Spot on Bruce. And this is also exactly part of what makes these knives attractive- I have rarely if ever seen them go DOWN in value. This is a very nice feeling unlike other investments we have seen of recent days. I know that when I invest $$$ whether it be in real estate- stocks- mutuals etc - I surely am looking for a return. I got lucky and pulled all my funds out of those markets quite some time ago. Some of my friends were not quite as "lucky" and now are taking a bath.As we see the economy slide even further - folks will see just how important the " RETAIL" scenario is. Good post Bruce-Thanks

RETAIL is huge for me.
The company I work for does Point of Sale tech support for large retail chains.
As they go, So do we!

Bruce,
I wasn't commenting on the love/hate of the secondary market. I really like
it to be honest with you. About half of my knives have come that way and I
have absolutely no problem with it.
My observation was that it just seemed kind of soon to see them there.
Maybe I'm off base with that, I've only been into this scene for a couple
of years now.
My question then, would be for the more experienced people on this forum.
Is that about the right time frame for the switch over from company release
to the secondary market?

Cheers <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

There was a rather long winded and somewhat negative (due to extensive hijacking by a couple of disgruntled new people) thread on BF last week regarding lack of availability of scrapyard knives. Of course the OP in that thread wanted a Dogfather LE, we wanted it now, and he wanted to pay factory direct price. Yeah - I'll take all of those options too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

The thread was not fair to scrapyard and many of the Busse folks responded with supporting comments, but it is a real shock to most people that they can't buy the product they want right now. That a company doesn't just keep cranking out a model by the millions of units until lack of sales forces them to change their thinking. It was almost impossible to explain to such folks that this is in fact a part of the planned marketing strategy and that it works for smaller companies like Scrapyard exceedingly well.

In fact, what a unique business model this is. The pre-order + limited runs ensure that production rates are optimized to sales. This limits overhead on material costs and allows high quality assurance/quality control during production. Another advantage is that it enables the company to be innovative in designing new products. Rather than running a design to its death by market saturation, scrapyard is free to run with its imagination. This comes at a risk, but one that can be gaged on the pre-order sale rate. The company can also periodically bring back its winning designs and meet a perceived strong demand for a past product.

Regarding the 2nd market. All told, the mark-up, at least on the SODs posted on BF hasen't been outrageous. Yes, it is higher than the direct purchase price, but alternatively there is no other way to get that knife. When you factor in shipping costs (both as part of the original SOD purchase from scrapyard and additional shipping costs to get the knives to the buyer) these mark-ups are relatively minor. I think most people think that the advertised scrapyard price must be the final price and forget about shipping which is added on in the commercial venture but more typically included as part of the price quote on the secondary market.

Another advantage not indicated earlier about the 2nd market purchasing is that you get the knife right away. For some folks, paying $30-40 more but not having to wait 2 months is well worth it the market. For other folks, the wait in itself is worth it just to be the first to have the knives.

All that said, my one scrapyard knife is decidedly a keeper for me. Already modded mine by convexing it. Like DotD, I'm glad the 2nd market exists otherwise I really wouldn't have access to other previously offered products.

Word! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I saw this too, and managed to read the first couple of pages before I had
enough and moved on to something else.

When I first became interested in Scrapyard knives I emailed Patti, and wanted
to buy a Scrapper6.
I was like them, I just didn't understand, THEN I twigged in on how it was done,
searched the BF Exchange and picked up the Scrapper6 (my first Yard knife).
I waited patiently, got in on the DMDC, then found this forum.

Didn't spend a lot of time on here for the first while, until the SOD came
along. Now, you can't keep me away.



I'm hoping for the SS4 in re-release and a BIG Khuk in normal release <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />



This is what makes the Yard forum such a great place. After you order, you
can get on here and "talk the same language" with the others who are waiting.

A lot of people don't twig into the fact that this isn't just buying a knife.
This is a culture unto itself, filled with very special people, who share a
common interest!

I agree <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

DotD, I agree that the forum is a part of the package. What better way than to learn from our fellow Dawgs? I have been deeply impressed by some of the knowledge (and I.Q.) that you guys demonstrate in your posts. And the best part for me is that we are all treated equally. With members from around the world and all manner of backgrounds, I believe it's an example to a lot of other groups out there with issues.

As for the availability of steel, one thing I've learned is that SYCKO is worth the wait and/or the markup. Period. For some that may not be an easy pill to swallow but the proof is in the performance. We have many here who can attest to that.

Big Plus on that Art !! Best board on the web without a doubt. Heck- even those Hog guys are jealous <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> !Many are becoming DAWGS- have you seen all the new pups !! Quite a litter and I say WELCOME and jump in- great place to be <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I'll admit it....I bought one and sold it already. After shipping costs I profited about $10. (Would have gladly traded that $10 to not have to go to the PO.)

I didn't buy the SOD w/ resale in mind, but I've gotten into a "user only" mode lately. A new member here got a great knife at a good price, and everyone is happy. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That's what I would call a win-win situation! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Glad that you were able to help out a fellow Dog - way to go! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I was always on the fence about "dealers".
Those who pounce in and snatch up as many
of the available stock,just to resell at a profit.
Used to really get me mad.(whiners remorse)
It is part of the economy however,and have come to accept it.

The forum here is great. One can learn an awful lot by reading.

(previous"pizza" post was in wrong forum,sorry!)