Fixed Blade Prices

[Styg]

Another thing to consider: Every time a knife changes hands the cost goes up.

A custom direct form the make is quicker in getting to the consumer. A production knife typically goes to a vendor. That vendor might have a warehouse or buy from a bigger dealer.

 

[RevDevil]

Good point Styg, forgot about that. Wholesalers, shipping from one place to another, storing the knives until they sell all add to the cost of any production knife. All additional processes that do not really impact the one man shop.

 

[TriviaMonster]

Another point would be since that since there is no pricing standard, as was mentioned, that many custom makers often sell knives a bit cheaper just to get cash flowing again. When money is less tight they may command a higher price.

And, many custom makers rely on word of mouth or "word of keyboard" to get their name out there. Knives sell makers.