New to Blade Forums...

[Zombie411]

Hello everyone.
My name is Ken, and I joined because there are soooo many respected, and knowledgeable members on this site.
I just began collecting knives a month or so ago, and I found in researching potential purchases that many links (to specific brand information) came back to posts on this site.
Long story short, why drink from the creek when you can swim in the lake.

My real goal in collecting is in re-selling. I am opening a tool, and knife sharpening service in the North Florida, pan handle area next spring, and part of this is selling the best quality knives, and tool blades I can find. This of course has a caveat... Denaro, Dollars, Ducketts, Green Backs.
I can only sell what I can afford to buy.

My goal in joining Blade Forums is to gain whatever knowledge I can find on starting, running, and growing my business.
I have spent a little time searching the forum for info on "How to run a small retail/service business" but you all know finding a needle in a haystack takes time.

Are there any specific sub forum(s) I should be looking into? Anyone know of a few threads that might get me going in the right direction?

I might add that I have signed up on the SBA (small business admin) site, and am developing a business plan.
I bought my company domain name (American Edge Tech), set up my company email, started investing in inventory, and tooling, and basically set the ball in motion to begin my sharpening service from my home shop (dual zoning, light industrial / residential). A retail shop will happen early next year (April 2018 is my goal)
Any advice or direction to information that may be helpful is GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Ken/Zombie411

 

[JJ_Colt45]

Welcome to the forums Ken ... there is alot of knowledge floating around for sure. There is a General Knife Makers sub forum that may get you some assistance. Most are willing to help out. Good luck.

And if you are opening a sharpening service there is a subfirum for Services offeted also. But be sure to read the stickys on membership rules so you won't get into any conflicts ... to sell or offer services require paid subscriptions.

 

[Zombie411]

Welcome to the forums Ken ... there is alot of knowledge floating around for sure. There is a General Knife Makers sub forum that may get you some assistance. Most are willing to help out. Good luck.

And if you are opening a sharpening service there is a subfirum for Services offeted also. But be sure to read the stickys on membership rules so you won't get into any conflicts ... to sell or offer services require paid subscriptions.

Thanks JJ_
I'll check out the subs you suggest.
I also get the paid/free member status. I have no plans on advertising/selling or offering services here. At least not until I can afford to become a paid member, and have a proper shop up, and running.

For now I am just looking for info to help attain my goals, and to provide as much info about myself to respectfully ask for the help I need.

Appreciate the help JJ_ Looking forward...

 

[22-rimfire]

If you are in the business, I see no reason to not sell here. You reach a much broader market. Of course there is always fleabay. Anyway, welcome to the forum and I hope you new business is successful. It is a rough world out there in terms of business.

 

[Zombie411]

Well Thank you 22,
I've been running my own businesses for thirty some years now.
Single fatherhood saw to that. I wanted to enjoy my child, and raise her the way I saw fit. The whole childcare thing didn't suit me sooo, it's work for yourself or... no other option.
I'm not scared to work. Put it that way.

Fleabay is not my thing either. While I don't particularly like too many people... a brick, and mortar beats sitting home waiting to run to the P.O. to deliver goods.
I much prefer working in my shop with my tools.

The entire reason I am a member here (at this moment) is to learn as much as I can about the knife industry as a whole.
I'm sort of adding tooling edges into that category as well.

April 2018 is my target date to go full force, and from then forward I may offer goods or services on this forum. I don't know tho... I sort of like to keep business, and pleasure separate.
We'll see how it all develops...

Thanks again 22!