Not to sound Mercenary, but?

PhilL

PhilL

Joined
Oct 1, 1999
Messages
6,490
I am not a knifemaker, but I do admire those that do. I once showed Ed Fowler a reproduction I had made out of wood of one of his knives, he was kind and complimented my humble copy. He suggested I set up a forge and start working in steel. I told him I live in an apartment, and didn't have the room. He suggested I get a small forge, you got to love the guy. Some day.

I'm not suggesting any artist creates just for money. I'm sure you make knives because you have to. My real question or concern for knifemakers is; how many knives can you make a year, what can you sell them for, how hard is it to make a living, assuming of course you have the talent? Finally, is it getting harder or easier? There sure seems to be alot of talent out there, and more new makers every day.

I know this is a topic with alot of variables. I'm just looking for some feedback to into the makers head.

Phil
 
I have only been making knives for about a year but have had a life long fascination with them. My work is getting better and better the more I practice. I am past the point of making them good enough to give away and am now selling a few.

I have no allusions about being able to make a GOOD living at it. I do like making knives more than working at my job (medical equipment sales) but I would be a hard pressed to make a house, car, bills, savings, insurance, etc... etc... at it.

For me it is a very enjoyable hobby that I can make some money at. In truth...it would be much more profitable to put in more time at work and leave the knives alone completely. But not nearly as fun!

There are some PROS out there that are masters at the craft. Now I am sure that some of them can and do make some very good money at it. With the long waiting list some people have and the prices they are able to get....you have to assume it is a profitable endevor. The best of luck to them.
 
Tejas,
I'm in sales also. I'm sure you've heard of the 8o-20 Rule, where 80% of the business is done by 20% of the Salesmen. I'm pretty sure it's probably not all that different with custom knives.

I'm happy for you, doing what you enjoy, and having avenues open up for yourself.

I know yor not making knives full time. Do you mind my asking; how many can you make in a year, how many could you sell, does it pay for itself, does it matter to you?
 
Hummmmmmm.....If I really put my mind to it,... I could spend about 10 hours a week/40 per month making knives (and sheaths) without cutting into the rest of life too much.

If I worked efficiently without too many mistakes, I could make about 4 or 5 mid size/ fairly plain knives that should sell for about around $100 each. So that would be about $400 per month.....Of course you have to take out expenses. Sanding belts are probably the most expensive item for me. Other cost are of course the steel, brass, handle material, epoxy, oxygen/acetyline, etc.... One of my average $100 knives probably has $25? in materials in it with "normal, i.e. wood" handles. Maybe a little less. I well sell them on consignment at a local gun store. So either add 20% to the price or take 20% off the gross revenue.

As you can see, at my descent hobbiest level, I figure I would make about $5 to $8 dollars an hour. Wont be giving up my day job any time soon. I probably do not charge enough, but will as my skill improves. Pricing is a very subjective thing. If I tried to make knives full time, I believe I would have to go on welfare AND give cut our all drinking and social expenses!

Wow, it is a good thing I like making them because it I really added up ALL cost, this may actually be an expensive hobby.

I am curiouse how cost work out for more full time and experienced knife makers.

[This message has been edited by tejas7 (edited 23 October 1999).]

[This message has been edited by tejas7 (edited 23 October 1999).]
 
I've been working on knives for about a year and my experience mirrors that of tejas7. I ended up giving away my early efforts and then finally get good enough to sell something. Along the way I invested quite a bit in equipment. What I now sell probably pays $7 an hour after the cost of materials is deducted. But I have a long way to go to break even on my overall investment in materials and equipment.

Best advice: don't quit your day job. People do this for fun, not to get rich.
 
I'll go along with the rest of the group.I get my steel very reasonable and buy handle materials by the board foot.I don't have a lot of cost but still $15 to $25 dollars per knife sounds close.I.ve been making knives as a hobby for about 3 years but got into it a lot more this year.Starting to sell some at a local hunting lodge/resort.A person would have to make 7-8 knivesa week or command a good price to make a living.
How about trying some kits,
TJ Smith
 
here is some interesting information..about 20% of the guild members are full time...making a living types...thats from a poll taken by one of the board members... of those 20% i would bet that half are retired and have enough money stashed away so that it matters not whether they sell a knife or not....making knives for a living is a tough life....if you already have your house paid off and an income that will feed you..no problems...but unless your name is loveless or moran etc...going to knife shows is like rolling craps....you never know...bill ankrom,in my mind one of the best knifemakers in the country...went to blade west two years ago and didnt make a sale..i believe for the average guy the way to get into knifemaking is very slowly and carefully and by the time youre accomplished and well known you will have plenty of orders...my opinion of course....

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
I want to thank you all for responding.

I am not surprised at all by your answers, it's pretty much as I expected. I'm begining to understand that many custom knives are labors of love, and a real value.

Tom, I've visited your web site before, really well designed, and of course your work is beautiful. I understand your not full time, even though you have a backlog, 6-10 months. Your in a position many makers would envy. What would have to happen for you to give your craft full time?

Phil
 
my regular job pays me 2x what i make building knives...so theres your answer.. and a lot more security.....i build knives when my regular biz is slow....sometimes thats only on weekends...some times only once a month//// but the bottom line is the bottom line...like with most of us....

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
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