Knifemaker Roots

CUTS LIKE A KRIS

CUTS LIKE A KRIS

Joined
Sep 28, 2005
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How many knifemakers/who remember their roots of knifemaking and still produce low dollar knives when they become top dollar makers? As in- most of my knives cost $800 but I still produce a $100 knife so that beginning collectors can taste a well known maker without getting a second mortgage.(not talking about myself here but knifemaker "X") It seems that many people get into making knives because they are too expensive then sell knives too high priced for people that are like themselves.
 
Quite a few well known makers have entry level knives that are very reasonably priced. Ed Caffrey and Burt Foster come to mind, but I'm sure there are many, many more.
 
I too have begun to sell lower priced pieces. I found that many of the knives I was making fell into a black hole as far as collectors go. To high for the average Joe but not High end enough for the major collectors. It seems like there is a magic line around $300. I have recently started selling $150 damascus. Not fancy but a good user for the beginning collector. I have to say I am no longer a big collector of my own work. I still like to make high end stuff but really love to see a user go out and get put thru the paces by someone other than myself.
These collectors who buy lower priced pieces kept most of us going, so I will not forget them. I will keep trying to put out lower cost items to keep them coming back....
Chuck
 
Not yet. Ifinished one yesterday but will be carrying it myself. Couple of thingd went wrong but don't want to take it apart to fix. I should carry one of my own anyway. I can post some sics of this afternoon. Have to take the better half out and go shopping.

CHuck
 
Here's a sample of one of my lower cost pieces. This one is not for sale. Discription, 3" Blade is what I call Super-cable, simple explanation, cable in a can. Guard is black linen micarta handle ic cocobolo. Thru tang with flush ground nut on the pomel. OAL 6.5".

Simple but a great user.
 
Went out to cut down some boxes and got carried away a bit. Cleanly sliced 55 times and still cutting. Would not pop hairs but a couple of swipes on the strop and it was right back. Biggest problem was the packing tape messing up the blade.
Chuck
 
Chuck- That is what I was talking about- it is nice to see that not everybody is only after the dollar. Down the road a bit you might be getting an order for one of those bad boys without a guard (I don't have much uses for them).
What kind of sheaths do you usually make for something like that- my tastes run toward Kydex neck knives in that size.
Love the cocobolo!!
 
I normally don't make sheaths. I have modified some over the counter type. Not that I can't, I have made them in the past, i just really don't like it. I have made a few kydex but I'm not as good at it as I would like to be. might be able to talk me into it though. Most of the guys that buy from me don't want one or make them themselves.

Chuck
 
That knife really looks like a bargain. As far as I am concerned, any time you can get a good forged knife for under $250.00 you are getting a bargain.
 
I agree Keith- that might have to become my first forged knife!!
Chuck, I would probably be OK without the sheath- I need practice with my Kydex sheathmaking skills anyways.
 
Let me know Kris. I can put one together. Just need a couple of weeks. The one i showed I will not sell due to some flaws. I just do not want to take it apart and waste that cocbolo. i need a carry knife for myself.

Chuck
 
Heck I have never quit selling low end hunters,just everybody wants a Bowie from me.In fact I am in the proccess of making a couple skinners in forged 5160 at the moment.
 
I like the idea of an economically priced knife too, within a maker's output. Even if it has to be mid-tech or a factory collaboration.
David
 
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