Hand Made Knives-any interest?

[JJB11B]

I have a new hobby, I have been tinkering with making knives and I have thought about getting into making some to sell to help support the hobby. Anvils, Forges, Belt Grinders, Heat treating ovens cost thousands of dollars. And you would never believe the amount of abrasives you go through.

All that being said, If I were to be selling a few types of hand made knives obviously with a reasonably quality guarantee and warranty. How many of you would be interested in purchasing a knife? I am hoping to get going on this later this summer so probably not ready for hunting season. Unless, I can pay my friend who is an ABS Mastersmith to let me do heat treat in his oven.

[JimmyHoffa]

Thought about adding a poll?

[pianoman9701]

I have two, currently. Wazukie made two beautiful matching knives for me, one of which I gave to my brother for his 60th. They're both really nice and have elk tracks etched into the blade. Last week, my neighbor who builds knives, gave me a camp kitchen knife that's just gorgeous. The handle is made of elk antler.

[Seahawk12]

Price point will likely make a difference.
I've bought 5 hand made knives in the last year.
If the price is right I would buy more.

[Wazukie]

If there is one piece of advice I could give to a Hobby Knife maker, or "hobby" anything maker, keep it a hobby.  Once it becomes a "Chore", it no longer becomes fun.  I still enjoy creating knives, but it does take me a long time to make just one these days.  The latest is almost done.

[Badhabit]

If you dabble in making Damascus blades I have some interest in some chef knives. Mainly Santoku style.

[TriggerMike]

I may be interested in a skinner. Something primarily for quartering deer and elk in the field.

[jackmaster]

I have two, currently. Wazukie made two beautiful matching knives for me, one of which I gave to my brother for his 60th. They're both really nice and have elk tracks etched into the blade. Last week, my neighbor who builds knives, gave me a camp kitchen knife that's just gorgeous. The handle is made of elk antler.

that meat clever is BA !!!

[boneaddict]

If there is one piece of advice I could give to a Hobby Knife maker, or "hobby" anything maker, keep it a hobby.  Once it becomes a "Chore", it no longer becomes fun.  I still enjoy creating knives, but it does take me a long time to make just one these days.  The latest is almost done.

Dang good advice

[rainshadow1]

If there is one piece of advice I could give to a Hobby Knife maker, or "hobby" anything maker, keep it a hobby.  Once it becomes a "Chore", it no longer becomes fun.  I still enjoy creating knives, but it does take me a long time to make just one these days.  The latest is almost done.

Dang good advice

It's very true. I've made lots of knives, and I still get excited about going out and creating a new one! But when I have a bunch on the pegs and I've GOT to go out and get them done, the fun is a distant memory. Busyness, remarrying, moving, and homeschooling 6 kids has MADE me back off and refuse deadlines on orders... it's much more of a pleasure! (I do better work too, more detail, more intricate...) I've done over 300 per year in the frenzy, now I'm on pace for about 20... creating is fun again!

[JJB11B]

As this thing gets moving I will add photos, I am having trouble getting my phone to upload pics right now but I will try to get some loaded

[JJB11B]

If there is one piece of advice I could give to a Hobby Knife maker, or "hobby" anything maker, keep it a hobby.  Once it becomes a "Chore", it no longer becomes fun.  I still enjoy creating knives, but it does take me a long time to make just one these days.  The latest is almost done.

Dang good advice

It's very true. I've made lots of knives, and I still get excited about going out and creating a new one! But when I have a bunch on the pegs and I've GOT to go out and get them done, the fun is a distant memory. Busyness, remarrying, moving, and homeschooling 6 kids has MADE me back off and refuse deadlines on orders... it's much more of a pleasure! (I do better work too, more detail, more intricate...) I've done over 300 per year in the frenzy, now I'm on pace for about 20... creating is fun again!

Definitely do not want this to become a business, but if I could sell 5-20 knives a year to help buy new equipment it would help.

[rainshadow1]

I hope to someday be empty nest and less busy, and likely I'll turn my attention to knife making as my main preoccupation (I'm a man of many sideline incomes!)… but I'll still shoot for around 2 per month. When that happens, they'll be WAAAAYYYY over the top with creativity and intricate design elements, and they'll be as close to perfect as I can make them. I hope the economy will support the idea, because they'll have 80+ hours into each piece!


Go quality. It's more fun, and will serve your reputation better. I've done budget, and don't mind it, but it's a distraction from what knifesmithing is supposed to be. Let the factories and the Chinese cover that market.

[HillSlick]

If the price is right I’d love to!


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[JJB11B]

Well. I got my new forge yesterday. Designed and built by my friend Bruce Bump who is an ABS Mastersmith. Couldn't resist playing on it for 40 minutes before work today