Making a model/dummy?

O

Omega Leather Works

Joined
Jun 13, 2007
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You guys ever make dummies for knives that you'll need to make sheaths for (again) but don't own yourself?

I'd like to make some "copies" (for lack of a better term) of models of knives that I don't own. I plan to grind out some dummies using my belt sander and wood, but I'd like to know if there's a better way. I've considered a plaster mold, but I don't have any experience doing so.

Thanks guys.

(And just for the sake of clarity, I'll never do anything with a customers knife that isn't carefully agreed to.)
 
This is where 3D printers will shine in the knife making world... Just gotta get a 3D scan of the knife and you can make a perfect plastic replica for sheath molding.
 
I gotta admit, 3D printing was one of the first things that came to mind. Really does seem like the perfect method.

Some people have had printed stamps made, I wonder how much it would cost to have knives printed.
 
Just gotta find someone willing to do it. I've looked around at websites for people to sell 3D printed stuff, and it looks like knives would tend to be cheaper than their real counterparts. I've found a few trainer knives that range from $20-50 depending on size and complexity.
 
That's not a bad price at all. Right now I'm primarily making sheaths for Fiddleback Forge knives. I'm lucky enough to own a couple so I can make sheaths for those, but it would be really great to own a dummy of each model. Considering they start around $200, a few $20-50 dummies would be the best way to offer fitted sheaths.

I'll look into this idea more. I think the biggest problem will be having a customer send their knife to a third party for scanning.
 
Andy's knives come in a couple size ranges, you don't need one of everything. Can't see many people sending off their knife to a third party so you can have a copy of it. Tools are an investment and a tax write off. Besides, if you plan on profiting on your products based another persons products the least you could do is support their work.
Buy a Battle Mistress or two in different sizes then Fiddlebacks won't seem nearly so expensive anymore.
 
Strigamort said:
That's not a bad price at all. Right now I'm primarily making sheaths for Fiddleback Forge knives. I'm lucky enough to own a couple so I can make sheaths for those, but it would be really great to own a dummy of each model. Considering they start around $200, a few $20-50 dummies would be the best way to offer fitted sheaths.

I'll look into this idea more. I think the biggest problem will be having a customer send their knife to a third party for scanning.
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You might not even need the customer to do it. If the guys at Fiddleback would be willing to work with a local 3D printer, they could probably sell sheath making dummy knives made to their own specs...

You could always try to hunt down a 3D printer in their area, along with someone to make 3D models, and see if they would have a set of models custom made for you.
 
I don't know Andy all that well, but I do know those guys are busy busy busy, which of course is great for sheath makers. Might be easier to fly to Georgia and do it myself. :D

Sky, you know I respect your work and opinion. It does feel, sometimes, like the short answer around here is to throw more money at "it".

First thing about me and making sheaths for Andy is that I'm losing money on it big time. My prices cover materials and stay competitive with you and the others, but my time isn't really being figured in. As for supporting FF, we already are. Look at it this way. FF knives do not come with sheaths. Most of the knives being sold are going to need a sheath. Having a selection of quality craftsmen (at various price points and styles) on tap is a boon to the customer, and in turn FF. Based on my correspondence with him I'm nearly 100% positive that Andy would agree.

I'd love to drop a couple grand to buy all of the variations, but it's not gonna happen. At least not now. Maybe someday. ;)
 
There is a saying in business, 'Takes money to make money' once you simply accept that fact it becomes a lot easier, invest in steps. Serious makers have serious money tied up in their business if they are in it for the long haul. I spent the first two years putting every single last penny of profit right back into it.

We might make a couple extra once in a rare while for FF or other forums but I do not make semi weekly batches for individual maker forums. Reason being is that there is no profit in it and I do not work for free and neither will my guys. There are already a couple guys on that forum making 40 dollar sheaths part time at home and I have no intention of competing with anyone at that price. Sooner or later they quit once they figure out they are making 5 bucks an hour and not really fulfilling all their dreams of free knives for a little hobby work here and there.

Strigamort said:
I don't know Andy all that well, but I do know those guys are busy busy busy, which of course is great for sheath makers. Might be easier to fly to Georgia and do it myself. :D

Sky, you know I respect your work and opinion. It does feel, sometimes, like the short answer around here is to throw more money at "it".

First thing about me and making sheaths for Andy is that I'm losing money on it big time. My prices cover materials and stay competitive with you and the others, but my time isn't really being figured in. As for supporting FF, we already are. Look at it this way. FF knives do not come with sheaths. Most of the knives being sold are going to need a sheath. Having a selection of quality craftsmen (at various price points and styles) on tap is a boon to the customer, and in turn FF. Based on my correspondence with him I'm nearly 100% positive that Andy would agree.

I'd love to drop a couple grand to buy all of the variations, but it's not gonna happen. At least not now. Maybe someday. ;)
Click to expand...
 
here is a scenario...offer a free sheath to anyone who will send you the knife...figure out how many sheaths you have to sell to buy the real deal,make them...and few extra, and when you sell them buy the knife...problem solved
 
Skystorm said:
There is a saying in business, 'Takes money to make money' once you simply accept that fact it becomes a lot easier, invest in steps. Serious makers have serious money tied up in their business if they are in it for the long haul. I spent the first two years putting every single last penny of profit right back into it.

We might make a couple extra once in a rare while for FF or other forums but I do not make semi weekly batches for individual maker forums. Reason being is that there is no profit in it and I do not work for free and neither will my guys. There are already a couple guys on that forum making 40 dollar sheaths part time at home and I have no intention of competing with anyone at that price. Sooner or later they quit once they figure out they are making 5 bucks an hour and not really fulfilling all their dreams of free knives for a little hobby work here and there.
Click to expand...

Good stuff. I agree that it takes money to make money. That's what I keep telling my wife. It's harder from her perspective to do this joyfully because I've done as you, placing all the money back into supplies. All she's seen is a considerable investment. A lot of money was spent just before this on knife making supplies and equipment before I figured out that leather was really what I wanted to do.

I'm happy to have you post though because as Mr. Long pointed out, there are two ways to learn, and I want to learn from you guys as much as possible in place of making my own mistakes. The Tippmann stitching machine and clickers are a great example. After reading about your experiences I read up on them at Leatherworker.net and other places and realize that the stitcher isn't for me.

I'm not sure where the idea of free knives came from. Certainly not me. I guess I'm lucky in that I'm fine with not turning a profit for now. Don't get me wrong, I've got two criteria for what I charge. One, it's gotta cover my supplies, and two, the price can't be so low as to undercut my fellow makers, especially the full time guys. I hope I'm on the right path.

sonil said:
here is a scenario...offer a free sheath to anyone who will send you the knife...figure out how many sheaths you have to sell to buy the real deal,make them...and few extra, and when you sell them buy the knife...problem solved
Click to expand...

I've considered that, and spoken with experienced full time makers about that idea. The general consensus is that it's not a great policy. I have been offering a discount to those that send their knives, but I haven't found the time to use their knives for dummies. I do some detailed drawings and make hard patterns for the sheath, but I haven't got a way to wet form around the ricasso and handle. I'm thinking that I'll need to lose that policy and just have every customer (that I don't have a knife of my own for) send their knife. I think it's kind of off putting to a lot of guys, but I'm not seeing a viable, real world, solution. It's a bummer having to ship your knife off to a stranger, I'd have my own reservations about doing it, but I also think it makes for a special moment when the customer opens the box and sees that their knife has been carefully handled and cared for. I also go to the trouble of trying to make the packaging special for them. I want the experience to be excellent and memorable, hopefully making them feel that the effort was really worth it.

Thanks for the input guys. I'll continue to think on this, and post up if I find a reasonable solution.
 
Reading this makes me very happy that I don't sell my sheaths :)
The hassles of business are the last thing that I would want to interfere with my love of leather work .
For me its all about fun , and being in my own business for years ( not knife related in any way ) has shown me that its not always fun , its usually just hard work .

I have always used some advice that was given to me years ago by an old successful gentleman when ever I'm contemplating a business decision .

" Fall in love with the numbers , not the idea "


Ken
 
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