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How much $ ?
Topic Started: May 23 2017, 07:34 AM (83 Views)
Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
A post from another forum I participate in...
In, say, the last decade, for a single kitchen or butcher knife, a single belt knife, a single pocket knife?

We have used up the last couple of years in dealing with the estates of two friends that I was executor for, and going into that we sold out nearly all portions of the business, knowing full well that I never would be content to do NOTHING after all of the dust settled, but putting off the decision as to what I would pick up on when the time came.

Now, the time has come to decide and do something again, and I think I want to go back to the knives, but this time I want to actually think it through as to what price range to target.

The bottom range is not an option. You can buy pakistani knives for a buck or two, and Chinese are prob'ly about the same. Many look pretty good, but of course the steel is mushy on all of them and they will not take or hold a razor edge. I wouldn't want to make stuff like that at any price.

Previously, I have targeted the range right above those, because the lower the price, the more customers are available, and I sold a LOT of knives for a time, at least a lot for a one-man shop, but I got regular custom order requests for knives that would sell for a lot more, which makes me believe that I was perhaps aiming too low.

Previously, all my stuff was high (mostly REALLY high) carbon steel, cutting and edge holding quality second to none, fit and finish 'way down the list to keep prices low. My premise was that anybody should be able to afford a good high carbon stell blade, tempered to a hardness that woud butcher an elk without resharpening, and that I could assume that anybody wanting such a knife would be mature enough NOT to use it as a crowbar and demand warranty if they broke it. Most modern factory knives are tempered soft so they won't break no matter what, but they lose the keen edge and edge holding ability. I was correct about that part. I never got a knife back with a broken blade. They went out sharp enough to shave with, packed with a couple of band-aids each. Mostly, they looked kind of primitive, which a lot of people liked but some turned their noses up at, which is fine. I want a customer base I am comfortable with, and that does NOT include the optics-first crowd.

I have some time, I am still building belt and disc grinders and have to decide if I want to build another power hammer, but this is the time I need to also start doing some research..... So, how much?......


My response was I'd pay $50 for mass produced, $100 for really good steel from a small shop. A bit more for custom on a standard design.

What would you pay?
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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Mark
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HOLY CARP!!!
I'm an "optics matter some" type.

I would need to see a photo of one but your price range sounds reasonable.
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Klaus
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HOLY CARP!!!
My favourite kitchen knifes are very cheap. They cost less than $10 each. They are not stainless, and they need a little more attention, but it is very easy to get and keep them very sharp. I don't know much about metal, but the advantage of the metal being stainless comes with a price, namely it's harder to keep it sharp. We do have many knifes in the $50-$100 category, too, but if we have one of those cheap rusty ones in that size I prefer that one.
Trifonov Fleisher Klaus Sokolov Zimmerman
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
The best "cheap" knives:

http://ontarioknife.com/cutlery/old-hickoryr.html
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
In kitchen gear I have not found price to be a determinant of usefulness. Right now I use a couple Cuisinart knives, maybe $20 each, that are great. Also have a really old Chicago Cutlery boning knife that is great. Had Wusthof and Henkels and was unimpressed for the buck. They did not hold an edge or feel any better. I tend to run mine through the hand sharpener every so often and that keeps a sharp endge on them.
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George K
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Finally
What kind of hand sharpener do you guys use?
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
George K
May 23 2017, 08:13 AM
What kind of hand sharpener do you guys use?
I'm pretty crappy, so I cheat:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lansky-Sharpeners-LKCLX-Deluxe-Sharpening-Sys-5-Stones/137853167?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=7090&adid=22222222227053634484&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=154948372775&wl4=pla-267485282398&wl5=9058069&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=115068335&wl11=online&wl12=137853167&wl13=&veh=sem
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
If I was a real man, I'd have one of these:

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/victorinox-40089-14-regular-cut-knife-sharpening-steel-with-rosewood-handle/35340089.html
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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Klaus
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HOLY CARP!!!
Hey, I have the Lansky set, too!
Trifonov Fleisher Klaus Sokolov Zimmerman
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