Recent discussions around purchasing knives got me thinking maybe a thread of online stores would be good. I'm going to assume that a lot of new-to-knives people are starting on Amazon which is often not the best place.
I'll list a few that I use or have experience with (and maybe some background). I have no affiliation with these places other than being a happy customer. None of the links or codes are going to make me money or give me free stuff. Just thought I would throw together some options for people who are new to knives.
My list is going to be US-centric. If you are not in the US and have recommendations, please add them here!
http://www.whitemountainknives.com One of my favorite retailers. Great prices, free shipping, and offers a variety of coupon codes for 10% off. Most of these are tied to individuals who get rewards for people using them. I use one that is, as far as I know, generic: WMK The site has a ton of stuff on sale (especially now).
http://www.indianaknives.com Small retailer in southern Indiana. Great, great customer service, excellent prices and free shipping. A more limited selection but often has 1 or 2 things that larger retailers sell out of quickly because this store flies under the radar.
http://www.knivesshipfree.com As the URL says: knives ship free! Lot of fixed blades, especially Bark River knives. Not a super limited selection of manufacturers but it feels like a very well curated list.
http://www.knifeworks.com Mentioned in a recent thread here. A ton of options and the exclusive home to Doug Ritter-designed knives (manufactured by Hogue). Used to have Benchmade under MSRP but I don't know if they still do that. $100 purchase requirement for free shipping.
https://www.knifecenter.com One of the OG stores. Huge selection, and fantastic YouTube presence. Their website allows you to filter searched by a ton of different options not found in many other stores. Tons of really cool Exclusives as well. $95 min purchase for free shipping.
http://www.bladehq.com For a long time a more commanding presence than KnifeCenter in social media but I think they've fallen back as maybe has their customer service. Always a ton of Exclusives especially all the "Dessert Warrior" options. Free shipping at $100.
Others I have limited experience with but are good:
http://www.smkw.com Smokey Mountain Knife Works
https://www.cutleryshoppe.com/ Another shop with a ton of exclusives. I got a exclusive ALOX SAX from them.
https://www.knivesplus.com If you want a customized Spyderco or Benchmade without going with a random person off Etsy or Ebay, these guys are great.
I know I left stores off the list (mostly for time) so fill in the gaps. Who have you purchased from that's been great?
For UK retailers it's hard to beat Heinnie Haynes they have quite a wide range of stock and their own exclusives in collaboration with manufacturers that alter popular models to be UK no-reason needed legal.
Direct retail tends to work Twisted Assisted and Hoo knives do well.
American retailers are a pain. Knifecentre have a high minimum order. BladeHQ just won't ship to the UK. Similar story for most. Even the giants. Amazon UK seems to have only off-brand weird knives. Not like Sanrenmu, decent but obscure chinese knives. Just novelty tat in 3Cr and tinfoil. Amazon com won't ship knives to the UK. Ebay uk has a strict no knives rule.
Retailers I've had some success with:
Knivesandtools.co.uk - this is a very limited subset of knivesandtools.com a Netherlands based retailer. The co.uk site has the knives they are willing to risk shipping to the UK.
Lamnia.com - the website doesn't give much info about the knives but if you know what you want, they probably have it and will ship it.
The untrained parcel pokers from Border Force may seize your knives but as long as what you ordered is legal a polite letter with a clearly stated willingness to go through with legal action will, in my experience get them to sheepishly send you your knives with an admission they aren't what they claimed (always a flick knife or gravity knife). If your foreign seller will accommodate, ask for any button or crossbar locks to have the pivot tightened so as not to drop shut (or open). You can loosen it later but your typical border force agent gets lots of training on drugs and half a day in a portakabin if they're lucky on knives and other bladed articles.
Great info! Thanks!