I owned a full line gunshop for many years and yes, we had a large number of knives including both factory and custom. You will need to carry at least three major manufacturers including Case. These are the bread and butter knives, the ones that wil keep your doors open. You have to remember most folks are not knife people like you and your friends are but most do recognize the Case name. Problem is you will be competing with every internet lowballer out there. Same for the other well known production knives like Kershaw, Benchmade, and others.You will have to make sure your customers know that you will be there when needed for sharpening and warranty issues.
Customs can also be a tough road unless you are good terms with some that will cut you a healthy price break. We sold knives made by Paul Rimpler and Sid Birt as well as a few others that were willing to sell to us with a 25-30% discount so we could sell their knives and make a profit. Most custom makers sell as fast as they can make them, there really isn't an incentive to discount their knives to you.
Accessories...here is were you can make money. Find a good distributer, in your area I would talk to someone at Elliott Brothers, the are fast with shipping and good people to deal with. Sharpeners, oil, sheaths ( learn to make custom kydex...it is very easy to make or buy a press and the material is easy to work with) and all the other paraphernalia. On accessories you can often realize a 30 points, on the custom kydex you can really make some money. You might also consider carrying some other common outdoor goods. I am talking about things like the Maxpedition bags and accessories, compasses, etc.
Used knives, here is another area ripe for profit. One thing the internet has not cornered is the "trade" market. If you are willing to do trades and handle used it will be to your advantage. A lot of people want that new knife but really can't afford it but if they can trade then they can. Rule of thumb...allow 60-70% percent of what you think you can sell the knife that is being traded against retail price. You want to be able to make good money on the used. Estates, make it known you will buy entire estate collections and remember to make an offer that leaves you room for profit. Large estates can also be done on consignment if the people don't want instant money.
Internet, you don't have to have an online store but you would be missing a large segment of the market. Pay to have a website done if you are not an expert, people like easy click shopping.
Shows, we did some shows but honestly they were never a money maker, to many others selling the same thing meant pricing that left no room for decent profit. Try it tho, in your region you might do better.
One biggie...insurance. Buy good insurance and keep the kids out of your store. We had a simple policy, if you were not 18 or accompanied by an adult you didn't come in our store. I know it sounds harsh but you will reduce shoplifting and lower insurance costs this way. You also won't have to worry about really irate parents suing you for selling little Johnny a deadly weapon.
Good luck with your shop, have fun with it too.
