What helped you the most to become an established maker?

The only thing i would kinda disagree (and only halfway) is shows. Ive done 2 shows, a small show in Gulfport, MS and one year the Arkansas show. Both were good, I sold alot of knives, but in my head its hard to justify a show when your swamped and/or way behind.

I just think with the internet that shows and many other forms of advertisement (that cost alot of money) arent the best return for that money. Dont get me wrong, I have nothing against shows or makers that advocate for them, I just dont know that they are necassary, maybe Im missing out on a entire experience/market?? Hell maybe I am learning something here to :D
 
Matt, you are kind of unique, you make a very good looking/functioning knife and sell at very attractive prices. You also work the internet very well. If a maker is swamped, no need to do shows, but like said, there are buyers/collectors out there who don't do the internet, but do go to shows.

Before the internet, shows were king. This computer stuff has really change the custom knife world, over the last 10 years. It's all good!
 
i go to shows for the meet and greet and face time
its rare tht i sell much of anything at most shows but i know that going it

my market is a funny one and not many show goers are ready to buy a straight razor or a high end kitchen knife but im under a sales contract for all my razor work (classicshaving.com) and deal right with pro chefs for the kitchen work (word of mouth goes a long way between chefs) while you would think that chefs woudl be more into knives and go to shows not only might they not be "knife ppl" but many of them are working there ass off on the weekends
 
Time, practice, testing, research, making my knives, good folks who shared goals with me, total apprecaition of the freedom and joy of being myself, absolute dedication to honesty with clients and other makers, teaching and learning at the same time
 
Hello:

Hope no one minds...keep your quality high and your prices fair to everyone.,your clientele and yourself..My papuli told me many years ago not to price your milk so high that it sours in the can...

I do one (1) show a year in So Cal and that keeps me busy all year. That and the books helped a bit...I am "out of the loop" enough to go someplace knife related and not get bothered on my "off time" and can actually go and enjoy seeing a knife show...

Be fair, be honest and deliver on time....Make each piece the BEST you have done to that day.

NVHammerHead
 
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