Take A Chance?

JK Knives

JK Knives

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Joined
Mar 6, 2001
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I`ve been getting more and more emails and phone calls from guys wondering if I have anything on hand for immediate delivery. I`m considering doing one or two extra knives with each batch I do for normal orders. Here are a couple of questions I keep asking myself.

1) Will my scheduled customers get upset that I am working on other knives before their`s? (to my knowledge I`ve never missed a customer promise date)

2) If I do it, what suggestions do you guys have on what to have on hand?
 
I would love to see some knives for purchase other than orders. Having ordered a couple of knives from you I would not be upset at all to see knives being sold by you before mine is built. It's all about communication. As long as you set a reasonable expectation for the customer to receive their order then you shouldn't have any problems at all. Really, I think it's important to have for sale blades out there so people that are on the fence about placing an order can possibly pull the trigger without ordering. It'll also allow your name and product to be out in front of the public more.

It would be cool to see a Scout Jr, Hatchet, small FBs, etc out there for sale.

I say go for it, my friend.
 
Definitely a good idea to build up a little extra on the side. By simply adding a couple to each batch, it shouldn't take as much longer as doing them separately later.

Any good customer will realize that a full-time knifemaker has to run more than just one stream. Yes, prioritize specific orders, but also build up stock of popular models, and also be ready to take on a well-paid special order that allows you some creative work.
 
1) Honestly, If you worked on other knives to add to a batch and you still made the promised delivery date, you're the man! I dont think I would have a problem unless you started missing delivery dates by a mile, quality suffered, or the wrong item was delivered. These are things you have to do to survive.
2) Either:
a) just make a run of "extras" in general
b) If you do a particular model make a few extra.
c) Extras of your most requested.

Have a fantastic Holiday Season

YKW
 
I think that each month you should make 2 knives to keep on hand along with your customer orders. You usually post when a month is filling up and how anyone in a hurry needs to get their order in quickly, so nothing has really changed. And on slow months you might consider adding 4 instead of 2. I think on hand you should have at least a kephart, hiker, RWC, EDC, and a hatchet. Depending on what sells quickest, you might want to keep a few copies on hand.
 
Are you already making knives in "batches" of a certain model. Or, are you making one knife at a time?
Could you just "double" certain orders to shorten the movements in the shop?
 
i think that would be a great idea i know lots of people who would love a custom but dont want the wait that goes with it
 
John , I think its a great idea to make an extra one one or two to have on hand . I know it cost and you don"t want to get stuck with extra knives . But most knive purchases are impulse buys and every email or phone call for an on hand knife might be a missed sale. Knives like the kephart or you new knife would be good to keep on hand.
 
foxx said:
Are you already making knives in "batches" of a certain model. Or, are you making one knife at a time?
Could you just "double" certain orders to shorten the movements in the shop?
Click to expand...

I usually do knives in batches of 4-6, but not the same model. Just whatever is on order for that time.
 
How difficult would it be to add a knife to a batch? Much more expensive for you?
Impulse buys could be a good additional income. But, how do you know which ones would sell? You wouldn't want to tie up cash in non-moving inventory.
 
foxx said:
How difficult would it be to add a knife to a batch? Much more expensive for you?
Impulse buys could be a good additional income. But, how do you know which ones would sell? You wouldn't want to tie up cash in non-moving inventory.
Click to expand...

Not difficult at all. Not too much more expense if I stay away from models like the Lobo, which uses more expensive steel. Staying with micarta handles instead of pricier woods would help too. Which models would sell is the trick question. Right now, with the article in SWAT, a lot of the inquiries are for the Bushcrafter.
 
I think it would be a great idea John. I am one of those impulse buyers. When I have extra money for a knife I want to spend it! Thats why the for sale by individual forum does so well. Keep a bushcraft, edc, etc. Large knives arent usually impulse buys because they are more expensive. Somet5hing around $150.00 or less would sell in a heartbeat.
 
From my standpoint, there have been a few times where if you'd had a Scout Jr or Nessmuk on hand when I had the money I'd have bought them without a second thought.
I always hesitate to order because I don't know if I'll have money when I'll need it but if I have it now I can buy a knife before something else comes up to take it from me.
Having an inventory sucks when you need to sell every one quickly. From a consumer standpoint an inventory means I can spend my money now before I change my mind.
 
JK Knives said:
I`ve been getting more and more emails and phone calls from guys wondering if I have anything on hand for immediate delivery. I`m considering doing one or two extra knives with each batch I do for normal orders. Here are a couple of questions I keep asking myself.

1) Will my scheduled customers get upset that I am working on other knives before their`s? (to my knowledge I`ve never missed a customer promise date)

2) If I do it, what suggestions do you guys have on what to have on hand?
Click to expand...

Hi Stomper -

1 - That would not bother me at all.

2 - Kephart, RWC

I think it is a good idea to have some on-hand inventory.

best regards -

mqqn
 
I`m thinking maybe a Pocketmuk too. That`s the one that will be in the next Backwoodsman ad, featuring outdoorsfan`s photo.
 
Don't think most of us care, since most of the time you are usually early.

I think any of these would be could be good candidates.

Scout Jr., Survival knife, RWC, Kephart, Pack Knife, AK EDC, Nessie, EWOK

I think you should definitely carry 1-2 of whatever knife is featured in an upcoming article/ad.
 
I'm with the others, in that I think having a few on hand could generate some sells. I don't see a problem adding one to a batch your already working on.

As for models I'd go with your most popular. Good idea from Mr.Sogetsu on having a few on hand that will be featured in upcoming articles/ads.
 
JK Knives said:
Not difficult at all. Not too much more expense if I stay away from models like the Lobo, which uses more expensive steel. Staying with micarta handles instead of pricier woods would help too. Which models would sell is the trick question. Right now, with the article in SWAT, a lot of the inquiries are for the Bushcrafter.
Click to expand...


John, being new to this forum (almost a whole 2 months now!! :D ), I have seen a few of your knives on some posts, & no negative comments about them. Why not post a thread of some of your more popular models that new guys like myself can see, & also some of the "older" members who may have forgotten what models you made (Folks, "older" does not in any way reflect on the age of the members, just their time on the forum . . .whew . . ;) ).
Just an opinion from a new member, hope I am not out of line . . . :confused:
Be safe.
 
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