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SMKW Price Increase
I asked SMKW about the increase in prices on 2 New Folding Hunters that I have been inquiring on at least daily some time more often checking to see if they were available. On BOTH the PB&J SFO and the Sea Dragon 6265sab patterns, they are Out of Stock. When I started looking the price they were apx $110.00 each. The price increased toabout $115.00 and today they are $124.99. My question was why does SMKW raise the prices when they don't have them to sell in the first place?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lars Ray on
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Oh that's a great question....and way to call them on it too! Based on your observations and write-up, this appears to be "specultive" pricing (think oil, food, lumber, etc.) based on any number of factors - Tariff, product scarcity, full moon, marketing testing the consumer base, what have you.
Who knows, maybe because of the earthquakes in Mayanmar last week, the cost of having these knives in stock just skyrocketed.
Can't wait to hear the real story....
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Permalink Reply by Mike Bryant on
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I messaged them the question but have heard nothing back at this time but I doubt I will. I am however about ready to call it quits in collecting Case Knives.
Lars Ray said:Oh that's a great question....and way to call them on it too! Based on your observations and write-up, this appears to be "specultive" pricing (think oil, food, lumber, etc.) based on any number of factors - Tariff, product scarcity, full moon, marketing testing the consumer base, what have you.
Who knows, maybe because of the earthquakes in Mayanmar last week, the cost of having these knives in stock just skyrocketed.
Can't wait to hear the real story....
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FeaturedPermalink Reply by dead_left_knife_guy on -
In a sense, it's probably the ideal time to raise prices. If the item (knife, lighter, whatever) is in stock, and it's $110 on Monday, then $115 on Thursday, then $125 on Friday, they might still sell the knives on Friday, but now they've got customers who are complaining that the knife they just bought was $15 less earlier that week, leaving bad reviews for SMKW in the process. SMKW then looks bad if they don't respond to any posted complaints -- but they'll probably look just as bad, if not worse, replying with an explanation, whatever that explanation is.
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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Andy Larrison -
I saw several complaints about this very thing from the release of the PBJ canoe last week. The price jumped like 10 - 15 bucks the day of the drop.
FYI: The PBJ folding hunter is dropping Wednesday, 4/9/25 at 10 am EST.....good luck.
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FeaturedPermalink Reply by dead_left_knife_guy -
Might be how SMKW is responding to tariffs...
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Possibly it is speculation pricing. For me it is the last nail in the coffin for Case xx Cutlery. Being I am from Tennessee I get to pay 9.75% more for my knives because of the State Sales Tax so the constant raising in prices soon removes me from the Makrket. Every time SMKW speculates on what they can sell the knives for it reduces the desire to collect them. If I pay $124.99 plus Tax 9.75% then at the least i will have $137.00 and change in the knife and then having to wait until the market rises to at least 20% over the price invested them, I may be holding these knives a while to get $164.00 for each of them. This does not even consider the cost of selling them on Ebay. So I will bow out and just enjoy others collecting who are much younger than me.
Lars Ray said:Oh that's a great question....and way to call them on it too! Based on your observations and write-up, this appears to be "specultive" pricing (think oil, food, lumber, etc.) based on any number of factors - Tariff, product scarcity, full moon, marketing testing the consumer base, what have you.
Who knows, maybe because of the earthquakes in Mayanmar last week, the cost of having these knives in stock just skyrocketed.
Can't wait to hear the real story....
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I'm sorry to hear that rising prices are pushing you away from a brand you love Mike, but I get it, I really do. And I imagine many others here on iKC are in the same spot or feel the same crunch. As Marketing gurus will tell you, for every one or two persons who speak up about a product or event (good or bad), they represent 10 to 20 others who don't say a word.
On the other hand, this scenario also plays right into the What, So What, Now What model. This model is a reflective framework used to analyze an experience, understand its implication, and plan for future actions. This is done by describing the facts, exploring the significance, and outline the next steps. Stick with me...I'll try to keep it brief -
This discussion has already identified the What and So What portions. Here is the model in action:
- What? (facts): The price of knives is rising daily, on hand stock is diminishing, and with no real explanation as to why or the cause of either - leading to broad customer and consumer speculation.
- So What? (exploring the significance): The significance is that retailers and brands are losing customer fan base, loyalty, and suffering diminshing resupply and sales. Increased dissatisfaction with future outlook with no real solutions being offered by retailers or brands.
- Now What? (the next steps): Personalizing this exercise - I've been here before, having to give up something I like very much because I am priced out. I plan to turn this into an opportunity to try out some new brands by making some small purchases to see if I like it. I am exploring new makers, new styles, broadening my fan base and looking for makers/dealers who are willing to explore with me and provide some alternative solutions. Heaven forbid I discover something else I like just as much for maybe even lesser money! Are you old enough to remember all the Japanese product bashing until the world discovered Seki knives? Now you can't touch them without spending some real coin!!! (I wish I had all my "junk" knives now!!)
I shared all this because you stated what many are either thinking or feeling Mike - and you're not wrong. Moreover, it sadens me when a peer I respect makes a "bow out" declaration. Being the Lars that I am, I thought I would use this opportunity to provide a framework in which alternative options can be considered without exiting the game. I am not a Case die-hard like many here are, but I am a serious blade-head. When I could not afford the knife of choice...well, that's when I discovered CFK (in spite of all the negative internet press). I chose style over brand. He who makes the style I like and can afford gets my cash!
And now I take pride in my lesser known brand name collection while I drool over the Kershaw collection of DLKG, the custom folders of Dennis Hilbar, and the 20+ pages of Case knives at 20 photos per page of Mike Bryant.
Thanks for reading the Pollyanna reply...and take heart!
Niech Cię to zachęci!
Lars
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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Andy Larrison -
That's a great reply Lars. I'm in a similar boat as Mike, but haven't decided to jump ship yet. I buy what I feel I can afford and what appeals to me. I used to buy alot more because of pricing and also availability. I'm mostly a specific pattern collector along with the brand, meaning I mainly focus on Case slimline trappers. Fortunate for my wallet they are releasing very few desirable/affordable slimlines now. I'm tired of the synthetic handles....and I keep begging Case to bring out more 2 blade slimline trappers.
I rambled off topic there, sorry. I agree with your comment Lars, I have tried Rosecraft and am pleased with their product but am afraid their pricing will climb soon due to the tarrifs. So, I remain to be content with my humble Case slimline collection.
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Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III
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Hum?
This topic has gotten me wondering about where does CASE source their raw materials from.
While they're made, here, in the USofA, where does their steel come from...
Handle material...
Up until now, I hadn't ever thought about it.
¯\_( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)_/¯
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Well it is April 9th at apx 1:00 pm my time. I didn't get up to try to buy one of the SFO from SMKW. Peanut Butter & Jelly Folding Hunters.for $124.99! I Never got as reply from them for why the price increase! CRICKETS! I did do a search on Folding Hunter on ebay and saw some with the Buy it now Price of $398.97 plus shipping of $7.85. Unusual that the seller would not insure a $400.00 plus package but that is another subject! So as I stated yesterday. My collecting Case knives is Done. Personally I think any one that would put that much in a brand new Case Knife is foolish. Just as I was to put $140. in a Buffalo Horn Folding Hunter that I had to return to Case to get the blade ground properly . But yall die hard Case collectors go ahead and buy them! However, for my thinking just a FYI the higher the Price of a knife goes, the fewer people will collect them! It is a case of Demand and Available $$$ to purchasea knife and then wait until the demand is high enough to resell and make $$$. At 74 years of age, I truly doubt being around when a $400.00 dollar outlay will rise to where I can sell it for a descent profit.
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They are avertised to be made in the USA. I read some place at 1 time the Bone came from Brazil from Cattle. I don't know about the other materials used in the MFG of the knife. I wonder what the cost of the China Knives is going to be? I read this morning that President Trump had raised the Tarrif on China stuff to 125%. Who knows those of us that have started collecting the Cheap China stuff may have fallen into a little Gold Mine.
J.J. Smith III said:Hum?
This topic has gotten me wondering about where does CASE source their raw materials from.
While they're made, here, in the USofA, where does their steel come from...
Handle material...
Up until now, I hadn't ever thought about it.
¯\_( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)_/¯
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I also like the slimline Farmers trappers. I have only a few but they aree salted away, Not off topic at all. I just said Folding Hunter because that is the main part of my conglomeration of knives.
Andy Larrison said:That's a great reply Lars. I'm in a similar boat as Mike, but haven't decided to jump ship yet. I buy what I feel I can afford and what appeals to me. I used to buy alot more because of pricing and also availability. I'm mostly a specific pattern collector along with the brand, meaning I mainly focus on Case slimline trappers. Fortunate for my wallet they are releasing very few desirable/affordable slimlines now. I'm tired of the synthetic handles....and I keep begging Case to bring out more 2 blade slimline trappers.
I rambled off topic there, sorry. I agree with your comment Lars, I have tried Rosecraft and am pleased with their product but am afraid their pricing will climb soon due to the tarrifs. So, I remain to be content with my humble Case slimline collection.
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