What guild/association fits me?

S

Stag & Steel

Joined
Nov 30, 2005
Messages
1,023
I don't want to start a peeing contest here, just have a serious question and I know you folks have the answer. I have been making knives for about 18 years. I make and sell about 50 knives each year. I have never been much of a club guy due to some bad experiences in the past, but I am continually told that I need to become a member of a guild or some chapter of knife makers. Well I am convinced this is probably true, but what one? I don't think I can be a member of the ABS because I am a stock removal maker, I can't belong to the PKA because I am not full time. Oh so you don't have to look at my profile, I live in Belle Plaine, Kansas (just south of Wichita about 25 miles). Please excuse me if this has been beat to death before, I'm new here.
Thanks!
Jim
 
A lot depends on what you expect an organizations to do you for you. You didn't elaborate on that point. I've only been a probationary guild member a little over a year. I've met a lot of interesting people, made some friends, sold some knives, learned a little, and had a great time doing it. I can't speak about the other organizations, but I am glad I joined the Guild.
Like you I am a stock removal maker.
 
I am also a stock removal guy and am part time. I just started with the Knifemaker's Guild this past summer. My one and only time going to a guild show was a very positive experience, it was by far the best show I have ever attended. I have met some good people and learned quite a bit from them.

I can't really comment on which organization you should join but can say that I have nothing but good things to say about the Knifemaker's Guild.

Sean
 
Thanks for the input. I really don't know what I expect nor do I know what they provide. I am thinking that being accredited to some notable endorsement would only do good things for me as a maker. I will look at the Knifemakers Guild. How long are you on probation with them?
 
To join you first have to get four voting members to support your application, then once it is accepted you go to the show in Orlando for inspection by the board members (two in my case) and then you start your probationary membership. It is a two year probationary period then your knives are reviewed again by the board at the Orlando show and if they like what they see you become a voting member.

Seeing as you have been making knives for so long I'm sure you won't have any problems with the reviews.

I personally feel that it is worth being a member of.

Sean
 
fitzo said:
Do they still have the mandatory show requirement?
Click to expand...


Yes and it can be quite expensive if the shows are on the other side of the country from where you live. Like dues, table, travel, and expenses I figured almost $2500.00 to join and make my first guild show in Orlando back in the late 80's, early 90's for my wife and I.:eek:

There is the Professional Knifemakers Association, but I don't even know if they're in business anymore. It's been a couple of years at least since I got a newsletter from them.
They have one show a year in Denver Colorado, in August.:eek:

You don't have to belong to any guilds or associations to sell knives. The camaraderie can be nice, but there's political infighting like you can't believe and that's just not for me.

I'm not cutting any organizations here, that's just the way it is.

Just make your knives and apply to non related shows to get tables. You don't have to be a member of anything to go to the Las Vegas show, Mesquite, Texas and a host of other knife shows across the country, etc.

And of course, there is the internet for selling. Probably the best media around for getting your wares in the publics eye.

Get a knifemaker membership(If you don't have one already)and use the makers forums here to sell.
You won't even have to buy gas and the price of membership for a year is less than it takes to fill up many pickups.;)
 
Thanks guys! I do not generate enough revenue currently for the required activities, so I will just keep going like I have for 18 years. I sell all I can make so far, but in 6 years I will retire and go full time. By the way and old friend/boss I use to have (God rest his soul) gave me a definition of retirement that I am aiming at..."To retire is to do what you want , when you want and for the amount you want to do it for."
Jim
 
Yeah I like that retirement plan. A couple years and I'm going to retire and go full time also. Course with fishing,fishing, and fishing that full time might be 10- 15 hours a week.I have never joined a guild or society either. I think I'm going to think about it for a few more years. Don't want to jump into anything.
Take care
TJ

PS if you need help thinking email me we will compare notes.
 
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