Do you ever barter?

O

Omega Leather Works

Joined
Jun 13, 2007
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Do you ever have customers offer a barter? What do you take in exchange for your efforts?

I've been thinking about offering a couple of makers a high end production folder for some work but I don't know if that's an insult or if it's something that happens.

Thanks for your opinion!
 
Never hurts to try. I just traded a knife for an axis doe hunt. One time I traded one of my early knives for a couple of live traps. I've heard of knife for gun deals, but haven't pulled that off yet. Make an offer, all they can do is say no.
 
I have done a few trades for my knives. I have been offered a production knife for one of my knives which I turned down. I would personally rather carry one of my own knives. But it cannot hurt to try.
 
I've bartered materials with other makers, but haven't accepted trades for my knives... yet. I try to never say "never". I have lots of knives and not much cash... so I generally prefer cash :D

But like the other fellows said, it wouldn't hurt to ask. I certainly wouldn't be offended.
 
Very rare, but I've given knives for "favors" like materials in large quantities that I could not otherwise acquire.
And last year I traded a bowyer for my newest long bow:





 
I've traded off a few knives, a couple of which were for high-end production folders (the others were for computer parts).

Depending on the brand/model, production knives can be extremely easy to sell off, and often increase in price fairly quickly. I'm fairly familiar with the "market" for production knives, so I knew what I was getting into. In both cases, I ended up holding onto them for a couple of months, then selling them for more than my original asking price for my own knife. Got to test drive a new (to me) knife, made some extra money in the end... and a person who wanted to use one of my knives got one, so it was a win-win-win for me.

I suppose it all depends on the maker, but I'm personally open to it... so I'm sure others would be as well, so long as the trade is equitable (or in our favor :P). Regardless, doesn't hurt to ask... the worst thing that can happen is they say "no."
 
I've traded before. It's good so long as it is equitable. My everyday carry folder was a trade for some grinding gear. I've traded work for work (a knife for some sheath work) and I've even given a very nice grinding disk as a thank you for some medical advice. Hell, if there are any dentists, back surgeons or accountants here that want to barter I've got knives...
 
I often trade. I've traded knives for a truck load of ironwood and mesquite. Recently traded for annual shots, sheath cleaning and teeth floating with our large animal vet for our five horses. He wants another knife so I'll have credit there. Traded with the small animal vet for a surgery on the wife's dog, she blew her right hind knee out chasing a squirrel. Have received large bocote, cocobolo, walnut and rosewood boards for handle materials. Received a tractor trailer load of sand for our roundpen. Working up my part of a trade on a large shipment of jeancarta right now. This was all in the last few months. That is a beautiful bow Karl.
 
I think trading is fine. I was just offered a trade for some of my wares just last week. Although we didn't do the deal it was only because everything that was offered I already had multiples. Just be fair with your offers and nobody will be offended.
 
I'm pretty new to knifemaking and I've already done a couple of trades. One was for a piece of shop equipment, the other was for some stereo equipment (also shop equipment :D)
 
Oh yeah, I have traded my computer services for items that I wanted or needed. I have also traded some of my items for other items I wanted. Not often, cause I dont need or want much but have done it to also help someone else out. :)
 
I have bartered my services for knives (or discounts on knives) with several makers. They get photographs (of their products) to be used as they see fit and I get a custom knife (or a discounted knife) in exchange plus the satisfaction of knowing my photographs are used in advertisements to sell their products. I think both sides make out very well.
 
This is great news guys! Thanks for your responses. I'm pretty sure that I'll be contacting one of you. :)

But for the record, this wasn't a sneaky way to feel out a deal. I really didn't want to insult anyone. Just like with many things there are unspoken rules and I thought it best to ask on a broader scope.
 
Well I can tell you I am happy you asked, I didn't know so many people were open to trading things and just assumed there be a lot more people finding it insulting.
 
I have traded for a 2x72 grinder, with all the bells and whistles, a forge, an anvil, and a life time (at least for me at my age) supply of different blade steel, bolster material, and many different types of handle material. I have also traded for cars, guns, medical services, legal services, home maintenance, and a slew of other things. One thing I don't do is trade like items, for example, guns for guns. I make jewelry and deal in gold, so I don't trade for those things.
 
I have done some trading in the past. I traded a small hunter for all the steel, cut and and drilled to build my 2x72 grinder. I find that some times if the trade can benefit both people then why not go for it.
 
Ive traded for milgard vinyl windows for my house, backed up a lowball offer on a vehicle with success, traded for sheath work naturally. I like Goldsmithys take on things, im always mentioning our craft to customers in my "normal" job, ive met quite a few clients through these interactions! I love to barter!!
 
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