I think that this concept has merit. With that said, I am not clear what your goal is for doing it. Are you trying to produce an entry level price point base version of existing models? Are you trying to simplify production by making a larger batch of knives with plain black, natural, or green micarta for example? I guess these questions are my way of saying that I would like to hear a little more detail from you about where you want to go with this idea.
Thanks Chris!
Phil
I too would like to hear more on this!
I’m interested in hearing details too.
Here is the general Idea, and depending on you guys feedback and replies it is open to change a little.
- I would like to offer one maybe two particular models at a time for pre-order once a month.
- I am pretty sure I can handle 8-12 knives with a 2-3 week turnaround time. This is a little less than half my production capacity at the moment in a given month.
- I think at the moment I would require a 20% deposit. (Example on a $285.00 knife a deposit would be roughly $60) The rest would be paid in full when the blades are completed prior to delivery.
- Based on interest on a particular model would dictate which ones I would do first and how many.
- I would like to offer a few different handle material choices, G10's, Micartas (Sandblasted)
- Your choice of liner material and pinstripe, or commando.
- Your choice of pin material and lanyard tube material.
- Your choice of pin layout between the 4 smaller pins or the two larger pins.
I also plan on teaming up with a sheath maker to offer an optional sheath as well.
To answer your questions more specifically
Comprehensivist
Yes to both of those questions in a nutshell, even though I have not opened my books in over 2 years I still have a substantial demand for custom work.
All out custom orders take time to coordinate, communicate, plan and execute based on material availability, and workflow, custom orders also take me away from selling in the public as well.
I am not saying at all that I do not like doing custom orders but they are definitely more time consuming, especially the more elaborate ones. I feel this is a sort of compromise in that area but not my main reason for wanting to try this. I see a demand for certain configurations and models. I believe this will work in the customer and my favor.
In the customer's favor it would allow one to choose their configuration in a limited nature. Allowing one not to have to wait for a particular handle configuration to come around in relative terms. Guaranteed delivery of the knife you want with a quick turn around. More accessibility for those who do not favor the current sales platform for whatever reason. Work in progress pics in a dedicated thread so you guys can see you knives being constructed.
In my favor, it would allow me to up my production by streamlining production, it is easier and quicker for me to make batches of the same model. It also allows me to be more consistent when making multiple knives. This would also help me cut down on materials sitting around and allow quicker turn around on my material investment. It would help give both the customer and I the maker a little bit more predictability.
I feel this is a win win situation for me the maker and you the customer.
All that being said, I do not plan to abandoned making knives and handle combination of my choice, I would like to do one pre-order a month and the rest of my production would be my choice of blade profile and handle material/design. Probably just one sales thread month of my choice in the later part and the pre orders during the first half of the month.
I plan on writing a separate thread in a few days with a few polls to gauge interest in Blade profiles and handle materials.
I would appreciate any opinions and feedback!
Thank you!
Chris Linton
Osprey Knife & Tool
