How to start my own knife business

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Freedom556

Freedom556

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Not sure the correct place to post this.

My wife and I want to start our own online knife store but I am not sure how to become dealers with most companies. Do we have to have a an actual store front? Do we have to create a website FIRST? Any help would be appreciated. We know most companies require a several thousand (if not 10's of thousands $) initial order. I've looked at dealer application forms and most of them ask for "store name" but if we're just getting started and don't have a store name yet, how do we do that?
 
Most big knife companies won’t sell direct to you without a brick and mortar store. Many will send you through a distributor which is another middleman to make money off you.
 
I think you are going to need a business plan. What are you going to do to set yourself apart from DLT, KSF, Blade HQ, Knife Center, SMKW and all the other companies selling knives? You need more than just putting your website up. The competition is pretty stiff.
 
To be honest, I mostly just want to sell 2 or 3 brands as a side business. I have no problem investing 50k in microtech and just a couple others.
 
J. Hoffman said:
I think you are going to need a business plan. What are you going to do to set yourself apart from DLT, KSF, Blade HQ, Knife Center, SMKW and all the other companies selling knives? You need more than just putting your website up. The competition is pretty stiff.
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What he said.
I had an internet knife business in the early 2000s. The margins are pretty thin mostly because there are lots of people and companies willing to sell just over cost. Ebay was bad back then.
An area where I did well was selling CR and William Henry. Seems like the higher end stuff was in demand. I couldn't keep them in stock.
When I set up at the Tulsa gun show I was the only one with CR. A couple years later and lots of tables had them. Chris Reece is an arrogant sort, by the way.
All in all it supported itself and was fun, but I couldn't quit my day job.
 
Freedom556 said:
Because they always sell
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I live in California and own 2 Microtech OTFs - Cali legal - so I think MT has knives for any state.

I think what some are getting at is that you will be offering essentially the same knives as all the other dealers. If you could come up with an identity that is a bit different, you might find a niche. I.E., you could specialize in traditionals. Or only customs. Or only tactical knives. You could carry a variety, but you should figure out a specialty that will draw shoppers.

One thing to consider is that long-time dealers like BladeHQ can have makers do custom scales, etc. that only they will carry. As a new dealer you probably can't do that as manufacturers will want a historical sense of how many knives a month you sell before they commit to special scales, etc.

Just some thoughts. Best of luck to you.
 
Beware:
Title XV Commerce and Trade:

§ 1242. Introduction, manufacture for introduction, transportation or distribution in interstate commerce; penalty​

Whoever knowingly introduces, or manufactures for introduction, into interstate commerce, or transports or distributes in interstate commerce, any switchblade knife, shall be fined not more than $2,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

Does not seem to be enforced, but I'm not looking to bunk with Bubba.
 
In my experience, standing out as a knife dealer is all about finding your own unique selling point.

When I started my online knife store, I decided to focus on vintage and collectible knives. It's a niche that attracts enthusiasts who appreciate the history and craftsmanship behind these pieces. By specializing in a particular style or era, you can create a loyal customer base.
 
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