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Knives are essential army/navy store items. Customers seeking to buy a knife often head for the nearest army/navy store, and knife sales remain relatively strong in a negative economic climate.

“Despite the economy, the major knife companies are putting out new models like the recession never happened,” observes Keith Shelton of Moteng, whose company wholesales many of the major brands.

While folding knives continue to outsell fixed blades, fixed blades are making a comeback. However, Shelton notes that the largest area of increased sales is in economy priced lines by the major manufacturers.

Knives are a particularly attractive product for gun shops, he said, noting that the percentage of margin for knives is higher than for firearms. For the army/navy store, as well, knives frequently offer higher margins than apparel.

In January, an unusual collaboration between the Buck Knife Company and Tops Knives, both Idaho-based companies, produced the Combat Search and Rescue Knife. Shelton notes that this is the first time these two highly regarded manufacturers have collaborated on a product. The CSR-T knife features a heavy duty thick blade and has a suggested retail price of $150.

BUCKS IN SWASHBUCKLING?

Swords comprise a lesser category for Moteng but Shelton has enjoyed good sales of functional swords from Cold Steel. He notes that these swords are not intended for decorating a wall. “They are designed for martial arts aficionados who want their swords razor sharp right out of the box,” he said.

Böker Knives traces its history to 19th century Germany. The company manufactures a variety of cutting tools, but for the army/navy retailer, the Böker Plus line holds the most interest. Designed for law enforcement and the military, the line includes reproductions of historical military knives such as the Mark One Navy Knife from the 1940s. “It is made to the same specs as the original with the same leather wrap handle, leather sheath and SK-5 high carbon steel blade,” said company president Dan Weidner.

Although functional, the knife is geared more toward collectors, Weidner said.

New from Böker is the Credit Card Knife, a custom made, fully functional folding knife the size of a credit card. Retailing for $29.95, the knife features a 1/8 inch blade and a pocket clip, so it can easily be carried in a wallet.

“It is functional and easily concealed. People say they have never seen a knife like it,” Weidner said.

In the fixed blade category, Böker has developed the Cop Tool, a knife designed for law enforcement and the military with a partially serrated blade that is strong enough to use as a prying tool.

Moderately priced knives are selling well, as are law enforcement and military knives in general, Weidner said.