Going Full Time.....

K

knifemaker3

Joined
Dec 26, 1999
Messages
119
Hi Guys,
I'm changing careers, been milking cows for fifteen years on the family farm and making knives part time as a hobby. I'm considering going full time with the knives. Any suggestions from anyone that is making knives on a full time basis? I do hate to starve!!!!!
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Thanks!

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Craig Blankenship
Blankenship Knives
http://www.blankenship-knives.com
 
I'm not a full-time maker but I am self employed(for over 15 years). Business is important but I would rather go out of business because I didn't have enough work to do rather than being so busy I can't tell if I'm making any money. My point-- Don't cheat yourself on price just so you can make knives for a living. Be honest with yourself FIRST. Then you can be even more honest with your customers. I'm not saying to cheat your customers. Give them value for value. Make sure you make a profit or you won't have any fun. I may get some flames for this but I think that is the bottom line for ALL concerned. Amen

John

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http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm My contribution to the world of knife fanatics.

http://www.sixgunner.com/blumagnum/default.htm
 
John is right.

Good luck, and if you ever need any help from me, please call or email me.

 
Hey, I wouldnt be milking cows either! I once turned down a great ranch job because the boss wanted me to milk his cow every morning, I never did like milking cows!
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I went full time for the 2nd time June last year. I am glad I did but it aint all fun! Good luck!

I agree with both Kit and John, and you are welcome to call me as well but Kit has way more experiance....

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www.simonichknives.com
 
Craig, I went fulltime 3 years ago and there have been some pretty thin times. Thankfully my wife had a pretty good job, so we paid the rent, but it hasn't been easy. Just in the past several months have my orders been getting far enough ahead to feel a little bit of security. But I know that it will only take one little bitty recession to make this thin and maybe impossible again.

As has been suggested, it would be a good idea to talk with some who have done it. You're certainly more than welcome to call or email me as often as you want. I wish you the very best and am happy to help in any way I can.



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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
 
Let's see? Just compare the rise of custom knife prices in the past 25 years
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to that of milk hundred weight
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. Hope this helps boost your confidence in your new venture. I've seen your website and it looks like you have what it takes. Just love that stag hunter. Good luck.

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It's only a mistake if you fail to learn from it!
 
Keep it fun and exciting. Don't let it overwhelm you. You can get to the point where you are so busy that it ceases to be fun and you burn out. LOVE what you are doing.

I LOVE the process of making knives and would rather spend time in my shop than anywhere else. The part I like the least is the constant paperwork that I have to keep in order.

Good luck. I wish you the best. Like the others said, contact me if you need any help.
I am not as experienced as these other fine makers but I might be able to help some.

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Barry
Jones Knives

Do you hear that?
That is the sound of inevitability.
 
Hey guys,
Thanks for all the responses. I do hope to be able to afford to go full time. And thanks for all those who have offered to answer questions by e-mail. I may take you up on that offer!!!!

Thanks again! I still say knifemakers are the best people today!
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Craig Blankenship
Blankenship Knives
http://www.blankenship-knives.com
 
hopefully you can win the lotto and then like simonich says...you can make knives til its all gone.....
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I wouldnt count on knifemaking for a full time living until I had a backlog for at least 6 months...my opinion....you can ask some of the guys above for theirs.

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
Hello,

Best thing about being a full time maker, is that you develop a fine taste for TOP RAMEN as the main Entree`,,,,,,,lmao,,Just kidding!!

Good luck to you, The works is fun the rewards few,but it still is the best job in the world!!!!!


my .02

Allen Blade
 
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