POLL with Other Meanings

Does the World actually NEED more knives....?

  • Yes, please make more knives. There aren't enough makers out there...

    Votes: 23 100.0%

  • Nope, we already have a couple of great companies (we buy ALL their stuff) .....No fanboys for You!

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    23
Crag the Brewer

Crag the Brewer

I make Nice, boring knives
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2018
Messages
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Market Research....

This year for me, Here, has been spectacular.
I've done more things, and interacted with more of you than I imagined I would.

This winter will be my anniversary, and I'm planning/dreaming.

I really enjoy designing, and making knives for You, but It's funny thinking about my future goals. And what to do???

*I'm wondering about how much steel I should buy for next year?
*I'm wondering if I should make my own forum here?
*I'm wondering if I should make batches instead of 1-2 at a time?
*I'm wondering if I should attend a local show?
Ive never even been to one, as an attendee.
*Do I need swag??? T-shirts, an bumper stickers Haha!

Life altering decisions.....🤣🤣🤣

I've Really been blessed here. Everything I've made, I've sold very Fast.
I believe everyone has been Happy. That's always my goal. My number one priority here with my sales... I'm doing this to make people happy.
I get a rush from that.

I'm always going to keep making knives.
But it's a little scary when you start going deeper in....the water is deep...
Lol and I'm a horrible swimmer (true story).

-I'm quite certain this questionnaire isn't just about me, but for a lot of makers, and the knife market in general. Do we really need more?

Both buyers, and makers comments are welcome.... philosophical and pragmatic are appreciated.

As Always........ THANKS.
 
I voted make more knives. Looking forward to the kitchen line.
 
If you’re like me, you frequently have a knife idea that you can’t find on the market. So you make one and try it out. That kinda satisfies your curiosity until the next one comes along.

I have no advice for you about selling, however. I keep mine, or occasionally give one away to somebody who does something really heroic for me or mine.

Parker
 
It depends on what you’re comfortable doing, and how serious you want to get with this craft. Is it a hobby? Are you passionate enough about it to want to go all in? It’s something you definitely have to think about - what’s your life going to be like if you’re suddenly married to your shop and all the other stuff that goes with selling in a bigger scale? Sometimes taking a hobby to a business takes the fun out of it, because it almost becomes an obligation. On the other hand, if you love the craft enough, it will just be spending hours upon hours doing something you love doing, and it won’t be a chore at all.

But the question shouldn’t be ‘does the world need more knives’ … it should be ‘do I want to give the world more knives?’ I would say, there’s always room for more of something new and unique.
 
I voted make more and for what it’s worth I’ve only been making knives for a little over a year and I had a table in my first local show last month. I had a great time and got to meet and talk shop with several other makers that were there. Plus I sold all of the knives I took but 1.

I would recommend getting a few shirts and /or hats made with your brand/logo or whatever on them. It really isn’t that expensive. My wife ordered me a couple of polos for the show and half a dozen hats. I have had several people talk to me out in public since the show because they see my hat and recognize the logo. I certainly want to get to a point where my knives speak for themselves but from what I’ve seen at local shows no one really seems to put much effort into branding/advertising. It does make a difference. I also recommend making COA cards if you’re not already. I’ve seen so many makers that make awesome looking knives but don’t include any relevant info with them. The local shop has a counter full of custom mystery knives.
Also, the number one piece of advice I’ve gotten from the majority of makers I’ve met is “Don’t take orders/start a book, just make what interests you and you’ll be a lot happier.” Take that for what it’s worth but I’ve been told that so many times there must be something to it.
 
Personally I think there is always an interest in practical, useful and ergonomic knives. I hope you continue to produce more blades.
 
Danny Linguini said:
It depends on what you’re comfortable doing, and how serious you want to get with this craft. Is it a hobby? Are you passionate enough about it to want to go all in? It’s something you definitely have to think about - what’s your life going to be like if you’re suddenly married to your shop and all the other stuff that goes with selling in a bigger scale? Sometimes taking a hobby to a business takes the fun out of it, because it almost becomes an obligation. On the other hand, if you love the craft enough, it will just be spending hours upon hours doing something you love doing, and it won’t be a chore at all.

But the question shouldn’t be ‘does the world need more knives’ … it should be ‘do I want to give the world more knives?’ I would say, there’s always room for more of something new and unique.
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I agree.
 
Keep doing whatever makes you happy!!!!! Its not work if you luv what you're doing......

Best of luck with all your future endeavors!! I look forward to seeing them😉
 
shinyedges said:
Keep making knives. I voted no just because no one else did and it looked lonely as a goose egg.
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I was just seeing the results before.... I was out, most of the day today.
I was bowled over by the overwhelmingly positive responses That really surprised me..... I'm not used to That. I don't think I take compliments easily..... Haha

Thanks for the Nut Punch. ;)
 
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