Need advice on selling fine knives in a small way

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texaztea

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My wife and I own a gift shop, in a small town in East Texas. We mostly sell gifts for women, antiques, jewelry, etc..We've always discussed getting some merchandise for men. I am a knife enthusiast. I'd like to be able to choose certain high quality knives, without doing a franchise situation, or the expense of custom knives, to have in our little shop. I think traditional knives would probably sell better than anything else, due to our demographics. I really like the looks of the Northfield, and Tilioute, and similar brand knives. Is this feasible? Any light shed on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
Even in small town Texas, people can be pretty knowledgeable about knives. I would recommend carry a small number of high end pieces, but your cash flow will come from imports. For example, I would offer a few of the "higher end sliploint variety (such as Case, Great Eastern, Boker, Buck), plus maybe a few entry level tacticals like imported Kershaws, Boke Plus and such. The key is to move merchandise and folks will often buy the "Secondary level") pieces when next to the more expensive pieces. And don't forget "tacticool" pieces from United and other off brands. Low entry level costs, but quite popular with the uninformed - like my kids. They'll buy neon green Zombie Killers all day long.

Hope this helps, and good on you for asking.
texaztea said:
My wife and I own a gift shop, in a small town in East Texas. We mostly sell gifts for women, antiques, jewelry, etc..We've always discussed getting some merchandise for men. I am a knife enthusiast. I'd like to be able to choose certain high quality knives, without doing a franchise situation, or the expense of custom knives, to have in our little shop. I think traditional knives would probably sell better than anything else, due to our demographics. I really like the looks of the Northfield, and Tilioute, and similar brand knives. Is this feasible? Any light shed on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Thanks Dallas. I do appreciate the advice. We will have to go about this in a very small way, due to the oilfield situation, etc.. I'm sure you get my drift. I'm on here to learn though, not complain. Our shop will not have any children shopping, and few men(although I might try to advertise my knives). We're hoping some of the lady shoppers will buy a knife for their husbands. There is already a large Case dealer in Jefferson that carries a selection like I've NEVER seen before. I really want to do the traditional thing because my customers will more than likely be from 35 to 70 probably. I've noticed some very well built knives that I'd like,but will these companies sell individual knives, or will they make you purchase several at once.
I agree with you that these men around here will be very knowledgeable. Everyone likes tacticals, just like you pointed out, too. I like a lot of the custom traditionals, but their cost might be prohibitive in making much of a profit. I'd like that quality, but could live with less. You've been involved with this a long time, I'm sure, and know quality vs. price. Does the forum dislike people discussing brands between posters? Thanks again Dallas
 
Victorinox the makers of Swiss Army Knives would probably be a good brand to stock in a shop like you describe.
 
Texaztea, what city are you in? You mentioned Jefferson. I'm from Texarkana and would be interested to learn how this works out for you and would love to be a customer someday :thumbup:
 
Hey Adam. I'm in Henderson. The Curious Wren is the name of our shop. We're on FB as such, too.
Thanks for the patriotic icons. Like the Texas flag ;-)
 
texaztea said:
John, thanks for taking the time to give me an answer. BTW is that a Bombay in the thumbnail?
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That is "Angus" - who was a starving little black kitten on the side of the road about 4 years ago, along with his starving little long-haired silver tabby brother.



They are both quite well fed and safe inside now. Angus was just a few minutes ago curled up on my chest and gnawing on the tip of my nose. I have no idea what breed he is other than "very sweet, attention-seeking, active little black cat."
 
Howdy neighbor. I'm over in the Marshall/Waskom area. I've been doing pipeline construction for 15yrs or so and I'd say about 75% of the knives I see at work are traditionals, mainly Case. The rest are usually just some cheap Walmart stuff (Gerber, Sog, Kershaw). Small stag handled fixed blades seem to be popular with most of the guys around here as well. I don't know what all the requirements are for becoming a dealer, but I'd assume there would be a minimum purchase amount and probably have to stock a certain number of different models in order to get the wholesale pricing. Probably not going to be able to make much profit if you're having to buy at retail prices and mark up from there. All you can do is try it out and see how it goes. I wish you the best of luck.
 
Hey, texaztea.

The way you describe your shop, I suspect you're on the right track with high quality traditionals. Given the current target group for your shop, you'll probably be selling knives mostly to women as gifts for others (and some who just enjoy knives themselves) at least for a while. I'd think that knives with a touch of class in timeless designs would fit better in the gift market.

You may want to also consider stocking a few of the more popular Victorinox models and perhaps a multitool or two. SAK's are pretty iconic and well accepted. Also, some of the smaller Vic's are pretty inexpensive and would provide a lower budget gift option without negatively impacting the overall "high quality knives sold here" angle you sound like you're going for like most things in their price range would.

Multitools are both practical and gadgetry at the same time, so they may have decent appeal as a potential gift on both counts.

Just a couple of thoughts from someone absolutely unqualified to give a truly informed opinion. Some in all likelihood worth the exact amount you had to pay for them. :D
 
I don't know what the dealer requirements are, but if they're not too onerous you might consider selling Case traditional folders. They're an iconic American brand, high quality, medium price range, wide selection of patterns, bright and shiny with lots of pretty scale types and colors which might catch the eye of the female customers you mentioned. Every time I walk into a store with a prominent display of Case knives, I'm struck by how nice they look.

You mentioned the store in Jefferson with the huge Case inventory, but if I'm reading the map right, that's about 60+ miles from your location and so that wouldn't seem to be a big problem.

Andrew
 
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Thanks Corey. I've done a little pipelining myself, back in the early '70's. Worked on a 90 mile line in Alabama, laying 36" and 42"
My dad was the union steward. He did not cut me any slack either. We had a great time though. I miss him.
Say, thanks a lot for the advice. Your thinking, is kind of what I've had in mind.
 
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