something I have never seen

[hso]

Arizona Custom Knives having a "sale".

 

[Mk-211]

Ka-Bar is having a 50% off "most" of their products, today and tomorrow.

I got the AZ knife email also, thought it was strange. I find a lot of their stuff on the high end of the price range.

 

[hso]

high end of the price range.

That's their niche. The fact that a purveyor of expensive custom and collectable production knives runs a "sale" is a sign that the market is retracting.

Of course, whenever money gets tight this happens in what is essentially a luxury y market. Custom makers have been discussing this for at least a couple of months and what it means for their ability to make a living.

 

[RA40]

That was also a subject that came up when I was into it back in the late 90's and early '00's. One of our mentor's commented that it was a feast or famine for him. The knife maker pathway can be tough yet that applies to many in the arts industry.

I had a conversation with a restaurant owner how his business is down. The rising inflation and ingredient costs were hurting and the customers are cutting back too. He can only pass along so much.

Last week I had this a variety of belt splices break and this was quite upsetting. This is just north of $100 rolled up there. (Some belts don't age well so even though 4 were "new" that splice has a finite shelf life.)

 

[usaral63]

Pardon my ignorance on the subject, but IS there a replacement splicing product for belts. I've several that have done just as you describe. Thanks!

 

[Mk-211]

https://www.rockler.com/learn/how-to-repair-sanding-belt

 

[rust collector]

It appears that the competition for sales is heating up. I am seeing more premium features on knives at lower price points, and new brands are coming on line daily. I am especially enjoying the Sandvik 14c28n offerings and micarta down in the $30 range.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

The high-end knife market is real soft right now.