All About Pocket Knives

I am in the process of getting ready to basically use a lot of unwanted diecast and knives as trading fodder with the owner of a local antique store. However, I'm kind of clueless about the whole thing--usually, when I sell/trade something, it's at my cost (which usually tends to be what it's worth) for the item in question. Besides, most of the time--it's usually traded with a friend, relative, or esteemed member here. Heck, usually when I have unwanted knives (even when of good quality), they always end up finding new homes during the POS Exchange.

Here's an example of a trade I want to make tomorrow. The guy has an unused blue bone Case 6333 Small Stockman for $22, which seems a little low. I have a 2017 Case G-10 Stockman that's worth about $50 (a little more than what I paid from Shepherd Hills three years ago--they didn't sell those things well, and people hated them due to the serrated main blades--I replaced it soon in EDC with a Camillus-made Stanley that featured a full SE spey blade) that I no longer really see need in keeping (as I prefer bone now on most knives I buy). I plan to see if he will trade the Case and a decent Millers Falls Breast drill (has $20 on it) for the knife. On the flip side, I don't want to screw him over.

So, can anyone give me some advice on how to handle things? I'm trying to see if I can just do a straight-up swap without getting real money involved (spent a little too much this month already).

Relax. Smile! Just talk about it until you both feel satisfied with the deal. Do not get emotional (at least not outwardly so). Have fun with it. You’re dealing with someone who makes deals for a living so you’re likely at somewhat of a disadvantage, but remember you each have something the other wants - either the trade item, money, or both. Money is fungible- it can go either way. You’re probably adding to your collection, he’s probably getting something he can deal to someone else. Two different perspectives. Be creative, try to think of what he needs and help him get it, while you also get what you want.

Good luck! Making a deal is at least half the fun. Enjoy the experience, make a new friend you’ll want to deal with again. Make sure even if you can’t agree on a trade, you part friends.

Ken

Him being in business it’s all about making profit, knives, guns, cars all for profit, he is not trading in most cases to add to his collection, he is looking to make a profit and maybe get something that he feels will move faster or more appealing than what he has in his case. In gun dealing most shops that buy strait out get a value in their mind as to what the gun will sell for and offer 60% range. Depending on how quickly they feel it will move.

I owned a vintage store for years, I was more likely to make the trade in the favor of the customer if they made me laugh and have a better day. It gets boring sitting behind the counter day in and day out.

Good luck!

Don't worry about it too much. The main thing is to have some fun.
Probably neither of you will make a killing. If you get something you
really like then that what is is all about.

Bob

If two people talk through a trade and both are in agreement, go for it.

I neglected to mention something too few folks nowadays understand. Focus on the items to be exchanged. Never, never, ever make any comments aloud about the person you’re dealing with.

You may think in your mind he is a jerk, a crook, or worse. But keep it to that - thoughts only. I hope nothing happens that makes you even think that - keeping the discussion focused on the items will help you not let it happen. If it ever starts to get personal, call a time out, say you’ll come back another day, shake hands and walk away.

Hopefully that’s not advice you need. I’m making this post for others reading this perhaps some day in the future. In today’s Western world culture where we are conditioned to pay sticker price, bartering is largely a lost art, at least in the consumer world. Evidenced by our day-to-day retail shopping, including too often by exchanges on sites like eBay.

Not so much so in business where prices and contracts are negotiated. I spent years in sales, and some of my best friends in the business world were corporate buyers and purchasing agents who were my customers - a relationship built on honesty and mutual respect. We both had a job to do - the goods being bartered were just that. Don’t let the deal get personal!

Ken

As long as both parties part ways happy, all is good.

Paul