Get used to it. Non-knife people are totally ignorant about steel, design, any aspect of quality cutlery you can name. These are the people who think a chinese knock-off is a good deal, with no understanding of the properties of steel or the use of a knife. They're not your customers. Don't worry, your customers are out there.
A guy at work once asked how much I'd charge to make him a knife. I asked a few questions to get an idea what he wanted and quoted him a price. He nearly choked! He said something to the effect, "I can buy a good Buck knife at Walmart for $35!" I told him it cost me more than that to make a knife and he looked at me like I'm crazy. He did not believe my claims of edge holding and would not accept my offer to prove it (if his money was on the table). He just would not believe there was sufficient value to make up the price difference.
These are the people who think handmade stuff is
less quality than manufactured, who have no appreciation for custom design or the value of artistic endeavor; who cannot distinguish fit and finish. The world is full of them. Fortunately, there are plenty of people who do understand what actual quality is, and are willing to pay for it. You'll find out where they are, and they'll find you.
When you're ready, have professional photos taken of your work. Eventually the photos will find their way into one of the knife publications and you'll get a couple of calls. Find someone who sells knives at the local gun shows and see if you can arrange a consignment deal (or sell him). You're better off with a knife dealer than a gun seller though.
Anecdote: I foolishly ran my index finger onto the bandsaw blade last weekend. Fortunately it missed the fingernail! But try typing without your index finger sometime...
This is when getting so longwinded is a detriment to me too!
