Mods: I don't know what section it belongs in, please move if you have to. I'm NOT advertising or selling anything just looking for advise and feedback.
Dear forum members I need your help and advise!
First, I'm not a collector but definitely a hoarder! I do own only one collection of Boris Valejo fantasy set of about 40-50 knives from Franklin Mint. I don't know anything about collecting custom/art knives, I like them but never had budget for them. This is where I need your help and advise!
I hoard practical/tactical all black sterile no markings type of knives, I might get tired of using some of them so they go into storage, never for sale, after all I might need them one day!
Now recently I have upgraded my EDC SD to SOG Fatcat & Tomcat 3.0, while both of these knives are great they both suffer from identity crisis IMHO. They have classic blade and handle shapes with modern tactical materials. It seems like it can't decide is it tactical or classic or neither? So my plan was have one of the forum vendors to replace "Kraton" handle which btw this handle shape doesn't need, with classy wood or dragon scale and add some classy relief engraving to bolsters. This would turn these knives into classy/practical/tactical, family heirlooms.
Second, by trade I'm graphic designer. While surfing YouTube for engraving inspiration I came across business opportunity that combines two of my passions knives and design!
Now, before I spend time and money about $3K on equipment and training, I would like to know is there market demand for custom engraving on practical/tactical knives? It's too much money to spend on just 2 knives for me, but if there is market/demand for it, than it's an investment in business opportunity!
Let me clarify, I know there is some demand for art, museum quality collector knives, I'm interested in narrow niche of people like me who come from practical/tactical side.
Have you or would you ever pay for custom engraved practical/tactical knives? ex: your initials, scroll leaves, animal head on your EDC bolsters or handle. Blade will remain unmarked so you would not be afraid to use it or sharpen it in the field. This would be step up from custom scales to custom engraving.
The idea behind it is take fixed hunter or tactical folder customize it with engraving YET keep it practical/useable, art design should never interfere or impede tools function ex: SOG's Fatcat, Tomcat or Buck 110 with plain bolsters or ZT with plain titanium handle and engrave deep relief scroll or initials in it. It takes classic utility/tactical and transforms it into classic gentlemen's utility/tactical, family heirloom!
Now the company that sells this air powered rotary engraving equipment claims there is huge demand for this type of service, but they need to sell their equipment, that's how they make living!
SO I need un-biased opinion from you knife users/makers.
1. IS there demand/market for tactical/practical engraving service?
2. Has anyone dealt with SCM Systems Inc, good or bad experience?
3. Is their 400XS air powered rotary engraver quality, dependable tool?
4. Anyone purchased their System 1 Business Kit opportunity, what is your experience with it?
Thanks. for reading this long post, I appreciate all help and advise on this subject!!!
Dear forum members I need your help and advise!
First, I'm not a collector but definitely a hoarder! I do own only one collection of Boris Valejo fantasy set of about 40-50 knives from Franklin Mint. I don't know anything about collecting custom/art knives, I like them but never had budget for them. This is where I need your help and advise!
I hoard practical/tactical all black sterile no markings type of knives, I might get tired of using some of them so they go into storage, never for sale, after all I might need them one day!
Now recently I have upgraded my EDC SD to SOG Fatcat & Tomcat 3.0, while both of these knives are great they both suffer from identity crisis IMHO. They have classic blade and handle shapes with modern tactical materials. It seems like it can't decide is it tactical or classic or neither? So my plan was have one of the forum vendors to replace "Kraton" handle which btw this handle shape doesn't need, with classy wood or dragon scale and add some classy relief engraving to bolsters. This would turn these knives into classy/practical/tactical, family heirlooms.
Second, by trade I'm graphic designer. While surfing YouTube for engraving inspiration I came across business opportunity that combines two of my passions knives and design!
Now, before I spend time and money about $3K on equipment and training, I would like to know is there market demand for custom engraving on practical/tactical knives? It's too much money to spend on just 2 knives for me, but if there is market/demand for it, than it's an investment in business opportunity!
Let me clarify, I know there is some demand for art, museum quality collector knives, I'm interested in narrow niche of people like me who come from practical/tactical side.
Have you or would you ever pay for custom engraved practical/tactical knives? ex: your initials, scroll leaves, animal head on your EDC bolsters or handle. Blade will remain unmarked so you would not be afraid to use it or sharpen it in the field. This would be step up from custom scales to custom engraving.
The idea behind it is take fixed hunter or tactical folder customize it with engraving YET keep it practical/useable, art design should never interfere or impede tools function ex: SOG's Fatcat, Tomcat or Buck 110 with plain bolsters or ZT with plain titanium handle and engrave deep relief scroll or initials in it. It takes classic utility/tactical and transforms it into classic gentlemen's utility/tactical, family heirloom!
Now the company that sells this air powered rotary engraving equipment claims there is huge demand for this type of service, but they need to sell their equipment, that's how they make living!
SO I need un-biased opinion from you knife users/makers.
1. IS there demand/market for tactical/practical engraving service?
2. Has anyone dealt with SCM Systems Inc, good or bad experience?
3. Is their 400XS air powered rotary engraver quality, dependable tool?
4. Anyone purchased their System 1 Business Kit opportunity, what is your experience with it?
Thanks. for reading this long post, I appreciate all help and advise on this subject!!!