Mike Irie Closing Shop

Jeff Clark

Jeff Clark

Joined
Apr 27, 1999
Messages
6,117
I got a call from Mike Irie this week requesting that I post a notice that he is quitting the custom knife business. It's a sad thing, but he needs to look for something else to do.
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Good luck Mike.
 
Huh? I'd the impression he was pretty established, I'm sorry to hear this. Hope things improve for him.
Brian

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Jeff,
This is very sad news, I've met Mike a couple of times at knife shows, a very good maker and a quality guy, at a very affordable price. It's a real shame how hard this business seams to be.
 
frown.gif
I've heard a lot about his work on Bladeforums, especially in the "underrated/up and coming" threads, and was looking forward to seeing it at a show. If he'd had a website I probably would have already bought one of his knives.

Is he quitting for good, or just going part time instead of full time?

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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23


 
Jeff,

That is TERRIBLE news. I've spoken with Mike on several occasions and have had some custom work done in the past and his work is some of the best I've ever seen. Is this notice effective immediately or will he be open for a short time?

Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Terrible news...terrible.

Brian_T
brianthornburg@home.com
 
I too will miss Mike. I have his field knife and an AMK 400. Hope he is just scaling back to part time....
Tom
 
I talked to Mike today. He said that he was
going to the Las Vegas Show and that,that would be it for now. He said he wanted to
revaluate where he wanted to go in the knife
industry. It sounded to me, that at some time
in the future he would be back in the
knife biz.

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I don't know if demand was an issue, but if he ever puts a web site up I bet he will have more business than he can handle.

I have his Military Field Knife; I think it's style/quality is comparable to my Polkowski.
 
I know Mike a little bit since I live in Colorado Springs. I've been to his shop many times and send my blades with his for heat treat. He is a fantastic guy, square as they come (thats not an insult). I know volume is not a problem, he's always behind.
He's one of those self-employed people who push themselves harrrrrrrrd. He does love the knife business and his quality is second to none. Mike could probly make some company a million if he was their salseman. He may need a little time off, he works 7 days a week. I think he will probly come back in some form, maybe part time. If he does--look out-- he'll have some fine knives.
I have not talked to him since I heard this so this does not come from him, only me.
I'm not worried about him, He'll do great at what-ever he does. I'm only sorry I won't see him as often.
GOOD LUCK MIKE!!!!!!!

John Yeackley

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http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm My contribution to the world of knife fanatics.


 
Very disappointing indeed. Mike is a great guy and will be missed. I wonder if this has anything to do with Barry Wood's forthcoming "retirement"?. Well, looks like he'll be in good company with the likes of Tommy Lee, who, I understand has decided to install septic tanks <G>. Shows where the money is.
 
I was guessing that Barry's retirement had a lot to do with Mike's. Mike's been doing a lot to sustain the shop, but it is an awfully big facility for one guy. Sometimes you come to a fork in the road and decide that it's a good time to head in a new direction.

The issue has not been one of volume for Mike. It has been an issue of income. If you have a real big name your price and margin goes up. If you're a smaller fish you can get stuck in the higher volume "value" market. Mike has been offering great value for a long time.
 
This is very sad news indeed. I have just finished one of his "kit" blades and was hoping to get another one. I can only hope that it is temporary situation and he will return to knifemaking again.

It is my private opinion but I think if someone spent that much time working with knives (and enjoying himself) he just won´t be able to quit at once. He will return eventually at least as part time knifemaker.

Jeff if you talk to him again, please tell him all the best from me.

David

This is picture of the knife kit:
View


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DIVERTI NESCIO

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My photos

 
I had talked with Mike around the New Year and the reasons for leaving are personal/family matters not of his choosing. And as someone pointed out, he told me that knife making is in his blood and down the road he might take another stab at it, oops sorry for the pun. Mike is, like John said, as straight as the come and that's a compliment if ever there was one. I like Mike a lot and have always promoted him and directed others to him for their knife needs.

So those of you going to the Shot show make a point of seeing Mike and telling him we will miss him!

G2
 
...Edited... Once you do this knifemaking thing for any period of time, it becomes a part of you. I was faced with a similar challenge last year, and thankfully was able to continue what I do. I can tell you though, the thought of leaving knifemaking behind was a lot like facing a divorce (been there too and don't ever want to go back). My heart and good wishes truly go out to him.

Mike did promise me that he would stop by the PKA show in Denver this coming August. He won't be showing his knives, but I'm arranging ...edited... I do want him to know how much he is liked by everyone who has ever met him. He's also on hell of a knifemaker.

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Jerry Hossom
knifemaker
www.hossom.com




[This message has been edited by GaKnife (edited 01-12-2000).]
 
NO, Mike No!!

I finished one of his kits and also will be sad to see him go. he is a valuable resource and a asset to the knife making business
james
 
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