Full Time Maker???

[Tim Crocker]

I have been making knives pay time for over 25 years. I am finally in a position in life to where I can consider becoming a fill time maker, and was planning on doing so next month. So I decided to expand my online presence and do some market testing, etc. I learned very quickly a certain TV show has motivated many people to become knife makers, which is great. But the problem is that there are a few very talented new makers and most all, talented and novice, are willing to make $5 an hour on their work and have flooded the market. Have you full time makers felt an impact? If you are not a full time maker, I am still interested in your perspective. Thank you.

 

[danbot]

People who are serious about collecting custom forged knives are very willing to pay top dollar for high quality work with attention to details. The "flooded" market is only serving those who will not pay for quality work from a reputable maker. Imo.

 

[Carllewis12]

People who are serious about collecting custom forged knives are very willing to pay top dollar for high quality work with attention to details. The "flooded" market is only serving those who will not pay for quality work from a reputable maker. Imo.

Agreed!

 

[needler420]

I would say the market is flooded with makers. That high quality work comes at a cost and sometimes waiting period for years on a list. A lot of those guys do it as a hobby and have side or second jobs.

 

[The_Iron_Joe]

I think danbot and needler420 have it right.

While I myself am not making knives full time just yet, I have found that as far as doing custom work (jewellery or knives), people are perfectly willing to pay reasonable prices for my time and abilities, and there doesn't seem to be a shortage of people wanting customs made for them. What I find interesting is how much people will try to talk you into lowering your prices on work you have already completed, which I thinks is due to how many options are available that are ready-made as opposed to custom designed especially for them.

There are lots of people who are willing to not make as much per hour for their work due to a few factors, namely that they do not make knives full time, and so it remains something of a hobby for them in addition to a regular job, so they do not feel the need to charge as much. When and if those people go full time, they'll need to more deeply consider increased overhead, tool wear costs, electric/gas bills, etc. and you may see prices go up as a result of all that, in addition to increased name recognition.

Another thing to consider is that an "educated customer" so to speak, is more willing to spend their dollar on quality craftsmanship and materials. This is actually a common issue with custom jewellery; some people need to be given explanations as to why your work costs what it does. Knife makers these days seem to be doing an excellent job of it.