Pricing your knives is very difficult. You have to have an understanding of what the market will bear, and where you fit into the market. I charged $12/hour plus expenses for my first batch of knives. That was basically $100/knife. I was very nervous setting the price. Nowadays, I tell the apprentices when their knives are sellable, and help them set their prices. They all come and ask the question you asked above. Its one of the best things we do for them IMO. What a weight off your shoulders to have someone say this one doesn't make the cut, or this one will sell quickly at $x.xx and might sell, but slower at $X.xx.
There is a trick that most new makers miss out on. The trick is to make small knives. 3 - 4" blades are the easiest to sell. Most new guys in my shop are dying to make BIG knives. I do not even allow it. I always assign the Pukko first. That is a simple, no frills design (leave out any fancy horse head carvings). Its easier to finish small knives as well and you get a lot more grinding and handle shaping practice on them. (Repetition.) So, make small knives, and be sure to charge for your labor. If you can't sell them that way, then just keep practicing till you can.
