Methods & Practices for Purchasing Custom Knives

[Kevin Jones]

There is one more way to buy a knife that hasn't been touched on that to me is the best way of all. I think that it is the best way to sell a knife also. That is to visit the makers shop to order a custom knife or buy one on the spot. We have had many people stop by and place orders or purchase one we have in stock. They can pick out the style of knife, reserve the handle material, even the type of leather. We get to meet the customer, and see what he likes. He can pick up what we have available, get the feel of the knives; decide the details he wants while looking at the examples first hand. It is great to talk knives and share experiences with others that share the same interest and get to know them a little. I have some great friends that were met just that way. It is not often possible to do, I know, but we like to encourage customers that are going to be passing through the area to stop by and visit for a while.

Harry, what you describe above is without a doubt the ultimate knife buying experience in my opinion. However probably the most least utilized considering travel cost and the fact few makers have pieces available to buy off the shelf. Great way to initiate a custom order though.

Normally, I go for particular knives. I only collect one maker, though. And, i do find old knives that i buy, a range of the same maker's work through the years. There is a lot to learn and know about everyone's style. Focusing on one maker allows your vision some clarity. I appreciate it this way, to be able to have a time reference, and notice an evolving style.
David

David, which single maker do you collect?

 

[metalbender2]

my favorite experiences were both fairly recent, I sold a burled cherry skinner via word of mouth to a fella, but suggested he come look at it first and at my other work, well long story short we got to chat about our respective work, I got to give him the dime tour of the forge and workshops, etctetc, he did in fact like the burled skinner and that was the one he purchased, it was a very enjoyable experience.
the second is a fella that originally wanted to do a barter for a joiner for a small full tanged camp knife but when he saw my site asked if I could make a bowie, yep no prob, so hes stopping by sometime just before or afte the holiday and were likely going to be yakking about woodworking for hours as hes a custom furniture maker
I really enjoy meeting folks and showing them around my forge, it makes the whole thing more intimate and everyones happy.

 

[2knife]

Kevin,
The answer to your question, Ed Fowler. His website knifetalkonline.com is a good visit, you should stop in for a tour. I would be interested to hear your impressions.

(Don't tell STeven but i think he still uses brass for the guards.)
David

 

[Hmathews]

Kevin, a walk-in visitor is always the best way for us to make a sale, usually several. We try to keep a couple of basic hunters and a Bowie around the shop just for that reason. They don't usually hang around long though. It is hard to work on one for the shop when you have orders backed up, but having a few knives available for people that walk in or need something on short notice is an important part of the business we want to provide. What can happen though is someone will walk in and clean you out. Not being too far off the route to Florida helps with having shop visitors also. Something I am going to try to do is check to see what makers are near a place I am going on vacation. I got that idea from a couple of gentleman from Pennsylvania that turned out to be great customers. One thing that I think is important to keep in mind is that most makers I know want to get to know the customer or collector as much as the collector or customer wants to get to know the maker.

It is hard to do sometimes at a show because of the crowds, but someone stopping at our table and introducing themselves and letting us know that they bought a certain knife, is one of the high points of our day. A show that might seem slow to a visitor is one of the most fun for us, because we get much more time to interact with the customer, and we always have a few weeks afterward where the orders roll in.

 

[Kevin Jones]

We have addressed best practices, risk and various ways in which to purchase knives here, however how about trading knives?
I have only had one experience in trading knives. I traded a Fisk Sendero for a Fisk Boot knife and silver sheath. I believe it worked out well for both parties.

Some of my friends trade as much as they buy I think.

What do you think about trades?
Have they usually worked out for the best?