First Sold Knife:

Robert_Phelps

Robert_Phelps

Joined
Nov 29, 2005
Messages
475
~Specs~
OAL: 8.25~
Blade: 3.75~
Handle: Cal. buckeye burl with 3/16" mosiac pins
1095 filed and hand finished. Handle finished with wet or dry and sock-buffed.

Sold to my first customer (a friend and co-worker) for 100.
I'd like some opinions on what a knife like this would be worth, please.

Lindsey_Knife_F.jpg

Lindsey_Knife_H.jpg


Thanks for looking. I'm happy with this one, I didn't once stop at "good enough," I kept going until I thought I'd done all I could.
 
are you kidding me? you sold that for 100?

you could have sold it for many times that!

awesome work!

you should sell me one for that much :p
 
It'll cost me like, 115 after I finish the sheath.

..

<- Best business man evar.

I had quoted her like, 60, back when I was stopping at 320 grit, not making sheaths, and using dymondwood. I didn't feel right increasing how much she would pay much more. I didn't know I'd actually lose money, and when I figured that out, I thought I'd rather keep my reputation for any future referals, than ask for the $15 I needed to break even.
 
Almost forgot! This knife was a "first" for me in another way as well. I had to make this knife twice (Put a scratch on the blade above the notch , and it could not be fixed easily) so the messed up version got tested hard. It chopped a 2x4 in half, and shaved well still. (Was a little hard to chop a 2x4 with that short of a knife though)
 
Blue_Dragon said:
It'll cost me like, 115 after I finish the sheath.

..

<- Best business man evar.

I had quoted her like, 60, back when I was stopping at 320 grit, not making sheaths, and using dymondwood. I didn't feel right increasing how much she would pay much more. I didn't know I'd actually lose money, and when I figured that out, I thought I'd rather keep my reputation for any future referals, than ask for the $15 I needed to break even.
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Wise choice. Nice knife. She will tell your other coworkers how much she likes it and you will make the 15 bucks on the next one. As far as pricing, I try to make sure that I make enough to cover materials for two just like the one I sold, but that's just me and what I do.
Matt Doyle
 
i really like the look of thin handles like that, but im always afraid it will turn in the hand or be hard to get a firm grip on. i suppose i should make one to see. looks awesome! better to build referrals and happy customers when starting out than try to make money.
-Lou
 
Here is some constructive criticism...

Stop right now! Don't go any further! Quit while you have the chance! It is nothing but burnt fingers, late nights and midnight oil!

You are on your way to financial ruin!

(Yeah, I didn't listen either.)

Great effort by the way...just take as much care with all the others as you did this one. I don't see a single thing wrong with that knife. You just keep doing what you are doing.

Craig
 
The handle came out slightly thinner than I wanted by the time I filed out a too-deep cut by my hacksaw, but the thickness of it still makes it fit an average hand. Now that you mentioned it, L.K., I tried a somewhat relaxed grip on it, beared the edge down on a table, and tried to wiggle it to the sides, but I guess the curve in the handle prevents that.
 
400 grit w/ veg. oil. Handle was to 1200 grit. It won't show up in any pictures, but it has a neat little quench line going on. I finished my first sheath to accompany it, pictures next time I see my photographer friend.
 
Sheath_Back.jpg

Sheath_Front.jpg

I was glad I didn't screw it up too bad. It may have been my first attempt at a sheath, but also was my last chance to get her her complete Christmas present for her husband.
 
This is his wife.

I am so proud of Robert. He's done such an excellent job at doing his knives and sheaths. He puts his heart into this and wants to make a career out of it. I fully support that, even though thus-far it's been a financially stressful line of work.

Kudos to Robert everyone.
 
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