Hi Guys,
I have to disagree with Don.
He wrote: "Joe, if you build a good knife, they will find you."
There are lots of good makers out there building a good knife. The quality of a makers work is only a small part of the equation for me that is.
A maker must have value pricing. This is especially important for the newer makers. This price is determined primarily by their position in the market. Most makers don't know their position, then again most dealers don't know a makers position in the market. Except for the top 5 or so. Which is why you see the primarily Internet dealers going after the same 25 makers or so.
The maker must be able to produce a body of work that will allow me to get a good supply of knives. There is no reason to spend my time marketing someone who builds 10 -20 knives a year. All that happens is the maker gets inadated with orders and gets 2 years behind. Which for the most part will take them out of the market place for several years. As well makers working with 3 or more dealers are usually avoided as well. Why? Because if a maker can supply 3 or more dealers, fill their orders and make knives for show. Are making so many knives that the demand for their work will be marginal at best. I prefer to work with the "Demand and Supply" mindset instead of the Econ 101 mantra of "Supply and Demand".
The maker must view their knife making (at least to a degree) a business. They have to understand that as great as an artist that they may be...no customers...no money. Negative cash flow leads rapidly to "OUT OF BUSINESS". Makers who build knives primarily for approval of their peers should be steered clear of. Remember, knife makers are known far and wide for their lack of "BUYING" custom knives.
I prefer makers who can take and implement constructive criticism. I may not be able to make a knife, but I know what will make a knife sell.
I prefer makers who advertise themselves. This generally falls inline with having a business plan (in writing).
Lastly the makers personality and lifestyle. If a maker is rude to buyers that is probably not the best maker to start a relationship with. If a maker has personal issues, eventually this/these issues will become a problem. They will have a negative impact on the makers ability to fill orders. This will cost them the position they worked so hard to gain.
Oh yea, they need to make a good knife!
WWG
