New knife concept to bounce off the users out there

Bill Siegle

Bill Siegle

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 3, 2000
Messages
6,955
OK here is my situation....I LOVE making knives but several factors in knifemaking aren't as much fun for me as I'd like. Things like the finish work,sheathing, and time away from family. Also I don't have too much fondness for making the same knives over and over. I am driven to create new designs constantly and if I had 48 hours to a day I dought I could get all my ideas onto steel. So I have decided to make a foray into some lower cost knives. Same 5160 steel with a differentially hardened blade as always but with rougher finish, simple handle designs and no sheaths. I am looking at prices around $200. I would be offering these as I make them and not taking orders for them but I would be willing to listen to some design input and who knows :) Here is a sample piece.It is 13 3/8overall with a 7 7/8in blade from 1/4in thick 5160. Let me know what you think of the idea. My intention is to offer same quality of cutting ability at lower cost when it seems everything else in our lives is going through the roof.
Reality+Check+1.JPG
 
I think it's a great idea. I've wanted to own one of your knives but I only have so much cash right now since I'm starting to gather tools to make knives myself.

I'd love to see you sell a model with no scales, made for the buyer to provide their own. Maybe if that took off you could bang out some bolt-on scales from various materials to sell also.

Something the size of a RAT RC3 would be great.
 
Thats a fine looking knife. In my fascination with axes and hatchets, I don't care much for large knives. However there are some exceptions.

The simple and clean look to this one begs to be used. 5160 is sure to take just about anything to throw at it just smile at you. Working mans prices certainly wont hurt and is a noble idea.

I'm sure the "chopper" crowd will be able to give you a better, more well informed opinion than I.

Fine looking knife Bill. :thumbup:
 
bill that is a great looking knife.. i like it... :thumbup:

perfect all around shape... looks like a mighty useful camp knife...:D

personally i think, that knives are getting a bit pricey these days...:( i undertstand that a great deal goes into the process... i like to see knives that the average person/outdoorsman could afford... i tend to lean more towards users...
i think it's great for makers to offer hard working knives at reasonable prices...

looking foward to seeing more of these bill...:thumbup:
 
Now keep in mind guys this is not a pattern in the line, there will be all kinds of blade profiles. No real set design other than they will share the same rough finish. I plan on making some of my larger patterns in this style too every now and then. I have lots of motivation for these and there will be lots of variations :) Mostly I need to know if it will be a fiscal possibility in your minds: Would you pay $200 for what you see?
 
Bill Siegle said:
Now keep in mind guys this is not a pattern in the line, there will be all kinds of blade profiles. No real set design other than they will share the same rough finish. I plan on making some of my larger patterns in this style too every now and then. I have lots of motivation for these and there will be lots of variations :) Mostly I need to know if it will be a fiscal possibility in your minds: Would you pay $200 for what you see?
Click to expand...

I gotcha........ and yes. If I was looking for a large camp blade. Good materials, great maker........ yea, I'd pay the $200.
 
To my eyes that is one fine looking rough finish.
I would gladly carry that.
 
Bill Siegle said:
Now keep in mind guys this is not a pattern in the line, there will be all kinds of blade profiles. No real set design other than they will share the same rough finish. I plan on making some of my larger patterns in this style too every now and then. I have lots of motivation for these and there will be lots of variations :) Mostly I need to know if it will be a fiscal possibility in your minds: Would you pay $200 for what you see?
Click to expand...

yes indeed bill...:thumbup: it's hard to find a 4 in. custom for under $200 these days..:o let a lone a nice looking chopper/camp knife..
 
Thats a great looking knife. I would only change the finger guard by getting rid of the metal part that sticks out. I also think it might be an easier sell if it was offered with a sheath. I know this adds cost but on a cheaper budget a person prolly doesnt want to buy a knife and sheath seperate.
 
Love the idea, Bill. :thumbup:

Your knives are serious users, anyway- so a "rougher" look won't detract from them at all. :cool:

I also like the improved, shall we say- approachability -of you offering an "economy class" finish. :D

I look forward to more examples!
 
I think a lower cost general purpose small knife would be a great addition to the line. If you are going for a larger market I thing a more general purpose blade would reach a wider audience. The knife in your photo looks like a great blade though. If that's your idea of a rougher finish folks are in for a treat. Mac
 
I'm sorry to be the only dissenter here because I love your work Bill. As a regular working Joe with a relatively young family I and many like me have less and less available cash to be able to plunk down $200 on a knife no matter how good it might be.At that price range you will be competing with SwampRat,YardDog,Bark River, and other great brands and way more than Ranger and some others possibly that make awsome hard use knives and offer sheaths and finishes on their steel.The guys that think nothing about paying $200 for a knife I think will most likely pay more for a finished knife and the working stiffs that you seem to be targeting with this line I think will probably go for a less expensive but also toughly built knife. Thanks for the opportunity to post our opinions of which this is just one and keep up the good work.
 
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