Knifemakers Forum

[RyanW]

I am having a hard time determining what the viewing and posting restrictions are on different BF forums, I don't mean to sound snobbish or better than anyone (Lord knows I am not). But is there a section for only those that have a makers membership to discuss different ideas and questions? I have a few questions regarding the knife business (since I am in the knife making womb at this point), statistics, etc. It would be nice to discuss openly among the BF makers somethings that may sound "off" to prying eyes.

I don't want to come across speshul or anything, and maybe it already exists. I know "Around the grinder" is open to Basic up. If I am way off base or going against the grain, I apologize.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Around the Grinder is about as private as you get in the open forums. You can send a PM to some makers and communicate directly and privately with them, but there is no "secret" forum for knifemaker memberships.

Just ask your question here and request two things in the first sentence.
1) That only full time knifemakers who run a business answer the questions.
2) That you wish any specific answers to be sent to you by email or PM.

The general chat and answers can be read by all, but the specifics - eg., "How much should I mark up a knife over materials ?" "How can I avoid paying taxes?" ( you can't legally), can be answered by email.
Personally, I can't think of any question that could not be openly discussed here in reference to running a knife business. It is a regular topic. Just like the way a good business is run, it should all be aboveboard.

 

[RyanW]

thanks for the reply Stacy. I agree completely, and I was not asking for a secret place to discuss the unscrupulous aspects of the business (I know there is not one, that is legal anyway) but the items you mentioned; knife mark up, etc. might be easier to discuss openly knowing not everyone knows how much they make on each blade they sell.

One question I had was how many knives have you had returned and why? I think makers may be hesitant to speak frankly because someone may read that information and come to the conclusion that it was shotty work. I don't know many of the makers here personally, and don't want to single any out with a PM. It is great to have an Open forum with everything on the table. I was more curious if such a place actually existed.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You will be pleasantly surprised about the openness of the makers here. Pricing is discussed often.

Returns are usually because of user related problems. I just had an amboyina handled letter opener returned. The owner had clearly been hammering on something with it and broke the handle. I took it from him, commented that he must have really been whacking at something, and said I would have it re-handled in a week or two...NC.