Knivesandtools at Shot Show 2022

You probably got used to us bombarding you with pictures, videos and news topics every Shot Show. Last year this was, unfortunately, not an option due to the Covid pandemic. And this year we once again have to let you down. Yes, we did visit the Shot Show to purchase cool knives and other gear. But due to all measures in place and the risks involved, this year only a small Knivesandtools delegation travelled to Sin City. This also means less time for pictures and videos and such.

We do, however, love to share some trends and observations with you. There are some things we are faced with that concern us all. Us as a shop, but also you as a consumer and enthusiast.

Shortage of raw materials

You might have heard some of it on the local news. Or read about it online: there is a worldwide shortage of raw materials. Sounds vague, yes. And how much 'material' do you actually need to produce a knife? You are, after all, not building a house.

And yet, it was a sentiment shared by all the brands we visited: it has become quite the nightmare to receive steel and other materials. Unfortunately, we are not talking about a one or two-week delay. We literally heard a supplier say: within a month I will run out of all my steel with thickness x, and when I do I will have to wait until 2023 for it to be available again. And simply getting it elsewhere is also not an option. After all, everyone is dealing with the same issue. There might be 100 knife brands in the United States, but not 100 steel suppliers.