Can you make a living making knives?

I just returned from the Chicago show, and Bruce Bump hit the nail right on the head, very good advice Bruce. This was my first attendance of a knife show and my first time as an exhibitor, all I can say is, there lots and lots of SUPER Talented knife makers to compete against and when you gang ONLY( because theres a lot more then that) 130 -140 of them in the same room, your amazed if anyone even looks at your stuff little lone buys any of it. Its fun but tough. My advice to you would be, go to a couple big knife shows with very talented named makers and see what your up against before you decide to quit your full time job.

One more bit of advise, if your an old country hillbilly like me, take a couple pair of clean shorts if you go to the Chicago show, because that traffic will scare the S##t right out of you.

Good luck,

Bill
 
Did you sell any knives Bill?

I hope that is not an impolite question in these circles but I have seen some of your work and it does not look as if you need to stand back for anybody.
Just curious. Thanks

Mike
 
B . Buxton said:
One more bit of advise, if your an old country hillbilly like me, take a couple pair of clean shorts if you go to the Chicago show, because that traffic will scare the S##t right out of you.

Good luck,

Bill
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Bill, if that traffic scared ya, make sure to stay out of Washington, D.C. or NYC! :)
 
Dan thanks for the advice, if you were use to only the traffic in downtown Kaiser, Mo. you'd been scared too. Kaisers traffic usually consists of a horse or 2. :D I didn't see any horses in Chicago. I could have sat and watched the planes coming and going for hours from our room. Nothing like Kaisers old biplane that can't even get off the ground anymore. :D

It was fun and I'm already looking forward to next year.

Bill
 
B . Buxton said:
I just returned from the Chicago show, and Bruce Bump hit the nail right on the head, very good advice Bruce. This was my first attendance of a knife show and my first time as an exhibitor, all I can say is, there lots and lots of SUPER Talented knife makers to compete against and when you gang ONLY( because theres a lot more then that) 130 -140 of them in the same room, your amazed if anyone even looks at your stuff little lone buys any of it. Its fun but tough. My advice to you would be, go to a couple big knife shows with very talented named makers and see what your up against before you decide to quit your full time job.
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Both you and Bruce have touched on something that is the essence of being a successful maker today: management and marketing. Without the two, you will make knives, but your time will be divided between the actual making of your knives and the management of your business. I dont know how many countless hours I have spent either on the phone or typing thousands of sentences in an effort to educate a customer enough to buy one of my pieces. Sometimes I found myself asking if I really wanted to sell a knife that badly. Having a manager or an agent sure would have helped.
 
Lots of people have said knifemaking is a tough business to make money at and I agree. Most self employed people have to work harder, longer and smarter to make the same as wage slaves. But consider the other benefits.

You enjoy it so you don't spend money on drink, smokes, entertainment to take your mind off your boring mundane or stressful job you have to do instead.

You work the hours you want so you can go to the shops when its quite during the week and not get stressed in heavy traffic at the weekend.

You can take a vacation when you want and pay less if its during off peak times and avoid the crowds.

You can be spontanous, creative or just lazy when you want.

You can work anywhere where theres enough space, low living costs can make it work.

There are a lot of makers so you never be lonely.
 
Shing, I'm not a maker, but I know a few. Your description doesn't sound like the life any of the makers I know live. Where did you get this fantasy?
 
I don't want to shanghi this thread, but what about those of us who just want to make knives and make enough money to support our habit?

I only want to make the knives I want to make. I'm not going to do it for people to give me their ideas to make them a knife. If they want a knife to their specs they can make their own like I'm going to. The problem is getting the tools together to make a decent knife yourself. It still costs money and it should at least pay a little back right?

So, I make knives that people will buy and I sell some. If I'm good maybe I sell a lot of them. I don't want a business, but I still want to sell a decent knife now and again. Do I pay off my credit card debt to pay for my tools by charging a decent price or do I nickel and dime my way out of debt? :)

I know a few will be donated, when I can make a real knife, to help my other interests raise money for a good cause. But how do I get there? Well I'm reading the right books and collecting all the free steel I can get my hands on and soon I'll make my first knife from raw materials. Will all of this be enough? That's where I'm coming from. Anyone making knives in Vermont?
 
Shing said:
Lots of people have said knifemaking is a tough business to make money at and I agree. Most self employed people have to work harder, longer and smarter to make the same as wage slaves. But consider the other benefits.

You enjoy it so you don't spend money on drink, smokes, entertainment to take your mind off your boring mundane or stressful job you have to do instead.

You work the hours you want so you can go to the shops when its quite during the week and not get stressed in heavy traffic at the weekend.

You can take a vacation when you want and pay less if its during off peak times and avoid the crowds.

You can be spontanous, creative or just lazy when you want.

There are a lot of makers so you never be lonely.
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"You enjoy it so you don't spend money on drink, smokes, entertainment to take your mind off your boring mundane or stressful job you have to do instead."

Yeah right. The job of knifemaking will actually become boring and mundane. Wait until you've made the 37th knife of the same type to fill yet another order for it. Oh I know, its an artform and all that, but with every one you make you are coming dangerously close to becoming a manufacturing business. No matter what you do, if you do it repeatedly day in and day out, 12-16 hours a day, 7 days a week, which is typically required to satisfy your customers, then you will become bored and tired of it.

"You can take a vacation when you want and pay less if its during off peak times and avoid the crowds."

I havent had a vacation in over two years. I went with my wife out to the coast last weekend. I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven.

"You can be spontanous, creative or just lazy when you want."

'Fraid not. If you do, you'll be poor. See my avatar? That's the perfect example of a guy who did what he wanted, whenever he wanted, and now has to work making fecking lightbulbs to keep himself out of debt.

"There are a lot of makers so you never be lonely"

Loneliest two years of my life. I alienated my wife and son, who couldn't understand why I wanted to become a f/t maker. Things are much better now, but working all alone in your shop for hours and hours and days and days on end... well lets just say you better be a monk or a bonafide hermit. I always thought I was a loner, but making knives fulltime really showed me what loneliness really was.

I also got to say this:

There's a lot of this "grass greener on the other side" bullsh*t connected to being a custom knifemaker. It aint no bed of roses. Its a business. I'll say it again... ITS A BUSINESS! I'm not trying to be mean, but anyone who thinks its all biscuits and gravy need to think again. You got to attend tothis business just as much as if you had your own diner or bistro, or auto repair, or McDonald's franchise. You got to work it, and when you think you've worked it enough you got to work it some more, because its never ever enough. Oh I see... your new design will revolutionize the knife industry as we know it and you'll be rich! Stop daydreaming and get back to work. I'm not trying to be a$$holish about it, but I feel like its important to dispel all the illusions you people may be having over what the life of a full-timer is really like.
 
Yep,
It is possible to make a living as a knifemaker.
I know of one maker who has made well over $100,000 a year for the last 5 years. I could give an educated guess of a list of a number of others who also do that well....BUT.....this isn't typical at all.
Anumber of actors get "filthy rich" performing but Many, Many never can give up the jobs they have to have to feed themselves.
Do a valid business plan, recommend you set up a 5 year budget and plan.
Get input from successful makers and dealers who most of will be happy to provide input. Consider seriously starting part time. Buy equipment and supplies like it is a hobby that you can't spend a fortune on....but get the best equipment and the best quality supplies you can afford.
IT can be done. There are examples of successful makers throughout the trade....but most will never get rich and many will never truly create a living and go beyond part time...and that is just fine if that is the goal.
I guess the term"Walk before you run" fits in starting any business, and do so with as much input you can get about how, where, when, how much, and on and on.
Good Luck!
 
Hello, from a full time knifemaker. I usually don't post, but this topic hits home. This is just my opinion, about what has worked for me. I've been making knives for about 28 years, and been full time for the last 18. Yep, full time. This is absolutely how I make my living.
It's best to keep perspective here. Some have tried full time knife making and succeeded, some have tried it and failed. Look at both for answers.
Most of what's been written in this post has truth, at least truth for the person writing it. Success at anything takes commitment and passion. You have to love it, or you won't keep it up. If you don't follow your passion, you might look back at your life and wonder what could have been.
Personally, I enjoy making both custom knives and also my own creations. A knife user and client is usually more field-conscious than a maker, as a maker spends his time in the shop, and the user spends it with a knife in his hand. I have learned a lot from these guys, they have the knowledge and expertise to know what they need in a fine custom knife, and I know what is available and how to make it. I have an active partnership with my clients, and learn from them in every knife. I'm still learning, after over 2000 knives made and sold.
I also take time to make my own creations, and sell those too. Each one is a learning experience, each one another milepost.
You can make a million bucks in this job, if you're willing to start a knife factory. I realized long ago that if I had to be a manager in a factory, I'd rather quit.
For some, knife making can sometimes be lonely. I work alone, but have contacts with dozens of clients at any given time. If I get the need for contact, it's surprising how smart and clear a good conversation with a fellow knife enthusiast can be. Great friendships in my life have started through knives, and will continue to.
Yes, knife making is a business. Those guys at the tables next to you are usually not your friends, they are your competition. Just show them a beautiful, fantastic elaborate work of art, and watch them cringe. I do have other knifemakers who are real friends, but they are few and precious. Incidently, I rarely do shows anymore, because I don't have to, and because my order list is so long, it wouldn't be fair to my clients to have to wait on me while I build inventory for and attend shows.

Here are some of the most important things I have learned:
You must have and feed an internal fire and passion for this tradecraft and art. Do the best job with the tools and materials you have.
Make every knife so good, that you want to keep it, and you're sad to see it go. Spend nearly equal amounts of time on Production, Advertising, Accounting, and Research. (most guys only want to produce)
Listen to your clients. They will tell you exactly what they're interested in.
Don't be afraid to say no to a job you're not happy with. (another client will come along) You don't have to take every job!
One of the biggest mistakes you can make (and I've seen this a lot) is to try to copy some other successful knifemaker's style. Develop your own style. If you copy work, all you can hope for is to copy someone else's for a cheaper price. If you can't create your own style, you should try another trade.

I've got lots of opinions, and everyone sails their boat differently. That is the beauty of this. You can take your time and make a little money, your can jump in with both feet, you can make pieces for museums... it's all up to you. No one can give you that answer.

You know in your heart what is right. Jesus Christ said that.

Good luck, and email me if I can be of any help.

Jay
 
Oldtools said:
I only want to make the knives I want to make. I'm not going to do it for people to give me their ideas to make them a knife. If they want a knife to their specs they can make their own like I'm going to. The problem is getting the tools together to make a decent knife yourself. It still costs money and it should at least pay a little back right?

So, I make knives that people will buy and I sell some. If I'm good maybe I sell a lot of them. I don't want a business, but I still want to sell a decent knife now and again.
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This is the way I see it.... The idea of having some non knife guy/girl, or some Mall Ninja etc. on the phone or in person telling me all this ridiculous/silly/unecessary crap he/she wants from a knife would frustrate me real quick. I dont see how any of you guys, if any, do that on anything but special occasion for someone who truly knows what works.

It's like watching those tattoo shows on tv. Some complete tool comes into the shop with a ridiculous design, and gets mad when the artist says "I can't do this. I only do this type of style, and for me to do this for you would look bad upon me if anyone saw it."

I think even though some of you said that it gets boring/repetitive etc, I think the key to being successful is recognition, repetition and consistency. How are you going to be recognized if you're making one-off things all the time. I want people to look at a knife I've made and be like "oh! I like your Psycho78!"

I plan on keeping my day job. Didn't go to school for nothing. My plan was to make 5 or 6 good solid models, and make/test each one so much that I know for sure that I have a solid product. The idea of whoring myself and my skill for some toolbag is just not cool.
 
My 2 cents..First and foremost, you have to be VERY good at what you do....(making knives). That in itself can take a considerable to time to achieve for some (though there are exeptions:) ), and and some will never achieve this. There is a LOT of competition out there, and your work has to be as good or better for you to survive.

If you are not at this stage, then looking any further to progress your business full time would be like putting the cart before the horse, but hey, we can all dream.

Then you have to be able to sell your product at a price that is consistant with giving you a profit and continuly keep those products in demand.

At this stage, you can be a very successful part time maker, enjoy what your doing and selling knives provides a second income. Very useful.

In my opinion, only when you reach this stage can you start thinking about being a full time maker (Jay states he was making knives 10 years before he became full time).

Secondly, a good sound understanding of business, Without this, no matter how good you are, you will probably fail.

Chase your dreams, it is better to have tried and failed, rather than to have never tried:)
 
Kevin Davey said:
In my opinion, only when you reach this stage can you start thinking about being a full time maker (Jay states he was making knives 10 years before he became full time).

:)
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Right you are, Kevin. When I first started, back in Farmington, NM, D'Holder told me that it would take at least 10 years to get my name recognized. Dee was right, and I've got to add perseverance to that list of requirements.
 
This is my first post to this forum. I am a small, part time knifemaker. I am...self taught. I taught myself by trial and error, totally screwing up blades, handles, and edges. I have also conversed with superior makers via email and phone calls. These professionals taught me how not to make these mistakes again. I am eternally grateful.
I have a full time job. My job actually generates my customers for me. I work in a tactical/private sector security outfit inconus. All of my buyers are ex-military/tactical officer types that have a need for a stout, hard use tool. I automatically give deep discounts to my friends. They in turn, show off my blade work to their buddies at schools or ranges, and I get emails and calls.
I don't yet have the skill that many of you makers on this forum have attained. Many of the knives on this board are veritable works of steel art. I'm still learning.
The main point to creating something from your own imagination, grinding, stock-removing and sanding your own design to perfection...is an absolute love of the craft. Knifemaking is no doubt a craft, not a chore. I equate custom knife making to writing the perfect novel. The obvious exception being that a well made knife will allow the soldier to hack his way out of a downed helo, or the survivor to dress out a deer to feed himself through the frigid northwestern winter. Since man has learned to use tools, the first tool he had was a sharpened stone...a simple edged knife.
I believe the USA has had a creative rennaissance in the past 5-10 years in the blade making...weapon making genres in general. Perhaps this ideology springs forth from our forebears' inherit frontier spirit.
I make knives for profit, however I am as of yet not at the skill level to make comfortable living doing so. I love the work of blademaking. Frustration and the constant need for new tools aside, I am at my best when I'm grinding in my shop. As an aside, I don't even have a shop, I built a wooden work bench, purchased the myriad tools needed for my quest, and started. My work space is the 6 by 7 concrete porch of my apartment.
 
To me that was never even a question I asked myself. Working with cutlery everyday is what has always been my first love. I want to do it. Even when I worked daily in Dentisry I always had a passion for knives. One day after my third car accident in a row (during a three month time and two of which totalled the vehicle and nearly killed me) I just quit. I figured I'd had enough driving a long distance for a living and that was it. Gave my notice that afternoon and left. Today I don't make the money I once did but you know what? I'm happier and more content that I ever was and my blood pressure is normal for the first time in like 25 years.

People used to ask the Rolling Stones and the Beatles this same question in the early years. I watched an interview once of Mick Jagger commenting on someone in his family asking him if he really thought he could make a living by making a fool of himself on stage. Something about that he needed to get a real job. His reply to his uncle I belive was something like, that never even entered my mind. Its what I want to do. Making it never mattered to those guys. To them they were making it everytime they got on stage. They didn't need some outside party to inform them of it.

I think thats the only mindset to approach it if you want to do it. If your heart isn't in it you won't last at it or you won't really like it much if you do. Thats my guess anyway. As with any change you will have to do some adapting and even make some life and habit changes to make it work. No big deal if its truly what you want.

There is a lot of work out there if you want to do it. Find or create a niche for yourself and go for it.

STR
 
Well, I am trying to find out the answer to your question right now -just ask me in a few years! :D
Seriously, it is a tough path to go full time but can also be very rewarding if you really like it. My suggestion is that you start part and then see how you like it and if you think it is worthwhile.
 
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