Your ideal knife STORE. Suggestions please.

Thanks for the suggestions, everybody. While I think doing customization for folks (except for sharpening) is probably a ways off, it sounds like we've got things moving well in the right direction. Custom pieces are coming in slowly, but we just got a nice sized order of Arno Bernard's work. I like the idea of working with some of the makers on the forum and maybe getting some of their work in. Out of curiosity, should I bother with William Henry? I always liked their stuff, but after talking with them it sounds like our store might not be quite "Fancy" enough for them. Should I keep bothering them, or just double down on our Reeve selection? Also: Strider? I've never been wild about them myself, but perhaps I should look at them again. FWIW, I run a military surplus store. So maybe they are a needed addition by now.
 
I personally think you would do right to sell Strider and CRK for sure. You aren't competing with the big box internet dealers whenever MAP pricing is part of the equation. All you really have as a handicap is the sales tax. So you can compete almost equally if you can stock these items.
 
We actually began stocking Chris Reeve last year, and we can't keep them in stock. I'm leaning towards Strider right now, but I seem to be having trouble contacting them. I met Spartan Blades at SHOT, and they seemed like nice enough people.
 
Calling them may be the best way to reach them.

Knifeclerk said:
We actually began stocking Chris Reeve last year, and we can't keep them in stock. I'm leaning towards Strider right now, but I seem to be having trouble contacting them. I met Spartan Blades at SHOT, and they seemed like nice enough people.
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I'd say insure there is a good selection of good knives for the inexpensive crowd. No gas station type, flea market stuff. Names like Mercator, EKA,

Douk douk, Opinel (all sizes), Svord, Kissing Crane, Okapi, the made in the US modern Schrades ( fixed blades like the one designed by Mistwalker), etc.

There is a market for inexpensive knives but they sure don't have to be junk, or stuff bought in lots of 200 on late night TV by guys that don't know a thing about knives much less quality.

Plus, know your market. If it's a big hunting area for deer hunters you will want to stock items useful that will sell.

Don't hesitate to go for the online market. It's the future. There are the bones of failed gun and knife stores across the country because of this. As far as the regular, big name companies don't get them too involved or get yourself backed into a corner. A knife store that only sells Benchmades, for instance , is doomed to failure.

Good luck
 
Thanks Mastiff, the good economy knives are very important to us. I hate dealing with the uber cheapies, so we've been doing more with Opinel, Svord, Byrd, and the Boker Plus line. I think I'll look more into the EKA, Merkator, Okapi and Douk Douk. You just reminded me of a couple of the brands I was afraid I had overlooked! We are moving more and more of our blades online, and I'm happy to say that we're seeing movement (especially on our older Spyderco lines.)
 
If I were visiting a knife store, what would impress me most would be variety and selection.

Of secondary importance:
Sales staff that is helpful, mature, and knowledgeable.
Competitive prices.
Convenience. Hours, location, easy access.

Of less importance:
Internet presence. Forums, online sales and ordering, well-maintained website.
 
Under full disclosure I am an apprentice knife maker at fiddleback forge working with Andy Roy and Dylan fletcher

Look into working with some younger/ apprentice knife makers as an economical option to your high end knives. Not only can one get a hight quality knives at a reasonable prices but to speak for my self I will always appreciate my early customers and as my skill improves and my name grows i will repay them for thear faith in me.
 
my day job is at a ski resort, and during the times i need to lend a hand to the front line or carving station during a large rush i notice a few things. doesn't matter whats for sale its the employee who makes the deal. its the environment that makes your money.

the local outdoor camping stores by me lack something. good employees. its always the older retires looking for a easy day job to keep busy. with a lot of knowledge but never willing to help. when i walk into a store and start looking around i like a knowledgeable friendly employee. he needs to be able to give suggestions and know the products. he sells the knife to me. and i have been convinced into further sales many times by quality knowing employees.


another item i like of a store is a up to date inventory. i hate seeing these para military 1's at the one shop i visit selling for for 165! thats not right. the store needs to stay up to date on knifes and even offer preorders on knives. i would love to preorder throughout the local shop than online.

if i can think of more things that might help i will be back. good luck with your business
 
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