Sheaths?

Harden Knives

Harden Knives

Joined
Aug 7, 2013
Messages
405
Just curious, as a knife maker (ive sold a few knives and soon will sell them on here) should I pre-make my sheaths and sell as is, you don't get a choice. or should I give the customer the option of color, mounting style, size? I only work with kydex as of now even though my parents own four sewing stores and I could probably get a good start on leather.

Another draw-back would be I only have certain colors of kydex on hand and not a large variety of rivets and such.

Big question, Is there more value to a handmade knife, if you get a custom sheath, built to your specs and preferences, to go with it?
 
I am NOT an expert, I do not sell knives, but I do enjoy giving them away to people who have helped me w/things along the way. I like to find out what they like beforehand, so that when they receive the knife I made specifically for them, that it is exactly what they want. I take into consideration on how they like to carry a knife, which hand they prefer, intended use, etc. I think a leather sheath adds a very nice touch to a knife, when it is presented. I like Kydex, but find it "impersonal"? If that makes sense?
 
PaMtnBkr said:
I am NOT an expert, I do not sell knives, but I do enjoy giving them away to people who have helped me w/things along the way. I like to find out what they like beforehand, so that when they receive the knife I made specifically for them, that it is exactly what they want. I take into consideration on how they like to carry a knife, which hand they prefer, intended use, etc. I think a leather sheath adds a very nice touch to a knife, when it is presented. I like Kydex, but find it "impersonal"? If that makes sense?
Click to expand...

It does makes sense, and thanks for the feedback. I agree that leather sheaths are a nice touch but they do require ALOT more work and time.
 
As a knifemaker, I have found that when I advertise a sheath "to be made to customer's specs" the knife doesn't sell as quickly as if I just made the sheath ahead of time and show it in the pics with the knife. A right hand pouch sheath will cover about 70% of people based on the knives I make. My general rule is that if someone wants a lefty sheath, I will make it for them at no extra cost as long as I can keep the right hand sheath for a different knife. It adds a bit of time to the delivery, but it makes up for it when they get a sheath that they want. Normally, though, that does not happen and the sheath goes with the knife. I think there is something about a person wanting to see what they are buying. With the sheath already made, they get to see that.
 
Yes!!! Another Colorado Maker!!!

I am on the line with Mathew Bailey, I like his sheaths too. I think if the leather work is great then it would add to the value of the knife. It adds a cherry on top when you can get a sheath directly from the maker and the customer doesn't have to send the sheath to someone else. However, it is hard to get great sheaths sometimes without doing that. I have also noticed that if you don't show a sheath with the finished knife that it is harder to sell.

Some people really want kydex though, I only do leather, and I have been told I should have done some kydex sheaths for some tacticals. So being able to do both would probably work better.
 
If I make a knife specifically for a customer, we will talk about the sheath as well, if I make one without a buyer, I make a sheath to go with it of whatever style I want. Simple as that.
 
There is absolutely more value provided when the knife is provided with a custom fitted sheath. But the value is only there if the sheath matches the quality of the knife. Both should be top-notch in my opinion. If your knife making skills are great and your sheath making skills are mediocre. Then there is no justice done to your reputation or to the customer. If you need the assistance of a professional sheath maker than then do so without hesitation. If you don't then move forward.

Mike L.
 
Now that I have a few customs, I will not order if knife comes in kydex. Leather only from now on.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top