JK Handmade Knives

JK Knives

JK Knives

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Mar 6, 2001
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I thought it was time I brought you all up to speed on what's going on with JK Handmade Knives. New orders are not coming in, so it's looking like I'll be closing shop sometime in January. The forum is also up for renewal in mid January, so I'll probably not be renewing it unless things turn around soon.
It's been fun, but maybe it's time.
 
that's a rough decision to make John, but if it's the one you need to make, I'm sure everyone here will understand.
 
I dread seeing posts like this.

Instead of shutting down for good, would it be possible to group orders in alternating months?

Instead of booking for January then February then March, could you do January, March, May?

This would allow you to group orders to keep yourself busy, and allow for time for family and relaxation while still keeping at making knives.

If that doesn't sound like a viable option, I would be willing to donate a few $$$ to keep the doors open.
 
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This is a real bummer. I've been trying to hide a few dollars here and there for an order from you, but life just keeps getting in my way. I really hope to be able to get an order (ideally, two) in before the doors close, if that's what you decide you have to do.

My wife has a (very) small business, and I see the struggles that she has to go through to keep it alive. It's stressful, time consuming, expensive, and sometimes, it seems like the "worth it" part will never show up. I do hope for the best, John. It would be a shame to lose such a fine craftsman as yourself.

All the best for you and yours, John.

-Shawn
 
A shame for sure if the doors close. I love all of my JKs and was hoping to add a few next year.
Not sure what I want yet, but I know I need at least one more.
 
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I had a bad feeling when I saw the title of this thread. It is sad to see this for sure! I’m hoping things turn around for you and business picks up. Ultimately you are the only one that can decide when business is too slow to keep going.
You’ve got a great group here thanks to your useful knives and good personality. It’s different than any of the other sub forums here. I’ve tried, and will continue spreading praise about your knives whenever the opportunity comes up.
 
Damn. I will be getting a job soon, and one of your knives was rather high on the list of the first things to purchase
 
John, I can certainly appreciate your position. I would imagine it's a commitment of time to keep things going and time is always in short supply. It's certainly your right, but I will selfishly throw in my unsolicited opinion.:p

The JK forum means a lot to me and I bet a lot of other folks, too. My dad was a huge fan and supporter of the brand so having the forum here is a tie to something he really loved. I would hate to lose that.

I know I'm not alone in saying that the members would happily cover the cost of keeping the forum open. If you didn't want to maintain it we could make it an owners forum instead of a manufacturers forum. But I personally would be honored to contribute to keeping this community going. I feel like it's a 'candle in the window'- we don't all stop in every day but we always come back.

Whatever you decide to do I am behind you, John! I still have the one knife on order whenever you get around to making it, and it would be great if you at least kept the option open to crank out a few knives when the mood strikes you.:)
 
I like Bill's idea of grouping orders when enough are there to justify shipping costs for materials.
It's a hard decision to make, I've had this forum for 8 or 9 years, it would be hard to not have it anymore.
In the end it all depends on customers. It's not terribly expensive for the forum subscription, but if there are no customers or people posting it's really not much fun.
Really hoping to turn this around, I love what I do, and hopefully I can continue to do it. The tough part is both the forum renewal and my business license are both due in January.
 
I will contribute as well to keeping the forum going. I have 2 knives in order and plan on ordering more after new year. I would be more then happy to help out however I can!
 
How much does the forum renewal run? You can PM me if you like. I would be happy to pitch in to keep this place going. It might be slow right now but forums seem to go in cycles.
 
John I appreciate the quality of your work, both on your knives and on this forum. Thank you for your efforts, and I hope that you can find a way to continue with both.
 
I'm sure it's a tough decision and one you put much thought into. I wish I had answers but I seem to share your ideas about knives that should sell but don't. Two that stand out for me are your PSK and the kit you did with the small fixed blade and leather pouch. In my opinion both of those should have sold well but were dropped not long after their release because of lack of interest. I'm not sure how many JK Knives I own but I'm sure it's more than any other makers. I have no problem contributing to the cost of keeping this forum up. I hope it stays but you have to do what's best for you and your family.
 
I'll chip in a sawbuck or two to keep this little ray of sunshine going for another year.:)
(I gotta have someplace to post my pics dang it!):rolleyes:

I also sent John a PM asking what it'll cost to renew.(it's not public knowledge BTW)

This time of year is always slow. Always. But historically orders do pick up after the first of the year when tax refunds start coming in and CCs start getting paid down.
Hopefully that'll hold true for next year also.
As to the low post counts lately..I have no clue, but perhaps this new format has something to do with it.(no tapatalk for the mobile users.:confused:) Things did seem to slow down after the move though.
Maybe it's my fault for not getting out and playing with my JKs more.:rolleyes:
Maybe it's not my fault and it's everyone else's.:p (you know who you are......not me;))
Maybe it's photo buckets's fault. Damn greedy son of a Bs.:mad:

Whatevvver!:rolleyes:

Once we figure out what it'll cost to renew I will happily be the point of contact for renewal donations.:thumbsup:
 
I can't ever seem to get enough JK blades, there is always another out thwre calling to me...I'm also more than happy to chip in to keep this forum up!
 
I understand you may have to close the doors, it would be a shame as this is one of the better forums with great knives, people and things to just plain have fun. I like the idea if possible to just make what and when you want and post it when you want, like once a quarter. Either way we will support you and keep praying for you and the family.
 
I almost feel that I don't have a right to post here because I haven't made a purchase from John(yet, I sincerely hope I can get something together).
This sub has felt more like home to me on this forum than any other place. Great people, Great discussions, Great knives.
I generally do not carry a fixed blade knife but when I got the MudTurtle in the pass around it did everything I asked of it and it looked for more.
Your work, as a family man and a knife maker, has inspired me on both fronts and for that sir I thank you.
 
3fifty7 said:
I almost feel that I don't have a right to post here because I haven't made a purchase from John(yet, I sincerely hope I can get something together).
This sub has felt more like home to me on this forum than any other place. Great people, Great discussions, Great knives.
I generally do not carry a fixed blade knife but when I got the MudTurtle in the pass around it did everything I asked of it and it looked for more.
Your work, as a family man and a knife maker, has inspired me on both fronts and for that sir I thank you.
Click to expand...

Ditto, here here!!!
 
I hate to see this post but I understand it's been a bit of a trying year here also ... and you have to do what's best for you John.

But as others have said I'm hopeful things will turn around or maybe as the suggestion of a slight change in selling in batches if that would be feasible.

I think you're knifes are well made I know the few I have used have been up to whatever I put in front if them ... and the forums is one of the places I enjoy visiting more.

Prayers for you and the family and much respect for the knives and the forum ... whatever your decesion is.
 
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