Knives

[JD]

Technically this should go under gear, but I thought it would get more views right here.

What kind of knives does everyone like? If you have several different preferences, such as big game, small game, general purpose, etc. please list all.

What features do you like having in a knife? Blade length, style, etc.

What prices are you willing to pay?

The reason I am wondering is basically market research. I am thinking about selling knives that I make. First available will be knives that I finish up the blanks, make scales, and fit sheaths to. Later I will start offering fully custom knives.

The first several will be all based on what I want to make. Next step will be taking orders. Ie, you want a 4" drop point blade, brass bolster, lanyard hole, and Exhibition Grade II Ironwood scales, with a dark brown leather sheath. Customer picks all the specs, and I deliver.

So far I am leaning at knife and sheath being priced between $50-$80 for models I choose. Custom knives could be in the same price range, or much more depending on options. Does that sound like a price you would consider?

I'm just trying to get a feel for what people would be willing to pay. I'd hate to get into several knives only to find out I lost money. LOL

Thanks for your input, and thoughts.

JD

[Deleted]

Let me say this first, "I love knives". lol

Ive got so many quality knives that its hard for me to choose which one to carry.
I prefer a Lockback for everyday use & carry. But I do love a fixed blade for combat purposes. I keep a few, just in case.
Im sold on the 110 Buck & have been carrying it for about a year. Before that I carried a CUTCO lockback. It ran me around $80.
It is the sharpest blade that I own & most practical. But I like the classic redneck look & feel of the 110 Buck.

When I look for a new knife, I ask myself 3 things. Can I use it to open the mail? Will it stand up to every day chores? Can it be used as a self defense tool & provide an advantage.(I like em super sharp)

If a knife can do all three, its a knife that Ill buy. If you want quality, pay for it.

[allhunter]

If you have enough money buy a Rapid River. They are a custom shop out of michigan and they are the best knives ive ever seen. they are literally almost to sharp. they are pricey but worth every penny

[ned]

Well like On Point, I have several knives. I carry one daily, I have my hunting knives, a antler handle hunting knife, and of course folding pocket knives that I carry every day...

JD I don't think that your price point is out of whack, I'd love to place an order for one of your quality custom knives but I'm not sure that they would make it across the border to me. Good luck with your business.

Ned

[passinthru]

I have always used Kershaw knives. Good quality blades that are easy to sharpen and can handle alot of abuse. Thats what i look for in a hunting knive.

[jtrtmt]

I have been using Buck knives for the last 4 years. I have the Buck Omni Hunter Fixed Blade Knife it runs for right around $50 for the one they have now. The one I got 4 years ago I havent seen out anymore the lasts 2 years and that one ran me $75 so I picked up another one last year when I seen they were only $50. Really really like them. It has been the only knife so far that I can keep a sharp edge on and not have to sharpen after every use.

Heres the spects on mine
Blade length: 4".
Overall length: 9-3/4".
Weight: 7.3 oz.
With a gut hook. Must have a gut hook

[JD]

Thanks for all the replies, and input. It is greatly appreciated.

I am going to go ahead with a small initial run and see how they do. I think it will be two 3" blade, and a 4" drop point. If the response it good, I will continue on.

I definitely will be doing some gut hook knives. Also, most will be 440C Stainless that are Cryo treated. The cryo blades hold their edges a lot longer.

Ned- Shipping knives to Canada is not a problem. You just have to fill out the proper form with the Post Office when I ship it. So if you see one you like, or want to place a special order later, please do not hesitate.

I have also decided to offer all knives here, first, at a member only discount. As in, I will post them here for a week or two before selling elsewhere for a higher price. Also, if a member here wants a special order, I will give them a discount on those as well. I'm thinking a $10-$15 discount on price and free shipping.

Thanks again for the input guys.

JD

[jtrtmt]

I would like to see them. I would be interested if I see one I like

[allhunter]

hey you ever want to have someone test them out let me know. Out here we are shooting anywhere from 15-50 birds a weekend. id be interesting in seeing how they work.

[Deleted]

Im interested in seeing some pics.
You should document the process for the forums here.
I will definitely be placing an order very soon.
Im gonna need a few for the boys for the holidays.
Lets talk soon.

[JD]

Let me know what you were thinking. Blade length, style, what type of wood, etc.

I'll get pics posted as soon as I get them finished up.

[Deleted]

Id love to have a Bowie with a deer antler handle.

My pops had given me one when I was 17 yrs old but it was stolen out of my truck a few years back.

If I recall, it had a 7 inch long blade & a 5 inch handle & a hefty leather sheath.

Is this do-able?

[JD]

It's doable, let me do some checking to see what prices are. Was there a tang nut on the back, or was it a blind tang?

[Deleted]

The nut was on the back with a short lanyard attached.

[JD]

OK, a few more questions. I take it you would like a knife that looks as much like the previous one as possible, correct?

So far, Bowie blade ~7" in length, with a 5" handle. Handles are deer antler, with a tang nut. Was the lanyard hole part of the tang nut?

What did the guards look like? Were the just straight, and stubby? Were the guards polished, or satin finish? Was the blade polished, or satin finish? Please try and describe it, the best you can from the tip of the blade to the base of the pommel with as much detail as possible.

So far, the antler is going to be the hard part. I will be checking, but I may already have some antler that will work. Do you have any antler that you would like to be used?

Also, were you wanting a sheath for this knife? If so, please describe it. Brown, black, any other pertinent info.

If you decide to do this, I will cut you a very nice discount. I have never done a knife like this and will use it as a learning experience. So for that I am willing to keep the price down as low as possible.

[Deleted]

For the handle, I would like to use the Crown end of the antler. But unfortunately I dont have a shed that size.


To best describe it I should just show you a picture to help you visualize it.




This isnt the one I owned, but it is the general idea.

[ned]

that's a great looking knife. Good luck JD i'd love to see pics of the one you put together.

Ned

[JD]

That is what I was thinking. Have the pedicle for the pommel of the knife. I think it looks much better than having a tang nut on the end.

OK, a very important question. Will this be a display, or working knife? Makes a huge difference in the building techniques.

[Deleted]

Id really like it to be a working knife, but it will be on display in the gun cabinet.

[JD]

OK, then I will built it as a worker that looks good. I will cement and pin the handle. If it was just for display I would only cement the handle.

Like I said in my PM, this one will take a while. As in, probably 2-3 months. Tracking down the right piece of antler is going to be tricky. It has to be a shed so the pedicle is good, and it has to be fat enough and without brow tine in the handle area. The antlers I have won't work. It was a 140 class buck, but their is too much twist on the main beam, and it has huge brow tines.

I have found a couple online that would work, but I am not paying $150+ for a shed antler and I doubt you want to either. lol I'll keep searching and find the right specimen.

Are you set on whitetail antler? Mule deer might be easier as several I have seen did not have brow tines, or they were up higher on the main beam. hen it would just be a matter of finding one without the twist.

Next important question. Would you like a mirror, or satin finish on the blade?