Initially, I was quite excited about it. However, the more I think on it, the less likely I am to participate in the sale. I'm not a huge fan of the SFNO handles, and while the prices are quite good for an LE, they're certainly not giving them away.

It doesn't help that there's a lot of "Online-inducted Hogs shouldn't count" rhetoric flying on BladeForums. While I know that I shouldn't really care what the ones making those comments say, that attitude has tainted the deal for me. I'm not ready to renounce my Hog-status, but I'm wondering why I want to be part of a group where so many feel that I'm second-tier in their "club". It turns being a Hog into a popularity contest rather than a like-minded group of folks who appreciate a good knife.

Really interested and excited about it here, however the brutal drop in our dollar will add about 35% to the price for me.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

The way the price is structured I think a lot of Hogs could miss out (initially)...some of the wealthy Hogs will get 3 or 4 or more because of the discount...trade them and have one or two for free is my guess...that's why they are wealthy! I met some Hogs at the Creek and they are really nice people...but some if not all are totally hooked on "buying"...and in the nicest way take no prisoners....but collectors are like that I guess...whether Stamps or Knives...and like I said...the ones I met were great...including Jim...in his HOG/DOG capacity...he can mix it with the best...left the table with a veritable "Rucksack" full of knives... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

It IS addictive though...I came here looking to replace one knife...Crikey...since then I must have bought nearly 20!! I am amazed as well at how hard it is to consider which ones should be sold...when they are all "good"...

Still....I have learnt LOADS of skills and information since coming here...it really is a good place to learn "knives"... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Jim - even though I have been "officially inducted" by Jerry, please don't take it to heart - rather as good natured ribbing. Some of the comments have rubbed me wrong a time or two, but it's nothing to get upset about. For that matter, a couple of posts HERE rubbed me wrong but I didn't get excited about them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

That said, I think the knife is beautiful! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I would love to get one, but would need to "Buddy-up" with someone to get the good price. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> In the meantime, hang in there! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I think Jim will be your team-mate P/K...pretty sure he would'nt miss out on this!

I hope you're right S/F! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> Jim and I have helped each other before - he's solid gold! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'm open to a partnering -- it occurred to me that would be the best strategy to optimize results. I was really considering sitting this offer out though; I'm doing OK but with the economy as it is, nobody's immune to catching the ax so I don't want to deplete cash reserves too much. I was very happy with the last Knob Creek haul, but more of it came out of savings than I'd like.

Also as previously noted, I'm also frustrated at the "real Hog" vs online inductee comments. I don't handle rejection or being looked down on well; if Jerry declares me to be one of the chosen, then who are the "old Hogs" to tell me that I'm not as worthy as they. "I had to be nominated" they say, while you simply asked to join -- basically, establishing Hogs is at least as much marketing as merit; Jerry sets the rules and I was accepted, so I'm in (as JimBoar) and my membership is as valid as theirs.

I think Jerry made it pretty clear this morning. It isnt a popularity contest and is open to anyone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The knife is beautiful and I am still debating about it as it would be a safe queen for sure. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> I was lucky enough last year to attend Blade and all of the Busse functions for the first time. I can assure you that Jerry,Dan,Eric and all of the crew are not in the least bit elitist. They are very down to earth people and dont meet a stranger. I look forward to meeting a few scrappers in 2009 as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> Only 400 more posts and I will join the truly elite group as a Junk Yard Dog!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Wasnt life boring before the internet?

As I see it HOG's are "heavy ordinance grade" customers....you have to fit in there Jim...so no worries IMO...the rest of it is just "physco-warfare"...or "the school yard" to be more accurate...

Dont forget marketing!!

No doubt that Jerry is a marketing genius.

I'm sure they will sell out fast. Not being a HOG, I will sit this one out.