta and exposed screws though.
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Yes
Wait till the new highly anticipated Diskin Flipper comes out
You guys ain't seen nothing yet
I hope that you save some of the first ones you get for those of us who have been patiently waiting on these!
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The current market is being driven by the 'celebrity' knife maker. It's not about having the best fit and finish, it's about socializing with people and making them buy more into the maker themselves than their product. This is NOT about any one maker, there are SEVERAL out there right now.
I see so many knives out there with OBVIOUS fit and finish issues selling for large amounts of money because the maker is popular or friends with folks who are popular in certain areas of the internet.
This compared to something like my John W Smith F5 Flipper. An absolutely flawless knife that sells for a fraction of what those other knives do because he basically doesn't exist on the internet.
And that's not even mentioning the whole 'secondary market pricing' issue.
I see so many knives out there with OBVIOUS fit and finish issues selling for large amounts of money because the maker is popular or friends with folks who are popular in certain areas of the internet.
This compared to something like my John W Smith F5 Flipper. An absolutely flawless knife that sells for a fraction of what those other knives do because he basically doesn't exist on the internet.
And that's not even mentioning the whole 'secondary market pricing' issue.
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Scurvy shoot me an email
And when they are ready I will get you one
You have been very supportive and you deserve it
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No problem
Thank you for the undying support
It's going to be a few months yet due to some unavoidable obligations on Matts side
But the blades are cut and this will go off
The big release will be at Blade but I am trying to get a few done earlier for a video release and preview
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I can imagine. LVA Carbon Fiber is in HIGH demand these days.
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Yes it is and his design work for the big companies is really huge
Chui
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Agree with you, Coop - and said just this in my post#7 in the recent thread "Bridging the gap - Collectors of Custom and Production".
I am not too keen on tactical stuff at all, but am buying into some of the SA makers and their take on the whole thing.
Recently purchased a piece from Andre Van Heerden...
Vital stats:
- Model #39 Interframe
- Blade: CPM S35VN
- Frame: Ti
- Inserts: Lightening Strike C-F
- IKBS bearing system
......he and his maker chum, Andre Thorburn, sell all their stuff when they hit Blade - they're guys to watch.
But, as has been said already, this may be a hot niche in the market - for now...
I am not too keen on tactical stuff at all, but am buying into some of the SA makers and their take on the whole thing.
Recently purchased a piece from Andre Van Heerden...
Vital stats:
- Model #39 Interframe
- Blade: CPM S35VN
- Frame: Ti
- Inserts: Lightening Strike C-F
- IKBS bearing system
......he and his maker chum, Andre Thorburn, sell all their stuff when they hit Blade - they're guys to watch.
But, as has been said already, this may be a hot niche in the market - for now...
Last edited:
bandaidman
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I used to buy tactical knives almost exclusively but now gravitate more towards slip joints and small fixed blades (my original collecting interest)
There are many interesting tactical knives being made but a lot of them are impractical and many of the "hot makers" knives sell for such a premium that I find little value in them. I like the GTC guy and still love Tom Mayo knives.
I have no interest in skulls or zombies.
I actively peruse the sale forums for "yesterday's stars", where many knives only a few years out of "style" can sell for a "user" price even in mint condition
There are many interesting tactical knives being made but a lot of them are impractical and many of the "hot makers" knives sell for such a premium that I find little value in them. I like the GTC guy and still love Tom Mayo knives.
I have no interest in skulls or zombies.
I actively peruse the sale forums for "yesterday's stars", where many knives only a few years out of "style" can sell for a "user" price even in mint condition
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Coop I think that you make some interesting observations. Very insightful.
At Blade last year I was amazed and shocked to see some pretty plain tactical knives being sold for serious money. I was also amazed at the huge interest that tacticals have generated in the last few years.
The younger crowd have taken to them like gangbusters as many of the makers are also young and are not constrained or influenced by the older traditional styling of custom knives. (The internet/facebook has also played a huge role in this)
What I do find concerning is that there is some pretty mediocre stuff being pushed into the higher and higher price ranges. This is not because of quality, craftsmanship and the waiting time, but rather due to a fashion and desire to "have one" in the collection.
This bubble will eventually burst and I think that a lot of folks will be left crying.
One of the important effects of tacticals is that it is introducing a whole new generation to custom knives. There is definitely an entry into custom knives and collecting through the tactical market.
Many of these "youngsters" have never heard of the patriarchs like Loveless, Randall, Moran etc……..But after attending a few shows and looking at forums, many are beginning to appreciate other types of customs and moving into collecting forged blades and other, more mainstream, high end customs.
I have seen on my own forum guys who started out only wanting to buy and own high end tacticals, now ordering Loveless style knives and traditional's as their taste change and they see more of what is out there.
A great thread and discussion Coop. I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta in under 6 months mate
All the best
Steven
At Blade last year I was amazed and shocked to see some pretty plain tactical knives being sold for serious money. I was also amazed at the huge interest that tacticals have generated in the last few years.
The younger crowd have taken to them like gangbusters as many of the makers are also young and are not constrained or influenced by the older traditional styling of custom knives. (The internet/facebook has also played a huge role in this)
What I do find concerning is that there is some pretty mediocre stuff being pushed into the higher and higher price ranges. This is not because of quality, craftsmanship and the waiting time, but rather due to a fashion and desire to "have one" in the collection.
This bubble will eventually burst and I think that a lot of folks will be left crying.
One of the important effects of tacticals is that it is introducing a whole new generation to custom knives. There is definitely an entry into custom knives and collecting through the tactical market.
Many of these "youngsters" have never heard of the patriarchs like Loveless, Randall, Moran etc……..But after attending a few shows and looking at forums, many are beginning to appreciate other types of customs and moving into collecting forged blades and other, more mainstream, high end customs.
I have seen on my own forum guys who started out only wanting to buy and own high end tacticals, now ordering Loveless style knives and traditional's as their taste change and they see more of what is out there.
A great thread and discussion Coop. I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta in under 6 months mate
All the best
Steven
Last edited:
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At the 2013 blade show there were 20+ makers who had lotteries, I don't think that the trend will end anytime soon. However the secondary market prices bubble is going to have to have to burst eventually.
One of the biggest complaints I hear is that these makers have closed their books and are no longer taking orders. So to get one of their knives you have to travel to a show and participate in the lottery or pay the absurd secondary market prices. Those that pay those prices are going to loose their shirts when the bubble bursts unless they can get out before the bubble bursts.
This has some collectors deciding to move on to makers who are doing the same or even better quality work for a fraction of the price.
The other thing is why call it a "Bid up knife" when what it comes down to is their own private silent auction.
One of the biggest complaints I hear is that these makers have closed their books and are no longer taking orders. So to get one of their knives you have to travel to a show and participate in the lottery or pay the absurd secondary market prices. Those that pay those prices are going to loose their shirts when the bubble bursts unless they can get out before the bubble bursts.
This has some collectors deciding to move on to makers who are doing the same or even better quality work for a fraction of the price.
The other thing is why call it a "Bid up knife" when what it comes down to is their own private silent auction.
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Thanks guys for the comments. ALL good, some provocative.
How long have tacticals been hot? This same topic was probably a discussion in the early nineties when they REALLY got started and took over. (Some would say buoyed a sinking ship!)
It appears this is a very good vehicle to get new (read: younger) collectors involved.
This said, we've also seen the usage of higher end natural materials, including pearl and mammoth on tactical dress folders. Upscale desires.
Will some of them work their way up to ABS Bowies? Yes. Will many never go there? Yes.
It's a generational thing: My Grandfather-in-law (age 95 and an engineer/car collector), can't stomach muscle cars. he's 'old school'. However the rise and stability of this genre is total and ongoing.
There appears to be a consistent thought that the 'bubble' is going to burst. I'm not so sure. The VERY top monies may fall down but, let's face it, there are new attendees/collectors/users marching through those doors regularly to pick up again.
The world isn't getting less technological. Tech rules in many arenas. This genre likes this now and will like it later. But tech ALSO gets outdated quickly. Hmmmm.....
Personalities having influence in sales? Say it ain't so! LOL! Let history show us myriad examples in ANY field.
My own work: this arena offers me the least amount of work. I am not making a case for tacticals because it's making me money. In fact....
All this said, think of Kodak and their lack of forward thinking in the mid nineties. Uhhh-ohhhhh.
Provocative.
Coop
How long have tacticals been hot? This same topic was probably a discussion in the early nineties when they REALLY got started and took over. (Some would say buoyed a sinking ship!)
It appears this is a very good vehicle to get new (read: younger) collectors involved.
This said, we've also seen the usage of higher end natural materials, including pearl and mammoth on tactical dress folders. Upscale desires.
Will some of them work their way up to ABS Bowies? Yes. Will many never go there? Yes.
It's a generational thing: My Grandfather-in-law (age 95 and an engineer/car collector), can't stomach muscle cars. he's 'old school'. However the rise and stability of this genre is total and ongoing.
There appears to be a consistent thought that the 'bubble' is going to burst. I'm not so sure. The VERY top monies may fall down but, let's face it, there are new attendees/collectors/users marching through those doors regularly to pick up again.
The world isn't getting less technological. Tech rules in many arenas. This genre likes this now and will like it later. But tech ALSO gets outdated quickly. Hmmmm.....
Personalities having influence in sales? Say it ain't so! LOL! Let history show us myriad examples in ANY field.
My own work: this arena offers me the least amount of work. I am not making a case for tacticals because it's making me money. In fact....
All this said, think of Kodak and their lack of forward thinking in the mid nineties. Uhhh-ohhhhh.
Provocative.
Coop
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I came very close to starting a line of Tacticals, was thinking mid-tech.
But I decided to focus on what I like to carry and use. So it was back to slip joints.
One thing that needs to be said about the huge popularity of Tacticals is the price point. The relatively low price of $400-$500, this really opens up the market place...
I like Tacticals and am just rambling a bit here.
But I decided to focus on what I like to carry and use. So it was back to slip joints.
One thing that needs to be said about the huge popularity of Tacticals is the price point. The relatively low price of $400-$500, this really opens up the market place...
I like Tacticals and am just rambling a bit here.
I had a similar conversation with Les Robertson about the "bubble" around a year or so ago. I agree very much with these posts.
I haven't been in the knife world nearly as long as some of you but for sure the tactical explosion is here and here to stay. The bubble though I would think has got to burst but it is very dependent on what people are willing to pay and a lot of it is very much "keeping up with the Joneses" ala YouTube and my collection is bigger than yours. I think it will last a couple more years at least before anything comes down but it's certainly still on the rise. Steven65 put it very well, there are a lot of makers that perhaps lack some of the quality but are putting out the desired product and that's good enough.
I agree very much with Chuck's post. Some of these new makers are unobtainable at rational prices when pieces like his, Andre Thorburn, Andre Van Heerden, Jason Clark, Yuna, GTC etc etc etc are more available, and to me, are more aesthetically appealing and seem to carry more "soul" as it were.
The other thing that fuels the bubble is all the new dealers that have cropped up. They're in line at Blade, TKI, USN etc just like you and me and will purchase and then mark up. It's pure capitalism and on one hand I can appreciate it and envy it of course. On the other it's a bit frustrating as it would be nice to be able to put in an order with that maker and have it fulfilled instead of being forced into the secondary market.
I can't blame anyone though. Todd Rexford silent auctioning his wares for 3k and north and the people that buy them. They want the knives that badly and you can't fault Todd from riding the wave I suppose!
At any rate, interesting discussion, thanks Jim!
I haven't been in the knife world nearly as long as some of you but for sure the tactical explosion is here and here to stay. The bubble though I would think has got to burst but it is very dependent on what people are willing to pay and a lot of it is very much "keeping up with the Joneses" ala YouTube and my collection is bigger than yours. I think it will last a couple more years at least before anything comes down but it's certainly still on the rise. Steven65 put it very well, there are a lot of makers that perhaps lack some of the quality but are putting out the desired product and that's good enough.
I agree very much with Chuck's post. Some of these new makers are unobtainable at rational prices when pieces like his, Andre Thorburn, Andre Van Heerden, Jason Clark, Yuna, GTC etc etc etc are more available, and to me, are more aesthetically appealing and seem to carry more "soul" as it were.
The other thing that fuels the bubble is all the new dealers that have cropped up. They're in line at Blade, TKI, USN etc just like you and me and will purchase and then mark up. It's pure capitalism and on one hand I can appreciate it and envy it of course. On the other it's a bit frustrating as it would be nice to be able to put in an order with that maker and have it fulfilled instead of being forced into the secondary market.
I can't blame anyone though. Todd Rexford silent auctioning his wares for 3k and north and the people that buy them. They want the knives that badly and you can't fault Todd from riding the wave I suppose!
At any rate, interesting discussion, thanks Jim!
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I came very close to starting a line of Tacticals, was thinking mid-tech.
But I decided to focus on what I like to carry and use. So it was back to slip joints.
One thing that needs to be said about the huge popularity of Tacticals is the price point. The relatively low price of $400-$500, this really opens up the market place...
I like Tacticals and am just rambling a bit here.
Don- I'm decidedly not a tactical guy, but this whole thread has had me thinking about your Big Tacs as a means of appealing to both bases. GTC, Jeremy Marsh, Tom Ferry, Jody Muller and others all have full custom dress tacticals that really do it for me. I don't know how many people carry their big Tacs, but I'd have custom deerskin lined pockets tailored if I had to.
These are not on the whole, at the same price point necessarily as more "traditional" tactical makers, but I'd rather pay for one of the above than for a lottery for a seat at the cool kids table.
Seth
