Likes & dislikes in knife websites

Chiro75

Chiro75

Joined
Feb 4, 1999
Messages
5,786
I'm in the process of transferring everything from my temporary knife website to a permanent, dedicated home at www.chiro75knives.com (there's nothing on there yet, so don't bother looking...). What features do you like/dislike in knifemaker's websites? I plan on having the following basic stuff:

- about me
- warranty information
- available knives (actually updated as knives are available/get sold)
- gallery (where you can see every knife that has sold).
Of course, all knife pictures will have prices, specs, materials, etc listed.

I have Photoshop and know how to use it, so large graphics will typically be 30-50 KB and everything else will be thumbnails. I don't plan on doing any animations, Flash movies, music, etc etc. Just basic information and pictures in an easy-to-navigate format.
 
Doc, don't pull a Dork Ops on us and claim that your knives are endorsed by other chiropractors that use your knives to kill assailants with their knowledge of spinal pressure points :D :p :rolleyes: .


I'm just kiddin' ;).
What I would like to see is a retrospective of how your history with knives began, a list of the makers that influenced you the most, and of course a gallery of knives you've made and, I guess a weekly updated list (that's easy enough to keep current?) of the knives you have for sale. Maybe some videos of your knives in use.

Still have that skinner?
 
SHS, which skinner? Do you mean Stubbs McGee, the stumpy little thing with blue G-10 scales? If that's the knife you're talking about, then yes, I kept it for myself because no one wanted something that ugly. ;) I have to tell you, I have never owned a knife that is this sharp and cuts things so ridiculously well. People who passed that knife up really missed out, and I'm very glad I kept it! :D Maybe I can make a less ugly version someday! :D
 
Hre's some don'ts:

Don't use flash.

Don't use java

Don't use pages created by an editor that uses microsoft extension

Don't have the first page say click me to get to your site, have the first page immedately display navigation abd knife gallery.

Don't use dark backgrounds and light font, use light background and dark font.

Don't use stupid little scrolly messages.

Don't use animated images.
 
Well, Dave, I think you'll like this site. You mentioned everything I wouldn't do, so I think I'm off to a good start! :D
 
It takes an hour to download photos on my dial-up connection, so thumbnails on the main page would be great.

I also agree that you should add a section about your knife philosophies in general. Why you use the steels you do; why you arrived at the heat treatment you use... And if your ideas on design and such have changed over time, tell us why they changed.

Bailey Bradshaw recently started a thread in the Custom forum, and an idea that came out of that thread would be a web page for designs you'd like to make in the future, if you knew someone would buy them. I.E., a page for "works seeking a patron" or something.

Personally, rather than showing pictures of how your knives perform in action, I'd rather see your knives alongside common factory knives, so we can get a better idea of things like tip thickness, handle size, etc.
 
DaveH said:
Hre's some don'ts:

Don't use flash.

Don't use java

Don't use pages created by an editor that uses microsoft extension

Don't have the first page say click me to get to your site, have the first page immedately display navigation abd knife gallery.

Don't use dark backgrounds and light font, use light background and dark font.

Don't use stupid little scrolly messages.

Don't use animated images.
Click to expand...

What he said. :cool:

And don't have "BIG" pictures that are just a tiny bit larger than the thumbnails.

And have PRICES on everything. (even if it's just a range ---- "...this knife is $200 to $650, depending on materials and embellishments")
 
From my location, Northern Ireland, it is virtually impossible to handle knives before I buy :grumpy: Therefore I am at the mercy of two things. Firstly is the manufacturers website details and secondly is the reviews you find in places like this. The second is of course times better, both for the full story and better pictures.

One thing, which I personally need to see - and have to ask for :rolleyes: - is a photo of the knife in hand. Guaging size, fit and ergonomics without this advantage is very difficult. I find this one detail speaks 1000 words.

Just a small matter :p which means a lot to me :)

Mark
 
I agree with Mark above, I'm always recieving knives and thinking 'wow, it so much bigger/smaller than I expected'

I always thought you're tactical orange peeler was a large knife, till I saw a post with the measurements in it :rolleyes: (I am still going to own one of those one day! Looks brilliant)

So good clear pictures with some form of scale, easy navigation and lots of knives :D

hmmm... maybe I should get my own house in order... :o

Hellz
__________________
HellzTeeth.com - My reviews and gallery site for knives, gadgets & gear
---------------------------------------------
Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead.
Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow.
Do not walk beside me, either; just leave me the hell alone.
 
One thing that always irritates me is having to go back to an index page to see all your models instead of like a "Next" link that just shows the next model. This is especially bad when you go to a dealer site with multiple makers and models.

One of the best sites for good flow is True North Knives. Check out:
http://www.truenorthknives.com/tnk_1mainframe.htm?tnk_gallery_c_bymaker2.htm~main

I like how he lists multiple models by multiple makers and you don't have to keep going to the main page to see the next page of makers/models. But he does have the initial gateway page that DaveH mentioned.

my .02

oil
edited to fix link
 
Maybe it's just me, but I would love to see some pictures of your shop and of you actually smithing your knives. To me, it feels more personal.
-KC
 
Guys, thanks for the replies so far. I have the bare backbone (haha) in place for the site. I have nothing available right now, so I guess this can't be considered spam! :D If you wouldn't mind clicking on the graphic or link in my sig line and just poking around to see, please do so. If you have feedback or suggestions/criticism, you can either post here or drop an email to me. Thanks! :D
 
i'll probably take some heat for this, but...

DO consider getting professional help - professional photographs, professional web design, paid web hosting

i understand that everyone wants to 'do it yourself' - after all it's not that hard to slap together a few web pages. and with people already familiar with you and your work it wont really matter. but for those people who aren't your site will be all they'll have to go on.

given how cheap quality web work is, i don't see a lot of reason to go it alone. i see so many horrible knife maker websites - a lot of them from people who i know do good work. i wonder how many potential customers just 'drive by' because they can't make heads or tails of the site.

Dave H has lots of good advice, but that just covers the major no-no's - having a real understanding of graphic design, UI design and web implementation makes a world of difference.

but if you absolutely, positively must do it yourself, here are some additional pointers -

- don't use 'free' hosting - having random ads & pop-ups on your site will just annoy people

- don't spawn a new page for every link the user follows

- do buy a book on UI design/usability

btw - love that tactical orange peeler dessign :)
 
I agree with Guissian. I am currently working with a contractor to complete our company's new portal site. If nothing else, professionals move the process along at a quicker pace. There are plenty who do it on the side and price shouldn't be an issue.

I visited your site. Don't forget to have a Home link on every page. I was trapped in the gallery and had to back button out. On cable and DSL it's not so bad, but on dial-up it can be a nightmare. Speed is everything! Even on cable, some sites take too long and unless I really know I want to see the site, I blow it off.

Also, remember novices, such as myself, might be viewing your site so try to help them out as much as possible. Explain every benefit so they know why your knife is worth the price. Maybe even suggest possible uses for the knife.

One last piece of advice, though I'm not totally certain how this is regulated, try not to register your site as a Mature Sales, or Mature Chat. Many employers block these sights, as do some of the family filters that knife enthusiasts might have on their home computer. I visit bladeforums more than others, because I can view it on my lunch hour and even then I have to use a back door link to get to it.

Best of Luck!
 
In addition to the prices paid for previously sold knives, I would also like to know when knives were sold. It won't do me any good if your site only tells me that you sold a knife for $200. If your site tells me that you sold that knife back in 1998, I'll know that the knife is probably more expensive now.
 
Some random suggestions from an amatuer knife-website browser:

- a photo or two of you in your workshop, even if you have to sweep up for the occation
- quotes from satisfied customers, knife awards, certifications, or knifemaking classes you've attended
- "available knives" is a great idea, but unfortunately many sites with this feature aren't updated. If you can't keep the site current with inventory, skip it altogether.
- price ranges of your standard models, even if none are currently available. This will be a huge benefit to both yourself and potential buyers.
- List of available materials, handles and steels.
- simple site navigation.
- hot nude models

Good Luck,
Bob
 
You got some good advice. People make decisions about a company by the look of a web site in the same way they make decisions about people based on how they look. The purpose of your web site would be to motivate people to want what you have. It has to look like you know what you're doing, and people will judge your skill by the presentation. Sounds strange but it is true.

I remember when I was setting up vendors for a site I operated in a different industry. My site was very attractive and professional looking. All the vendors wanted to be a part of it. It really helped.

Amen to the people who tell you to avoid animations and Macromedia Flash. The Kershaw site is now useless to me while it was useful at one time. It has been ruined by the use of Macromedia Flash. I go to kershawknives.com or any other site to get information. Flash really gets in the way of that and slows things down quite a lot. Spyderco stopped using it to their credit and their site is now one of the best. It needs to be simple, easy to use but attractive. Use lots of images of sexy knives. Good luck with the site. Take care.
 
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