Some basic infomration about RMK?

I am preparing to order a Randall. Likely a #14 and I have three basic questions about RMK and their knives.

First, it seems like they charge a considerable amount of money for any changes to basic designs? If one were to buy a #14 with 3-4 changes, depending on what the changes are, the price of the knife could increase by 50% or so.

Second, if one ends up selling their Randall in the future, is the sales price typically reflective of the additional charges for the changes (presuming they were done in good taste/function), do they typically not effect the used sales price, or does it typically harm the used sales price?

Finally, is RMK an honorable company? 5-6 years is a long time to wait for a knife, but it sounds like an interesting journey?

Thanks for any insights you might be able to provide.

 

I appreciate your sentiments. If one were to say upgrade to a SS blade or add a handle collar or a fancy pommel, I fully understand there would be additional costs involved, that would be reflected in the sales price. I don't understand why there would be an additional charge to swap out a "slightly different style" of double (brass) hilt for a "standard" double (brass) hilt, however? The knife is being built from scratch anyway. No additional labor is necessary.

Anyway, I do appreciate your insights.

 

Actually that's a terrible example. Levis went off-shore a long time ago. Their overall product quality and sizing went to Hades. On the other hand, the quality of jeans one can buy at Wal*Mart for $7.99/pair is remarkable. Step up to (I think) their $11.99 pair, and you essentially have Carhartts.

Similarly I can buy say a Buck knife and "know what I'm getting" at something like 1/5 the price of a RMK, depending on the model. Maybe 1/4 if I special order it from Buck. So it's not really about product quality. It's more about RMK's panache, collector value, status, etc.

I get why some people purchase RMK Knives. What I don't understand is why RMK charges an upgrade fee to swap say one hilt [slightly different style of a double (brass) hilt] for what I suppose is known as a "standard" double (brass) hilt. There can't be more than a dollar's difference between the two hilts, yet it's like a $60.00 upgrade and the knife is being made to order anyway. Not sure what's up with that?

 

Redacted.

 

"...It’s just the way it is..." <--- That's very true. It's also bad form in my opinion. It's the single thing that made me reconsider the purchase of a knife from RMK.