I've had a bunch of comments how to market knives ie sell them. First of all, this profession/hobbie is tough and it takes time. You have to earn each client. You will not make a killing and compete with knife companies. (Kit is excluded He has paid his dues over and over).
The makers on this forum are lucky because you can get exposiure to comments from other knife makers with a few key strokes. When your knives are functionable..HT is correct, edge geometry correct, handles not coming off, You are ready to start selling knives to the general public. They are spending their hard earned money on your knife instead of going to walmart and getting a factory knife.
The key is to get them to buy you and your knife is just a byproduct. My first knives had scratches all over them but they were strong and cut like hell. I cannot get any of them back because the people use them every day.
Watch your pricing!!!!!! Newer makers cannot ask premium prices because you are an unknown. Better to sell out at $100.00 a knife them sell only one at $250.00. Even if they look just as good, all you want to do the first year or two is cover expenses and supplys. A hobby that pays for its self. This will also keep your wife off your ass. set prices according to your local area and build the type of knife they use.
Start looking for local knife and gun shows, big flea markets, craft shows, hunting clubs/shows, fishing clubs/shows, Camping get togethers, mountain man clubs, reenactors. These are just a few ideas on places you can display your knives.
Don,t be afraid to offer one of your blades for auction or a give away. Get your name and blades out in the publics eye. How about getting your local paper to do an article on your trade?? Sometimes local hunting/fishing stores will carry a few of your blades on consignment. just do 2 or 3. that way if something bad happens your not out to much.
Always work with your client, you want him to show all of his buddys. that way you will get more sales. If there is something they want changed and its not a big challange to you change it free. Most of my business is repeat business. as you upgrade your cliental, you will get collectors to buy. This is a love hate relation. some of them are picky,picky ,picky. But its nice to have an open end when they say if you build it I will buy it.
You can submit knives to gun/knife publications for review or they have a place for makers to show pictures of their knife.
Lastly collaborations with knife companies. Kit and Darrel will have to handle this one. I,m not there yet.
Start looking around your area and everywhere you see knives there is a possible market place and remember if you make a good knife the client will tell all of his friends if you screw him he will tell everyone!!!!!!!!
The makers on this forum are lucky because you can get exposiure to comments from other knife makers with a few key strokes. When your knives are functionable..HT is correct, edge geometry correct, handles not coming off, You are ready to start selling knives to the general public. They are spending their hard earned money on your knife instead of going to walmart and getting a factory knife.
The key is to get them to buy you and your knife is just a byproduct. My first knives had scratches all over them but they were strong and cut like hell. I cannot get any of them back because the people use them every day.
Watch your pricing!!!!!! Newer makers cannot ask premium prices because you are an unknown. Better to sell out at $100.00 a knife them sell only one at $250.00. Even if they look just as good, all you want to do the first year or two is cover expenses and supplys. A hobby that pays for its self. This will also keep your wife off your ass. set prices according to your local area and build the type of knife they use.
Start looking for local knife and gun shows, big flea markets, craft shows, hunting clubs/shows, fishing clubs/shows, Camping get togethers, mountain man clubs, reenactors. These are just a few ideas on places you can display your knives.
Don,t be afraid to offer one of your blades for auction or a give away. Get your name and blades out in the publics eye. How about getting your local paper to do an article on your trade?? Sometimes local hunting/fishing stores will carry a few of your blades on consignment. just do 2 or 3. that way if something bad happens your not out to much.
Always work with your client, you want him to show all of his buddys. that way you will get more sales. If there is something they want changed and its not a big challange to you change it free. Most of my business is repeat business. as you upgrade your cliental, you will get collectors to buy. This is a love hate relation. some of them are picky,picky ,picky. But its nice to have an open end when they say if you build it I will buy it.
You can submit knives to gun/knife publications for review or they have a place for makers to show pictures of their knife.
Lastly collaborations with knife companies. Kit and Darrel will have to handle this one. I,m not there yet.
Start looking around your area and everywhere you see knives there is a possible market place and remember if you make a good knife the client will tell all of his friends if you screw him he will tell everyone!!!!!!!!
