Possibly moving to California, what's the knifemaking climate?

[ron_m80]

Why in the hell would you want to move to the Peoples Republic of California? Everything here costs 5X as much, gun laws are a joke, if you are an outdoors person then camping soon becomes an RV kind of thing not to mention pollution, the people (by and large) are unwelcoming and always scared, crime rate ridiculous etc, etc, etc. I have lived in the Bay Area because of work and personal obligations the last 10+ years BUT can't wait to leave.

Who cares what the pay is...

No, I am not simply bashing CA just to bash. It's a beautiful state BUT in absolute horrible disrepair.

I agree with the other Ron on all counts. Except you are moving from New York, so CA may actually be an improvement for you.

 

[eisman]

I've lived all over CA; managed the Cupertino Home Depot a few years back. If you move I suggest you look at moving into the hills west of SJ or over to Santa Cruz. There are knife makers in the area (even William Henry). You can get away with a lot more in that part of the world if you emphasize the "Art" of what you're doing; they're so freaky liberal that no one wants to argue "Art".

Home prices are crazy, and they are not a part of the are that's effected by the housing bubble. A nice family home in SJ will set you back $1 million plus.

Make sure that if you move the company pays your moving expenses.

 

[shotgunner]

no ivory allowed at all ( state law with steep fines),

In regards to this and this portion of your post ONLY.

In a 1982/83 case, federal courts have ruled the California law invalid. Despite this it remains on the books. Due to this federal ruling; California prosecuters will not touch the case. The ruling is in fact reasonable doubt and therefore no prosecutions take place. Here is a link. Most relevant to this discussion is in the footnotes #3 describing the situation regarding federal law pre-empting California law.

Taxes are very high, insurances very high, knife laws relatively lax (automatics legal, if blade <2 inches), business conditions terrible.

Personally, I'll be leaving soon as the kidlet is on her own.

 

[Mike Quesenberry]

Where I live in CA is the exception. I'm surrounded by pine trees, rivers and snow capped peaks. Most of the folks around here are great. I have neighbors that don't mind my power hammer as long as it's during business hours. It sounds like NY and CA are very similar in that city livin' sucks but if you can find something in the woods your golden. Good luck finding a new place.