Good way to get orders

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

This morning I was the speaker at a local Kiwanis breakfast.I spoke on custom and hand forged knives,and took some examples.I have today already received 5 orders,and have several people emailing me ideas they want to discuss.This is a readily available source in any town.There are many service clubs that have weekly or monthly meetings and are always looking for a speaker.A few letters and emails could be very worthwhile.
While it was interesting to the group about the steel,It was the handle material that got them excited.Most of the orders were more concerned with the handle than the blade.Ya gotta love Christmas!
SA

 

[peter nap]

That's a good point Stacy. It's not just knife orders. I get as much business from contact with groups as I do from the Yellow Pages.

Handle material is very important. Especially for people that are not hard core knife users. I make a fair number of handles from local landmark items. Hurricane down wood is a big item here. Just think of the amount of business you could get if you had some slabs of marble from the Twin Towers.
It makes collectors out of ordinary people.

The third thing is that speaking to groups makes knife/gun makers human instead of the blood crazed zealots the press talks about.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Great points,Peter.I had a lot of interest(two of the orders) in knives handles with stabilized wood from Harrison's Pier.A local landmark that hurricane Isabel took out.I have two 10'X12"X3" planks.A lifetime supply.Historic trees are also good material.

 

[Mark Williams]

Be sure and think of LOTS of groups that we can send invitations to when we get the ball rolling on the association Stacy. I may be able to acquire the use of the Moose lodge as a mini knifeshow facility. Plenty of room and lots of parking space. It would be great if we could get something in the works for early Spring.

 

[indian george]

Stacy: I going to try doing a similar theme. Using material from the fishing fleet, cable and anchor chain. Will also be doing the cable blades and WI fitting on the Whale's Teeth Knives. My customer likes the idea and said that it adds history to the knives and adds selling points.