Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tom M on September 14, 2013 at 21:42

Can't stand Cutlery Corner. Terrible hosts and as Chris Kirk would say, "don't buy Chinese junk". (except an occasional Spyderco).

Permalink Reply by Chuck Parham on September 15, 2013 at 7:35

I've noticed those additions to their line up as well. I also saw the "Round Man" had his spot on DISH network last night. It's going to be a sad day when Knives Live runs their last show. I sure hope it doesn't spell the eventual end for SMKW.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on September 15, 2013 at 9:15

One day Jim Frost will own all the knife companies in the world. He has a good start. How many has he bought out and now there just a name?

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 15, 2013 at 13:02

where is round man?  Does he have a web feed I dont get dish

Lets face it guys.  Business decisions are based around value for money.  If Kevin Pipes can sell the knives for the same amount and not have to foot the bill for airtime, it makes business sense.  If Jim Frost can pick up 1/3 of the Knives Live base by carrying those knives, it makes good business sense.  

I am by no means saying I like the idea.  Like all of you, my heart hurts at saying goodbye.  But if our favorite sellers went out of business because they were trying to keep us happy, that would be sad also.

This really does mean we all need to make more trips to TN and visit the big blue roof.  Thats not a bad way to spend some of your holiday.  Make sure you are signed up for catalogs.  I think we will keep the Knives Live group and post the specials in there for all to see.  That way we will still be spending some quality time with each other and still talking knife deals

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on September 15, 2013 at 14:48

The bad economy hurts a lot of people. So sad. I order a bunch of knives twice from SMKW this summer, they are too far from me. Maybe a little vacation next year....I hope so...lol

Permalink Reply by Jon Salmon on September 15, 2013 at 15:26

Jan - I agree that no company can stay in business losing money on a venture. Having said that, I still cannot understand why the SMKW / KLTV guys refuse to answer us about the possibility of keeping the show going via webstream / webcast or whatever it is called.  They specifically cited the "40% increase in satellite airtime costs over the last 2 years" as the reason for killing the show.  They already provide the webcast for FREE.  If their website traffic increased substantially because of new "web watchers" who used to view the show via satellite, would they have to incur substantial costs to upgrade their website / internet infrastructure? They could advertise the webcast on the Pursuit channel, or other "outdoor oriented" programs. They could also establish a fee based "Buyers Club" which would allow members to view the webcast and generate revenue to offset the costs (kind of like how sportsmensguide.com offers discounts to members) Also, it is no coincidence that nobody on the show (particularly Josh) has been participating in our KLTV chats for the last few weeks - I think they have been ordered NOT to participate because they want to avoid answering "uncomfortable" or "awkward" questions.  I've spent a small fortune buying knives from SMKW / KLTV, and I can promise you I will NEVER buy any SMKW house brand on the "Foghorn Leghorn" knife show, because I can't stand to sit through 50 minutes per hour of truly crappy "truck stop" knives in order to view 10 minutes of decent quality pieces. I will say that one thing I will NOT miss when KLTV goes is having to listen to Jay going ON AND ON AND ON about some $1,000 - $5,000 knife that might appeal to 1 person out of the thousands that are watching - and then doing it again and again for every Randall, Tree Man or Stoner that is on the "Vault Certified" list for that night. That would be another reason to go the webcast route - they could have specific shows featuring "Vault Certified" pieces, or other "themed" shows featuring specific brands or styles or whatever. Bottom Line - I just believe that Mr. Pipes has decided to dump the show, and has no interest in considering any creative ideas that would keep it alive (in some form or another) TO SERVE HIS MANY LOYAL KLTV CUSTOMERS.
 
Jan Carter said:

where is round man?  Does he have a web feed I dont get dish

Lets face it guys.  Business decisions are based around value for money.  If Kevin Pipes can sell the knives for the same amount and not have to foot the bill for airtime, it makes business sense.  If Jim Frost can pick up 1/3 of the Knives Live base by carrying those knives, it makes good business sense.  

I am by no means saying I like the idea.  Like all of you, my heart hurts at saying goodbye.  But if our favorite sellers went out of business because they were trying to keep us happy, that would be sad also.

This really does mean we all need to make more trips to TN and visit the big blue roof.  Thats not a bad way to spend some of your holiday.  Make sure you are signed up for catalogs.  I think we will keep the Knives Live group and post the specials in there for all to see.  That way we will still be spending some quality time with each other and still talking knife deals

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on September 15, 2013 at 15:45

I'm guessing they aren't answering about the web stream because it has proved un reliable in the past.  As for visiting the big blue roof, it makes no sense for me to spend a $200-300  to drive to TN, spend the night just to shop for knives.  I'll have to deal with the shopping on the web site and via the catalog.  When they got a good shipping special I'll pounce.  I do most of my orders via the TV show simply because of the flat rate shipping.

I'll miss the knowledge and the fun of the listening to guys. I assume I'll do a whole lot fewer impulse buys in the future without the show. That is where SMKW will lose money.   I'll watch CCN but as I've heard horror stories about their return policy and the their shipping and handling, I doubt I'll ever place an order with them.

Permalink Reply by Chuck Parham on September 15, 2013 at 18:07

I think only time will reveal the extent to which SMKW has financial problems. I agree that the webstream would be a great idea AND it has also proven unreliable. Rough Riders on the "Round Man's" show and Frost Follies? That's fine because I know the quality they are. Frost brand knives? I also know their quality as well.

I too cannot afford a drive to SMKW for that purpose alone but they are among my stops as that area is a vacation destination for us. I do watch CCN for a "fix" of watching knives but have never ordered anything from them. All I can say is watching Knives Live has been enjoyable and educational.

After they do their last show I will save it on DVR for a lookback once in a while. I'll remember it with the same feelings as I remember The Lone Ranger, Andy & Opie, Zorro, Wagon Train, and the many many shows of my youth. It will be a sad day for us knife lovers but just another change that was preordained.

I suspect their catalog will continue. I sincerely hope their great customer service will continue as well but something tells me this will also undergo a transformation from personal service to corporate outlook.

The bright side is iKC will continue to share great knives, ideas, and nostalgic looks at the past which will soon include Knives Live. I'l put away my handkerchief now and look toward the future. Anything can happen.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 15, 2013 at 18:13

Tobias,

You are a better man than I....Like Jon I just simply cannot watch the CCN show I have tried. It is dry and I too seek to learn and at least find what I am watching valuable if not entertaining.  I also would not travel to TN just to buy knives, I try to tie the trip in with one of the shows they do, 

I do not know about the web stream and why it is not a viable option.  I do know it is not free to produce or air.  It would seem like the perfect solution.

I am going to miss the guys, though I tend to think they are going to pop back up in our lives at some time LOL.  I refuse to miss the time with you folks.  The Chats are back on Wed nights, we have a lot going on right now with the new knife pass around Hog is running and the photo contest beginning on Monday in Charles group.  We have also been building some fun around the Ebay nights.  I never intended for our fun to be built around someone elses show, only for it to be built around the members here in our community.  Continue to watch for contest, prizes and fun right here

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on September 15, 2013 at 18:29

The over head of running the business and a slow down in sales, is what's hurting them. A few people with a fairly high salary, will take a lot of knives at $10 a pop to cover. I hope the best for them.

   A long trip just to buy a few knives is not the way to go but a vacation with the family in the great Smoky Mountains, would work. It would be another site to see.