Records

W

Way-Barney

Joined
Jun 4, 2023
Messages
773
How do you remember what you have done?
Do you keep records of each knife built?
Steel type, heat treatment variations, handle variation, etc. etc.
Is there a template or app available?
 
I started that way, but it slips away pretty fast.
Making a certificate for each knife and keeping a copy in your computer files is a good way.
More important is keeping records of the steels you have and where you got them. Getting a cert with the steel is very important. If the seller can't provide one use another seller.
Keep old invoice so you can recall where you bought an item and what the cost was.
MARK EVERY BAR OF STEEL on both ends and both sides with the type. You will be sure you will remember ... but in a year you won't.
Keeping customer records is also wise. You may want to send out an email with the photo and info of a new knife to all your former customers.
 
I keep a notebook on the bench. I write down knife, who it's for (if a pre order), the heat treat process, steel info, hardness. Occasionally I jot down the date at the top of a page. It's not nice and neat, I just scribble stuff all over. But if I need to, I can dig back and find things.

I always make a wood blank before I start a new blade. I write the date on the blank, and any notes or thoughts about how the final knife worked out.

It's sloppy, I recommend doing better. But I'm lazy.
 
I have Sterilite storage bins I use for storing my projects. About 4"x8"x12"

In a perfect world my procedure is:
- Put design sketch or notes about the project into the bin
- Get an index card to track the project. Put it in the bin.
- Select material. Put it in the bin. Note the material on the card (steel type, pin material, etc). All materials stay in the bin unless they are being worked on.
- Every procedure gets noted on the card (heat treat, current grit progress, etc)
- When complete, the card gets relevant information entered into my fancy self-made web application with a form for all kinds of fields, including measurements and identifiers
- The web application prints a card layout that reflects the product, intended for the recipient

The last two steps almost never happen, since I am a hobby maker. I have fun making knives. Data entry isn't fun for me. Making printers work isn't fun for me.

I once had dreams of data systems to store all of this stuff for everyone, but there isn't enough reason to do it. If anybody wants to reinvigorate that effort, do let me know.
 
a google drive worksheet with whatever details you want to record can work
Now I just use my Instagram post as a "record" but of course that data doesn't even belong to me...

I used to send a personal e-mail to every customer with the pertinent info but as Stacy said, it tends to slip away....
FWIW, after some 500 knives sold I've never needed to go back and remember what I've done
 
I worked as a chemist 20 years ago. Meticulously kept laboratory notebooks were mandatory. I carried that habit into the knife shop. Bound notebooks, one for knives with as much info as I can put there, and another for HT experiments, and yet another for things ya learn that you might forget with time, especially at 72. After a dozen year hiatus, they have come in indispensable.
Everyone has their own way...
 
I'm using my subforum and instagram/facebook to keep track mostly. Also Paypal.
 
As of right now, I keep track of the customers name, date, model of knife, blade steel, handle material, price, and type of sheath. I use a simple notepad to keep track of orders.
 
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