04/15/2025
Hello Rycen,

I was referred to you by Alan Shepardson, who helped us price a number of Himalayan Imports khukuris after my father passed away. 

We inherited over 250 items from various companies and Alan said you would be the best person to help us get started on the Blade Forums Knife Exchange. 

 

So, about a month ago, I sent a note through the Blade Forums system (before I set up my profile), with the idea of the letter getting to you.  I provided my website link (the items in the collection are hidden and embedded within my chiropractic/massage business website), asked about possibly utilizing the link on the forums, and also requested additional information about costs for utilizing a sub-forum for these sales.  The owner, Kevin Schlossberg, responded with a brief sentence that we need a Dealer membership in order to sell.  

 

Here is where things become confusing.  I reached back out to him via e-mail and also located his phone number on the internet, in order to clarify this and gain more insight.  But, to date have still not received a response.

While I'm not opposed to spending money on the proper membership to make these blade sales happen in the quickest way possible, I also don't want to get the wrong membership and then have to correct things after I have put in a ton of work listing them within the forums.

In the rules, it also states that I should ask any questions in the Tech Support Subforum (https://www.bladeforums.com/help/exchange-rules/), but the link is no longer active.  Instead of risking to post in the incorrect area, I figured I should continue to try to reach out to you, per Alan Shepardson's suggestion.

In this light, would you be able to help me with the following questions, which I still haven't been able to find answers to, since setting up my profile?

Please know, I respect your time and would not ask if it weren't necessary. 

I have also tried to map out every scenario I can think of, based on the information I have at this moment, and list my questions in a way that reduces your time spent on this.    Hopefully I've written these in a way that makes it easy for you to respond via copy/paste/answer:

1)  First, will purchasing a Dealer membership (in our specific case) allow us to post our items in the "For Sale By Individual" sections?
 

a) If it doesn't allow us to post in the "For Sale By Individual" sections, then I am worried that buyers will  never know we have preowned items for sale (since most people think of a Dealer as someone selling new items).

b)  Next, if we are allowed to post in the "For Sale By Individual" section with the aforementioned Dealer Membership, would we still be allowed to add my office website link (where I have the collection housed), since I am actually an individual, and not a Dealer?

c)  Important follow-up:  I have read over the info for both the Gold & Platinum memberships, which I understand do not allow for the website posting.  But, if we do need to purchase a Gold or Platinum option instead (to be able to post in the Individual section, if we can't do so with the dealer membership), can you let me know which one would likely be best for our particular situation?  I really have no idea about how much picture bandwidth I need or how many private messages I should expect.  (May need to say "currenty we are working from the Platinum Membership)

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2)  Next, can you help me with the best way to post the items in the "For Sale by Individual" section?

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My concern:---  We don't want to look like we are spamming the for sale pages with our huge number of items.  And, we certainly don't want to do anything that gets us kicked off the forums.


Questions related to this:
• No matter the membership profile:  Do you prefer we set up with:

• groups of similar types of items per post, or 

• groups of same-maker items per post, or 

• all 260 items in one post, or
• some other configuration? 
 

• And, if multiples in a post, then how many per post? (I am alright with doing the work to list everything in individual threads or grouped threads if needed, but I am trying to figure out the most useful and streamlined way to do this that also doesn't cause you issues as a moderator.)

• If we do create multiple sale threads within the Knife Exchange, are we allowed to link all of the individual sales threads we've created within the Blade Forums, to each other?

• Will the forum allow us to create posts that say "Coming Soon", if I happen start working on creating a long thread, but am unable to complete it during one sitting?

• And, are we allowed to link to the individual items that we have consigned to an outside entity (in our case, Arizona Custom Knives & Maida's Belts and Buckles) anywhere within the Knife Exchange For Sale forums, with any of your membership options?  Or is this unacceptable?

 

<On page such and such I see this... Does this apply to our particular situation>

 

3)  I'd also like to just ask if there is a possibility of purchasing a sub-forum (since we have such a large amount of items)?  --- Or, does a sub-forum automatically come with the Dealer membership?  --- And, if so, can you give me an idea as to how people would know that the sub-forum for our items even existed?

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• Or, do you think this is a completely non-useful idea to even consider in our case?
 

4)  Last, I have a question in regard to postage: I do understand that "sellers need to do their own math and list a TOTAL selling price shipped". 

Since shipping costs differ depending where in the USA an item is mailed, [we've selected the the post office has suggested we pick the zip code furthest from us, with the highest shipping fee.  Then we would add that to be added to our item cost to get the final total.  !!! post office suggests we use California, New York or an Alaskan zip code for this --- I need to also ask about Hawaii!!!.] However, if we find that the cost to an individual is less than the predetermined shipping or if someone wants multiple items which can all be put in a flat rate box (or be mailed in some other form which may costs less than sending the items individually), I'd like to know how would you like for us to explain that and/or handle that within our sale posts in the forums.

 

• Would you prefer we add that information up front in the 'For Sale' post? 
For Example: "If you are interested in multiple items, we are open to providing corrected shipping which may be reduced."
• Or, would you prefer it be discussed with the buyer in private messaging only (and then we just go to the post office to get a new "reduced" price option for them)? 

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​It may make more sense to say that I'm also thinking about things like: since we have so many items (from swords to small knives and this includes all things in between)... it seems it is possible that someone would want a sword, a fixed blade and three pocket knives from us... and the fixed blade and pocket knives could all be added into the sword box, and they not even need to pay the original shipping cost for the fixed blade and pocket knives which we had predetermined individually (per the rules for listing on the Blade Forums).  That is another reason why I am asking the question, to make sure we know how to handle it now, before we get into the mix.  I really don't want to get kicked off the forums for doing something wrong, just because I didn't think it though.

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5)  For a look at everything we are selling, this is the link to our 9 pages of "New to Like New to Used to Rusted' blades.
https://www.lucasandlucasllc.com/gallery/knives-private1



Last, I do realize I may be making more of this than I need to.  But, I appreciate any insight you have to help me know better how to proceed and also what to plan for.  My preference is to ask as much up front in this note as possible, so that we don't have to write back and forth multiple times.

My best,
- Kiki Lucas

713-974-2800

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ADD IN QUESTIONS:

In the KNife Exchange at t the top of the For Sale by Individuals page it says "All For Sale threads must have a pic showing the knife being sold with written date listed & your username!" (https://www.bladeforums.com/categories/for-sale-by-individuals.681/).  [You must show you possess the item being sold by posting a photo of it, along with a written or printed note showing date of listing & your username. Handwritten notes are encouraged to prevent scammers photoshopping information in.]

However, there are Updated Rules, as of 2019 at the top of the For Sale: Fixed Blades section, for example... which does not state this requirement (https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/updated-exchange-rules.1646264/#post-18826796).  And, when I look through the current items individuals have listed for sale, I do not see people adding the piece of paper with the date listed and username.

I ask, because I will need to retake about 260 photos, if this is required.  

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Again, if it is part of the rules, I understand that I need to make it happen, and will do so if needed, since we don't want to be kicked off the forums for an infraction.  But, I alkso want to ask if it is necessary, due to the 2019 changes and no one seeming to follow the instructions of the section at the very top of the For Sale by Individuals page at this point in time.

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RULES TO KEEP FOR LISTING (https://www.bladeforums.com/help/exchange-rules/):

DEALER / MATERIALS PROVIDER - Dealers are defined as anyone who purchases at wholesale pricing, or purchases items with the intent to resell (flipping). Other terms for dealers include purveyor, broker, reseller, etc. Materials Providers offer raw materials such as steel, handle materials, or other items related to knifemaking in general as typical stock for sale to the forum members or to the general public via their own store front or website. We reserve the right to make the final determination as to what constitutes a "dealer".
 

Dealers/Selling -

1. You must have a current DEALER membership to sell on this site.

2. You are allowed to have any other level of membership and take part in discussions, but unless you have a DEALER membership you may not:

   • Mention or link to your business in any way (not applicable to Knifemakers)

   • Use private messaging to sell to members

   • Include your business name in your username

   • Use your signature or avatar to promote your business.

   • Take part in any discussions involving your business OUTSIDE the Feedback forum.

QUESTION:  Could we possible pay for a Dealer Membership to be able to list the website link and add an additional Gold or Platinum Membership to be able to list in the "For Sale by Individual" forums?



SECTION 2 - Rules/Procedures for Selling, Buying, Trading, & Offering Services:
The implementation of common sense is strongly encouraged beyond this point. This applies directly to the persons involved in the transactions.

Sellers/Selling -

1. Be 100% sure that you want to sell the item, and clearly list the TOTAL selling price.

   • There is no "testing the waters" or "gauge buyer interest".

   • "Net to me" needs to be figured into your LISTED PRICE

   • Insurance is the responsibility of the SELLER not the Buyer. This is for your protection.

   • Paypal "friends & family" is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. This is for your protection, you have zero recourse if you are scammed using Paypal Friends & Family.

2. You must show you possess the item being sold by posting a photo of it, along with a written or printed note showing date of listing & your username. Handwritten notes are encouraged to prevent scammers photoshopping information in.

3. No auction or raffle type sale threads.

4. No sales for third parties. If your "friend" wants an item sold, they must create their own account and list it themselves.

5. Activate/Enable your ability to receive email and private messaging, from members, moderators, and administrators; you must also display your correct membership level.

6. When describing your items, be honest and provide an accurate & detailed description of the item. Don't forget to mention defects, blemishes, new, used, or other problems. When in doubt, be pessimistic with your descriptions. If you have a problem being honest, upfront, and are unable to honor your word then you do not belong here.

7. Provide as many photos as possible, in the best lighting possible. It's always nice for buyers to see what they are going to get. Threads with pictures sell items faster than those without. Keep in mind, gigantic photos take forever to load for some people and can be an eyesore, resizing to a reasonable size is advised

8. Be specific with all details of payment. There is no eBay style auctioning allowed. If you want to entertain trade offers, say so in your sales thread (For Sale Or Trade); it is allowed.

9. If you have a Gold or higher membership you may list currently active threads in your signature space. Please, no giant billboards and no links to eBay.

10. Consolidate your 'like" items into a single thread. If you have multiple knives to sell, post them in a single thread. Or you can do different threads on different days. You are only allowed 1 sales thread, per 24 hours, per forum. If you list an item and it sells, don't start another thread in the same section until the next day. If a moderator consolidates your threads, edit the title and make any changes you need to. DO NOT START AN ALL NEW THREAD! Let's keep it fair for everyone.

11. You must wait 14 days (2 week rule) to relist an item for the second time. Once you list an item for sale, that item cannot appear for a second time in a sales thread until 2 weeks have passed from the date of the original thread. Any changes made to your existing sales thread (withdrawing, editing price, etc.) must be made to that thread, don't start new threads with the same items. Use a calendar if you need to. You can link your sales threads to your signature space, but don't make it a giant billboard.
    
    Bumping threads or "BTTT" in the sales sections has been disabled due to abuse. See #9 above for clarification.
    
    
    
     

Solicitation:
Asking a member to click on a link, subscribe to a channel or website, provide feedback, donate money or goods, sign an online petition, or “Like” a page on Facebook is considered solicitation. Yes, this includes your YouTube, TikTok, Twitter / X, Rumble, or other website, social media, newsletter, mailing list, etc you have an account on. Our members should not be subjected to this type of spam especially under the guise that they may win something. Spark (Site Admin.) does occasionally authorize solicitations for carefully selected causes. Persons seeking such an exemption MUST apply to Spark and MUST wait to receive that authorization before making any such posts.

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I also made a phone call to him and left a message, but never received a reponse.---
 

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MY RESPONSE TO Kevin Schlossberg (Owner of Blade Forums)

03/17/2025
Hi Kevin,

Thank you so much for your quick reply.

However, due to its brevity, I am still in need of more information and additional help.

By your response, it sounds like you think we are dealers.

My mom and I are *not* dealers.

What has happened, is that my father passed away about a year ago, and left a large collections of knives/blades behind.  We need to sell them so that my mom can move forward.

Alan Shepardshon said we would need to get a $35 Gold Membership to sell personal items.


From Alan:
"... there are many items that you have for sale that are really popular on the blade forums.  You might want to consider a gold membership there to sell ($35/yr) at this point.  I'm pretty certain you will get sales with all the discontinued items you have.

Rules may have changes, so I will be of limited help.  To be sure, contact a supermod there.  The one who deals with the exchange most (and my friend) is named Rycen.  He will be able to guide you the best.  Just explain what you want to do and he will help."


But, when I read the Blade Forums, I find that you have both a Gold & Platinum membership mentioned.  And, I am unable to find out the difference between these two memberships.

Can you tell me, or guide me to the page that describes each>  (I am happy to read and not waste any more of your time than absolutely necessary, if I can just locate the info).

In addition, can you please let me know more about the sub-forums?  I can't find the following:  If a private-sale individual can purchase one?  What it takes/costs to get one of those?  And, who would we work with, if we were to pay for that option?

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Last, if possible, can you forward my info to the supermod Rycen (per Alan Shepardson), if he is still on the forums?

I would like to try to set everything up properly the first time around, in order to reduce any need to go back and forth later on.

My best,
- Kiki Lucas
713-974-2800




Kevin Schlossberg (Owner of Blade Forums) RESPONSE

Kevin Schlossberg stated:  "You'll need a dealer membership to sell."

 

INITIAL NOTE TO THE BLADE FORUMS

Hello,
 

I was referred to you by Alan Shepardson, who has been helping myself and my mom to price a large grouping of HImalayan Imports khukuris.

We have been slowly learning how to sell with PayPal "Goods & Services" privately, and are ready to make the jump to advertise on the Blade Forums.

Alan said  you can help us to learn more.

I have been reading over the rules and see that there is both a Platinum and Gold membership.  But, I can't find a post that gives me the differences.

Because we have such a huge amount of items, I am also interested in finding out what it costs to host a sub-forum for the sales.

 

Could you pass that info on to me, too?

For a look at everything we are selling, I have hidden and embedded it all in my business website (Lucas & Lucas, LLC) for now.  Here is the link to the menu for the knives (it is about 8 pages of new to used blades).

<insert link here>

We are also open to selling the entire lot at a discount.

My best,
- KIki Lucas

713-974-2800

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