Howdy y'all. Through a random series of events, I find myself in a position to have some blades made by mountain man, and I am trying to figure out what to order! I know that I can sell bowies/longknives and some some custom hawks, but I can get several smaller "bushcraft" type blades for the same price, which also means that I can beat the heck out of one on camera...and when in doubt, ask your friends! Any input or design suggestions would be helpful. I'm in a fairly blank slate position as far as the order is concerned at the moment.
I have options, but the steel is probably going to be carbon if I know my friend. Haha. My biggest plan is to sell the things. I make most of my living at gun/craft fair type of deals, and my clientele and their wants wary with the wind. I am going to be tieing up a fair portion of my limited business funds in this, so I stressing it a bit. I feel like saying "outdoors" as the "planned use". I get hit up for skinners, I get hit up for fighters, I get hit of for survival knives, and hand made knives, and just about everything under the sun.
In what price range does your clientele reside? Are they interested in practical or display pieces or both? Do they like a nice bright finish or primitive forged finish? This is about what your market wants....
I'm mostly practical. I don't want fancy since function and form should be in harmony. The trick is finding the balance that works and can still appeal to the majority. As far as need is concerned, I keep it simple as well. (notice I did not say "want") One or two really good skinners One, excellent fighter Several durable and practical utility blades A very good axe One bushcraft knife (Scandinavian grind zero edge) One folding pocket knife that can stand the tests of time and perform most tasks I could extrapolate further and describe each, but it really is mostly just a personal preference (so I won't). I do recommend using the best grade steel you can afford and the heat treating must be to the highest standards.
Not mine... I Wish!! Just some styles I like. Nice steel, artistic yet practical handles and ment for work.
