Knife Making Vlog 4 Dreams Of Full Time

[@Simplelittlelife]

That's awesome man! I totally hear you with the wanting to do it full time. And with the always feeling your work isn't prefect enough. In the past few years I've bought some bark river knives. I started handling them and pouring over them like I do my own blades and I was shocked, but my knives are ground better, and finished better. As long as I got the heat treat right, my knives are better than the 3 barkies I own. I'm sure just the same as your knives. Hand made knives are still made by hand. They'll never be flawless, but rather they'll always have some of the makers character in them. I hope it all goes well for you man! I've really been enjoying your videos, keep them coming and keep up the great work! Cheers!

[@phl_knives]

Simple Little Life It's really hard to look at your knife or anyone elses without noticing all the little things like a tool mark or a high pin that if you aren't a maker you would never notice. I have friends, family and customers who carry and hold my knives and I'll point out things that I see that they still don't see. I know how you feel Mike. I'm no where near as talented as you or Mike in this video. Great videos on both of your parts.

[@mattyduncan4679]

love your videos man. huge inspiration.

[@schmidtforge1946]

"it's not good enough for me " that my friend is why it's turning into a business for you. because you take pride in what you do and it shows. you've by far been the biggest inspiration for me on making knives

[@zxcvbnm6669]

Videos are the best. I learned alot from them... keep it up.

[@brucekaralash5054]

You are destined to make knives fulltime! You have a chance to make a living doing something you love and your an amazing knife maker bro! Giddy Up!!!

[@EkimKnives]

Thank you Bruce!

[@rickhall5399]

You are doing the same thing rethinking you're name that you're doing with the knifes that you think are not perfect.... Funny thing is we are so much alike it's amazing . The name is great you are great you,re knives are great.....and nothing will ever be perfect except ..... The passion to pursue perfection never stop that.

[@Capthrax1]

Im super critical about my blades as well. But its okay, in the customers eye it'll be perfect. Most of the time its the most minor of things that you think are wrong. I give the blades (if they are completed ) to my girlfriend and brother and tell them to look over it and see if they can find the flaw. They hardly ever find it. Most important is that you are a human not a CNC machine. The check list is a good idea, I often find my self spending copious amounts of time in the shop. I'll skip breakfast, lunch and finish in the shop at 6:30-7:00 and not feel the need to eat until an hour after i've left the stop. Like an hard core addiction. Do the rest of the days chores or other things i need to do that day in the non-knife hours. I find it hard to find the balance between customer knives and my own personal projects

[@markstefan1]

Great vid Mike! Keep the name Ekim, it works well.

[@EkimKnives]

Thank you! You guys have all spoken..Ekim stays!

[@landonporter77]

This is your gift and passion. Just do it.

[@landonporter77]

Typed that before you finished... Keep the name and the brand. Some of the highly polished pieces you've done... Seems like there's something subconscious going on with "mirror"?

[@CKKnifeandTool]

Kudos Mike! I made my first knife about a year ago then finished by 7th last month.... 5 customers later! I love the hobby but hope to one day make 4-6 knives a year for future customers. I use 3/16" D2 and keep everything in-house. Heat treat and all. Yeah, maybe a bit crazy but this "hobby" is cool. Will continue to be a fan and follow your channel. Keep up the great work and videos!

[@JoeyAtilano]

Every time I watch one of your videos what you say is exactly what I think. I'm being held back from selling knives for the same reason - every little flaw I see and I say it's not good enough.

[@EkimKnives]

The best thing about that strive for perfection is when we are finally ready to sell our work, it will be that much better than the rest!

[@davidglaittli6680]

Mike, thats the one problem with making something yourself.....you see EVERY flaw that, like you said, 99% of people won't even notice. I am the same way with my pens....if I show a pen to someone and they say it looks amazing, all I can think is "You don't see those scratches?".I think you would be very successful if you went full time. Between the quality of your work and the passion you have for knives, you can definitely build a very successful company.....which you have already started to do. Good luck, you know I'll be here supporting you all the way. -Dave

[@EkimKnives]

Thank you Dave you have been one of my longest supporters and I definitely appreciate that! I was hoping by now the "curse of the maker" would have been easier to manage...nope your eye for detail just gets a little sharper lol

[@bumstudios8817]

your the sh%# because of your down to earth personality and humility! please don't ever change! the problem is when you are good and trust us you are good! you hear it all the time and that can change you. I don't see that happening with you... but you never know. I hope you do go full time because you have put the work in and deserve it more than most who are already there!

[@storm9872001]

I'd wear an EKIM Knives T-shirt proudly Mike. You have helped me so much with your tutorials and all. I really don't think rebranding is necessary for you. Your work speaks for itself and tons of people know you by EKIM Knives already. If you aren't happy with it though, the sooner the better I'm thinking.

[@jaxhaxl]

The name is Awesome! I would buy a t-shirt with that name and logo

[@gaspointknives]

I am in the same boat mentally. I have had coworkers offer me good money for knives that I was not proud of so I refused to sell them. I have 5 years to grow my dreams into a full time business. Along with a notepad I painted a chalkboard (rattle can paint) on one wall of the shop to help me visualize what I need to get done. Makes it real easy to glance over and keep me focused and on track. PS: I vote for keeping the name it stands out and is simple yet unique. Think buck, case, EKIM. It could always be pronounced EHKIM not EEEKIM

[@dondavis769]

Hey Mike, I will through in my hat with the other folks that said they like the Ekim name and your logo--I would stick with it and continue to grow the brand you already have going. Trust me not every knife maker out there has 3500 followers on KZbin. I have been a maker for about a year now, and am just getting to the marketing solution phase myself--so it's not that simplistic. I have really appreciated your videos, and like your personality in general. Best Wishes and all the luck in the world to you.+++

[@steveowalk]

I appreciate your vids and your work Mike. I think Ekim is a fine brand to stand behind, not sure what you see negative about it? But, I hope you do go full time making knives and can make a living to support yourself. It is my dream as well and I am just starting out so your videos are always inspiring and keep me pushing. Best of luck to you brother.

[@EkimKnives]

Not necessarily negative but more of a goofy name lol. Probably just overthinking it when what really matters is the value I can deliver to the knife community. Keep pressing on, give it your all and we'll both be at the top!

[@allenglishknives6823]

Hi. Thanks for the video. FYI I sold the second knife I made for £60. The 3rd and 4th for £120 each. That money paid for a LOT of steel and a shoulder of top quality leather. Sell your early knives for a little less, your customers will still love them and like you say they won't see the small imperfections. Also they'll love them because you made it, it's a custom knife 👍🏻 When your knives are perfect you can charge more 😄 That's my philosophy anyway. Good luck and thanks again for all the videos.

[@joexg50]

I think what you're talking about is you got the bug to be better at what you do, called PASSION. U have it like it or not Mike. Stay with it, one day you'll look back on this and laugh and smile thinking back. Glad you can do it and keep getting better.

[@EkimKnives]

Thank you Joe! I've never been this focused on a goal in my life before. I can freely admit that I am passionate about this. I want nothing more than to provide the best I can for the knife community and to learn everything I can along the way!

[@osirisbladeworks6219]

I am overly critical of my work too, I have been working on some blades for a while and can't seem to them out because they aren't perfect... But someone told me to never loose being critical of my work, never look at it as perfect because I'll stop pushing forward and plateau... So in some sense it is a good personality trait, turn the trait u don't like into something u value...

[@EkimKnives]

Very well put! I agree completely that our desire for perfection is what will keep us growing and with enough time and effort we could be among the best!

[@GranTorino49]

First of all....EKIM is a great name for a knife builder...totally unique. A Mike...you're right. You need to get over your phobia cause maybe one out of a hundred handmade knives out there a really and truly perfect. My knives are rustic in appearance and people love them. I've never sold a perfect knife and never will but people understand that...they really do. Make your blades...price them appropriately and they will fly off the shelves. Good luck..your customers await your blades.

[@AR-ce3yx]

Mike in your video you show a steel, two question: which kind of steel and if you already grind it or you buy barrel so shining. Thanks again for your patience and good luck for your future brand

[@eternalknives9829]

You might think it sounds goofy, but I dont think many people share that opinion. It shows where you came from in a way aswell. Also, the name doesnt make the brand, the product makes the brand. Cool product = Cool name.

[@resacacitydesigns4905]

Hey bud just wanted to tell you I am a subscriber to your channel. I am new to knife making love doing it but need to get much better. I look at your work and I'm light years behind. Recently a few of my buddy's talked me into selling knives even though I hesitated I decided to sell some on eBay I was so excited and scared when the first one sold but I got good reviews on it. I still need to improve but I feel I get better with every knife I make. I watch your videos to learn more and inspiration when I run into a bar of steel and my lines don't wanna cooperate with me and I'm chasing them. I do put on the description that I'm new to this and take pictures of the blemishes peoplestill buy them or basically give them away all I aim for is to make enough to buy more material. I to have a full time job 6 days a week I usually don't start on knives till 7or 8 pm n go till mostnights 1 or 2 in the morning. Anyways I went on to long already keep up the good work thank you for the insparation

[@EkimKnives]

Don't worry about feeling behind! Every knife maker out there is...after all its likely the oldest invention by mankind there is. Our unique abilities and functional art is what separates us in the knife community. You'll make up those light years in a hurry! Trust me on that one! I'm a big advocate in handling your sales in the manner you do. Honesty and doing the right thing for people is always the answer! Congrats on your sales! Oh and I'm right there with you with the full time job. 60+ hours every week there is getting real old lol

[@resacacitydesigns4905]

+EKIM1428 Yes it is I average around 55 a week. Thank you for the words of encouragement and for responding your videos have helped me a lot keep them coming because I'm learning form your videos. Basically I tell my girlfriend you my KZbin teacher lol. Hopefully one day I can make enough money to buy one of you folders they look awesome.

[@jakobpowerflexer]

its crazy.. I have all the same "problemes" have so many knives i have done im not 100% happy with, im just starting a new knife every time. instead of fixing the small thing.. I have all the thoughts about going full time

[@EkimKnives]

I do the same thing! Minor mistake means I start all over again!

[@paintballnsk]

I switched all my full tang knives over to 3/16th too except maybe the little edc sized knives. I make a bunch of 9 inch knives that 3/16th works perfectly for. 1/4 is way too thick in my opinion for most things I'd want to handle.

[@shaunm2208]

Hi Mike, really enjoy your vlogs and great tutorials, I'm just getting started in knife making, I'm a mech fitter by trade so know the importance of good tools, I have a Beaumont works grinder and drill etc, would you purchase a heat treating kiln ? Or put the money into something else

[@DerKaffeemann123]

Dear Mike, two questions: First: When do you update your website with knives for sale? I keep waiting for a newsletter from your web shop day by day. Second: Why do you think you need to re-brand? From my point of view "EKIM Knives" is an awesome brand name and I'm jealous that neither my first nor my last name are suitable for such a catchy but still personal brand name...I wish you best luck if you really want to go full-time. Just make sure the knive-making stays your passion and doesn't degrade to "just the job you do for a living"... ;) -Best regards, Timo

[@EkimKnives]

Here's the totally honest answer. I haven't updated it since I built it with anything significant. I will get it done however and when I do, I will be sure to make a video about it first. Then the in stock notifications will start coming in! Thank you for the compliments about the name! I think I second guess it because when I tell people about it they always seem to ask what it means and sometimes I feel a little silly explaining it to them. I should be focused on making the best knife I can instead of worrying about a name. Looks like Ekim is staying for a while longer lol

[@DerKaffeemann123]

Thanks for the honest words. It's good that you take your time and I really appreciate you want to be up to par with your own expectations before putting the blades up for sale. Nevertheless, I won't stop bugging until one of your awesome knives is mine. ;) For the name, I understand it feels a little awkward to explain your brand name but I'm sure this will go away with the time. Im convinced that in the near future, you'll be way too popular to get asked such questions...

[@PandaKnivesRo]

I also have to do something to grow my following, here on KZbin and also Instagram. It is very hard to get out there and be known and sell my knives, cause that is what we want and NEED in the end. Good video, mate! ;)

[@EkimKnives]

The biggest thing I noticed to growing a following aside from good content is consistency. If you make a habit of posting on a regular basis with content that you're proud of you will grow! When you think you don't have anything worth posting, post something anyway! It takes a while but the growth will come if you work at it!

[@PandaKnivesRo]

Thank you! I have to agree with what you said. People need to see that you are active and can expect new content from you. I plan to upload to youtube more in the future, kinda new at this but hopefully I can create something worthy of watching. Haha!

[@patkern8612]

like your videos think u should go for it if thats your dream from what i see you do great work keep up the good work

[@TheEvilways101]

thanks for the help today with my pheer grinder! much appreciated.. wish you all the best in the knife biz! theres only a few channels on here that I've learned something from and yours is definitely one of them! so thanks for all the help, and keep making knifes, and keep making youtube videos!! thanks dude! check out my friend and i's blacksmithing channel, Workshop Of Death ...im gonna give ya a shoutout! thanks again man!

[@drklucavi]

i don't see a reason to re brand at all. I think that you already have a brand that you could be proud of and put on a shirt. I know id wear it

[@EkimKnives]

Thank you very much! I guess its just me overthinking it. I appreciate the support!

[@tone1132]

also keep the EKIM, it's what you are, no need to change plus most people don't know it's Mike backwards. it sounds original.

[@EkimKnives]

Looks like that is the majority vote here. Ekim is staying for now. Thank you for the feedback!

[@1d3d4f5s2d]

Anyone know what happened to this guy?

[@paintballnsk]

Hey before you throw those in the trash, send them to my address. I'll uh.. throw them out for you ;)

[@fredb7814]

Dude Ekimknives and the Diablo is cool n I wouldn't change it neither...that's u that's what ppl know u by...i started out with a stupid Nickname n after a while, way too late,i thought I should change it...i did n all of a sudden ppl would say who is that or why did he change it or why is a different Name on my Blade then the Nick everyone knows u by...what a mess ...n all cause I thought I need a better, cooler,...name ... u have a cool Nick n Logo PLZ don't change it... when it comes to ocd n beeing super critical all I can say is STOP ... yeah it depends of the price u are asking n yes it depends on the customer but 99% of the time what we ,the Maker,See has nothing to do with what the customer Sees or worries about... it us n our Problem...we have to deal with it not the customer who will be happy with a well made knife n will appreciate the work we put into... as long as u are honest n don't Bullshit anyone u are good. OH one more thing I forgot to mention till now...there is one thing missing when it comes to your Knives....Test Videos... i know ...what does it prove when someone chops down a tree , splits a nail in half, cuts 20 waterbottles in half,hello Gavko... nothing...Knives are for cutting...but most ppl wanna see this stuff... n I think thats missing... just my thoughts... btw all that aside when it comes to fulltime ask yourself this,could I live with making a few Designs over n over again, do I like making stuff the way someone else wants me to to the letter.... what if all the testing,trial n error...trying nrw stuff would be gone n all thats left is u in the shop making one Blade after the others because u have to produce cause Bills must be paid...would u still love it? just talking from experience... just think about it...or do a Simulation do what u think a fulltime Maker has to do to pay the Bills n check if u like it... i think u would not only be a good fulltime Maker u would also be a good teacher n could make some extra money with that too...sorry for the rambling ...keep up the great work

[@tone1132]

the real question is, how do you talk your wife into not having a problem with you spending 12 hrs in the shop? I spend more than 5 hrs in there and I'm going to bed without supper! lol..... no but seriously.... how?

[@EkimKnives]

Lol I am blessed to have an extremely supportive and understanding wife. She never asks for anything but the rare occasion when she does, I drop it all and take her out to keep her happy.

[@tone1132]

+EKIM1428 sounds like a keeper mike! you're a lucky man. keep up the good work!