lots of questions from a newbie

D

Dsherrill1

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Aug 10, 2016
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ok i did some searching on here im sorry if im posting in the wrong place. i have a few questions that im sure will lead to more questions. i have recently decided to get into making knives,
what ive done so far is buy blanks and add handles as well as making leather sheaths. now the questions

1. is buying a blank adding handles and making the sheath considered a custom knife? and is there much of a marked for this?

2. my next step is to invest in a forge or find someone to heat treat for me, and with that i plan on moving into stock removal. what would that type of knife be considered ie custom or handmade?(or something else) and is there a market for this more so then the above?

thanks in advance for the help
 
Hey there! I'm new to this too. Here's my understanding and perspective.

1. I don't think that buying a blank and adding handles is considered a custom knife. I guess you're customizing the handles but that about it. To me it's kind of like a personal project someone might try out for fun. I don't think there's much of a market it.

2. I would consider a stock removal knife handmade for sure and I would call it a custom if it were made for an individual who had ordered a knife from you. There's definitely more of a market for a handmade stock removal knife.

I've made a few stock removal knives now and it's just a blast. Have fun!
 
I think a "kit knife" would qualify as custom. I assume you dont make them highly identical ? As one-offs, they can be thought of as custom.
Alot of my 1/2 horn Sameknivs are made of prefinished blades. My custom work is the artwork of their furniture.
Plus the fact I can buy high quality blades for a fraction of what I can make them, helps the margin considerably.

As far as a market for amateur custom knives ? Well there is, but its a hard dime to turn.
So much depends on your selling venue & ability to BS the right punter.
You will be lucky just come close to break even. You might consider selling companion handcrafted goods along with knives.
 
Nothing wrong with making kit knives and selling them as long as you're honest about it. When asked if you made the knife your reply should be "NO,I bought the blade and did all the fancy handle work on it and made the sheath". The problem starts when if you are asked and just say yes.

Handmade made is a whole nother animal, but after a bunch of practice and getting your name out there it can be a hobby that pays for itself. Afew even make a great living doing it but they are rare.
These are just my opinions and worth all you paid for em:)
 
Yes, available blades and kits can have quality and using them to make very saleable knives can be fun, a good learning experience, and a way to make some money. They do not become custom knives and should not be sold as such but sure why not finish them as you wish and sell them?
Frank
 
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