Your ideal knife STORE. Suggestions please.

K

Knifeclerk

Joined
Jul 16, 2004
Messages
1,083
Hey all;
I'm curious what all of you would like to see in a knife store. What, in your opinion, would make it stand out above all others. Are there any particular brands or models that would make you smile and hang out a while? What are some of the staple items that a good knife store MUST have? I think that I have done a pretty good job putting together an inventory to satisfy the knife nut, but I still want to make this place better. So give me your thoughts on what knives, multi-tools, axes, tomahawks, swords, flashlights, etc.
I'm really anxious to hear all of your thoughts.
Thanks.
 
The 3rd and 4th comments are based on the assumption of a web-based knife store.

- Excellent customer service
- Great selection of quality knives.
- Outstanding INFORMATION about the knives: detailed specs, blade thickness, weight, size, materials, etc. Includes good pics.
- A ratings/comments system is essential.
- Competitive prices. Don't have to necessarily be the BEST prices, you can make up for not being "rock bottom" on price if you have great information, good service, etc.
 
Here's a tip--if you're looking at starting something up, find a niche that no one else does and do it well. You can't compete with the big guys in a selection or pricing war. ;)
 
Most knife stores around here don't carry much of the higher end things. A few CRK's, Darrel Ralph designs (HTM and custom), and maybe even get some customs in of various sorts, from some of the awesome makers on here, would certainly let me know I was in a classy store. Get some Fiddleback Forge knives, a folder from peter r, get some good stuff from local knife makers in the area, etc. Not a lot, but having a high end/custom section would be a good touch, I think. Maybe some Spartan blades or something else like that too.

Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw are must haves. Cold Steel is well known, and most places carry them. ESEE, Becker, Bark River, Condor would all be good touches, and a SAK section wouldn't be bad either. If you have a ton of Gerber crap, I'll probably just walk out and leave though.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Here's a tip--if you're looking at starting something up, find a niche that no one else does and do it well. You can't compete with the big guys in a selection or pricing war. ;)
Click to expand...

Good advice. I've ordered from 42B a few times because of his niche.
 
I say its all about the customer service. Be ready to talk about personal opinions and guide people who are newer to knives through everything.

Also a wide range of products (tomahawks, knife care products, axes and multitools) is also important.
 
for a web-based store - using your own photos of the knives in addition to, or in lieu of the manufacturer's photos.
Most manufacturer's only show the sides of the knife and you can never really gauge how thick they are.

One of my favorite web-based cycling stores I buy from because they take the time to do their OWN write-ups and detailed photos instead of using the manufacturer's. It really helps.
 
A wide selection of production, semi customs, some customs and of course beautiful busty brunette saleswomen... all located within 5 minutes of where I live.

one can dream.
 
For a brick & mortar shop, have a paper wheel sharpening station in the back that customers could use for free (with the proper waiver/disclaimers, of course).
 
Eneyman: Depends where in CA you're located! We already have a very small selection of custom work, but it sounds like I'm going to have to start getting some more. Thankfully, I have a very enthusiastic sales staff that loves learning and talking about good blades.
 
PM or email me with your store name and location so I can stop in when I'm over there . . . I'd like to stop in since you seem to be trying and reaching out to the knife community.
 
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an EDC shop would be great. stock things like production, semi custom, and custom knives. offer sharpening services. sell other EDC type gear. Maxped, surefire, 4sevens, fenix and streamlight to name a few. also stock paracord in assorted colors and some buckles and various materials needed to make 550 bracelets.
 
In a physical shop
-Large Selection
-Ability to place custom orders
-Sharpening supplies and services
-Competitive Pricing
-A walk in humidor with a selection of cigars and cigar products
I know cigars aren't entirely relevant, but the only good knife store I have been to was actually a cigar shop that also carried high end knives. The two went hand and hand with the clientele most of the time
 
Knifeclerk said:
Thankfully, I have a very enthusiastic sales staff that loves learning and talking about good blades.
Click to expand...
That's a major plus; good salesmanship goes a long way. That combined with selection and the ability to physically handle and inspect the knives are mainly what keep me going back to real knife stores and paying at-or-near full retail when I could just spend 45 minutes browsing then hop online and buy the same knife at 2/3 the price.
 
-large selection
-knowledgeable staff
-Some high end/ custom pieces (and possibly offer a monthly payment system on these)
- Decent selection of related equipment (i.e.: pouches, cases, sharpeners, oils/lubricants, strops, tools, polishing compounds etc.)
-good customer service
 
1. must have a capability to repair, customize or make a knife from scatch.
2. have a white board, some scraps of cardboard, pencils and scissors ready for customers who want a custom.
3. orders for mfg or named custom makers must arrive in less than a month.
4. must understand martial arts (particularly edged weapons fighting.)
5. the workshop should be instructive. offer lessons on anything from hammer forging to sharpening a knife.
6. have a good stock of O-1 tool steel bars of various widths and thickness
7. warn buyers never try dumb things with their knives (piercing coins, cutting steel bolts, etc.)
8. give quick and accurate answers to questions like pros-cons of ____ (flat, convex, concave, scandi...)
9. have a big sign that says, "I can't help you in deciding between fixed and folding." have a generous display of either one.
10. not give away that you're a spokesperson for a big manufacturer.
11. chinese-mades must be clearly labeled. those found hiding among the other knives will be summarily destroyed or sent to the forge.
 
I have found a terrific knife shop.... Really off the beaten path in the mountains of va....... Great selection of the top brands.....Esee Becker Kershaw ZT spyderco kabar and tons of others..... Google knife shops in va.... Look for the one in the mountains..... Lol...... You are looking for something NEW.

GREAT SELECTION
GOOD PRICING
EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE
DISPLAY CASES ARE TALL
ABLE TO SEE EVERY KNIFE EASILY
 
Nathan Ihrke said:
In a physical shop
-Large Selection
-Ability to place custom orders
-Sharpening supplies and services
-Competitive Pricing
-A walk in humidor with a selection of cigars and cigar products
I know cigars aren't entirely relevant, but the only good knife store I have been to was actually a cigar shop that also carried high end knives. The two went hand and hand with the clientele most of the time
Click to expand...

Bro, you just described "Northern Knives" in Anchorage, Alaska. If you ever go there tell them that Josh who was stationed there sent you.
 
You've almost described 1stopknifeshop to a T.
hank_rearden said:
1. must have a capability to repair, customize or make a knife from scatch.
2. have a white board, some scraps of cardboard, pencils and scissors ready for customers who want a custom.
3. orders for mfg or named custom makers must arrive in less than a month.
4. must understand martial arts (particularly edged weapons fighting.)
5. the workshop should be instructive. offer lessons on anything from hammer forging to sharpening a knife.
6. have a good stock of O-1 tool steel bars of various widths and thickness
7. warn buyers never try dumb things with their knives (piercing coins, cutting steel bolts, etc.)
8. give quick and accurate answers to questions like pros-cons of ____ (flat, convex, concave, scandi...)
9. have a big sign that says, "I can't help you in deciding between fixed and folding." have a generous display of either one.
10. not give away that you're a spokesperson for a big manufacturer.
11. chinese-mades must be clearly labeled. those found hiding among the other knives will be summarily destroyed or sent to the forge.
Click to expand...
 
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