- Joined
- Jan 24, 2006
- Messages
- 1,485
I haven't posted much here lately but apparently feel the need to chime in...
Firstly though I've gotta say THANKS to Rat Finkenstein!
Secondly, there are likely quite a few folks here now who don't know I've been a custom sheath maker for 9 years (and have not raised my prices even once). I have been full time intermittently (had to take a few "day jobs" to keep bills paid) but have spent the last 3(?) years safely ensconced in my shop breathing chlorine fumes (from the Kydex) and grinding steel. (BTW, I don't find knife making to be a relaxing pastime. Better than many things I've done, but not by any means relaxing)
I think a perfectly reasonable question was asked by the OP and LVC provided a VERY thoughtful and well organized answer...Thank you LVC!
I thought I might add a tidbit of trivia where holsters and sheaths are concerned....
I worked for about 3 1/2 years at Blade Tech (so long ago now that I'm not totally sure of the exact length of my tenure). Interestingly enough, one has to learn to make holsters and/or mag pouches before one gets to even try making a knife sheath. Reason? Knife sheaths are more difficult (so much so that there might be as many as 2 guys -a primary and a secondary- good enough to make custom sheaths that BTI will let out the door)...end of story.
A BTI holster made from Kydex now costs the better part of $60. Most of those are "semi-production" meaning that a craftsman gets to use pre-formed parts, but must do final fit and finish by hand. A fully handmade unit is roughly $70 or more based on a quick look at their web site. The less expensive units ($20-30) are injection molded and made in HUGE quantities.
Now, in direct answer to the OP as to why I don't make a "Scrap Yard" type sheath:
I could use thinner material, cheaper hardware, ignore the finish and put minimal effort into the fit, thereby allowing me to spend a great deal less in time and materials per unit. The difficulty arises when I consider that I've invested considerable effort, time and $ to establish what I hope is a good reputation as a sheath maker. If I make the "Scrap" sheath and that's the only one someone sees.....what then happens to all the hard work I've already done? Some of that could be remedied with advertising, but there again, cost is the issue. That would be the reason I have yet to buy an add in a magazine (the things are bloody expensive). Now how could I re-capture the $....hmmmmm. Well, I could charge more for the sheaths right? Aaaaand I'm back at square one but I have a crappy rep because I let junk out the door with my name on it.
A couple of the reasons "Uncle Gerry" is able to have the less expensive lines are the cost of INFI vs. other materials (SR 101 and S-7) and production methods, some of which were already in place (CNC), and injection molding (which requires capital...which he has).
On a side note I am doing some production style work (OEM), but quantity is much higher for those folks, and they charge full retail for the product in order to make their margin. I also have to make a substantial investment of time and material to make the tooling in order to do those units. (Some folks at Blade '09 know who I'm doing this for)
I agree with this, and would also like to add... There are many sheath makers who purchase a $600.00 knife so customers will not have to loose theirs in the mail sending it in for a sheath.
Although this may be considered a perk in the sheath business it is also a large purchase that must be paid for with the sales of its respective sheaths. Technically no money is made until 12-15 sheaths are sold, and sometimes thats all the sheaths you may sell for that model.
Just my $.02
I hate it when you've invested so much time and have a great piece going and then one little mistake ruins the whole project. It used to really frustrate me but I've learned to just let it go and start over with a positive attitude.
