- Joined
- Oct 18, 2001
- Messages
- 20,978
My Ordering Process is a little different than your standard custom knifemaker. Do I make custom knives? Yes! But not one-at-a-time and not in a linear order.
I work in batches.
This saves me a TON of work/time/cost and I pass along the savings to you.
I am frequently asked how I can keep my prices so low....now you know.
That said, there are now several ways to get a knife from me. See each OPTION below:
OPTION 1 --> PRODUCTION RUNS
This is the most common way to get a knife from me and probably the easiest for you to get exactly what you want. Here's how it works:
STEP 1 = Design
I will often design a knife right here on my forum with the help of customers' input and recommendations. I then make prototypes and test them (myself, friends, passarounds, etc.) and then revise the original design until it is *just right*. Sometimes, this can be done quickly in a matter of weeks....sometimes (like with my EDC) it can take years. When all testing is finished, then the design process is over. Knives that have already been through this process don't need a repeat. That said, sometimes changes are made between batches based on feedback - these are usually subtle revisions.
STEP 2 = List Opens Up
I always post my list openings here on my Forum first. I notify all customers on my Mailing List once it is posted. I am now doing knives in batches of 20-50 at a time. If you want to order a knife you have to be on this list.
STEP 3 = Deposits
I require a deposit on every knife. The amount varies depending on the materials needed and processes performed. At this time, all deposits are refundable AND transferable (subject to change). The main reason for a deposit is to require a commitment from the buyer and weed out the "tire-kickers". The secondary reason for a deposit is to cover material costs. To accommodate those who do not like to pay deposits, I maintain an "Interested List". Any extras (I'll always leave room for extras in case something goes wrong) will go to the Interested List first.
Once all deposits are received, the List closes.
STEP 4 = Materials & Services
Because I have to rely on other companies to provide products and services, I cannot always predict the time needed to acquire materials and perform services (waterjet cutting, heat-treating, blade grinding, etc). I am pretty much at their mercy during this phase. This is the most painful for me because it is "hurry up and wait". When everything goes smoothly, this takes about 4-6 weeks.
STEP 5 = Work Begins
Once I have heat-treated blades and all handle materials, production can begin. I am often juggling a half-dozen "runs" at the same time and so this is broken up into phases. Some knives take longer in certain phases than others...I do keep track of my time and know generally what it takes to get each of my knives done. But that doesn't mean it's the only thing I'm working on at that time and as everyone knows "stuff happens" that can cause delays or result in one batch being put ahead of another one.
I will sometimes start the next run before the previous run is fully completed. Usually it is because final payments have not yet arrived. I never start a new run before all knives in the previous run are glued-up and roughed out.
Sometimes I will do the next run in a different material, sometimes I will offer a different grind or finish, sometimes I will do a larger/smaller version or other variant. I try to base it off customer comments and suggestions, so please feel free to make your voice heard. I do listen to customer feedback!
OPTION 2 --> ORDER-IT-NOW
This option is gaining popularity because there is very little lead time involved. Basically, if I have extra knife blanks kicking around and plenty of handle material, I will make those knives available for purchase with a guaranteed turn-around time. This is kinda like getting a custom knife, but I can usually only offer these in specific materials that I already have in stock, ready to go. Once I run out, they are OUT and I will take them off the page.
Right now the 2 knives I have available for Buy-It-Now are the Bushcraft knife in CPM154 and canvas micarta - with leather or kydex sheat , and the Woodlore PSK with Flat or Scandi grind - with kydex sheath. You can find them here:
www.kosterknives.com/available.htm
OPTION 3 --> BUY-IT-NOW
I almost always make extra knives for each of the production runs. Sometimes I shelf them for later in my *secret stash*. I don't usually carry an inventory, but it never hurts to ask.
Occasionally, I will put up knives for sale that I have been working on in the background, behind the scenes. These are few and far between, but do exist. They are typically not orders or extras, but just knives I felt like making.
You can get one of these knives by watching my forum and/or subscribing to my mailing list here ==> Mailing List
Or you can call/email to ask if I have anything in my stash.
OPTION 4 --> CUSTOM ONE-OFF ORDERS
This is the most scarce of all my orders. It is the most typical, however, of your standard custom knifemaker. A list is kept and it is worked on from top to bottom. It would be great if I could work that way, but then I'd have to charge $600 for a knife instead of $200.
These are also by far the slowest moving projects. I have customers from way back who have waited patiently for years for a custom one-off design. The good news is that by the time I get them done, it is worth much more since my craftsmanship has improved dramatically over the years. The downside, of course, is the wait. If you want a custom one-off Koster creation, be prepared for a long wait and higher cost. I do still do them now and then, but they are not as profitable or efficient for me as the production runs are...so less attention is paid to them.
OPTION 5 --> BLADE SHOW
This is the only knife show I attend at present. It is usually the first week in June and is held in Atlanta, Georgia. www.bladeshow.com
I am at Table 25-D
During the year between shows I will make extra knives and set them aside for the show. I will also stop working on orders about a week or two before the show to make sure I am prepared. This is the best I can do. If I don't attend the show, I miss out on exhibiting my work to new buyers. Sometimes I will debut new knives at the show....but more often the stuff I take are my best sellers and usually smaller knives. The Blade Show is not a place to "score a discount" but rather an opportunity for us to meet in person and "try before you buy". I am happy to deliver knives at the show.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment Process:
==> I don't start knives that don't have deposits on them.
==> I don't finish knives that are not paid in full.
Here's how it works:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for your interest in Handmade Knives!
Daniel Koster
479-366-7794
p.s. and thank you for reading all the way down to the bottom of this page.
I work in batches.
This saves me a TON of work/time/cost and I pass along the savings to you.
I am frequently asked how I can keep my prices so low....now you know.
That said, there are now several ways to get a knife from me. See each OPTION below:
OPTION 1 --> PRODUCTION RUNS
This is the most common way to get a knife from me and probably the easiest for you to get exactly what you want. Here's how it works:
STEP 1 = Design
I will often design a knife right here on my forum with the help of customers' input and recommendations. I then make prototypes and test them (myself, friends, passarounds, etc.) and then revise the original design until it is *just right*. Sometimes, this can be done quickly in a matter of weeks....sometimes (like with my EDC) it can take years. When all testing is finished, then the design process is over. Knives that have already been through this process don't need a repeat. That said, sometimes changes are made between batches based on feedback - these are usually subtle revisions.
STEP 2 = List Opens Up
I always post my list openings here on my Forum first. I notify all customers on my Mailing List once it is posted. I am now doing knives in batches of 20-50 at a time. If you want to order a knife you have to be on this list.
STEP 3 = Deposits
I require a deposit on every knife. The amount varies depending on the materials needed and processes performed. At this time, all deposits are refundable AND transferable (subject to change). The main reason for a deposit is to require a commitment from the buyer and weed out the "tire-kickers". The secondary reason for a deposit is to cover material costs. To accommodate those who do not like to pay deposits, I maintain an "Interested List". Any extras (I'll always leave room for extras in case something goes wrong) will go to the Interested List first.
Once all deposits are received, the List closes.
STEP 4 = Materials & Services
Because I have to rely on other companies to provide products and services, I cannot always predict the time needed to acquire materials and perform services (waterjet cutting, heat-treating, blade grinding, etc). I am pretty much at their mercy during this phase. This is the most painful for me because it is "hurry up and wait". When everything goes smoothly, this takes about 4-6 weeks.
STEP 5 = Work Begins
Once I have heat-treated blades and all handle materials, production can begin. I am often juggling a half-dozen "runs" at the same time and so this is broken up into phases. Some knives take longer in certain phases than others...I do keep track of my time and know generally what it takes to get each of my knives done. But that doesn't mean it's the only thing I'm working on at that time and as everyone knows "stuff happens" that can cause delays or result in one batch being put ahead of another one.
- Phase 1: Layout - I set out all the materials, matching the handle materials to the individual blank.
- Phase 2: Glue-up - Handle slabs are profiled, liners glued on (optional), screw holes drilled, handle fronts tapered/finished and screw holes counterbored. Depending on the knife, I may or may not put the final grinds on before glue-up. Then the handle slabs are glued together. All my knives are full-tang. I no longer do hidden tang knives.
- Phase 3: Rough out - After the knives have sat overnight, I rough out the handles. This makes a TON of dust and even though my mask is nearly perfect in filtering the air, I am still exhausted from the effort. This is also very rewarding because the knife is now 90% of the final shape.
- Phase 4: Finishing - This last 10% of the knife actually takes nearly 50% of the time to do. Final finishing is not to be rushed. It is stressful and time-consuming. The closer to a finished product, the more costly a mistake can become. Don't ask me to rush this, I won't do it. Handles are sanded to 220 grit and then bead-blasted. The spine is finished to a 220 grit handrubbed finish and the edges deburred but left squared (for striking a firesteel). Lanyard tubes are countersunk. The blade is etched with my logo and last of all, is sharpened. Along the way the entire knife is washed/scrubbed a couple times and then as a final step, doused in WD40.
- Phase 5: Sheaths - I make my own kydex and set up my sheaths to work with Tek-Loks. I do standard pancake-style sheaths (using 0.080" black kydex) as well as drop-loop sheaths (using 3 layers of 0.060" black kydex) that function more like a pouch sheath. I don't use other systems but am open to options (though this usually results in delays). I order leather sheaths from other companies and am at their mercy in terms of scheduling/delivery. I have now started using Spec Ops Combat Master cordura sheaths as well.
- Phase 6: Boxed Up - once everything is finished, I box up the knife and get it ready to ship. I never ship knives before receiving final payment. MY reputation is on the line if something happens. Standard shipping rate for smaller knives (under 8.5" OAL) is $10 in the USA and $20 for International; for larger knives it is $15 and $30 respectively. Additional knives are $5 each.
I will sometimes start the next run before the previous run is fully completed. Usually it is because final payments have not yet arrived. I never start a new run before all knives in the previous run are glued-up and roughed out.
Sometimes I will do the next run in a different material, sometimes I will offer a different grind or finish, sometimes I will do a larger/smaller version or other variant. I try to base it off customer comments and suggestions, so please feel free to make your voice heard. I do listen to customer feedback!
OPTION 2 --> ORDER-IT-NOW
This option is gaining popularity because there is very little lead time involved. Basically, if I have extra knife blanks kicking around and plenty of handle material, I will make those knives available for purchase with a guaranteed turn-around time. This is kinda like getting a custom knife, but I can usually only offer these in specific materials that I already have in stock, ready to go. Once I run out, they are OUT and I will take them off the page.
Right now the 2 knives I have available for Buy-It-Now are the Bushcraft knife in CPM154 and canvas micarta - with leather or kydex sheat , and the Woodlore PSK with Flat or Scandi grind - with kydex sheath. You can find them here:
www.kosterknives.com/available.htm
OPTION 3 --> BUY-IT-NOW
I almost always make extra knives for each of the production runs. Sometimes I shelf them for later in my *secret stash*. I don't usually carry an inventory, but it never hurts to ask.
Occasionally, I will put up knives for sale that I have been working on in the background, behind the scenes. These are few and far between, but do exist. They are typically not orders or extras, but just knives I felt like making.
You can get one of these knives by watching my forum and/or subscribing to my mailing list here ==> Mailing List
Or you can call/email to ask if I have anything in my stash.
OPTION 4 --> CUSTOM ONE-OFF ORDERS
This is the most scarce of all my orders. It is the most typical, however, of your standard custom knifemaker. A list is kept and it is worked on from top to bottom. It would be great if I could work that way, but then I'd have to charge $600 for a knife instead of $200.
These are also by far the slowest moving projects. I have customers from way back who have waited patiently for years for a custom one-off design. The good news is that by the time I get them done, it is worth much more since my craftsmanship has improved dramatically over the years. The downside, of course, is the wait. If you want a custom one-off Koster creation, be prepared for a long wait and higher cost. I do still do them now and then, but they are not as profitable or efficient for me as the production runs are...so less attention is paid to them.
OPTION 5 --> BLADE SHOW
This is the only knife show I attend at present. It is usually the first week in June and is held in Atlanta, Georgia. www.bladeshow.com
I am at Table 25-D
During the year between shows I will make extra knives and set them aside for the show. I will also stop working on orders about a week or two before the show to make sure I am prepared. This is the best I can do. If I don't attend the show, I miss out on exhibiting my work to new buyers. Sometimes I will debut new knives at the show....but more often the stuff I take are my best sellers and usually smaller knives. The Blade Show is not a place to "score a discount" but rather an opportunity for us to meet in person and "try before you buy". I am happy to deliver knives at the show.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment Process:
==> I don't start knives that don't have deposits on them.
==> I don't finish knives that are not paid in full.
Here's how it works:
- Once I have your deposit, you order is "Official". If you say you are going to send a deposit and it doesn't show up in time - your spot goes to someone else. I need to know your desired materials/sheath options as soon as possible to make sure I am prepared for glue-up.
- All orders that have deposits are guaranteed to be glued-up and roughed-out.
- After glue-up I send out emails to customers requesting final payment and I begin work on those that are PIF (Paid In Full) first. I do not go according to the order in the Sign-Up list. I have found this to be the best way of handling it. Those that are happy to wait, generally do not pay in full quickly. Those that have an "Instant Gratification" itch to scratch tend to pay quickly and want their knives quickly. With smaller batches, this is now possible. Additionally, if you order a knife and need time to gather funds, no worries....I can set it aside and finish it up when you are ready.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for your interest in Handmade Knives!
Daniel Koster
479-366-7794
p.s. and thank you for reading all the way down to the bottom of this page.
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