2007 A GOOD Year?

[fisk]

2007 was good for me. I was able to learn quite a bit of new methods I picked up some new clients and was able to have some good face time with exsisting clients. Being able to help with the BFB was a real treat as that is a cause that close to home for me. Had a good time with my friends in Oct at the show.

For 08 I plan on getting into the door of 4 different non knife magazines. I am working on the first 2 now and planning how to get in the other 2. I plan on exploring how to bring custom knives more into focus with some other collectable groups with a group of people. Also for 08 we will be finishing the documentary project that started last Oct so maybe that will help as well.
I will be undertaking several big projects this year knfie wise which will try to stretch my thinking. For 08 I am also going to learn to tuck and roll when the horse throws me as I am getting to old to just flly off of him screaming like a girl while the neighbors sit on their porches and make bets.

 

[Joss]

As a collector, this was a good year for me. I bought 10 knives, some of which pretty ambitious for me. I also got 3 older pieces from (respectively) Don Fogg, Pierre Reverdy, and Michel Blum, and they are a type of knives that cannot be found easily nowadays - those 3 from Nordic, thank you! Finally, late in the year, I got 3 commissions delivered I was particularly excited about: a khanjar by Bailey Bradshaw, a Wharncliffe Teardrop Slipjoint with antique shell by Joel Chamblin, and an integral PW steel bowie by Rodrigo Sfreddo.

 

[jdm61]

Oh.......and I also rented a shop space in December and bought some new toys that will help me to actually make knives of consistent quality

 

[metalbender2]

a mixed bag here, work wise Im very happy, Im learning and progressing as a maker quite nicely. sales from shops that carry my work went well. I did poorly at the local arts shows though, pretty much all the artists selling anything over 20 bucks did, the local economy is dicey. 2008 is looking good. I think its going to be a watershed year for me, as my marketing paradigm is starting to gel and Im starting to make a name for myself in the surrounding counties as a smith.

 

[lwrhea]

One thing I did not mention that was a good for me this year.

As some of you know, I have been making a push to get in contact with several higher profile "users" of knives. In the past year I have made attempts to get in touch with about 12-15 of the TV Hunting Show hosts. At least two of these guys will soon be carrying a Custom Knife. I have done this to educate and inform, hoping that with their help the Custom Knife Market might benefit.

As of yet, I have actually talked to one on the phone, and two by email. This may not sound like much, but it represents a lot of hours compiling information, photos, etc. With some, I resorted to letter writing and actual photos in the mail.

I'm very excited about the contacts, because I know now it's possible to reach these folks. Also, I tend to think they are insulated from individual knifemakers by their success to some degree, attracting the attention of production people. Again, this just shows it is possible to make contact with them.

I would encourage you makers to get in touch with some of these guys, especially if you personally know them. We need them on our side. We need them at our shows and being seen using Custom Knives. Let's see what we can do in 08.
Lin

 

[Don Hanson III]

The bookkeeper, eh? I had noticed that whenever I send you a payment through PayPal, the name that pops up as the recipient is a rather feminine sounding one I think if we asked her, she would say that her actual title is CFO and probably CEO too...lol. As for the 10,000 lbs (!!!!!) of W2, it has served it's [urpose admirably. Lots of good looking blades with wild hamons in '07.:thumbup:

Yeah, my bookkeeper's name is on the paypal account When more $$ is coming in, than going out, she is happy. But when I get to buying large quantity's of steel or fossil ivory, she gets nervous

Jerry, learning how to hit the ground is a good move. I don't land very gracefully, so I stay off the beasts

From my point of view, the custom knife world is lookin good and growing. One thing I've learned over the years is, when I make an ugly knife, it is very hard to sell, but some will say "a nice looking knife is worthless"

 

[Joss]

As some of you know, I have been making a push to get in contact with several higher profile "users" of knives. In the past year I have made attempts to get in touch with about 12-15 of the TV Hunting Show hosts. At least two of these guys will soon be carrying a Custom Knife. I have done this to educate and inform, hoping that with their help the Custom Knife Market might benefit.

Very good idea, Lin.

 

[Kevin Jones]

One thing I did not mention that was a good for me this year.
As some of you know, I have been making a push to get in contact with several higher profile "users" of knives. In the past year I have made attempts to get in touch with about 12-15 of the TV Hunting Show hosts. At least two of these guys will soon be carrying a Custom Knife. I have done this to educate and inform, hoping that with their help the Custom Knife Market might benefit.
As of yet, I have actually talked to one on the phone, and two by email. This may not sound like much, but it represents a lot of hours compiling information, photos, etc. With some, I resorted to letter writing and actual photos in the mail.
I'm very excited about the contacts, because I know now it's possible to reach these folks. Also, I tend to think they are insulated from individual knifemakers by their success to some degree, attracting the attention of production people. Again, this just shows it is possible to make contact with them.

I would encourage you makers to get in touch with some of these guys, especially if you personally know them. We need them on our side. We need them at our shows and being seen using Custom Knives. Let's see what we can do in 08.
Lin

Every bit helps Lin.