How custom maker reacts to popularity

Concerning cheap materials..............


Titanium for framelocks-approx $60 per sq ft
Precision made pivots- approx $3.50 ea
Screws which need to be sized to use- 10 cents each
Stellite-approx $10 per inch
Carbide bits-approx $10 each
Carbide C sinks-$15 each
Carbide Center Drills- $12 each
Carbide Endmills-$15 and up
Cobalt drill bits (the good kind)- $1+
Belts- $6.50 each for the good ones-I use one 50 grit, one 100 grit, one 220 grit, one 320 grit and one 400 grit per knife.
Good Bandsaw blades-$35 each
Glass Beads
Torque Drivers
Digital Calipers

I wont even begin to list the equipment!!

:eek:
 
My check for $164.28 will be sent off 1st thing tomorrow morning...

Nah, you're a good guy, and you've got to eat...I'll round it off at an even $175, wadda ya say? ;)

Mel

btw, nice post...thanks for the detailed effort...:thumbs:
 
We always need to include time in the cost equation. If a maker spends a month (or more) maiking a single knife they need to be compensated. Personally I have no problem at all waiting years for a knife I want for my collection. For a knife to use and carry I usually would not want the wait much longer than a few months.
 
In answer to your first question, I beleive the other makers do as I do. When we name the price, it's today's price, not a hike later on. Most of us already have the material for the knife. It's the getting the making done. As for a waiting period, I havn't lost customers. I touch base with them and let them know about where they stand on their order if I havn't heard from them for a while. I was laid low with an injury for 7 1/2 months and am still recovering, not able to do much in the shop yet. I've kept in contact and have patient customers,evidently. Good customer relations is a common trait with custom makers that stay in business, as we all know very well. My customers have been very good to me, and I try to return the favor, thanks to them.
 
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