Recommendations about finding a contractor to manufacture a knife

[Lumanid]

I’m wondering if anyone can shed some light on the soup-to-nuts process of hiring a contractor to manufacture a knife for commercial resale?

I’m an entrepreneur and product designer and I’m considering bringing some of my designs to the commercial market. I have somewhat limited experience making knives, but more understanding as a user and regarding technical aspects such as metallurgy and mechanics. I currently have a design for a sword I would love to bring to market. My design is well-developed in terms of the overall specs, including shape, design, dimensions, steel, and scale material.

I’m interested in finding a manufacturer who I can contract to make my product, which I would then resale under my own company banner (similar to how Survive Knives made the BSS-5 for Black Scout Survival: http://blackscoutsurvival.com/bss-5/).

Is it typical for one lead contractor to complete every aspect of the manufacturing process, or would I have to farm out the processes piecemeal to multiple sub-contractors? This would include:

• Procuring the steel, scale material, rivets, etc.
• Creating CNC files
• CNC reducing the blade and scales
• Heat treating/tempering
• Finishing/sharpening
• Sheath manufacturing
• Etc.

I’m located in Eugene, Oregon, and would prefer to work with someone local, but it’s not a requirement.

Can anyone recommend any good contractors/manufacturers who do this kind of work?

Thanks in advance for any insight or recommendations.

 

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Read your link
"Built in the USA by Millit Knives."

They have a website, why not contact them for info and quotes?

Have your design ready. Endless back and forth from someone who doesn't know what they want is bs.

Minimum run size is a good question.

Google it, there are other makers that do that.

 

[Lumanid]

Read your link
"Built in the USA by Millit Knives."

They have a website, why not contact them for info and quotes?

Have your design ready. Endless back and forth from someone who doesn't know what they want is bs.

Minimum run size is a good question.

Google it, there are other makers that do that.

Awesome suggestion, thank you. I actually met the owner of Millit at his shop two summers ago. I’ll reach out to him.