is there a problem that needs to be addressed?

Great thread and even better responces.

Do not take offence anyone these are just my opinions and what works for me. It is not directed to anyone in particular.

I own a painting business as my primary form of income and make knives on a part time basis. Hopefully this responce may help with some firsthand experience.

What I have found repeatedly in my business is that by using just a few sound business rules your chances of long term success increase dramatically:
1. Tell the customer what you can and can't or won't do.
2. Know your own limits.
3. Be honest every time, it is far easier to remember what you said later on.
4. Keep them informed (From time to time), even if they aren't calling or Emailing.
5. Give them a real completion date and then do it. Consistancy is key.
6. Don't be afraid to say no to bad business.
7. If you are good they will wait
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I own about 15 production knives. My first custom is due to arrive Friday. I have investigated many makers in the year 2000, and selected five to investigate further by Email and/or phone. Three disappointed, one treated me well but I didn't feel confident of his knife and the fifth I purchased from having never seen or held his knives in person.

Of the three that disappointed the first I contacted declined to provide me the general knife information I requested. He directed me to the forums. This was not helpful. I had just spent months reading the forums.
His attitude changed when he learned that the information I requested related to a purchase. Too late.

The next maker never answered my first Email which stated that I wished to buy.

The third disappointing maker I dealt with by Email, phone, snail mail and an out of state visit. These dealings resulted in me never seeing or talking to the maker. For example he was called twice to set up the visit to his state. He never answered either the phone or the message left on his machine. The visit to his apartment resulted in no one answering either the door, or the message that was left after a two and a half hour wait. I dealt with him for two months without ever being able to learn what the cost of the knife I wanted would be. I am not as easy going as the earlier poster in this thread that waited a year without getting the knife he wanted. He generously felt no loss since he had put down no funds. I lost two months of my time due to maker number three. Makers know their time is important. So is mine.

I bought from maker number 4 as a result of more than one thing. I guess the most important being time. I didn't have to wait. He had a knife close to what I wanted in stock. Joe Talmadge, in separate threads, twice called this maker's knives, "...invariably," the sharpest at shows Joe attended. The maker was called four or five times the first day. His wife answered the phone promptly each time and each time answered my, and my wife's, questions pleasantly. Once the maker's wife had to go ask the maker for an answer. My questions were answered politely and, more importantly, promptly. I bought that day.

I like, and recommend, the following four of BobH's seven business rules posted earlier:

1. Tell the customer what you can and can't or won't do...

3. Be honest every time, it is far easier to remember what you said later on. [Mean just what you say. bug]

4. Keep them informed (From time to time), even if they aren't calling or Emailing. [Be available. bug]

5. Give them a real completion date and then do it. Consistancy is key. [Mean just what you say. bug]

Makers seem to me to be just about like the rest of us.


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I've purchased thousands of dolars worth of custom knives over the last couple of years. With one exception, the experiences I've had with makers has been tremendous. I've gotten to know several of the "big names" in the business, and have even been invited to several makers' shops to see my knife being made. Even at shows when it was obvious I wasn't going to purchase something from a maker's table at that particular show, they all answered my questions politely and encouraged me to fondle the knives on display. After all, they realized that I could be a future customer and the time they spent with me there could reap many benifits down the road.

When I expressed an interest to learn the art of knifemaking, I received offers from at least four forumites to spend time in their shops and homes learning the craft. One offered to teach me knifemaking on a limited budget, one offered to teach me how to make fixed blades (to see my first attempt, click here
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), one offered to teach me folders, and one offered to teach me high-end pieces. I dunno how much more I could ask for from the makers I've met.

The one problem I had wasn't that big of a deal. I ordered an inexpensive neck knife from a maker with no deposit required. I was quoted a delivery time that has long since passed. I talked to the maker online once or twice and was told there had been a mix-up and that the knife would be delivered shortly. I have yet to receive the knife. No big deal. I simply purchased the knife in question from a dealer. I've heard nothing but positive comments on this maker's customer service, so I just chalked it up to the one-time screw-up that can happen to anybody.

All-in-all I've had tremendous experiences with everyone involved in custom knifemaking - the makers themselves, custom purveyors, forumites, and organizations such as the NC Custom Knifemakers Guild.

Just one man's experience...

------------------
Kelly
My Custom Knife Collection
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice
 
With the exception of Jim Hrisoulas, who promised me a carry size bowie about 2-3 years ago(he told me 6 weeks), I have had nothing but great dealings with custom knifemakers.

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Danbo, soul brother of Rambo
 
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