Custom Knife Orders - Some Thoughts

This is one of the more exciting Threads of recent days.
It really gets to the bottom of the interaction between
knifemakers - collectors - purveyors - shows - waiting lists,
and our times of economic turmoil.

Some of the posts are really worth copy/pasting to keep aside
and re-read in the future....

Living 8,000 miles away from where all this is happening and living
in the rather limited world of doing my books, I regretfully feel
that I cannot contribute much - just sit back, enjoy AND learn....

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
severedthumbs said:
I have and I will withhold judgement until we see the bottom line from these shows.

I think shows are great and are important but with the rise of other ways to promote yourself and be successful at it, it kinda diminishes the importance of shows. I know of many a maker that go to shows just to socialize, dont bring knives or take orders. I have friends in my personal life so it is not a big deal to me if I meet makers and we befriend each other. If I meet someone that happens to make knives and we become friends, great, but it will not be because he/she makes knives. I like buying Mac computers but I have never met Steve Jobs. I went to shows a while back and honestly it did nothing for me. Maybe I'm just antisocial. lol:D
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I think most collectors I have befriended over time share a similar sentiment - we like to say we collect knifemakers - and their knives, also. Were it not for the friendships with these knifemakers, the interest I have in their knives would surely wane over time.
 
betzner said:
I think most collectors I have befriended over time share a similar sentiment - we like to say we collect knifemakers - and their knives, also. Were it not for the friendships with these knifemakers, the interest I have in their knives would surely wane over time.
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well i guess i buy knives not makers. I havent bought in a while but I was at a show last night and i scored this, way more pleasure than I ever got from any knife.:D
imagejpeg_0.jpg
 
severedthumbs said:
well i guess i buy knives not makers. I havent bought in a while but I was at a show last night and i scored this, way more pleasure than I ever got from any knife.:D
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Why were you taking pictures? And that's a towel holder. Were you two in the bathroom? :confused:;):D

Sorry, I couldn't resist? :o
 
betzner said:
I think most collectors I have befriended over time share a similar sentiment - we like to say we collect knifemakers - and their knives, also. Were it not for the friendships with these knifemakers, the interest I have in their knives would surely wane over time.
Click to expand...

Collecting select maker's knives is a viable collecting strategy that offers substantial benefits to the collector and maker as well.
 
They're are going to move this over to the Pirate's Cove if you guys don't quit. ;):D:)
 
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jdm61 said:
Good point, Mike. You are kind of lucky because, with the style of knives that you make, you are somewhat insulated from stylistic changes and worrying like Mr. Snody about falling behind in the creative area because you are making a "five year old knife" today. I am in the same boat as far as making traditonal knives, but I don't have a waiting list other that the list of rough forged blades sitting on my workbench that need to be finished.:rolleyes: You just have to continue to work on that last 1% or less gap left until you get to absolute fit and finish perfection :thumbup: I can't help ya on the having to sell them for less than they are worth today part.;) But bag the Ramen bit. You live in Texas.......go out and shoot a possum or armadillo for a little variety on the dinner table:D
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Ok! Ya Got Me!!! :D

ArmorII.jpg
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ddd said:
This is one of the more exciting Threads of recent days.
It really gets to the bottom of the interaction between
knifemakers - collectors - purveyors - shows - waiting lists,
and our times of economic turmoil.

Some of the posts are really worth copy/pasting to keep aside
and re-read in the future....
Click to expand...


David, you barely posted this in time... ;)

- Joe
 
So to get back on track, it seems from input here that the knife making business is no different from most businesses in that you need growth, however it must be controlled growth in order to enjoy success long term. In other words, having a magnitude of orders coming in stretching a maker out over 4-6 years is not necessarily a good thing considering market changes, changes in customer preferences, material price increases and so on.
 
RogerP said:
I think triple-d jinxed the whole thing. :p
Roger
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I really did not have a clue that my simple post will flood
this thread with xxx rated pictures and dead armadillos.....

Sorry Kevin and Roger....

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
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