Waterjet knife making?

[S.Grosvenor]

There was no disrespect intended whatsoever, JT. It's definitely easier than doing the whole knife yourself, no? Would you sell a folder that you only ground the edge on, for a couple grand? I know many knifemakers who do it all by hand, and sell their knives for what a high-end production or midtech costs. Which type of "custom" should be worth more?

Actually we're going to end up with the same result, if I shape blade in house or PAY (key word) to have them cut at a pro shop by a water jet. Thing is we're in business to make a living and deliver a fine product, not to spend an entire month on 1 piece that sells for $1500.00 when my shop exspences for the month are $3500.00 and that doesn't include all the house, family, car, food expenses for the month. Now if there is a machine that I can have help me build 4 or 5 pieces (still have to get them sold) them at least I survived 1 month. Since we would like to stay in business for more than 1 month that means 1 may have to produce 50+ a yr to make payments keep the family in a house instead of a van down by the river. Now since ther is $ 40000 or so invested in equipment, I would like to stay in business for at least longer than 1yr .....see why a water jet for hire can help a fellow out....?

 

[gooeytek]

I completely understand. However, my point was, should a knife (folder) that has a multiple run of waterjetted scales, framelock, blade, etc. Where the "custom maker" (I use this term very loosely for some) just has to buff out the process marks, grind the blade, and screw together the pieces, cost more than a similar knife that was a real custom?

 

[james terrio]

...just has to buff out the process marks, grind the blade, and screw together the pieces...

Again, if that's all so easy, I invite you to give it a try. And I'm not being a smart-alec; I'm completely serious.

Sorry to flog a dead horse, but grinding bevels (and putting on a decent finish) isn't just something that magically happens. Whether ground by hand, forged in or milled by CNC equipment, it takes skill and practice to do it right. The same goes for cutting profiles - it requires skill, an investment in time and equipment, and overhead no matter how it's done. I fail to see why a WJ or lasered blade, scale or whatever would be "worth" less than the same one cut out on a bandsaw. I assure you, parts do not come back from WJ just ready to pop together, sharpen and make a killing on... unless the maker has very low standards for fit and finish.

The final cost of a knife has so many factors built into it that it's almost impossible for a maker to determine except by trial and error. Some knives cost twice what they're "worth" simply because the maker has an excellent reputation, high demand and his production is limited. Some sell for half what they're "worth" because no one knows who the maker is, and he's just trying to get some product out there so people can find out. Some are priced at exactly what they're "worth", but there's just not a market for them.

If the knife sells, it's priced correctly. If it doesn't sell, it's not priced correctly.

 

[marthinus]

As a collector I dont want a knife completely done by CNC or Waterjet. I dont mind cutting out precision material or doing some interesting designs on the scales or blade, but, I want hand touches. With flaws or not. It is what makes the knife hand made or custom.

Another thing is HONESTY by the maker. Tell the costumer what he wants to know. If you do everything with a machine and grind an edge on it fine....just be honest about.