What's The Next Step?

B

BadBamaUmp

Joined
Aug 8, 2000
Messages
454
Guys,
I'm a "fledgling maker" in Alabama. I've made and sold about 4 knives. My question is what to do next? I have a local store that is willing to sell anything I make on consignment. BUT, there are 2 other makers in the area, will this anger them?

They both forge and I'm a stock removal guy. One only does period pieces, the other goes to a lot of shows. I'm not really competing with them. I'm more of a Phil Hartsfield kinda guy. They're a lot more fancy.

Just asking the opinions of the group. My wife is kinda busting my butt to get the knives out there and make "more" money.

Thanks,
Will

PS, is there a guild or group here in Alabama? I know a few of the makers in the Montgomery area.
 
I can't say for sure because I don't know whou the makers are your'e talking about, but I'd be real surprised if they were upset.
unless of course you passed your work off as theirs, then you might have a bucket of trouble.

To my way of thinking i could not be competition for you or you for me because you can't make a Sweany knife and I can't make a BadBamaUmp knife.



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Sola Fide
 
Will, it's noone else's business where how and when you sell your knives! If the other makers get bent, thats their problem. Once you start making a good knife, it's awful easy to find a store that will take them on consignment. I have had several offers, but turned em all down. When you get in a consignment deal, you're losing money, and the other guy is making money with no investment but shelf space. Also, if you do make good knives, you don't need a consignment seller, the knives will sell themselves. You have an amazing opportunity to get your work exposed to millions of potential buyers right here on the internet. I bet you'll sell them as fast as you can make them by posting them in the knives for sale by maker forum, here in blade forums, or selling them on Ebay online auction. If you've never sold anything on Ebay, drop me an email and I'll help you all I can. I'm not a pro, but I've bought and sold 3-400 items there including knives, both the ones I make and factory knives. I know alot of little tricks that can make a big difference in the success of an Ebay auction. Whew! Didn't mean to write a novel!!!
biggrin.gif
Take care! Michael

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
As long as you make your own style/types of knives and don't copy the other local makers - I wouldn't think they will have any reason to get upset.

BlacksmithRick@aol.com
 
Consignment is good to get exposure and to have a place where your knifes can be seen.
The problem I have with it is since I am a part timer or hobby maker, whichever, I want to make as many different kinds of knifes as I can just to develop style and designs that i like. Like for fun you know.Last fall I made and sold 4 gut-hook skinners. I don't want to make any more right now. I want to do something else. So unless you are ready to commit to the publics demand don't consign.
My thoughts
TJ Smith
 
One suggestion. Knifemakers are a pretty friendly lot. Why don't you make it a point to get to know these two gents a little better. Take some of your blades over there and let them take a look at 'em. Let 'em know you're around, that there is a fellow knifemaker in the area. You can learn an awful lot from other folks as well.

For example, I met George Tichbourne for the first time a couple of weekends ago, real fine gent. He told me of a neat little trick on a coffin handle that I wouldn't have EVER figured out. (Uh, I don't believe I could teach George a thing!) Stuff like that.

Its kinda like this. When I first started makin' knives I didn't know any other knifemakers. Now, ALL my friends are knifemakers.

Wetumpka? That's where my brother-in-law lives, small world....
 
MR Wilkins,
Who's the bro-in-law? Maybe I know them, this isn't really what you'd call a metropolis...

I know one of the makers won't be a problem. The other one's father really is the trouble...He's less than nice, that's all I'll say about that guy.

Faye Brown is the stock removal guy around here, he helps me out and does my heat treating. He's a good guy all around.

Thanks for all the help, be on the lookout for more stupid questions from me.

Will

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"More than the medals, a family thanked me."
Will
 
CL, whats the coffin handle tip Rob tol ya??

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
badbama, this is the U.S.A. free enterprise god bless, ive been making knives for 31/2 years and fellow knifemakers as a group are the most down to earth no bs group of people i have ever come across at 42 i have been involed in several bussiness's so don't step on others toes but put your feet where you want to go! rhinoknives.com

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Badbamaump,

IMO selling your knives may help all knife makers by getting the general public more exposed to the world of high quality hand made knives. Sorta like the "got milk?" commercials......"got knives?"

Help us all...by creating a bigger market for hand made knives of excellent quality.

That's my thoughts,

Good luck,

-Rob
<a href="http://www.geocities.com/beaumontmetal/index.html">Beaumont Metal Works</a>
 
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