Advice Please - Should I stop cutting oversized blocks?

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(Mods, not sure if this is the right place for this. Please feel free to move if needed.)
I was hoping that those of you who use stabilized wood handle material could help me decide what to do.
Back when I first started supplying handle material I asked what sizes knife makers preferred for handle blocks.
There were a large number of makers who requested blocks be cut around 6" long, 2" or more wider and at least 1&1/4" thick.
The standard size with most knife making supplies places is 5" long by 1&1/2" wide by 1" thick.

The reason I am asking if I should continue cutting over sized blocks is because while sales are increasing, over sized pieces are selling a lot slower than everything else.
Since I am just a one man operation I need to focus my efforts toward where they can be the most productive.
So I am curious.

Are things trending away from knives being made that need the oversized blocks?
Does a block being larger than you need prevent you from buying a piece that you otherwise like?
Should I continue cutting a portion of the blocks over sized?.
Is there a specific size that you would suggest?
I know that there is no "One size fits all" for handle material. Just trying to find out what I should be using as a baseline.

Any advice and answers to these questions are greatly appreciated.
Maybe this way I can do a little bit better providing what you guys want.
 
Mark - I'm sure more prolific makers will offer greater perspective than I, but I thickness sand almost all of my handle blocks to 5" x 2" x 1 1/4".

-Peter
 
I wouldnt quit cutting them totally.Sometimes 5" is not enough.Maybe you could have a blow out sale for the stuff that hangs around too long.Hint/Hint.
Eddie
 
I'd suspect unless it's a very unique piece, price would have a huge influence. I think you're in a tough spot. It's probably a sales advantage to have nicely milled and cleaned up blocks, but they probably get that way by removing sometimes usable material. I'd think go with sales trends with occasional options to test the water. Craig
 
Hi Mark,
I would rather buy a oversize, high quality, high priced block (1.25" x 2" x 5+")and use it on a smaller knife. Then to buy a high quality standard size block (1"x 1.5"x 5") and just have it look great but limit the number of knives I can put it on.
I do pass up blocks based on smaller size.
Sincerely,
Dave
 
And just to be contrary to David,a standard size block will work on 99% of the knives I make,so I will pass on an oversize more expensive piece,given equal quality.

Stan
 
I wish you wouldn't stop cutting oversized blocks. I like having them on the market. I like the freedom of cutting my own scales and being able to pick where to put the scales in a block of wood. Its important to have a little spare wood to work with. Plus, sometimes you can squeeze another thin set of scales out of the block.
 
The so called standard sizes get even smaller when they aren't cut straight.


I've bought some blocks that I couldn't easily use because of that.
(not from you)


I notice a "creep" on sizes getting smaller and smaller to maximize yield.


Oversized is better and I think you saw a jump in sales when people stocked up.


Maybe just adjust the ratio of what's available to your sales now..
 
Mark, do both standard and oversize and price accordingly.

I just used a block of your bog oak and had about 35% waste.
Hurts man, because that's some nice stuff and Expensive!
 
5 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/4 covers everything I need. If I need something larger I will call you and special order it.

Tim
 
I like mine at 5 x 1-1/2' x 1-1/2" . At the cost I sure would like to get 2 sets of scales from a block instead of 1 and 1/2"
 
I'm not sure the extra length is necessary as much as the width for sculpted bowies, which I think is what most XLG blocks get used for. I usually feel like a 6-7" length block will be super wasteful, but 2" width in one dimension can be highly utilized.


5x1.5x2 or even 2.5 would have some real advantages but save you some blocks in the cut, and potentially the end price for the customer.


On a personal note, I'm still waiting for some good un-stabilized bog oak in larger width sizes, but I want some ultra-black stuff, so let me know if some pops up. ;)
 
Personally I have no real use at this point for a block over 5 inches long and hate to waste so I look for blocks in that size. I do however like a block that is a bit thicker allowing the possibility of two sets of scales. I have lots of blocks where I could get three scales out of it but that doesn't help much. A thickness of about 1.5 inches usually gives me two sets but 1.25 puts me shy of getting two sets. Of course this also depends a lot on whether I can cut them on the bandsaw or if I have to use the tablesaw.
 
Mark,
I can only speak for myself, but I really like that you provide "oversized" blocks. You're one of the few suppliers that does this regularly... and I take advantage of it frequently. I very seldom use blocks longer than 6", but much of my stuff benefits from ones that are at least 2" wide. I think you're offering a great mix, and I really appreciate your selection, quality and service. :thumbup:
Erin
 
I also like the oversize blocks. I just used an oversize piece on a chopper and I used as much of the 6 x 2 piece possible positioning the handle where I wanted it. I would like to continue seeing large blocks.
 
I prefer the slightly over sized blocks. It gives me more options and positioning choices. Sometimes I like the figure better a particular way and the larger block lets me take advantage of it. I don't buy a lot though. I tend more toward G10 and Micarta.
 
The advice from all of you is very helpful.
Sometimes I find myself wondering whether what get's purchased is because that is what was needed, or it is all that was available.
 
i a small part but i have to have 6 inch to make my razor handles
one of the blocks i got from you last week i put on the BBQ knife and this week the rest of the block will be turned into a damascuss razor and matching badger hair brush
i find that the 5 inch block is my highest waste size (WA handeled kitchen knives need about 4.5 inch of length cause of the spacer wood and only about 1.25square )
i under stand tho the need to max yyeild and turnover

as long as you can keep me in a few larger blocks now and then i ll be happy
 
I make a lot of knives that have rather long handles, so I very much appreciate the longer (6"+) blocks, even the 8-9" blocks, but I also realize I am in the minority with this. You are the only source for quality figured wood of these sizes I know of, and I thank you for catering to the odd maker.... however, the majority of makers need no more than 5" length, so perhaps the majority of your wood should be cut to this size, with the occasional piece for us 'non-standard' guys. Every once in awhile the maker needs to make 2 knives with matching handles, and the best way to achieve this is with either over-length or over-width blocks. Perhaps 75% normal, 25% over-sized, or 85%/15%.... I'd even be happy with 95/5%, as long as the over-sized stuff remains available.
 
maybe you're just in the middle of a trend with knife makers sales as well? maybe there isn't a demand for bigger knives atm?? dunno, but my half cent I very rarely use oversized blocks matter of fact I've had to maybe 6 times, but I haven't even made 50 knives yet.. I like how you've changed up selling mostly blocks instead of pre-cut scales as fiddleback said sometimes you can yield another slice off a slab to fit another project.. maybe consolidate your big blocks on another tab so those looking for oversized scales can find them easily..
 
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