folder makers

[jiminy]

I don't mean to be divisive ...I'm just curious on the subject after making a few 'test' liners from sheet steel and 'test' blades from bar stock myself ...which appears to be an awful lot of work when one is aiming for a $300-$400 price point for a finished knife

How many folder makers actualy make the folders entirely themselves, without subcontracting out some of the work such as cutting/drilling/tapping the liners and/or the blade?
I'm not talking about forging the blades themselves ...stock removal from purchased metal is still 'handmade' or 'custom' in my book, as is purchasing components such as screws, pivots, etc from a supply house. What I'm referring to is the major components of the knife ...blade, liners, bolsters and scales that are fabricated entirely by the maker themself.

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

The only thing that I don't make are the screws, and if I wanted to make them out of Gold I could do that too! I do buy raw materials like liner material, barstock both damascus and carbon steel and natural handle materials, everything else I do myself. Each knife I make is one-of-a-kind so it would not be cost effective for me to source out some of the operations.

Some makers have 5 patterns of knives and just changed the materials around so they can have everything laser cut.

When you are starting out it takes a lot longer to get to the finished product. You have more time invested in each knife and it's tough to get the money that you want for it. As you make more knives you get better at it and become more proficient. I have a sequence of steps that I go through as I build each knife, and I have gotten pretty efficient at it. Your fit and finish, mechanics and design also improve which will also help you get more $$ for your knives.
Just keep at it and learn something new wich each one.
Chuck

 

[Matt Shade]

The only stuff I buy besides raw materials (sheet and barstock, handle materials etc.) is hardware. I don't have the stuff to make adjustable pivots, or screws or that kind of thing. I could make pocket clips but its easier to buy them.