We do not haggle on pricing

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Fiddleback

Fiddleback

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Folks, we have had several 'offers' for knives lately. These offers are for less than the listed price. We do not haggle on prices for two reasons. Firstly, we are not allowed to under cut our dealers. Second, our prices are BARELY keeping this company afloat and we need every penny of the price. I strive, always have, to keep the prices low so that the knives get used. I haven't raised prices in a long time. I didn't raise prices after getting into the Knifemakers Guild. I will continue to work hard to keep our prices low, but I will not knock dollars off of any knife's listed price. Also keep in mind that only an unconditional "I'll take it" gets a knife in a Fiddleback Friday post. We do not haggle on pricing.
 
Aw shucks... :( How much to just hold one?!?

[video=youtube;KNQRqAoT-2c]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNQRqAoT-2c[/video]
 
So I guess I should not call tomorrow with my offer of a goat and 2 chickens for a Camp Knife:D
 
Will you accept any Kangaroos as trade [emoji23]
 
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I took a while to come around to the value of these kinds of knives. I still see value and application in Moras and ESEE's (particularly the 3's for me) BUT I am so glad that I took the leap to try higher end knives.

I tinker with woodwork, furniture making and basic tools and I can honestly say that I value my Fiddlebacks more than any dollar amount that I've spent. At the risk of sounding like a fanboy (and I believe that I am too old to either use that term/ have it applied to me) - I couldn't be happier with the results of spending my money on Fiddlebacks. Whilst I 'only' have six each one of them is (intended to be) a user. Thanks to all involved...

Ben
 
VANCE said:
We didn't say we don't trade
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Cool! Goat and one chicken are on there way. Sorry there is only one chicken now but the goat got hungry. You know where to send my Camp knife!
 
Hi Whitty. It is really cool that you are doing trades! Can you confirm your mailing address. I have three chickens I would like to trade for a camp knife.

:D
 
Peroni1973 said:
I took a while to come around to the value of these kinds of knives. I still see value and application in Moras and ESEE's (particularly the 3's for me) BUT I am so glad that I took the leap to try higher end knives.

I tinker with woodwork, furniture making and basic tools and I can honestly say that I value my Fiddlebacks more than any dollar amount that I've spent. At the risk of sounding like a fanboy (and I believe that I am too old to either use that term/ have it applied to me) - I couldn't be happier with the results of spending my money on Fiddlebacks. Whilst I 'only' have six each one of them is (intended to be) a user. Thanks to all involved...

Ben
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Thanks Ben, I really appreciate this post. Its been a struggle to keep the prices where they are, I can assure you. Sometimes folks ask me what my knives do that a Mora cannot. Nothing. But if folks value American products and American knowhow, they've got to be willing to spend money to keep it going. When I look around at the team of craftsmen I work with, that is the most important thing to me. I hope it has value to most folks. Some folks just want the cheapest thing to do the job. Thats fine, but when you look around at Americans and realize they can't DO anything, thats why.
 
Fiddleback said:
Thanks Ben, I really appreciate this post. Its been a struggle to keep the prices where they are, I can assure you. Sometimes folks ask me what my knives do that a Mora cannot. Nothing. But if folks value American products and American knowhow, they've got to be willing to spend money to keep it going. When I look around at the team of craftsmen I work with, that is the most important thing to me. I hope it has value to most folks. Some folks just want the cheapest thing to do the job. Thats fine, but when you look around at Americans and realize they can't DO anything, thats why.
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How do I "like" that post Andy? I run a business and the potential employee pool we have to choose from is pitiful. Why can only a very few young people DO anything? I am not sure it is totally caused by the cheapskate mentality, but that is surely one factor...
 
The young folk I know are some of the brightest and most accomplished that I have met of any generation. But I agree on pricing. I've done the math and it is a wonder you are able to keep people employed and keep growing. Here is to your continued success!
 
Asking a craftsman for a discount is "discounting" the craftsman.
Want a "great deal" shop at Wally World, Harb. Freight, or yard sales. You get what you pay for and deserve what you get.
 
sonorantree said:
How do I "like" that post Andy? I run a business and the potential employee pool we have to choose from is pitiful. Why can only a very few young people DO anything? I am not sure it is totally caused by the cheapskate mentality, but that is surely one factor...
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I think there is an entitlement attitude that pervades the entire American fabric. I run into it here regularly. I cannot and do not accept this. You are entitled to what you can earn and defend. Period.
 
As someone who is 20, I resent the fact that all "round people" get lumped together... I for one appreciate good craftsmanship, being a hobbyist woodworker myself, as well as helping my father with ceramic tile and marble tile installations. However, I do agree that many people feel entitled, but I think it is simply because in the modern day American culture, many things are expected, because it has been that way for so long. I will not blame parents or culture for everything, but it does highly influence ones perceptions of the world around you. And it could simply be a case where these young people struggle to afford such high quality pieces, and make the wrong choice, and a rather rude choice, of trying to haggle with a maker. I understand your viewpoint, but I don't think it is simply that black and white, as others have alluded to.

Love your work fiddleback, have yet to buy any, but I admire from a distance :) have a great day everyone
 
ncrockclimb said:
Hi Whitty. It is really cool that you are doing trades! Can you confirm your mailing address. I have three chickens I would like to trade for a camp knife.

:D
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This is a scam. He will send an extra llama "by accident" then ask you to send him a guinea hen as a refund...
 
(Apologies in advance. This turned out longer than anticipated ).

Fiddleback said:
Sometimes folks ask me what my knives do that a Mora cannot. Nothing.
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I don't buy it. Okay so I may be someone who is yet to own a Fiddleback and you may be the boss man, but still you're wrong, if the reputation of your products is anything to go by (here and on other websites). Your knives are stronger, tougher, more versatile and hold an edge better. That's not "nothing". They're also much more individual. There are plenty of businesses which wouldn't last but for the charity of customers who want to support a local and whose owners seem to feel entitled to succeed despite abysmal service and products because they're "hard working" Americans (or Australians or whatever). Patriotism should not trump quality. And for what it's worth, I have never seen anything from you which lumps you in with that lot, and I have heard people in more than one country speak very highly of your products.

No your work isn't inexpensive, but as you know trying to compete on price is an excellent way for a small business to bury themselves. You offer quality and individualism; both have real value.

Moras are a great cheap product. Everyone should own a couple. But people should be proud to hand down a Fiddleback.
 
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