Makers delivery times

Les Robertson said:
Hi David,

One of the commandments that is never violated by professional sales people: Product Knowledge.

As the "Subject Matter Expert" on what you are selling. It is incumbent upon the sales person to either have the answer or find out the answer.

One of the lessons I learned while being trained to be an Intelligence instructor that I transfered to my business was:

If you don't know the answer...say so. Then let the person know you will find out the answer...then follow up with providing the person asking the question with the information.

Another commandment is: Never argue with a potential client...whether you are right or wrong...you lose.

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
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I understand what you're saying i think, good business..

In defense, he may fully know about the San Mei issue, but feels provoked, and not obligated to participate under critical questioning, is he?

And, I'm not taking sides, just making an observation.

The arguement point makes sense. We all end up on the wrong end of things. Myself, I've started a few fights too... being called out, and brought to church. (Bill Burke did it last, for me) The best thing we can hope do is admit to our own faults. Apologize. Learn something.

I still think there is a lot of value in the dealer perspective, that Les (you) and others such As Neil, AG, offer. I'm happy to read the informed responses. These are the voice of experience i think, from a business end. Collectors are usually more isolated in experiences.

Heck,.. I like ebay. Wait time- one week!
David

Who was it that said .."never engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed man". ?
 
I don't really have the luxury of time like some of you guys do so my response will be brief.

I buy knives that I like. Sometimes from Auctions, sometimes from dealers, sometimes from friends. Occasionally from maker. I have 5-6 standing orders with makers that do exsceptional work at a great price. Russ Andrews. Jason Knight. Matt Lamey. I even have a Lovett Big Bear Subhilt on order. Not many orders in the big scheme of things.

I have a few other orders with makers that do great work but are disappointing business people and do not keep deadlines, time frames or honor promises relating to delivery dates.

Since there is zero market research done in this field, questions like these have no real answers. Thats one reason I find them frustrating instead of thought provoking.

Who cares where the knives come from as long as they come.
 
My preference is to interact with the maker. For me there is no joy in just buying a knife. Along with wanting to have at least some input how my knives are going to be made, that is my other big reason for getting knives direct. So I guess when you ask, "Who cares where the knives come from?", my answer would be, I do.

The fact that I have decided that I will be getting my knives directly from the makers, means that I will have to accept the vagaries of waiting lists.
 
Keith Montgomery said:
My preference is to interact with the maker. For me there is no joy in just buying a knife. Along with wanting to have at least some input how my knives are going to be made, that is my other big reason for getting knives direct. So I guess when you ask, "Who cares where the knives come from?", my answer would be, I do.

The fact that I have decided that I will be getting my knives directly from the makers, means that I will have to accept the vagaries of waiting lists.
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Keith,
Its not a bad way to collect. You just can't complain about the wait. Ever.
 
I agree that working with makers is the BEST way going. Remember maker~piece~price. ;) :D

But orders are not the only way as the majority of my current pieces were acquire from makers at shows.

As a matter of fact I just picked up an outstanding piece at a recent show.
 
Kevin Jones said:
I agree that working with makers is the BEST way going. Remember maker~piece~price. ;) :D
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Well, you almost got that one right. ;)

Kevin Jones said:
But orders are not the only way as the majority of my current pieces were acquire from makers at shows.

As a matter of fact I just picked up an outstanding piece at a recent show.
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I have ordered knives directly from makers - several times. I have purchased knives from makers at shows - several times. I do not consider the two experiences to be remotely equivalent - even where it's the same maker (which it has been, at least a few times).

While a show purchase does usually provide a greater degree of interaction with the maker than purchasing through a dealer or collector - there really is no aspect of "working with" the maker in this scenario - at least not anywhere near that which generally occurs within the context of an ordered knife.

Roger
 
I think Keith's comment on the JOY of acquiring a custom knife is the most important comment in this debate/exchange so far. Collectors rejoice in acquiring handmade knives, dealers rejoice in being able to support their families selling knives. There's room for everyone. Especially those most joyful:)
 
Keith, I'm happy enough to get on a waiting list and don't mind getting in line to wait years. If you are spending tens of thousands of dollars on a specific maker's work a year I don't mind if you skip the line. My preference is to give a maker some general specs and let the maker do his thing.

Roger, I'm curious about this "san mei" steel too but you really should have used Willie Pep or Pernell Whitaker as an example. It's okay though, you are a "knife" guy... :D

Neil, I find your lack of explanation frustrating as well. I'm not questioning your integrity any more than I would Mawhinney's association with Strider at this point but you should be in a position to find out exactly what the construction methods are for these blades. Are they made with a core steel?
 
RogerP said:
Well, you almost got that one right. ;)



I have ordered knives directly from makers - several times. I have purchased knives from makers at shows - several times. I do not consider the two experiences to be remotely equivalent - even where it's the same maker (which it has been, at least a few times).

While a show purchase does usually provide a greater degree of interaction with the maker than purchasing through a dealer or collector - there really is no aspect of "working with" the maker in this scenario - at least not anywhere near that which generally occurs within the context of an ordered knife.

Roger
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They are both good ways to purchase and I utilize both, but there's a lot to be said for picking the knife up, examining it, asking the maker about it, and instancely taking it home.
 
Jose Reyes said:
Roger, I'm curious about this "san mei" steel too but you really should have used Willie Pep or Pernell Whitaker as an example. It's okay though, you are a "knife" guy... :D
Are they made with a core steel?
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Jose,
I posed the question on another forum.
It's a 1095/nickel damascus steel.
Not San Mai,not clad by any definition.

Doug
 
Kevin Jones said:
They are both good ways to purchase and I utilize both, but there's a lot to be said for picking the knife up, examining it, asking the maker about it, and instancely taking it home.
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One of the best features of a show purchase (as Buddy alluded to) is that you get to look the knife over and be completely satisfied before you make the purchase.

Jose - well said. If the knife is not of laminated construction, do you think they should be calling it "San Mei"?

Roger
 
Crossed posts with Doug - thank you kindly for that information. I wonder what makes good old nickel damascus (some would say not so good - nickel doesn't harden) "San Mei"?


Roger
 
Hi Roger,

Be nice.

Im sure Neil has an explanation why he didn't know that blade wasn't San Mai and was instead nickel Damascus.

Doug, was it Neil who posted the blade composition on the other forum?

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
 
Les Robertson said:
Hi Roger,

Be nice.

Im sure Neil has an explanation why he didn't know that blade wasn't San Mai and was instead nickel Damascus.

Doug, was it Neil who posted the blade composition on the other forum?

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Click to expand...

That's a very valid point - I should have been more clear - the "they" I was referring to are Strider and company. I don't know what Neil knows or doesn't - as he has steadfastly refused to say.

Roger
 
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