Knifemakers: How is the economy affecting you?

F

fionsladder

Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
5
This is my 6 year as a full time knifemaker. I am doing my best work so far but the prices I am getting at auction are lower than say a year ago. I've been watching other knifemakers on ebay and there prices seem to be dangerously low aswell. I was curious how other knifemakers are making out right now. Steven Tedford
 
Steve, don't know about eBay... I've never sold a knife on there and to be honest don't plan on it. A big part of the sales equation for me is getting to know my customers and what they want,need and can afford (not necessarily the same thing.)

My orders are fine and actually I had an upswing in orders in 09, I think mainly because I got ahead of the curve and designed and made some affordable customs that people wouldn't feel like they were making a life changing decision in purchasing one.
 
fionsladder said:
This is my 6 year as a full time knifemaker. I am doing my best work so far but the prices I am getting at auction are lower than say a year ago. I've been watching other knifemakers on ebay and there prices seem to be dangerously low aswell. I was curious how other knifemakers are making out right now. Steven Tedford
Click to expand...

Might try drafting a new business/marketing plan that's not so dependent on eBay.
 
Last edited:
Hello, I am not a knife maker but a collector , I have watched the knife market closely for years. I see a lot knives for sale from makers who knives where praticaly non existant due to demand a couple years ago . The market for knives seems to have given up some ground . I have seen some great buys lately . I have seen your knives on eBay you make some nice knives . Good luck
 
some considerations -- join CKCA, become maker member in BF, post knives for sale in BF, post knives being done or finished in this forum, have a website, make knives available for sale on the site and price them, take photos of your knives (BF Gallery sticky teaches makers and collectors how) or have one of the major photographers that frequent BF so so.
 
Murray White said:
some considerations -- join CKCA, become maker member in BF, post knives for sale in BF, post knives being done or finished in this forum, have a website, make knives available for sale on the site and price them, take photos of your knives (BF Gallery sticky teaches makers and collectors how) or have one of the major photographers that frequent BF so so.
Click to expand...

Sound advice!
 
Hi Steven,

I searched eBay for 'fionsladder' and 'Steven Tedford'. Neither came up with a hit.

Show us your work, please. It makes a difference. We'd love to help.

Thanks!

Coop
 
OK, I found you. (listed as seller tedford*knives*and*swords)

Looks like really good quality. Ouch, I see what you mean. One completed listing was a giveaway.

Take Murray's advice ^^^. Better collectors refrain from eBay.

Coop
 
I know a couple different people who have made a living sellin hand made stuff on ebay.
They have both said last year (09) was their worse year ever.

I also know a collector who used to sell a lot of Randals on ebay but he hasn't been able to do so for the past year, without losing money.

But, check out Bob Cramer on ebay :eek:

As far as my knife business, I'm doing fine but I'm not selling on ebay. Also lately, occasionally it might take a little longer to move a piece but if I do my job and use the right materials they're gone quick :)
 
Im behind as I was before the economy "turned" and getting the same or more new inquiries.

In my view, if you make sharp, tough, affordable knives that are a good value to begin with they will always sell.
 
Don Hanson III and Matt Lamey are two makers who would have a wait list even if a moon sized asteroid was scheduled to hit Earth next week. I don't think they accurately reflect the current reality in the custom knife market.

I also don't expect too many makers to jump on the internet and say their business is headed south.
 
I made some smaller, lowered priced folders which are quite popular but still busy with orders and other knives made on spec for immediate sale. I think you have to continue to innovate with new designs and improve quality to maintain interest and give people reasons to keep looking at and buy your stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top