SHOP TALK | The Cost of Handmade Knives vs. Mid-Tech Knives

[@Broadhead76]

People will drop $1200 on an iPhone that will be junk in a few years. But jaw drop at the cost of a handmade knife by a craftsman that will last generations. It's baffling to me.

[@pr0faker]

Its the mentality of most people, use and throw away instead of buying good stuff for life. Sad thing is most of the industry is aimed at that and pushing this bullshit to us. I have an electric coffeegrinder from the 80ies, still goes like a train and was like 90euros back then at least. Now you can buy one for 15 or 20 and it will work for a couple of years, maybe 5-6 if you're lucky.

[@IrishPotato86]

People don't value craftsmanship and heirlooms anymore. They will sell a family heirloom to make a quick buck. We live in a society where nothing is made of good quality, and of something breaks, you toss it out and buy a new one. We used to take out televisions and vcr's to the repairman.

[@mbm2355]

-junk in a few years- *replaced in 6 months* :/

[@captainchaos3053]

@@pr0faker Hey faker, I'm pretty sure you didn't buy anything in the 80s. Not for €90 anyway!

[@pr0faker]

@@captainchaos3053 wow, so clever, I am amazed at your intellect. Did I ever mention I bought the coffee grinder? No. I have it, but never said I bought it.

[@beatlebomber]

"The man who works with his hands is a laborer. The man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman. The man who works with his hands, brain, and his heart is an artist." You sir are an artist. Thank you for sharing your wisdom you have learned. I know that I for one have learned a lot from your videos. Thanks for sharing. People need to remember that you pay Rembrandt prices for a Rembrandt. You can't buy a Rembrandt at Walmart either. You pay what the artist commands.

[@IAW888]

Beatle Bomber I like what you wrote here. It hit me like a rock in my head.

[@Mr16bit]

On the cheap junk is expensive. A friend told me a quote from his old Czech grandma use to say; I can't afford to buy cheap things. Very true.

[@IrishPotato86]

I didnt understand the work that goes into baldesmithing until a friend invited me over to his shop and let me beat on some steel. I gained a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry and the blood, sweat, and momentary sacrifice and time put into the equipment and work for each blade. I learned not to ask an artisan what they have that's cheap, as that is rude and a craftsman who take pride in his work, doesnt sell cheap stuff.

[@randomguyfromtexas1185]

I started making knives about 10-12 years ago, nothing major and mainly for myself, but started getting back into it within the last 8-10 months to get me back on my feet some after being disabled due to 9 back surgeries and haven’t been able to work in 8 years WHICH SUCKS. Now since I’ve gotten back into I started selling some here and there and doing some custom knives for people and mostly when I tell them my prices they’re good with it, but I have the occasional few that look at me like I just punched their mom in the mouth. After I explain to them what it takes to make a custom knife and the time that goes into one and a sheath they usually change their mind, but I do run across the occasional few that still think they should get a custom handmade knife for dollar store prices. I just politely tell them I can’t do it and go on my way.

[@johnthunert9421]

Sold my Harley to buy a Coal Ironworks 16 ton. Learning is tough enough. Never let your equipment limit your potential. Totally agree.

[@trevergoick8960]

3:50 one of the greatest lessons to be learned. Those people who are “Captains of Industry” this is the only commodity that really matters and you can never get back! This man seems to me to be the Tom Bomadil of the bladesmith world. Thank you for sharing your mind with us.

[@elijahmcgeorge5198]

Hey man thanks for this video I’ve been making cleavers and selling them and it’s very fun

[@cleatussfmo7437]

"I make what I feel like making." It takes passion to reach that point in your craft. The glory of being a craftsman, and a good one, is that when you make something no matter what it is, people want it. When your name is known for the quality you produce, it doesn't matter if you are making chefs knives or letter openers...people want them.

[@TonySeverioKnives]

Preach man! I’ve had to give this sermon many times! People will not hesitate to buy a 1000 dollar telephone but cringe at a 250 dollar fine handmade knife. Love your work!

[@grizzlybear6176]

As my grandfather always said; "things are just that. Things. They can be replaced, trashed, given away. Don't let things dictate what you do in life." Lots of great words of wisdom in your vids.

[@jbrusticforge3061]

I wish all my clients could watch this before they commission me. People want hand made for Walmart prices

[@Atom_Alchemist]

okay okay, but will you accept a whole foods budget? I kid i kid, i plan to get a forge soon* and try knifemaking, i understand the value that pro's put on these knifes/blades and wholly appreciate em.

[@ryanb1874]

Love machines but damn, how many machine produced knives does the world need....

[@allendean9807]

If they don’t want to pay, simply send them bar stock, and let them know that’s what they paid for..... the knife is in there, somewhere....

[@VietyV]

i want to start making my own knives and holy crap the shipping cost of steel in Canada is absurd. It's 30 something dollars of shipping for a 1 foot section of steel and none of my local steel warehouses carry anything good for a kitchen knife

[@hexorforprez6961]

Ya its like oh I want it for 30 bucks man the materials are 30 dollars and it took me 5 hours to make it

[@demarsouthard3620]

Economics 101: If he sells all the knives he can make, then he's not asking too much for them. He may be selling them for too little, but not too much. If he has knives left over at the end of a reasonable period of time, then maybe the price is too high. The market clearing price, the correct price on the supply/demand curve is where everything manufactured is sold.

[@gravytrainoutdoors]

Solid advice! Your work is your legacy and will be around long after we are gone. When you make something which you sell or give to another person you really are selling part of yourself that will live on. That is why you should always put out your very best and never sell yourself short. Finding that balance with what you can charge and vs what you need to charge can be a tough thing to navigate when starting out.

[@NoogaJack]

I'm an artist. Tattooed for 12 years professionally.. People would haggle using the rationale of " it only takes a few minutes to do that tattoo or drawing . " It took me 10 years to learn to do that in 10 mins. It's not a flea market .

[@jimhills1265]

It's that way with many professions. I'm a mechanic by day, and there's always the person that wants to argue about the labor cost. Same thing---you aren't paying for the time it takes me to do tour ball joints, I can do them very quickly and they're done right. You're paying for the years I've spent working on thousands of cars in order to do it. You're paying for quality from my experience. It's the same with all the trades.

[@outcast_performance]

@@jimhills1265 as a mechanic and a bladesmith myself I couldnt agree more

[@Ta2edfreak]

You pay for the years of training/experience not the minutes of work.

[@knifethrower9733]

A lot of tattoo artist take there time just to charge more or to watch the pain they inflict, I paid extra $400 to a guy who been tattooing for 40 years and finished my hole shoulder in 2 hours, and we don't normally tipp in Australia

[@NoogaJack]

@@knifethrower9733 i for one never did that. Do the work and move along.

[@gordongrice9856]

I first saw you as a judge on Forged in Fire and I appreciated you directness and your honesty. The comment made that you are an artist is right on. I do leathercraft and your advice on pricing has caused me took look at my stuff in a new way. I have had a small number of clients that insisted that i take more than what i quoted. Definitely not the norm. You are right on about not buying junk tools. Keep up the awesome videos. Thank you.

[@anthonyp7051]

I took notice bk in 2014-15 when I was pulling up American custom forge knife makers. Stayed out of eBay and didn’t take long before I seen your kukri and Fighter Bowie’s. I had you at my highest standard. Now instead of reaching out to to buy one of yours I want to get in on a shop weekend and come out with one I made with your instruction. For whatever reason I’m starting to prep my food more with a healthy serving of meat,veggies,and doing slow cooked and stews. Thx Jason for your way of sharing.

[@rockd8946]

Enjoyed your wisdom… spoken well. I subscribed! Looking forward to seeing more. I always try to express … CRY ONCE…. Don’t be cheap!

[@blaksson]

Experience is valuable. Design quality is valuable. Individuality is valuable. Hand craftsmanship is is valuable. Your time, as you have said, is the most valuable commodity you have, and it's not like a machine turning out a soulless knife in a few hours - you've put far longer into it than that, and you should receive a commensurate rate to compensate you for that time and the materials and the experience and the unique nature of the design. Do not be ashamed of that, Mr. Knight, it's just that the general vox populi internet who is used to the machine-made items are surprised when they compare the soulless creations to a piece of functional art. And let me say that I love the angle between the handle and the blade, that subtle curve on the spine of the knife makes a chopping rocking motion much more efficient - and proves to the doubters who don't know who Jason Knight is that your design knowledge is on point. Love your work, carry on, Sir.

[@ShikokuFoodForest]

My grandfather’s knives he made are beautiful, one-of-kind, unique creations, absolutely irreplaceable. There are no identical knives in the world. Priceless in my opinion.

[@jameshull5274]

Buy once cry once is my way of thinking. Nothing but respect Mr. Knight.

[@johnarnettsways.8758]

Jason thank you for opening my eyes on the subject of pricing. I have been underpricing my work for too long. Your correct sr. Time is the most precious commodity. Thank you for the video sr. God bless

[@theslacksmith]

im currently in the process of transitioning between making what people want, and making what I want, and this video gave me quite a bit of confidence. Thank you for the wise words.

[@CrisAnderson27]

I love this. My 8" to 10" chefs knives go for $1200-$5000. My last 6" tall petty went for $1500 in 3 days, and the customer thanked me for the opportunity after using it. Justifying price is such a weird thing. If you have to justify...they aren't your market. Another thing, I will clean up my customers knives (if they need to sell) to new condition...and sell them for current new prices. The customer gets full value back, I make a bit, and the market stays healthy. Oh, also...gorgeous knife brother!

[@threezysworld8089]

That's awesome. Watching Forged In The Fire for a while now because blade smithing seems to call out to me. Something about doing something that people have done for millennia. It seems special to me. Like honoring tradition. I will get into blade smithing one day soon.

[@FireCreekForge]

Great points. I've made a lot of $200 knives, and that's paid the bills, but the progression I'm on is toward fewer, special pieces.

[@jamesaapollock]

This video alone has changed how I’m planning on getting into blacksmithing and bladesmithing. I had planned on saving up a few hundred dollars and just getting what I could. I think I’m going to instead save up much more money and get some much more quality equipment. I like that philosophy of sticking with quality equipment that will last and enable me to really grow as a craftsman. Thank you for sharing your thoughts man.

[@leoszes]

great talk, that takes some anxiety of my mind regarding "selling stuff" I'll have to come back here, once I actually reached that stage. really appreciate it.

[@jeffreyhilljeffshandforged2149]

Love your view point. If you want something bad enough, you'll sacrifice to get it, if you don't then you'll make excuses. Drives me crazy when someone says they want something, but put no effort into making it happen, they just keep doing the same old thing and making excuses and expect it to fall in front of them.

[@shawnegan8625]

Jason I use to be a cook and food prep. One thing I noticed when using chef knifes is they are so much more comfortable when the back of the blade is rounded off

[@seanbrando_7456]

Thank you sir.....I needed that today. I can use an "anvil like object" until I can buy what I really want. You just re-enforced all the things I thought I knew about quality and patience. There is time--buy the best and do what you love with it. I have found all this applies with gunsmith/armorer's tools also...quality tools really do shorten the learning curve. Buy once--smile forever.

[@Kaglaaz]

Sign on maker's wall: "My prices are based on my talent and experience... not your budget"

[@adambaldwin258]

I heard a plumber say he wasn't charging the person for the parts, he was charging for the 10 years it took him how to use them properly. Good, fast, or cheap- pick two.

[@PrimeMatt]

I love that!

[@jeanladoire4141]

Most craftsmen i know stay humble about their years of experience, and surely enough, people don't know why things are this expensive, to people, what we make in my company are just easy to make... Lol

[@billybob8247]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate the wisdom. You left me with some food for thought.

[@montanalivin8248]

You just gained a subscriber from me... I just made my very first knife, without a forge (rose bud tip and a torch), my equipment from now on will not be second class. I just learned from your video that having the best tools will give you professional results, if and only if you love what you do. I've been in the construction trades for 20 years, and my passion for knife making has just now been realized. Thank you for your advice and outlook.

[@TheMongo1357]

Great honest video Jason!!! Sure miss you on FiF....you are most certainly INSPIRING!!

[@neilpetersen5287]

Everyone wants a Cadillac at Pinto prices!! Love that your on you tube Jason. Keep makin that content!

[@thewarriorpig3151]

Thanks for the advice on purchasing tools, clarifying the pricing and general knowledge. It all makes sense and I needed to hear it from an expert. Motivation just kicked into high gear! Thanks!

[@jlpservicesinc1452]

Jason, you make so many good points.. I as a blacksmith for 43 years and as a former bladesmith who still dabbles once in a while, the same facet of money I get asked about all the time.. How do you justify 125.00 per hour.. My response is "How can I not charge 125.00 per hour". Back in 1990 I was getting 60 per hour.. Today that same 60.00 is like making 120 per hour with inflation. As for tooling, Spend as much as you can afford and then throw in enough you will be eating lean for a month.. Take what you would spend on beer money in a month and throw that into the mesh.. or what have you. I do a lot of demos. Not one piece on the table is marked with a price.. When someone asks what is the price, I tell them.. They buy it. more power to them.. I'm thankful for the sale.. They don't buy it I add on 5.00.. Each time someone askes me the price.. it goes up 5.00. With this I have found time and time and time again.. Value is of the beholder.. I set the price.. it sells great, it doesn't sell all the better, because when it finally does sell. I'm usually way out in front of it.. Some would say.. "Thats a terrible way to do it.." Yes it might be, but when that item which was originally was 75.00 and it sold for 150 because of how many times the price was asked.. I now know the price was set to low.. Anyhow, I like that you started to put more videos out there and I only recently rediscovered your channel.. Best J

[@scottmalcolmson4584]

I didn't know you were on forged in fire, honestly a was surfing the interwebs, learning to weld and starting a bladesmith journey...and I came across you. And was like hey...this guy...this is the guy

[@Spence1976]

Gold is for the mistress -- silver for the maid -- Copper for the craftsman cunning at his trade." "Good!" said the Baron, sitting in his hall, "But Iron -- Cold Iron -- is master of them all."

[@jacobkotten338]

If you think about gold for the mistress and only silver for the maid that’s kinda jacked up true but jacked

[@TeamJacobWV]

I first saw you on FIF, but you were IMMEDIATELY my favorite judge. It was your obvious skill, and super cool personality, that grabbed our attention. My son and I continue to follow you, long after your exit from the "game show". Jason, you are a rock-star to us. Getting my pic with you at the Pigeon Forge Grudge Match last year was a treat for me... as a musician, it was like meeting Eric Clapton or Travis Tritt. I drop $800 - $2000 on a guitar without a second thought... because I buy QUALITY that I can trust and depend on! Knives are no different! A JKnight custom piece would make a GREAT gift (hint hint... to my family that may read this comment!)

[@Andy-hb1pf]

This video was the one that inspired me to get into the craft and the one you did with “fans of the forge”. It really does put things in perspective.

[@bradwilliams427]

Jason it’s really good to see a personal side. What you are saying is %100 true. Buy the best and there’s never regrets.

[@danwerkman]

So late to this video...infact it's a re watch....but it really came just at the correct time. Thank You. Just what I needed.

[@richardlawton1023]

I made carved Briar tobacco pipes for many years. It took me around 30 hours to make a fancy pipe. What should it sell for? The cost of supplies average 60$. 30 hours at 10$ per is 300$ I averaged 375$ per pipe. That's 15$ profit. I should have sold for 500$ plus but the market wouldn't bear it. I salute you for being able to sell your knives for a good price. Well done Jason.

[@voiderofwarranties8113]

There isn’t enough that can be said about how much I appreciate and enjoy the honesty and truth of this video. If you have to ask you wouldn’t understand.

[@mrscary3105]

I just paid 1,500 for a guitar. If I got a hand made blade I understand I am paying for hours, or days of the work of a craftsman. I have to pay for the steel, pins, scale, cost of using and upkeep of gear, and 1,200 seems fair. (You do great work Jason)

[@h.walker1332]

@Bunty McCunty That's a stupid statement if I've ever heard one. The amount of work that goes into something is only as much as you put in. Anyone can make a meh knife and anyone can make a shitty guitar. What separates the bad from the good is how much work is put in. So maybe think about how dumb your statement is before you make it.

[@paulholmes128]

@Bunty McCunty if that guy doesn't like ur guitar music.. Penatration with the other object will work a treat 🤘

[@mikeymartin4949]

You are an awesome person. Well spoken points. You are selling the one thing that you can never buy back...Your time....

[@TREACB]

Jason, I bought a rack of ribs with a couple sides for $65 the other day, TAKE OUT! There are hundreds of thousands of people in America that make $1200 before you are finished your first cup of coffee in the morning. Many of these people are smart enough to respect fine craftsmen by never complaining about your price. As some of us know, forging iron IS literally shedding blood, lots of sweat, getting dirty , and sometimes tears, (if your shop burns, or your not wearing safety glasses....) , but we like it anyway. I say congratulations on your success in bladesmithing. Your knives will be used for generations.. if someone should lose the knife, it will be found, restored and be cherished again for even more generations. Keep making. Love that. This is the gift blacksmiths and the like give to the world. Have a good day!

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

I agree 100% it definitely makes sense. I want to start into the whole blacksmith/bladesmith/maker/craftsmen lifestyle. I have for a while, just could never get things together to do so. I was showing my youngest brother some knives of true mastersmiths and what they cost, I tried to explain to him why they do cost that, from the market value, the experience of the smith, the skill and time the smith has and takes, etc... the fact that it is one of one or one of very few vs say the same Buck full tag knife for $50 that are in every Walmart/Cabela's/sporting goods store and there are thousands upon thousands of. He would say, well it does the same tasks and does it well enough for him. Some people would be afraid to use a knife that costs that much, I say well if you don't abuse it you shouldn't worry about that. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomahawk5118]

On my list for knives to buy are Jason Knight, Daniel Winkler, Will McAllister, and more from Ryan Johnson. So many great makers out there. Support these guys!

[@kevinfitz3721]

This is one of the best video's I have seen on KZbin

[@brawldawg8729]

Good points. I have always been into knives, as tools. As a kid whittling win my first SAK, then a Barlow from Kmart, and on and on and on. Now, mid-techs cover my love of knives as tools. They are fine for me and relatively inexpensive. I understand the woes of the craftsman, due to my ownership an use of full custom 1911s. I waited 10 years for one from one of my favorite gunsmiths, and I paid well over $5000. The base, itself was a simple blued Colt Series 70, which in and of itself was little more than a $1000 piece of canvas. I explained to my smith the features that I needed in order for it to fit my needs as a duty weapon, and gave him carte blanche on everything else. I wanted the gun to fit my needs, but to offer this fine craftsman the freedom to create in whatever manner his imagination took him. I know that meant something to him, which in turn, means something to me. Prior to that particular 1911 I bought a few full customs, a couple handfuls of "semi-customs", or "mid-techs" to the knife world (Ed Brown, Wilson Combat, Springfield Professional, etc.), and started with a basic Kimber Eclipse. It was a long and expensive journey, but the knowledge gained was, and is, invaluable to me. Further, I was given an opportunity to pay one of the best, a fair wage, to create a piece of art, a machine, that I have used for over a decade to protect my beautiful family. And now, we are lifelong friends. Respect the craftsmen for their time, talent, and dedication. Open your mind and heart before your wallet, and you'll gain more than you could have ever imagined. And do not scoff at "mid-techs". They are quite similar to the small section titled "chef's specialty" on the menu at your favorite restaurant.

[@reneemills-mistretta790]

Hi Jason. I hope to see more of your teachings.

[@daven953]

From one shinney head to another, that's a beautiful knife.

[@blakeparthenay3049]

Damn i am just starting to make knives, and i think i needed this video more than the people trying to buy my knives... The whole equipment and learning curve thing, that got me!

[@onehappydawg]

I know this is an old video for you but it’s new to me. A lot of great advice and wisdom in this. Thanks. And you can never have enough coffee ☕️😁👍

[@shawnmorgan7457]

Thank You for making video and sharing your art.

[@Infoulnessyeshallknowthem]

I appreciate you and your talent. I also enjoy your shares of knowledge and experience. Thank you Jason!

[@dustinchambers4172]

I agree bought a bowie blank off eBay and it broke off at the tang....30 bucks thrown down the drain. But that was a learning experience. I just made a mora no. 2 with an antler handle and so far I feel like it's going to be a beast bush knife/every day carry.

[@justinwells2451]

Hey Jason I'm a huge fan of your work and I couldn't agree with you more

[@kellylatten1718]

Cheap labor isnt skilled. Skilled labor isnt cheap. It's the same thing I live by when someone complains about the prices of my blades. I'm nowhere near as good as you, and I'm very aware of, and humbled by that, but i know that what i/we do, is a skilled art. I've been smithing for 8.5 years now, and I watch your videos and take to heart what you say and the advice you give.

[@LtDan-tr6qc]

When I was working on cars people would always tell me to rack up a bunch of debt on these really expensive power tools right from the get go and while I believe that yea that would help me get the job done faster, it would also make me feel spoiled and I wouldn’t appreciate it as much. So I feel that for me starting out smithing I’d like to stay with the hand tools and what not until I can definitely afford nice power equipment because that way I’ll be able to appreciate them better

[@9716-i7f]

As the owner of my local gunstore says. "buy once, cry once"

[@joshwilson3884]

9716 5739 this is hilarious. I can relate

[@paulholmes128]

@@joshwilson3884 guns dnt kill people the price does 🤔😭

[@heldenkreuz]

Enjoyed, appreciate, and respect your perspective. Excellent commentary. Thank you for sharing...

[@dennisobrien3618]

A custom knife by a good maker will usually appreciate in value over time, more than any factory/midtech knife.

[@tomhill8467]

Man if you're having to explain the concept behind higher prices for extremely high quality custom handmade stuff to these knuckleheads then theyre already lost. Great stuff bro thank you for sharing your craft

[@georgemalekosjr4020]

I appreciate everything you do to share your knowledge with us. I admire your work.

[@whilomforge3402]

If ever I were able to buy a custom knife, it would be from you, Jason. I seriously appreciate your attitude and outlook on the things that really matter. I also wish you were on Forged in Fire more often.

[@johnpalacios6752]

Well spoken Jason. That’s a beautiful knife.

[@DiesInEveryFilm]

Get what you pay for, people waste money on drink and other stuff yet complain when it comes to buying a hand made knife, funny thing is they wouldn’t want to work for a small amount but think we should. Great video mate people need to see it.

[@hootenknives153]

great message. I think alot of folks get into knives not really understanding these things. especially price.

[@RRbobreed]

People who request a knife from you are buying a handmade knife made by a master with all your expertise involved in its design and production - it costs what you believe its worth. If people didn't agree, they wouldn't buy it. Obviously, this isn't the case, end of discussion. I do appreciate that you care enough about your audience/viewers that you want to explain your pricing, which says a lot about who you are as a person.

[@aureolaborealis]

“Junk is expensive.” I learned this with shoes. I was buying a $100 pair of running shoes for my office job every year. They were cheap, moderately comfortable, and they were falling apart by the time I replaced them. Then I bought my first $300+ pair of hand-made shoes, and I realized they only needed to last three years to be the same cost. They fit better. They look better. They have personality. And they’re still going strong.

[@animalmother3526]

That's insane to me. I've been wearing the same $30 pair of running shoes from Kohl's for 3 years. Granted, they started coming apart a little after year 2 but they're still holding up. I'm not particularly heavy so maybe that's a factor.

[@robertovasquez2099]

That it's the way it works around the world, no matter what you do as long you do the best you can do. I always said " El que compra barato compra a cada rato ". Great quality has a price and ain't cheap but it's worth every penny.

[@williamharrison8116]

Great advice thank you for passing it on .This is usable from life and business very well said .

[@idjota]

I had no idea you were from Charleston. I am one of those that saw you on forged in fire. Great talk!

[@troyounce3295]

Beautiful knife, love the handle and pin placement. Will last several lifetimes if well maintained

[@cliffordpace6921]

Thank you! Great stuff!

[@TheSpeep]

I'm struggling with this too atm. I'm a beginning hobby smith, and I'd like to start selling them at some point, but if I wanted to sell them for a price that matches the time and effort I put into them I'd feel like I'd be asking way too much for them...

[@jimburns1927]

Jason you are a awesome Blade smith! No need to explain to anyone why you charge --- for your functional Art work! If they don’t like it go to a department store and buy whatever 🙏

[@scottg77r]

Really great advice!! I was really glad I got to meet you at the DT gathering a few months back.

[@mattwyeth3156]

Thanks that's some really good advice about equipment

[@gundanium3126]

I spent 7 months trying to get a budget bandsaw to cut straight, after 6.5 months of trying i had one asked a father figure of mine who's hobby is furniture making if he could come to get it set right. it worked for 2 cuts then became misaligned. Luckey i ordered it from amazon and it seemed to be defective so they refunded me it despite it being out of warranty. the saw also happened to ruin a lot of my nice expensive exotic wood boards i bought to make scales from, i am now going to be saving up for a nice rikon or craftsmen bandsaw and just stick with my trusty Japanese style hand saw till then. , however, this is just my opinion however i feel its far better in the long run for someone who is going the self-teaching route for bladesmithing to use an el-cheapo 4x36 sander as a there first grinder. I am glad i did this as you can not hog off lots of material with a 4x36 sander, and because of this in the almost 4 years i have been smithing, i have gotten really really good at forging to near-finished shape, and understand why you dress your hammers. it's also why i use 5 or more hammers to make anyone knife. i am now using what i feel is the king of the budget grinders a Palmgren 2" x 42" Belt, 6" Disc bench finishing machine and I still maintain my hammer disciples as it is an ingrained habit now.

[@bruceprosser8332]

Wisdom! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

[@lancecpldave]

This was interesting thanks. This sticks with me because im in a spot where I'm a cheap ass but I often just do without until I can buy a nice version of what I want. I dont buy cheap junk but I try to wait until I can afford the nicest version of what I want

[@dgonzales8146]

Its nice to here genuine commentary

[@RoubidouxCreekOutdoors]

I agree, I have to many hobbies and I need to down size so I can up size to nicer equipment for my knife making.

[@shadyvito]

I'm amazed the you have to explain cost and demand to people. A custom knife by a master is an heirloom.

[@troyounce3295]

People are trained to buy throw away items. Once they get something of quality they might change their mind.

[@franotoole2702]

As a fellow craftsman i agree with you 100%, cheap is crap. Ive adapoted the motto, buy the best you can afford at the time. Especialy if your just staarting out, its easy to think that i just need to get started i cant wait to afford a better machine etc...but the thing with starting out with cheap crap is 1, its not going to last so its a very short investment,which means itl have to be replaced sooner rather than later and 2, if you do want to upgrade when you can afford it , it has no resale value, so not only does it cost you, but you have no return on your investment!!

[@Homemade1970]

Well spoken I make some knives and ppl say sell you knives cheap just to sell I say I put this much work in to them I would rather keep them then give it away 👍👍👍

[@davidrogers182]

I completely understand where you’re coming from I’m a retired doctor and people pay me more now to be a consult it than I ever did when I practice regularly junk is too expensive it’s a waste of your time and your money

[@patmancrowley8509]

I enjoyed this, Jason, thanks.

[@GodseyKnives]

Great message

[@chrisrevell6889]

I prefer to make my own tools from scratch and repurposed material. I want to experience the entire process. However you get there you must enjoy the process or it shows in the end product. I much prefer to watch Jason on KZbin than Forged in Fire. You are an interesting master craftsman sharing knowledge and that is a wonderful thing.

[@conpetkos930]

To ALL Craftsmen , Always remember " GOOD " isn't cheap ,,, and Cheap isn't " GOOD " . Never undersell your self .

[@jamesyamamoto5155]

I have a couple Japanese knives I brought back from Japan. They were expensive, but since I take very good care of them, they should last a very long time. I plan on giving them to my kids someday. Hopefully they'll be something that's passed down through the family.

[@jamesyamamoto5155]

@@JasonKnightMS Especially if you use them a lot. I think of my grandfather every time I use the tools I inherited from him.

[@anderssorenson9998]

I'm not a fancy person I use cheap puukkos and shepherds knives, they are what I grew up around they cost almost nothing and last for decades, It is kinda sad that they don't have many traditional makers but you can still get one if you want one.

[@jordanrelkey]

Every person that has tried to make a living with the help of any kind of tools knows the absolute paradigm of difference it makes having quality tools to do that work. Monetary value doesn't always correlate to quality, but when quality is inherent then supply and demand eventually dictate that high $ value.

[@johnvanderwalker4830]

"Time is my most valuable commodity" AT the base of our lives the only thing we really have is our intellect and the ability to put it in motion with labor. In the end everything else is superfluous.

[@patrickmurray9409]

I'm a sculpture,who has been doing it for almost 30years, an I still have the knuckleheads that you was talking about. I'll politely tell them to Walmart an mab they can one there lol.

[@trankwillx]

U ok