need your input,please

B . Buxton

B . Buxton

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Jul 8, 2001
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I hope it works this time.
I finished this one today and have a show Aug. 18th and would like suggestions on what it might be worth.
forged 5160 with threaded tang,mirror finished,solid brass guard with bone handle and threaded brass pommel,simple file work on pommel and guard.OAL 12 1/4" 7 1/2" blade.

Thanks for all suggestions.
Bill
 
that's one sweet knife,:D

how much is it worth? time + materials+ overhead + profit + enough to make the buyer respect it.

alot:)
 
Beautiful knife Bill. It looks like I'm late again. I just finished writing a whole set of step by step instructions for Imagestation. Again, beautiful knife!
 
How much is it worth? That's like asking us if we think your girlfriend is pretty. Its too personal. Only the artisan can make that call.
 
Thanks Ripper for the post,one day maybe I'll figure out what he He** I'm doing on this computer.
Thanks
Bill

Thanks to peter nap also, he's tring to teach me but he's got his work cut out for him.
 
Lively

No, what I'm looking for is suggestions, I know that time and material,etc. but the only shows I've been to are local (knife and gun shows with no knife makers) and I am just looking to find what a knife of this style "might" be worth. What I think its worth doesn't mean anything if no one will buy it for that price.
And how did you find out about my girlfriend? Its a secret. :D
 
That was kind of a dumb way for me to put it. I just mean that its all relative. Its value to you is most important. Its worth what someone will pay for it I guess is one way to look at it too.
 
Well, I didn't get the replies I was hoping for, but I thank you
for your comments.
What I was hoping for was suggestion on what certain type knives will sell for. I know I'm not a known maker and that plays into the price, but theres still got to be a reasonable price that one can ask for quality workmanship, and sell consistantly. Ball park prices is what I'm looking for within 25-50 dollars.
Thanks
Bill
 
Hey Bill
When I grow up maybe I can make
blades like that--Good Job
If it was me I would ask 200-225
but that just me. Oh! you are not
suppose too lose them:D
 
I don't think I would sell it for under 300 i have seen knives that don't look half that good go for 225,You can tell you took pride and time in your work and it shows don't be shy about the asking price
it is well worth 300 or more.;)
 
Bill- I know what you mean. Up here in northern MN. there are no custom knife shows, just gun and knife shows mainly for dealers. And for some reason people who will spend thousands on firearms are reluctant to spend hundreds on high quality blades. Will that beauty come with a sheath? I would take a wild guess at around $250 - $300. Good luck at the show!:)
 
When I started to try to sell my knives, all I wanted was to get back my investment. that included the steel, handle materials, and those high dollar belts plus 10% to pay for my table at the show. My thought is to get as many of my knives out to the buying public as cheaply as possible. If you make a good quality knife, the mouth to mouth advertising is the best and it will increase your rep as a knife maker. I make working knives, no wall hangers, some are more intricate than others and the cost reflecks that. I beleive you have to make your own market in a growing industry. If you build it right with good materials, the higher prices for your work, will follow. It takes time and a good bit of patience.
KEN (WWJD)
 
Your pricing question is one that plagues us all .I was told the same thing that Tim has said earlier when I first started in the craft buisness years ago and that is that the piece you are trying to sell is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
Now with that said,The best way to figure out your prices is to look at prices for similar knives by the known name makers and then look at the prices for similar knives by some of the un known named makers and then find a happy middle that you can live with and still be able to sell your knives.
If you are to low people will wonder why and if you are to high they will walk away.
Herre is a little story that is true that had happened to Ken Durham at one of the first gun and knife shows him and me attended together.
This man was looking at one of his 6 inch blade simple made knives and asked the price (remember this was sime years back) and Ken quoted him $80.00 and the guy said that he was also looking at one on another table and would probably come back.We figured that he wouldn't but he did two more times.Then on the third trip back he handed Ken the knife and took out his wallet and said "You did say $180.00 rite"to which Ken said No-No Just $80.00.....Guess what? The man said Oh I'm Sorry then put his wallet back in his pocket and left never to return.Ken and I just kind of looked at each other with a dumb look on our faces and he said Da$&I should have kept my mouth shut and made a extra $100.00 and the sale...But thats not the way he is or am I .The price we have on them is just that the price we think is fair.I will come down a few dollars sometimes if the situation calls for it but never up.
Also remember that to sell knives you are trying to get money from people and that money has to be disposable to them,like just some extra that they have been saving and they may not have much,expecially at this present time with the economy the way it is.Things are tough for everybody at the present time.So you may need to think about that when figuring your prices.
Just be honest and fair in your Prices,and remember that people like to have BRAGGING writes also so they do like to spend a little more on some things at times...
I know I didn't help out with the price of this knife but you are the only one that can say what your time is worth.
Just my thoughts here,as I still have this trouble myself,
Bruce
 
Very nice Bowie. About pricing? Thats is a tough question. I wouldnt price it too low or else people will not consider buying it. If it has flawless workmanship and it is inexpensive, there must be something wrong with it, bad steel or heat-treatment? People expect to pay top dallar for something of real value. On the other hand they are embarassed to pay too much. Its your job to build the very best knife you are capable of and sell it too interested people. Dont be shy to ask them about their likes and dislikes about it. They may want a custom to their shape. Be knowledgeable about your steels and procedures. They like to know how much time it takes to make. You need to make an honest wage for your time and that usually reflects into the prices. If I want to make $5.00 per hour its my own fault. To some folks spending money is not a problem. They like quality and expect to pay for it. Dont be discouraged when people walk down your isle and dont even glance at your knives. It happens to everyone, I hope.
 
I thank you all for your input,as I stated earlier there is only knife and gun shows in my area with no knifemakers (lots of knives but mostly imports) That is why the question,I have no basis to judge prices since there is no makers,but I know that several of you have attended knife shows and seen knives similar made by unknowns(like myself) and well knowns. I know that time + material + overhead + wages, all play into the price, but on some of my knives if I would charge for the time I have dedicated they would be so expensive they would never sell.I really love this JOB and want to be able to charge a fair price, get my knives out to the public, and sell enough to keep me going. From your input I have a better insight on what to charge. THANKS
If any of you would happen to attend the knife and gun show
in Springfield, mo the weekend of Aug.18-19, please come by my table
and introduce yourself, I would like to meet and talk with you.;)
Ho, by the way my table will be the one with the wood anvil and "Buxton Knives" burned into it.

Bill
 
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