Employment in the blade world

[nikoknife48]

Can I say I love knives. I love looking at them, holding them, opening and closing them, flipping them, auto opening them, knowing what the blade steel is, handle material, different grinds, convex or concave edge, fixed blades, folders, custom blades, automatic and productions. I see all the makers here on Blade Forums, Snody, Microtech, Strider, Emerson and all the others who have their own signature styles and marketing genius. So how does one get into marketing and sales of a knife company? Would it be advertised on the web or on some other venue? If anyone has any information please let me know.
Thanks !

 

[crktm1612m]

I think the knife world is a lot smaller than it may appear. There are a few big players (Kershaw, Buck, Benchmade, Spyderco, Emerson). Most companies smaller than that have only a handful of employees. The big companies might have dedicated marketing people, but I'd be willing to bet most of the smaller companies don't.

If you want to do marketing, hopefully you have some related degree and can get in with one of the big corporations. Otherwise, shoot for a knife retailer position.

 

[ASBOB]

For marketing, you need a degree and a lot of experience in marketing, not in knives. Marketing guys are hired guns, creating campaigns for whomever. Think about, e.g., an auto company. Their marketing guys know how to design a marketing campaign, not design a car.

In retail sales, knowledge of, and enthusiasm for the product is much more important. The problem here is that there aren't a lot of knife stores out there. Maybe a big sore that has a knife counter, like Cabelas or Bass Pro?

For jobs as a company rep, apply to the bigger companies like Buck, Benchmade, etc. Again, not a lot of spots. This would be kind of a crossover. They would look for both knowledge of the product line, as well as sales experience.

 

[Gollnick]

A knife is a product. You need to know how to and have experience at marketing, branding, and advertising products. A knowledge of and enthusiasm for knives and the knife industry and market will be helpful, but you have to know and be enthusiastic about the job too.

 

[CR33]

You can do ANYTHING you put your mind too. Don't ever let ANYONE ever tell you that you cannot do something. Worst case- just grow some skin- and apply everywhere and anywhere-go crazy sending out so many emails and personal letters. Worst thing that can happen is people say no. Big deal. Just words and means nothing. When that happens- try again- and then try again and again and then some more after that. GL friend.

 

[nikoknife48]

Thanks for the input brothers and support. I will definitely check out some avenues. I have an idea as to what I'm looking for I just need to find the right niche. If you like what you do the success will follow.

 

[gpknives]

Just a note,

Most of the actual companies outsource their sales reps. These folks rep many lines at once, usually related items such as sporting goods or otherwise. Only a handful of the companies we deal with have in house reps.