The maker benefits because he sells a knife that otherwise he might not have been able to without the collector coming up with cash from the dealer who bought his knife or knives. I know when I go to shows, it's like Christmas for a kid. I always ask if people have any knives for sale or trade in their bags. I have purchased and traded for many wonderful knives in this fashion. Also I've made new friends and customers this way.
Dealers can also benefit makers.
For a knife to have value there must be a demand for the knife on the secondary market. I, as a dealer, believe in the knives I sell and the makers I represent. The maker's knives I deal or distribute, I stand behind. When buying a knife through a dealer, ask him his refund or trade in policy. Most dealers will take back in trade the knives they sell, sometimes they may not, for example the particular knife was on consignment or they are changing the direction of their inventory.