Cheaper Handle Material?

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Dec 7, 2008
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The purpose of this thread is to get some input from the knife makers.
Do you want cheaper handle material?
What I am talking about would be stabilized woods but with light to medium figure.
Currently I try to use the best woods I can get my hands on but some of it can get pretty spendy.
Most of my stabilized blocks can start at just under $40 and go up to $100+.

When I cut up wood there can be a lot left over that is not super dramatic but still way nicer than what you would find in a lumber store.
I was wondering if you guys would be interested in less dramatic stabilized wood that would be selling in the $20 to $30 range.

What prompted this was a recent phone call where a knife maker was going to do a run of about 100 knives and he wanted stabilized blocks in the $20 to $25 range. Thinking back I get calls like this monthly. It wouldn't make sense to keep large quantities of medium grade stabilized blocks on hand just in case a company needs them for a special run of knives. But if you guys would be interested in blocks like this for less expensive knives that you make, that changes everything.

Thank You in advance for your input.
If there is enough positive response I have a lot of medium figure wood ready to go to K&G for stabilizing.
 
Personally, I'm not looking for cheaper handle materials, so I'd say no. You get what you pay for.
Lower price blocks might move though. Just don't stop offering the good stuff. ;)
 
I think the medium grade would sell well. I think the makers that only make a few knives for a hobby and the makers that make
lower priced knives would make this worthwhile.
 
Theoreticaly I´d be interested but I have more then enough material at the moment
 
Well......this is going to be an expensive gamble for me.
But I am going to roll the dice and see what happens.
Quite a few of these will be budget blocks after they get stabilized.
Figured Walnut, Wenge, Bubinga, Curly Maple, Quilted Maple & Spalted Maple.
cb001_zpsa4ec3a14.jpg
 
I'm interested. I've had several clients who like stabilized wood but don't want to pay $50-75 more for the super-pretty stuff.
 
Thank You everyone.
The blocks I sent to K&G today will be back in a few weeks.
I have a large batch of blocks on their way back from K&G right now so I will see if any of them qualify for the budget blocks category.
If this goes well it should enable me to lower the prices a little on the fancier stuff as well.
 
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