A Few Hard Decisions Have Been Made

[JK Knives]

I have decided to stop making the Ti Framelocks, they are too costly to make, and material is to expensive to keep on hand. I have one more to make for a friend, then that`s it.
The second decision was much harder to make, and I am not totally sure yet, about 75% sure. JK Knives will be possibly shutting it`s doors in July. There are no orders coming in, and I simply can`t afford to make knives in the hope of selling them. This is very hard for me to write, but it`s time to face the facts.
To all my Proud Supporters, thank you for all you have done.
John

[NoahL]

John, I am very sorry to hear both of those things, but most especially that you are considering shutting down your shop. I sincerely hope that orders pick up! I don't think the world of knifemaking would be complete without your work, and I think that everyone on your forum will agree.

[jds1]

John, I'm hoping for the best that things will pick up for you. It would be a real shame to lose a talented knifemaker such as yourself. There are a lot of us knife guys out there with some quality steel because of you!

Jeff

[tknife]

I am sorry to hear that John. I know several makers that have been hit hard because of the recession, folks just don't have the extra funds for knives. For me personally, I can only buy a knife these days if I sell another knife. ANy chance of just keeping at it part time until things pick up? You have some excellent designs and a great talent that would be a shame to let go

[JK Knives]

I still have a ton of steel in the shop, so I am in good shape there. Handle material, not so much. I also brilliantly stocked up on .063 titanium for the liner locks, figuring they would go over big. I`m going to fight closing as long as possible, nobody wants to hire an old man anyway. (I`ve been practicing, "You want fries with that", and "can I supersize that for you?") See, I`ve still got my warped sense of humor!

[mqqn]

Hi John -

I wish there were something I could do to help you get more orders.

I am sure you will be successful no matter which direction you go.

I hope we can continue to have gatherings with the JK Supporters.

best regards -

mqqn

[bkduckworth]

I really hate to hear that John, you definately have something to offer this community.

Hang in there man, times are tough right now for everyone with fuel and food prices skyrocketing.

Brandon

[protourist]

I really can't imagine what why you aren't more successful. I can only think that it's the economy. I'm certainly sharing your pain. 3000 bucks that I din't have just went into a new turbo and injector today.
If you do follow through on your decision I hope you know you will always have a friend in me.

[Rockywolf]

I agree with the others. I love your knives and own many of them. My sons have some too and son #1 carries a JK every day! I can't afford another knife right now, but soon I hope. I hope you hold this off as long as possible, John.

[JK Knives]

son #1 carries a JK every day!

That`s the kind of stuff that brightens my day!

[grindonyou]

John . I would hold off as long as possible maybe after blade things will pick up for you .

[Rockywolf]

That`s the kind of stuff that brightens my day!

And the sheath you made him is awesome!

[pitdog]

Wow that's my two favourite knifemakers on Bladeforums both going into semi-knifemaking-retirement....sad days !

[WJC01]

No pay raise in years and currently 1 furlough day a month, it will eventually get better.
Try to hang in there and keep it part time.
Bill

[Mr. Sogetsu]

I feel bad cause I feel like I haven't done enough to tell others the enjoyment I get from my JK knives. I hope you still make knives, even if part-time, since you enjoy it and have the talent for it. It's not over until it is over.

[1066vik]

John,
the lack of orders is not because of a lack of quality on your end - it's just that $$ is tight for a lot of folks right now.
about the only things I've seen selling consistently on the exchange recently are the under $100 items - and especially smaller, more utilitarian pieces in the $50 range.
perhaps you should try making a batch of tin knives or necker sized blades in the near future and see how those go over?

I wish I had the funds to buy more of your stock, but all i have to offer at the moment is encouragement.

Best of luck.

[JK Knives]

All of these nice comments motivated me to get out and start grinding! I ground out four blanks this morning. I like the idea of making a batch of cheaper knives, (Pack Knives, maybe?)

[beanbag]

John,

when you say "pack knives," do you mean something like the hiker model? That's the one I have from you, and I like it. Is that the most popular style? It seems pretty reasonably priced.

[Rockywolf]

I say make more of the EDC like my son has with kydex sheath or make more of Rockywolf's Choice. Those knives are easily carried and cheaper, right? People are looking to save $$. My 2 cents. I can't afford a $200 folder right now, but I like the one I'm carrying!

[JK Knives]

John,

when you say "pack knives," do you mean something like the hiker model? That's the one I have from you, and I like it. Is that the most popular style? It seems pretty reasonably priced.

This is the Pack Knife. 6" overall with a 2 3/4" x 1/8" blade. I could do these for $100 + $5 shipping.



Then there is the Pocket Scandi. I could do these for $120 + $5 shipping.