Custom Knives. What are they worth??

[OCK original]

Hey guys Iv been making knives for a little while now and Im trying to get some opinions on what you guys think they are worth. Please feel free to check out my web site were you can find you-tube vids and see some of my finished knives http://bearhugholsters.com/ .

The alibaba looking blade with the black handles has, Blade thickness- 7/32", Blade length- 8", Overall blade length- 13".

The bowie with the blue handles have, Blade thickness- 1/4", Blade length- 6x3/4", Overall length- 12x1/4".Both have a convex grind.

 

[ricky_arthur]

If you want an honest opinion, I don't think you are quite ready to sell knives. Your handle work is pretty good, your designs are appealing, But your metal work is not there yet. On your filework, measure! Make sure your file cuts are uniform in spacing and depth. Spend some time making smaller knives till you are comfortable doing a Flat or hollow grind.

I hope you don't mind me being honest. If you had come here and said, here are some knives I made, I would have said good work keep at it. But you are asking about value on your work and you would be ill served by me blowing bubbles up your hiney.

I gave away the first 20 knives I made. I would have been embarrassed to ask someone to pay for them, and I never made a single one of them with the thought that I could sell them. The honest truth is I didn't start selling knives until people started seeing my knives and saying, "I want that, How much?" I am still my worst critic and consider my work amateurish. (and it is) I'll stay that way, as that is the fastest way for me to improve.

My first knife sell was to someone I took a knife that I had made for myself just to show it to him. He took it, lookad at it and said, "I want it, How much?"

I stood there dumbfounded for a minute,

Finally I stammered out "I made it for myself"
"but how much would you sell it for?" was his reply.
I threw out a number I was sure would dissuade him
"I put alot of work into it, I would probably ask 200.00 for that knife."
I expected at that point he would hand it back to me.

he took out his wallet handed me 2 one hundred dollar bills and said "it's mine."
later that day he called and asked if I would make him another one for his dad. I've been busy ever since.

I hope you get the point to my story, It isn't to toot my horn, but to show perhaps a good way to discover that your work has gained some value in other peoples eyes.

Here is the knife he bought, my first from elk horn and one of my first tries at filework. I'm still a little embarrassed that I sold it, but he loves it.

Hope this helps you.

Ricky

 

[Kohai999]

Hi Ricky,

Great advice, good story, valuable information, and I agree with you, the OP is not quite ready to get paid to make knives, but shows some very good fundamentals and can no doubt become a proficient knifemaker.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Robert Carter]

What Ricky said. Best advice possible.

 

[sintro]

With every kind of work, it's those tiny little details that count. Your sheaths are basic, but they look nice and the little details seem to be in order on them . Handles look great too, but I'd have to see some more in detail pictures (Which, if you want to sell online getting a decent camera would help, kinda seems the norm and it shows off the features better). I've only made half a knife so far, so it's mostly from a buyers perspective.

 

[Shaw Blades]

Good thread. I usually don't jump into these but I can relate to you. I would like to start selling some myself. It seems every time I get to the point where I think I can try to sell one I find a major flaw....a scratch down by the plunge or something that stands out. It is one of those things (for me) where the journey is more important than the destination.

One thing that I am guilty of myself is wanting to see the finished project instead of slowing down and doing it right. I recently got an etching machine and a stencil. It makes me think twice before I etch my name onto something and call it finished. Lately before I etch my logo I go back and find a bunch of stuff I need to fix.

 

[OCK original]

Hey bro I appreciate the honesty, to tell you the truth those are some of the first knives I made so I know the file work isnt that great Iv goten a lot better on my newer knives. Thanx tho you are def right I hope to be posting some smaller newer knives that I think will def sell.

And thanx all who responded much appreciated.

 

[raylaconico]

I don't think you can ask for a lot of money but I know you can sell these knives. I've seen knives of similar workmanship sell on these forums. There are people who will buy them. With that said my advice to you is to strive to get better. Don't be satisfied just because you can sell them. Your work is pretty rough and there's plenty of room for improvement. My first knives were similar. It looks like you put a lot of time into them which is a good thing because that shows you're willing to work. Just keep at it and you'll see yourself improve. Try to get in touch with an established maker near you who would be willing to teach. It's a lot easier than learning from your own mistakes. Good luck.

 

[Lycosa]

Another good post, Ray, and I agree here... you will improve.
One of my favorite knives is from a new maker and it's a little crude but overall it just really works!
Rolf

 

[MELERIAN]

Sorry but: you use no good geometry blade. I mean you must first understand whiche steels are better to use and what they are for, then understand the differences between Hollow, Full Flat, Sabre, Scandi,Convex and the real meaning of Clip point or wharncliffe etc.
Don't refine blade as "mirror"...it is not a good thing, and generaly it' s used to "mask" mistakes like the two mark inches and others.
Fileworks are useless and are made when there nothig else to prove your skills. Looks at great makers as SR Jhonson and learn how to be elegant and proficent.
Keep in mind that carbon steels are quiete better for users blades. Inox Steels are good for fishermans and folders lovers or collectible object. Avoid fingergrooved handles. The most, are lethal for hands.
But first of all, learn the right way fot a good heat treatment. This the only real difference from a good to a bad knife.
Cheers.

 

[braillediver]

Put the file work off to later and focus on the fundamentals- add embellisments later and carefully chose the ones you offer- For instance not all people like file work.

 

[Chris Montgomery]

OKC, I have watched this thread develop and waited to see your response to the comments before saying anything. Your attitude appears to be on track for big improvement. Try to make it to a good knife show and look at the best knives and talk to the makers. Ask questions. Seek ways and methods to improve. All the great knife makers start somewhere.

Don't take any of the comments as a shot at you or your work. Take them as advice and remember the best collectors and makers gather here as well as enthusiasts at all levels. Across the board we all want to see improvement and hope you succeed.

Chris

 

[Snody]

Great Advice so far.

Here is my contribution.

If this blade was powder coated black I can envision it selling for $290.00 (which is what you have it listed for).

You need to make knives to get better and you need money to make knives.

Blast them things, put thick powder coat on and get paid.

Good Luck.

 

[Erik Fritz]

I would also recommend that you attend some hammerins if you can. Even if you are not a forged blade maker demonstrations lik Tim Hankocks grinding and joe keeslers handles and guards can take years off of the learning curve.

 

[Josh Mason]

The first big knife you posted is a GREAT looking knife. Awesome design that looks like it could bite deep. Ray is right, your workmanship is there, you could sell these knives to the right buyer, maybe not in the $300 range, but I do seeing someone paying you $150 no problem. I think you're off to a great start, and I really do believe that your skills will naturally improve with each piece. I think you have some real natural talent.

 

[OCK original]

Again, thank all of you for the comments this is exactly what I was trying to do in getting some evaluations on these knives. I appreciate all the posts. Again these were my first few knives that I made and have improved since. These two blades were originally made with and angle grinder which I also used to make a scandi bevel on them. I just recently got a 2x72" grinder that i used to reprofile these. However I am starting to veer towards smaller blades that I can sell for a lil cheaper and are more practical for everyday use. I am attaching some pics and made a youtube vid of my newer knives alot of them dont have file work but the ones that do are pretty cool. What do you guys think of these?



[video=youtube;3vG9BNdzQR0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vG9BNdzQR0[/video]

 

[OCK original]

Hey I do have a powder coating gun I might actally do that. I normally try not to powder coat the blades because I find It always chips. I only powder coat underneath the removable handles so it dosnt rust.

Great Advice so far.

Here is my contribution.

If this blade was powder coated black I can envision it selling for $290.00 (which is what you have it listed for).

You need to make knives to get better and you need money to make knives.

Blast them things, put thick powder coat on and get paid.

Good Luck.

 

[ricky_arthur]

Glad to see the advice was well taken, Improvement is obvious in the newer pictures. If I was to add one more word of advice, Do not go for volume. You and I need to S-L-O-W it down and get each step right. Be willing to take a step back to correct something that becomes apparent later in the build etc.

Good luck

Ricky

 

[keithf]

Well you are on your way into the knife addiction. Have to agree with all the comments so far. My advice to a lot of guys just starting out is, choose 1 pattern, keep grinding them, you will see where you are making some blues ( mistakes ) and you will be able to address those issues. If you keep changing the pattern ie length, shape etc it is a little more difficult to pinpoint where you are messing up. As stated by Erik get to some hammer ins / demos or badger ( um ask ) a local maker to you if you could watch them do some grinding etc. We all learn from one another all the time. Just my 2 cents worth. Hope this helps some.
Cheers Keith