What to do

Cadillac86

Cadillac86

Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
461
So, we here are all fans of John's work as it is top notch. But as we've all seen, the orders aren't coming in as well as they could, and the sales aren't garnering a whole ton of attention. What can we, as the JK Proud Supporters, do to help spread the word more? Getting the word out shouldn't all be on John since we love his work, so I ask what is it we can do.
 
Educate the ignorant !

Unfortunately, the guys that buy up a lot of the knives on the exchange are more worried about the appearance of the knives rather than performance of them.
But, that's exactly why I love John's knives. No frills, No BS. Just the stuff of substance that matters.

Don't get me wrong; I like looking at the 'fancy dancy' knives on the exchange just as much as anyone.
But, in my experience, the really extravagant pretty knives get a lot more attention than the more purpose driven knives.
 
heefageLA said:
Educate the ignorant !

Unfortunately, the guys that buy up a lot of the knives on the exchange are more worried about the appearance of the knives rather than performance of them.
But, that's exactly why I love John's knives. No frills, No BS. Just the stuff of substance that matters.

Don't get me wrong; I like looking at the 'fancy dancy' knives on the exchange just as much as anyone.
But, in my experience, the really extravagant pretty knives get a lot more attention than the more purpose driven knives.
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As far as the appearance of the knives, do you mean like polished blades, or fancy inlays. Like what level of pretty?
 
I know I haven't been around long but I would recommend another pass around of a knife, that way anyone that is one the fence has a chance to try one. Maybe do a poll before hand to see what knife everyone wants to try and get permission to put it in general that way it also spreads the word that the pass around is happening?
 
Thanks for trying to help spread the word. Passarounds have not really helped, except the one I did for the WoodKarver, got orders from it. Why? Probably because it`s cheap.
 
This has been an ongoing issue. I started the Supporters to help spread the word, the old timers here have done pass around reviews, have designed knives, and so on. People have their favorites and usually stick with them. John just happens to be my fav and the sheer number of his knives I own is a testament. At one time, when I earned a higher income, I owned about 20 of his knives.
I'll do what I can to help get the word out!
 
I think heefage hit the nail on the head. I see a lot of pretty knives on the exchange - ones I too would want to buy, but let's face it - if it's pretty, it ain't gonna get used. I think John's knives are true work horses and I believe his price point to be fair. Before I discovered JK, I owned a couple Gossmans. Also work horse knives but the cost was too out of my budget. John's knives are priced for the workin' man. It's all about the market though and when you put up a $175 "pretty" knife against a $175 "functional" knife - it's the hard decision between the collectors and the users. I hate having knives sitting around unused and I offload ones that don't make it in my rotation. John's knife he built me is the only fixed blade I own in that size and price point because his work is solid and his knives get used. It's been on several camp trips in the short time I've had it and gets used in the kitchen and on my property. I think that probably the majority of people that buy on the exchange just want something pretty to look at - that's my guess. :P
 
I have quite a few oh John's knives, and I don't even use a fixed blade of any kind on a regular basis. I just got them because they are great knives at a great value, not to mention John is a great guy, even if I've never met him in person.
 
As a fledgling maker I want my knives to be used, not just looked at. I tell people that I don't make pretty knives, I make working mans knives. I feel like my time was wasted if the knife isn't used as intended. But, I'm different than JK, I don't make them for a living.....
 
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My signature line on my other forum (the one nobody has time to go to) says it all.


"Building Knives Meant To Be Used, One At A Time"
 
The "pretty" knives do get a lot of attention. Another maker i check out from time to time makes beautiful, intricate knives. But they're salty as hell, and I'm not sure how anyone wouldn't be afraid of loosing one or boogering it up. John makes the perfect knife for me. They're a beautiful working knife. I've mentioned Instagram to John before. Photos spread like wildfire on there. I've posted a couple of john's knives and tagged #jkknives . There are lots of knife maker's spreading the word about there knives on there. I was very reluctant to join for yrs, but with my cousins prodding I did. It's amazing to see all of the things people make and places they live or go.
 
JK Knives said:
Remember, I'm old and don't really understand how those places work.
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That's what you have us for! :-D (I actually manage our company's facebook page as well as my non-profits) But yeah, Tagging #JKKnives or #JKHandmade is good for spreading stuff on instagram
 
I just went through and uploaded mine to my instagram with #JKKnives I think that's a good idea to help spread. Now we just need to make John his own instagram haha
 
When was your website last updated John? Search engine optimizers could likely need some tweaking.
I just did the google typing in handmade knives and your web site came up on page 2, but typing "custom handmade knives"
I didn't see you until page 5.

The JK knife tourture test(s) - any of those on YouTube? Are they linked on your website?

Little things that could make a difference. Any web designers out there?
 
Instagram, YouTube and other social media outlets. If you aren't on them, you're handicapping yourself. Facebook doesn't really count since everyone's grandpa is on that. Also you'll need some of the new in style stuff like patches and beads.
 
LukeTheSpook said:
Instagram, YouTube and other social media outlets. If you aren't on them, you're handicapping yourself. Facebook doesn't really count since everyone's grandpa is on that. Also you'll need some of the new in style stuff like patches and beads.
Click to expand...

I would put a JK Handmades sticker on my car
 
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