View Full Version : Cost estimate
Bill H.,
What do you think it would cost to take a piece of good (not exotic) steel and grind an edge around it, temper it, and then fit slab scales (micarta or some such) for a handle? Not guard, fullers, etc, with a nylon shealth. I have a knife constructed in this fashion 20 years or so ago, think I paid perhaps $80, see new ones now for around $300. Is this a reflection of the economy or some greed?
MVP
Bill Harsey
12-03-2010, 10:59
Bill H.,
What do you think it would cost to take a piece of good (not exotic) steel and grind an edge around it, temper it, and then fit slab scales (micarta or some such) for a handle? Not guard, fullers, etc, with a nylon shealth. I have a knife constructed in this fashion 20 years or so ago, think I paid perhaps $80, see new ones now for around $300. Is this a reflection of the economy or some greed?
MVP
Depends on the knife and the steel used. the price quoted is not out of line.
materials can run 1/3 the cost of making, the rest is time.
All materials costs have gone up.
I wish knifemaking was as streamlined as you describe.
After paying taxes and shop bills, insurances, mortgage or rent and chow... take away at least another third. the goal is to try and keep the shop open and make a living.
You can choose to not buy the knife.
Bill,
The knife I tried to describe is the Ek M-1 and I think building it is really about as simple as I said.
Yes I can choose not to buy, just trying to gauge if this factory, not custom knife is reasonably priced in regards to other knives exhibiting much higher workmanship with more labor and materials involved. I was thinking $150-$175 would be more in order.
MVP
DJ Urbanovsky
12-03-2010, 13:38
MVP: Knifemaking isn't rocket science, but if it were really so simple, everybody would do it. Making knives is a lot like playing the bass - playing the bass is easy. Playing the bass well, not so easy. ;)
MVP: Knifemaking isn't rocket science, but if it were really so simple, everybody would do it. Making knives is a lot like playing the bass - playing the bass is easy. Playing the bass well, not so easy. ;)
I build bikes, nice bikes, (Harleys, BSA, Norton, etc.), I build old trucks and cars too. I can build really nice houses, even made a few pens with Tatonka316 one afternoon. I even assembled a few old shotguns in my time. All easy.
Knife making, not so easy. A really good knife, that much harder.
I'll let others do the heavy lifting.
I've already selected my next knive, now trying to talk him down.
He want two bikes, one truck, my 9 year old, (because he has potential) and my favorite horse. Considering all of it as fair.
The Reaper
12-03-2010, 14:27
He want two bikes, one truck, my 9 year old, (because he has potential) and my favorite horse. Considering all of it as fair.
Cheaper than an ex-wife.:D
TR
Cheaper than an ex-wife.:D
TR
Q: Why are divorces so expensive?
A: Because they're worth it.
Barbarian
12-06-2010, 14:15
He want two bikes, one truck, my 9 year old, (because he has potential) and my favorite horse. Considering all of it as fair.
Must be a nice knife!
The knife MVP is talking about is a factory made knife sold at a custom price. I think he could find a more dependable knife of similar make, for a lower price. Or a much nicer knife for the same price.