Getting the Word out!

R

RobertHankins

Joined
Jun 10, 2001
Messages
1,385
Getting the Word out!
I am in a quandery as to what my next step should be as far as marketing my blades. Efforts so far have been in the Bladeforums (Thank you guys) and a limited budget of small advertising.
Having watched many other makers make the "Big Leagues" so to speak you have to ask...How did they do that?
People like Kit Carson, Darrel Ralph (Feel free to chime in)Strider,
on and on. Doing Collaborations, limited editions and factory made designs using there names and the like Must have taken ALOT of hard work "BUT" it also took "Working Smart" to get where they are today.
So where do we go from here to: Get the word out...
 
Robert, I know you cant be seen without alot of pictures of your stuff in the mags. They wont consider a picture if it is not first quality. It costs allot but is a good investment to have them taken professionally or buy the right equipment to do your own. I say to do your own and start bombing the mags with the best pics theyve ever seen. They will stockpile your work and more than likely print them when a particular story needs a knife like yours. It is good to add some interesting info with each shot too. A project from start to finish in pics or a new tool you have made or a smart way to attach a handle etc. etc. They are needing things to write about and you may just hit them when they have "writers block"
 
Not that I am a Big League guy or anything.. BUT it seems to me people are looking for something different without being so different it doesnt work.. Style is the hardest thing to come by IMHO.. When I started to develop my style I didnt read magazines, I didnt go to shows, etc etc..
My first feature article in TK said I had developed a style of my own.. I couldnt have asked for more than that! There are MANY makers with more ability than I have, but for some reason they are stuck making knives that look like someone elses, or knives that dont trigger a response from the knife buying public..
Some knives are like looking into the dull eyes of a Dairy cow, and some are like looking into the eyes of a Predator.. I can walk past 80% of the tables at a show and not see anything different..
Its that 20% that make you stop and say WOW!!
I hope this helps you some...
 
Robert.. Pictures are VITAL in this biz.. I love Terrill Hoffmans work.. He has the props and the eye to make great photo's.. His prices are MORE than reasonable, AND when he shoots your knives he sends copies to all the magazines..
I would suggest you get in contact with him..
ALSO your own digital photography should be pretty good.. No better way to show your knives than with pictures, and you cant ALWAYS send a knife to a photographer.. I bought a $400 Sony, and most of the pics on my site now were shot by me.. It makes all the difference when you can shoot and show your work the way YOU want it to be seen..
 
Bob,

I'll be happy to give you a link on my web site. If you don't have a web site I'll put what you want - address, phone, whatever. I'm getting about 500 visitors per day.

Every little bit helps.

Roger - rlinger1@netzero.net
 
And to add to the rest of this,Like I am being told...YOU GOTTA GO TO SHOWS....so people can see your work first hand and meet you..But who has the money to go to very many,not me...so you gotta pick some and bite the bullet and go..
Good Luck Bob..I am in the same boat as you..
Bruce
 
Roger thanks I have a website in the works and we can do a link when its up.
Michael I seem to remember a email from some time ago but now can't find it. What was it about?
 
It was regarding a possible book deal, and some of your knives. I'll talk to you later when/if the deal goes through.
 
Originally posted by Dave K
I've got this professional photographer I know down here...
Click to expand...

LOL Dave, you are starting to sound like Uncle Bill.:)
 
Robert,
That's a tough question. MikeO asks me it all the time. My best advice is what's already been said.
Knife shows, knife magazines, and the Internet are the way to go. IMHO, you can't be overbearing, especially on the Internet. Tooting your horn is good but it can be overdone very easily.
Getting knives out to customers and those same customers post good things about it on the forums is a good thing.
I could wave my magic wand, but the damn thing is broken. :)
 
Damn kit can't be much fun with a broken wand...:D
I am beginning to see that the old tried and true Word of mouth is the best! Which translates to getting as many of the best knives you can make into the hands of customers is your best bet.

The word has to come from them Not the maker!
You are correct sir!
 
I'll be happy to give you a link on my web site. If you don't have a web site I'll put what you want - address, phone, whatever. I'm getting about 500 visitors per day.
Click to expand...

500 hits a day!!! Holy cow, how do you manage that, Roger?
 
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