Online knife dealers

aleforme said:
It's not so much that Amazon specifically is the issue, it's the vendors selling through Amazon or the fact some people will buy a real knife and then process a return with a fake or clone knife. Amazon employees are not knife dealers or experts. They likely take a quick peak in the box and say, "yep the knife is in there" and then restock it. I buy stuff from Amazon all the time and returns are a breeze. I just won't buy a knife from them unless they are my only option and I have to have the knife.
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It is also Amazon.

You have unscrupulous sellers gaming Amazon's distribution/return system with things like the "same zip-code scam." Not sure if still the case, but Amazon only verifies that an item makes it to your zip-code and is signed off on via USPS/UPS. Seller sends cheap item to wrong address where it is signed as delivered (e.g. you buy a laptop, they send a toaster oven). Wrong address either signs off on the delivery, or there is no signature on delivery and USPS/UPS signs that it was delivered. Then you have to navigate a Kafkaesque customer service labyrinth that denies you, at first, based on their delivery system. You escalate the claim... you then either get lucky and get your money back quickly, get your money back after a very long hassle, or don't get your money back at all, give up, etc.

For items that are utilizing Amazon Prime (third party sellers can use this as well using the Fulfilled by Amazon program), all items are stored in an Amazon distribution center ... together. In addition, Amazon sees all of these items as being a part of the same inventory. So, a reputable third party that is authorized to sell Spyderco, Benchmade, etc. can send in their kosher inventory... but that inventory is then mixed with other sellers inventory which could be anything. Now, you might specifically purchase from the authorized dealer when you conclude your transaction in the cart, but if they allow their goods to mix via the FBA program... you could be getting a knockoff sent in by the seller of ill-repute.

Granted, the above knowledge is based on data from a couple years ago. They might be cracking down on that stuff now... who knows... but I wouldn't bet on it.
 
I’ve had great service from BladeHQ and DLT but the sales forum is most highly recommended. Great way to judge a seller and add feedback. I’ve never been disappointed.
 
Buying internationally I have only ever used KnifeCenter and have had no issues. Shipping is a reasonable price, and takes about a week and a half from ordering to arrive in New Zealand.
 
I have ordered from several GEC dealers (slip joints) on line without any problems. In general the places I generally shop are Knives Ship Free, DLT, New Graham, and Knife Center (I get it confused with Knife Works). Frankly don't remember which one I have purchased from; probably both at one time or another. AG Russell is safe but if you go with their "free shipping".... very slow and almost worth it to pay for better shipping. That is contrary to KSF and DLT that I have never been let down by either whether it be shipping or product. New Graham has always been great. I generally don't try to save a dollar between one place or another, 10 yes.

I shop SMKW in person although I have purchased from them online. Future purchases with KSF will probably be in person as well since they are pretty much local to me now.

I don't order knives from Amazon. I don't order anything from Walmart if it is one of their dealers versus Walmart (with store pickup) unless I have no other choice on the item. Happens with lawn care products for me.
 
My partner bought me a knife from Grohmann knives in November as a Christmas gift. Knife didn't ship until late December. That was her bad, should have ordered sooner as knife was customised to my specs.

But shipping from Canada to New Zealand took three and a half months. Which cost 50USD for the shipping.

I think they strapped it to a bird and wished it luck.
 
bobshoy said:
My partner bought me a knife from Grohmann knives in November as a Christmas gift. Knife didn't ship until late December. That was her bad, should have ordered sooner as knife was customised to my specs.

But shipping from Canada to New Zealand took three and a half months. Which cost 50USD for the shipping.

I think they strapped it to a bird and wished it luck.
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that is just really hard to imagine... wow, it really should not have been nearly that long
at least you got a grohmann, those are really nice - did you get the Russell lockblade like this?
r300s.jpg
 
All the BF supporting dealers are great, but the past several months and especially now, I have grown very fond of KSF. They are the only ones who get my business nowadays. Whatever you do steer clear of the big river site and the bay in the sea. To many clones and chances to take for no reason at all. Support good businesses!
 
DLT Trading,Knifeworks,GP Knives, SMKW even Amazon can be good as long as Amazon is the primary seller or they fulfill the order(no problem returning items). I can't imagine not buying knives online so many options.
 
I buy from all the usual suspects mentioned by the other posters; if ever there's a problem they'll set you right. When going with a new vendor I always look for feedback here and elsewhere for reviews- there's been at least one time I passed on a dealer because the vendor got lackluster reviews. I've never had a problem with Amazon, although I'll check if they're selling, fulfilling, or whatever and always look for feedback. I like GP Knives; I only bought from them on-line once because they're only 25 minutes away:) and have an absolutely incredible B & M store. Which, by the way, just because you might buy stuff on-line doesn't mean you're not supporting a local brick and mortar operation. Places like GP have the best of both worlds- they can take advantage of the internet as well as walk-in traffic.
 
Link Removed has the largest collection of all types of knives and is the most trusted dealer I know so far.
 
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I have ordered from BHQ, Knifecenter, and Collector Knives. I recently purchased from GP Knives showroom and was blown away! I assume their online service is just as good!
 
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