Another question for Les Roberston

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.... or anyone else who might like to contribute.
I'm not exactly how to ask the question, so I might ask the same thing three or four different ways, so I'm sure that by the time I'm done everyone will know what I'm asking - (even if I don't!).
What non-factory fixed blade knife, made by an individual maker, is the single most popular knife of today?
If a maker was going to a show, and had time to only make ONE KNIFE, what should he make, that would have the highest possibility of finding a buyer, so he might at least get his table paid for?
What fixed blade knife comprises the largest amount of business these days? What is made the most and sells the most?
What knife should comprise the largest percentage of a maker's inventory?
Consider all of those above one question.
What knife style/blade length/handle material/hardware material?
I think everyone knows what I mean.
You have some great insight, Les, as well as others on this forum, and I personally thank you all for your input.
This one shouldn't be as much typing as the last "Les Roberston" topic!
 
Karl,

In response to the second version of your question, and may possibly answer your entire barrage :-)

The one knife you should make sure you have on your table is the ONE KNIFE your customer base knows you for. Obviously to bring only one knife to a show is not good, so the second knife you bring should be the one that shows the direction you want to go with your knives, and hopefully will display a budding talent or new skill you are working on........and you should ALWAYS have one of them.

The knife market today is so fluid, it's hard to nail down what the current trend is. 5-7 yrs ago it was much more clear. Not a bad thing, as I think collectors are more focused, more educated and are willing to spend a little more to get just what they want. That is the renewed focus of my business....to become more in touch with my customers to be more specific in fulfilling their knife buying from me. By your responses to my previous thread, and as evidenced by this topic, you get that and I think you are on the right track.:thumbup:
 
.... or anyone else who might like to contribute.
I'm not exactly how to ask the question, so I might ask the same thing three or four different ways, so I'm sure that by the time I'm done everyone will know what I'm asking - (even if I don't!).
What non-factory fixed blade knife, made by an individual maker, is the single most popular knife of today?


Loveless drop point hunter OR Loveless Dixon/Wilderness fighter.

Unless the maker cannot pull it off, and/or breaks the design rules OR charges too damned much money.....these will sell every time, all of the time.

Might be difficult for the heaters & beaters, because the material(stainless steel) and the grinding(deep hollow, with specific dimensions) are not up for interpretation.....one either pulls it off, or it is an attempt at "homage".:o

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I wholeheartedly agree with Bailey and Steven on the questions that they answered.

In the realm of custom tactical stock removal user fixed blades at least, I would venture a guess that around 4" is the most popular blade length, and that OD green canvas micarta is the most popular handle material.
 
Sometimes you can get a little help without even realizing that you asked for it.;) In a recent thread, Les, Steven and Roger all focused on a particular bowie that I had done a little while back (unfortunately, it was not one of the two that I was attempting to sell at the time...lol) and said that it was probably a good idea to make more like it.:thumbup: I figure that I should listen to them because all three of those guys have a pretty good idea of what they like and what others may like too and a lot of experience to back up those opinions.:D
 
Sometimes you can get a little help without even realizing that you asked for it.;) In a recent thread, Les, Steven and Roger all focused on a particular bowie that I had done a little while back (unfortunately, it was not one of the two that I was attempting to sell at the time...lol) and said that it was probably a good idea to make more like it.:thumbup: I figure that I should listen to them because all three of those guys have a pretty good idea of what they like and what others may like too and a lot of experience to back up those opinions.:D

That's why I came here!
 
HI Karl,

I'll answer your question from a different perspective.

A Loveless Hunter is very popular because makers have been building them for 50 years.

Randall designs are copied because they have been around for 70 years. They are very popular and will catch the eye of the casual buyer.

What is the most popular model changes all the time.

So what I recommend to makers is that they create their own "Most Popular Design". After all isn't this what the artist in you really wants to do?

Now this is much more difficult than "copying" a popular design. That being said, I think long term that a maker is better off being known for a design or two. I realize that you may get sick of making that knife over and over again.

However, having a popular design of your own will get the collector to buy the first knife. Then you are given the opportunity to work with that collector and come up with something they will like. Note, this is a "business" strategy.

Now, how do you create your own "popular" design???

Sadly, this will involve cost...cost in time, cost in dollars...in other words you will have to spend time and money to create your own "popular" design.

The good news is that in the long run you will establish a higher position in any market you compete in. As you will be considered an "innovator". Experienced collectors are always looking for the unusual or unique.

That does not mean you cannot compliment that "unique design" with your version of a classic. Just remember your version of a classic will have a lot more competition than your "unique" design will.

While this strategy may not appeal to the Pure Artists out there. However, it will allow a custom knife to explore and extend their abilities because they have their standard models paying the bills.

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
 
It appears to me, Karl, that you want to hone in on a style of knife that will offer you consistent sales and longterm success. Of course you would. That's what every marketer is looking for. :)

A consistent popular seller from a 'handmade/custom knifemaker' is only so because of the uniqueness of their work and a dash of character tossed into the buyer's pleasure. I won't go so far as calling it 'soul', but by every measure we place a value upon character. And so to advise styles alone, is not the entire picture. You have nothing to worry about, BTW. :)

And some of the styles that have been absolutely killer for others will bomb for another. It's always about defining your work.

Dozier Knives will sell tons of quality hunters/utility knives. There is a reknown to his steel and work that has made him formidable in this area.

Steve Rapp will sell every California dagger he can make, among other knives.

Fisk's Sendero will always sell, and so will Lovett's Loveless Connection knives. Yes, they are identifiable styles, but the selling is part of the long-term committment and awareness of the knife buying community to these makers for these designs.

Just popping these styles out on your table/website will not guarantee your success, although you can bet it will theirs.

But each of these example makers will tell stories of wrong choices from them, until they found their niche. And that's the holy grail. :thumbup:

Undoubtably, Les' advice will trump mine, so I am listening.

#### Edit: I can't believe Les and I posted at the same time. Well, there you have it. :)

Coop
 
Bailey got it right. There is no ONE knife that will consistently sell for ALL makers. STeven is spot on about the overall popularity of the Loveless drop point, but you don't see too many of those from the forged guys for the obvious reasons. Probably the equivalent on the forged blade side is the Sendero.

Les' point about creating your own most popular design is worth writing down. I don't think this is something that happens overnight, but it is something very much worth working towards. As your knives do have a certain "look", you are already on the path.

One unrelated point. If you are a forged blade dude and are attending a major show, have at least one bowie on your table.

Roger
 
I agree with Les. In that the secret is not to build a knife like everyone else but to figure out what you can create to ignite that spark in the collector.
Easier said than done, but much more rewarding upon success.

Your clean "take down design" is captivating, and you can expand on it to acheave what you seek.
 
I agree with Les. In that the secret is not to build a knife like everyone else but to figure out what you can create to ignite that spark in the collector.
Easier said than done, but much more rewarding upon success.

Your clean "take down design" is captivating, and you can expand on it to acheave what you seek.
I agree with Kevin. Just keep refining your designs. The take down feature and the sculpting and finishing of your fixtures are pretty unique.
 
Karl, I can't answer your question, but will say. I did quite well for about 8 or 9 years with no hunters, bowies or fighters on my table at shows. Just folders :)

Make the knives you want to make. Then after awhile, stop making the ones that don't sell. :D
 
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