How was 2012 for you?

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I kind of remember at the beginning of the year some makers talking about it being a tough economy and thinking that would affect knife sales for the year.
I am curious to hear from those of you who make and sell knives, how did it go for you this year?
Did you change what you make or how you make knives to adjust for the economy?
If you did well, what was your best source of sales?
Word of Mouth?
Website or forums?
Knife Shows?


For us here at It's a Burl
The galleries and woodyard sales were down a bit.
But... the knife handle wood sales increased quite a bit.
 
It's bad luck to talk about the current year in past tense, Mark...... I ain't touchin' it man.:p
 
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You are probably correct Rick.
I was just thinking with the holidays a lot of us are probably done for the year.
I guess I am getting ahead of myself.

Kind of like posting a WIP before you are finished making the knife.
 
I was just messing... I had an awful year. Off with a back injury for 4 months planning a move and getting the house ready to sell for 2 months, taking a month to move and get our furniture here, taking 3-4 weeks to build a temporary shop and get organized. In between it all I was out with vertigo for a stint and had a few other family issues. I don't think I got in a solid month of work throughout the entire year... and the bottom line shows it! I had to cancel all my shows. Tough year... patient customers.
 
It's been a mixed year for me. Work has treated me fairly well, but the company is struggling with some major problems. My job changed, and I got recognized for doing very well after getting a promotion. However, my father was declared to be terminal and we've been watching him go through cycles of decline/rebound/plateau/repeat for most of the year. At least he's still alive... for now.

I gotta say, I have no real enthusiasm for 2012. I know 2013 is going to suck too, but will do what I can to bring some zest back into life.
 
It's been pretty damn awesome for me...much better than I deserve. In May I took a leave from work stayed home with the kids this summer and became a full time maker. When my leave was up I made the decision to not go back. It's been a blast so far, I have been fortunate to stay behind on orders. I'm staying about 6 months out. As a Machinist I made a fine living and I have had to adjust my lifestyle but it's worth it. I hope it continues...LOL ...because I can't see myself doing anything else.
 
I did pretty well with knife sales. I think I sold 50+ all through internet and face to face. I think I saw my largest increase in my skill set this past year. I have been contemplating how to cut down on cost of materials such as substituting 5160 for CPM 3V, and the like, but customers still want the premium stuff.

I have also done very well offering sharpening services, and sheath making services.
 
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Despite great personal upheavals and outlays, 2012 has been my best year so far, by far. I am (happily) backlogged almost to my limits of keeping track, and fully expect 2013 to be even busier.

Custom orders continue to be my greatest source of business and revenue, but my own designs are gaining ground quickly.

My online presence is clearly the genesis of most of my orders... being part of the forums is somewhat ahead of my website in that regard; but the website has definitely paid for itself and then some. I've shipped knives all over the country and overseas as well. There is simply no way I could continue to grow based strictly on local sales.

Word-of-mouth counts too, especially considering repeat business. I have not exhibited at any shows to date, but I'm considering it.
 
james terrio said:
Word-of-mouth counts too, especially considering repeat business. I have not exhibited at any shows to date, but I'm considering it.
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Id recommend it. I worked my freind booth at Blade this year and I got the impression alot of people wanted to hold the knives first before they buy them. Im sure alot of your fans would like handle your blades. Since Tenn borders Georgia, do you really have an excuse? :D
 
gimmejr said:
Id recommend it. I worked my freind booth at Blade this year and I got the impression alot of people wanted to hold the knives first before they buy them. Im sure alot of your fans would like handle your blades. Since Tenn borders Georgia, do you really have an excuse? :D
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There's a reason we moved down here... smack dab between BLADE and the Guild show :)
 
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