Have you tried bartering?

S

samwereb

Joined
Aug 3, 1999
Messages
441
Mr. Mayo recently posted a tip of the day in which he was complaining that we always end up broke from buying every new tool or fixture. Boy do I ever agree. I was going to reply directly to his topic with what I have to say but I really wanted to have some more imput from everyone. Also, he is an extremely talented maker, and I wouldn't dream of telling him what to do.

Even so, I thought this might be helpful to some other people like me. I don't have much capital to waste (er... invest) in more tools and equipment or services, but I seem to be successful in getting them if I truly do need them.

Recently I needed a large sheet of G-10 cut in to slabs 1" x 5". I couldn't buy a table saw, and I ruined a good portion of it with my hacksaw. I was able to find an acquaintance in the kitchen remodeling business who had the right equipment and volunteered to do it. All I had to do, was make him a nice folder that he could use on the job. The materials for the folder cost me almost nothing, and he saved me at least 10 hours of hard work by cutting this for me. Much to my suprise, I got two cash orders from his buddies who liked the knife he showed them.

I once got a rush heat-treat done in a similar fashion, and another time traded a pretty nice folder for a pretty big block of pink ivory.

I can't barter for everything I need but it sure does help. Any of you guys have any experience with this?

Sam
 
I do that fairly often. A couple months ago I traded a damascus hunter for a small ivory tusk. Both of us thought we got the best end of the deal, and that's the best kind of deal to make. Recently I got some nice rosewood for a small hunter, and I'm talking to a painter about some work on the house in exchange for a nice fighter. Boy am I getting the right end of that deal. I'd much rather make knives than paint any day. Works for me!!

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Jerry Hossom
knifemaker
www.hossom.com


 
I think it is a good idea to keep a finished knife with sheath in your vehicle so you can be ready to trade on the spot.

I like to keep my "trade knives" in the small hunter range - keeping them fairly simple but with a touch of filework to "sweeten the deal" - whatever it may be.
 
Although I am not a maker I trade ivory and other materials for both finnished knives and other items from time to time. That is how I ended up with a very nice Don Hanson folder.
smile.gif


Regards,

Tom Carey
 
your post make me laugh.....hahahaha..i have a unisaw that i traded for...a high speed drill press that i traded for...and a big safe full of guns that were mostly gotten by trade. however...some things can only be obtained by putting down the hard cold cash. brand new tools for one thing...and besides, what else is money good for....i wish i could trade for EVERYTHING....but the bank and the grocer and a few others really arent interested in my knives....another thing i have learned thru the years...the best thing to trade for is cash....you can use it to get almost anything. sincerely...tom..by the way...the guy who built my website was paid with knives....
smile.gif
now if i could only find a steel supplier who likes my knives a lot.

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http://www.mayoknives.com


[This message has been edited by tom mayo (edited 01-20-2000).]

[This message has been edited by tom mayo (edited 01-20-2000).]
 
I'm also not a maker yet (awaiting the local custom show to start with a couple of kits), but a group of friends and I call this the "food chain". We swap, barter, sell, give knives, computer stuff, Volkswagen parts, mountain bike parts, whatever. Hell, I'm working a deal for a mitre saw now, we'll see what happens.

Trade is a good thing.



------------------
Don LeHue

The pen is mightier than the sword...outside of arm's reach. Modify radius accordingly for rifle.
 
I couldn't do this without trading. I have a hundred pounds or so of bronze from trading, as well as more 300 series stainless than I'll ever need. My most recent deal has been for domestic antlers. I also have deals in the works to get some Ti, carbon fiber, assorted woods and whatever else I can get my grubby paws on. More cash would be nice, though.

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Oz

"Violence never settles anything."
Genghis Khan 1162-1227

Check out my egostistical homepage!
http://www.freespeech.org/oz/
 
Hey Sam....

Glad you brought this up..

I Swap, Bater, Trade on a daily basis with both of my businesses.
Today I traded some art work from my first job, a quantity of hand made stationary I need.

Yesterday I made a partial trade on a knife for some sheathing work.

Last week I made a trade on a knife, and a few months ago I needed a new Cordless Drill.. Got a brand new Milwaukee 12 volt for some of my art work...

Actually I think I traded a couple of sheaths for a Gerber tool last night as well. Haven't heard back yet..
smile.gif


This is the way to go for sure on a lot of things.. If it's a good deal I'll barter things I need,want or can use any day of the week.

Thats two knives, a multitool,,(maybe) Some handmade paper and a cordless drill all in a short period of time...
All Good trades all the way around...

It's a great way to do business,,as long as it's fair to everyone...

Anyone wanna Swap something ??
smile.gif


ttyle Eric...


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Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical
http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel
Custom made, High Quality
Concealex Sheaths and Tool Holsters
Canada's Only Custom Concealex Shop!

 
I'm a barterer too. Anyone need any Mercedes 300D parts?

------------------
Jake Evans,War Chief of the Terrible Ironic HORDE, Wielder of the Mighty Blade SOUL STEALER
 
I always try to barter before buying. It is good to know other people feel the same. Anybody need any dymond wood scales?

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Drac Noroc

"But if I ran the zoo,"
Said young Gerald McGrew,
"I'd make a few changes.
That's just what I'd do..." Seuss

AKTI # BA00013
 
I barter a lot. Most trades are for materials, but ocassionally it's not.
I'm driving a pickup truck I got for a knife.
smile.gif
Best truck I've ever owned. And I also agree - it's a good deal when both parties are happy.
Wife reminded me that we had a car years ago too that I got for a knife. And we paid the pastor that married us with a knife so many many many years ago. And ocassional visits to my chiropractor are traded for knives. If I could convince the IRS and my mortgage company to trade I'd be doing even better.
smile.gif



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Gene Osborn
Center Cross Metal Works
I Carry My Crosses for Christ to Give any Glory to God.

[This message has been edited by CenterCross (edited 01-21-2000).]
 
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