Where lies the reward, Custom man?

golok

golok

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
Messages
4,453
I understand that there are about 4,500 custom knife makers in US. As to what percentage of this figure are making ends meet is anyone's guess.

So my question is: How long can a custom man sustain his beloved profession if he has difficulties putting food on his own table?

I know the joys of creating something wonderful and beautiful is reward itself. What if few people buy your knives, or not enough of them to make life comfortable for you?

How many custom knife makers hold a second job as a kind of insurance? Reality bites rather hard sometimes. I personally realise that on many occasions.

How does one choose - carve out a life with a hobby or something you love very much or do it most of the time, and yet on the side do something else because you know, even you and others depending on you got to eat sometimes.



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Make Love your strongest weapon. Compassion your shield and forgiveness your armour.

[This message has been edited by golok (edited 04-12-2001).]
 
The vast majority of the makers I know have some kind of "real job". There is a magic line somewhere in the world of custom knifemaking that one crosses that allows you to make knifemaking your career.

I personally do not see this as a demonstration of pure talent. Rather a combination of good solid skills in knifemaking and a good solid grasp on business in general.

A good business man will make the right choices in directing his efforts toward the right market. A great knifemaker may never be known if he has no business sense.

This is just my opinion though. I have reached a place of what I consider perfect balance between my job (pastoring) and my other job (knifemaking). My hobby is gardening.

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Mondt Custom Knives
For the Word of God is...sharper than any two edged sword.
 
I went full-time in 1999 after several years as a part-time maker. By the end of the year, I found it necessary to get a job. No regrets, and my hope is that I will be able to go full time again, but it was essential to bring in some bigger bucks.

My "day" job (writing and web interface for a software/wervice company) funds my standard household needs, while my knifemaking provides the money necessary to improve equipment, buy materials, and go to shows. Other than working 60-80 hours/week, it's not a bad deal.
 
I think every custom knifemaker who sticks with it has to have a passion, much the same as an artist, singer, or poet. A few of these folks (artists, singers, poets) are able to make a living at it because they are good at what they do, are good marketers, and a few lucky breaks don't hurt a bit. I think the same is true for knifemakers, and woodcarvers, and sculpters, and....etc.

John Ownby
http://www.johnownby.com
 
Golok
For each the answer will differ like the knives we make.
The need to feed the family will win over any art form. I am a full time maker. Have been for about 14 years. This is my sole income. For a part time maker to go full time with his hobby of knifemaking his "hobby" needs to bring in 80% of his normal "job" for a few years first. With that he should make it. By that time he will know the business well enough and should have a handle on the marketing aspect. As many custom makers as there is just making a good knife is no longer good enough to support yourself and your family. You must learn about the marketing. This can be as much fun as the making of the knife.
You are right about reality bites hard sometimes. First year I went full time I made $3200. Things got even tighter second year. I like it though. Hope this gives a bit of the insight you were looking for.
jf
 
Good Question!!

So far the greatest reward that I could have ever wished for is that my knives are being accepted. In addition to this, they are generating enough orders to keep me very busy. Although it would be nice, my goal was never to make a living at knifemaking.
Right now I'm in the same situation that Don Cowles mentioned, 60-80 hours per week between the full time job and knives!!
For me, it all comes down to medical coverage and retirement. With a wife and two kids, medical coverage is a MUST. Paying for a plan on my own would be VERY expensive. Retirement is something that must be considered also!! As much as I love my knifemaking, I'm not sure how good I'll still be at it when I'm 90
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As a full time machinist/CNC programmer, I can make a descent living, considering the benefits included. To reach that point with knives would be fantastic but it's a long, LONG way off. Dammit, I didn't win the Florida lotto last night
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My next reward???? Air conditioning in my shop?? People liking my folders would be NICE
smile.gif
!! A picture in a magazine, FINALLY
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?? A NEW, variable speed, powerful, precision made belt grinder......UH UH UH UH <----- Pronounced the way Tim Allen does it
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Neil

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Talonite......Stellite
Hand Made Knives..High Tech Materials
blackwoodknives.com
 
It's always nice and heart-warming to read true tales of honest, hardworking people like Doug, Don, John and Neil doing the things they love and reaping ample rewards.

Whenever I read accounts from people like you guys, I think of the day when I too may venture a little further to fulfil my dream of having a little knife workshop of my own.

Perhaps one day when opportunity permits...
Dreams can come true when one tries hard enough. I learn that from you guys.

Thanks.

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Make Love your strongest weapon. Compassion your shield and forgiveness your armour.
 
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