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The Business of Knife Making A forum dedicated to all aspects of running, managing and legal operational issues relating to the custom knife making and custom knife selling industry. |
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#1
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Sheaths
Hi Les, I have always enjoyed reading your posts and have learned a great deal and for that I thank you. My questions are concerning custom sheaths and the knives they carry.Do you find that it does improve the sale price greatly or just makes the "package "complete? What do you think the percentage of knives you sell are sheathless? Do you find more makers doing their own or having them done by a sheathmaker? Thanks for your time.Dave
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#2
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Hi DC,
Always happy to read that people find my posts informative. Regarding sheaths, most buyers expect to get a sheath with a custom fixed blade knife. I would say that less than 1% of my fixed blades come without a sheath. Many of the ABS knives I get at shows come without a sheath. Usually at that point I go see Kenny Rowe to see if he has something on hand. If not he takes the knives home with him. I have even swapped out the sheath the maker provides for a tactical fixed blade and have them send the knives to Tactical Tools for a sheath. Yes, I think the sheath is an important part of the package. With two exceptions. Those multi-thousand dollar knives that will never be carried or stored in a sheath. I used to provide my customers with an expensive padded case to store the knife in. The other exception would be a "art knife" that is meant to be displayed around the house or office. Most knife makers do an excellent job of making knives. Unfortunately, most do not make excellent sheaths. If you can find someone who can make your sheaths for you I would suggest that choice. The down side is the shipping costs back and forth and extra time to have the sheaths made. The up side is that you spend more time doing what your excellent at. The extra knife you would make instead of doing sheaths will probably more than cover the costs of out sourcing your sheaths. __________________ Les Robertson Custom Knife Entrepreneur Field Editor for Blade Magazine www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com |
#3
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Thanks Les,I am surprised at the low percentage though as I would have thought it was higher. Probably because many makers don't display the sheaths also.But you visit many more shows than I do and much more well informed than I am.
I will agree that some makers would do well by outsourcing sheaths and would get a better price by having a nicer sheath and thus a better "package".I myself love sheathmaking and probably put as much time and effort in it as knives but that is me and I will agree probably not the best business sense.Should I ever try to go fulltime I will probably have to rethink my decision but for now am very happy doing both. Dave |
#4
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Hi Dave,
If you like to make the sheaths, then you probably do a good job at it. Additionally, you probably have the correct machines. The problem with making your sheaths is that they are usually not cost effective. That is to say every time you are making a sheath instead of a knife you are loosing money. Yes, I think if you do decide to go full time you may have to re-think your decision. __________________ Les Robertson Custom Knife Entrepreneur Field Editor for Blade Magazine www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com |
#5
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Then again, if you REALLY like making sheaths you can do like Chuck Burrows and be a leather specialists who makes some knives too. Then you'll be one of the guys other makers send knives to for sheaths and you can make more of your money from that.
__________________ ~Andrew W. "NT Cough'n Monkey" Petkus |
Tags |
art knife, blade, fixed blade, hunting knife, knife, knives |
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