Opening a Small Knife Shop?

Good advice guys! This won't happen unless a solid plan is in place that could work. For now its just something to think about. I agree it would be very hard to succeed.
 
I have tried for 3 days to respond to this thread, finally got through.

Seems like it has all been covered, Jon....hit me up in the ethernet if you want to pick my brain, I had a retail brick-and-mortar shop for three years, and just left working at a distributor after 20 months.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
While I like the idea of a made-in-America knife store, it would be well worth considering adding high quality knives foreign countries. For budget knives, you could carry Moras, Opinels, and Svords. Nordic knives in general would also be well worth considering. In addition, there are many skilled knifemakers who just aren't well known. Their prices are very reasonable, and you could potentially have small runs made just for your shop.

As someone already said, you'd need to be unique to survive. Stocking high quality affordable custom users and hard-to-find European knives as well as the usual high-end folders would really make your store an interesting destination. Add in some bark rivers and a few high-quality affordable knives, and you'd have something unique.

No experience in retail, so take this with a grain of salt. I'm just thinking of what my ideal knife store would be.
 
Nordic Knives has been in business since 1971. I have never been to their store but I have purchased a couple of knives from them over the years. If I remember from pictures I have seen, there was a wine shop next door. Add a cigar shop on the other side and you would have the trifecta (for me anyway).
 
Would also think about adding a small section for kitchen knives. Pays to cover a number of bases

DON
 
A local air rifle dealer here run a business out of his house. Mostly does business online but has a full workshop and showroom. You just call him and has regular business hours like any other business
 
Don't forget to consider the legal risk of selling a sharp object and beginners handling them as well as their potential of getting into the wrong hands. Once it leaves th shop it shouldn't be a liability but the public loves to blame gun and knife mfrs including distributors. Insurance never enuf.
On a side note, consider carrying EDC gear like carabiners, paracord, maxpedition bags, etc. who does need to accessorize
 
I would suggest starting out by setting up at local "Gun and Knife" shows. Since they happen on weekends, you can keep your regular job while the business develops.

n2s
 
I am in the process of starting my own business (sadly nothing to do with knives)
your going to need business insurance ,, which isn't that big of a deal, but it takes time
sometimes . depending on where you are if u plan on putting a decal on your car ,,well now you need commercial insurance on your car too,,, stupid stuff like that .
good luck
terry
www.solar-to-go.ca
 
A couple of thoughts on this.

1. Retail Space: Retail space in a mall is very expensive. Try renting a kiosk for the Christmas season instead of doing a dedicated shop.
2. Markets: Try displaying at various markets in the area. They are usually well-trafficked and will give you a way to test the viability of a dedicated full time store.
3. Competition: Make sure you check out how much competition you have. In my town, we have Cabelos, Canadian Tire, Wholesale Sport Outfitters and 3-4 other stores selling knives. I don't think I would do it in my area.
 
Thanks guys. I am not opening up a shop now but was just brainstorming out loud. =) Its something I have always had in mind and am grateful for your advice, which will come in handy one day.
 
Hi Jon,

I think Scott at usamadeblade.com is doing the internet-only version of what you're brainstorming. Personally, I think it would be a ton of fun to design, stock, and operate a brick & mortar version (assuming it could turn a profit), but that would keep me out of the workshop. :D
 
I still maintain a very small retail shop for solely what I make but have always had the dream of running a shop that any custom maker could market their knives on a co-op type basis in combination with a bladesmithing school. Probably the only way such a venture could work is with grant money, at least for the first few years. :)I'm just not sure that I want to get into such a venture though at my age.

If you were to open such a shop that was also a knifemaking school then there are probably funds out there to help.

Gary
 
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