I like the idea of carrying Chris Reeves knives.

What about Victorinox? I wouldn’t carry their lower priced products but they do have some interesting models that are specialty based like this. https://www.victorinox.com/en-...got-1-Gr/p/0.6203.87

You could also match the line with their higher-end watches (including a mechanical model). Everyone knows them too. It’s like a Lexus, nice but not flashy.

GEC traditional folders. They are labeled under 3 different sub-brands that I can’t recall off the top of my head. I got my father a Remington “pattern of the year” made by GEC and it’s perfect. It might be hard getting them though.
https://www.greateasterncutlery.com/

Chris Reeve would be good, especially the fancier versions.

Bark River is a good candidate if you have a clientele that likes fixed blades.

ProTech would be good. They are known for automatics, but also make manual and Cali legal autos. They also make some really fancy custom models.

Case might be too plain Jane, and their QC is not outstanding.

Shirogorov by all accounts is top tier. I’m not sure how they still get imported from Russia, but they do.

TRM is higher end, though perhaps a bit plain.

Winkler fixed blades are higher end.

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:
I like Microtech.

My favorite jeweler shop in town sells Microtech knives, they have a small display. But I believe the OTFs are mostly illegal in CA.

Protech makes some absolutely stunning knives.
Many are likely illegal in Cali but they should have some that are able to be sold there.
https://protechknives.com/

quote:

Originally posted by oddball:

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:
I like Microtech.

My favorite jeweler shop in town sells Microtech knives, they have a small display. But I believe the OTFs are mostly illegal in CA.

Forgot about the legality in Ca.

I've been carrying a White River Backpacker for the last couple of years. I prefer a straight blade over a folder and this one fits nicely in my pocket.
They are a nice quality and look good, which is important from a commercial (and display case) standpoint.
They have dealers so hopefully you can make the number work.

https://whiteriverknives.com/

This is the model I have, it's now called the model 1. The blade is about 3" and I carry it in my pocket without the belt clip so it lays nice and flat.
https://whiteriverknives.com/model-1/

Check out Blackjack Knives. Very nice stuff at a decent price point.

I second Chris Reeve.

Victorinox ALOX line. They make great Groomsman's gifts especially of you engrave them.

I second the recommendation for a selection of gentleman's pocket knives. Don't overlook Laguiole knives. They are well known and will appeal to people who are not knife experts. I think they will also be an appealing gift option.

David how about contacting DOZER on here. He used to make some interesting knives

Thanks guys, will be talking to small artisanal makers and larger companies! Will keep you updated!

quote:

Originally posted by davea:
David how about contacting DOZER on here. He used to make some interesting knives

I second this recommendation. I have one that I carry everyday for a few years now.

Bob Dozier K-35 Gentleman's Knife with Ironwood grips, brass rivets, D2 blade, kydex sheath.
The vertical sheath fits me very well. Almost don't notice it on my belt.

This replaced my misplaced Bud Nealy knife. I really miss that one.

Toor Knives. They are local to you, made right in San Diego.

I think that Chris Reeve fits as well.

Add jewelry store handles to different manufactures knives?
Santa fe Stoneworks

Etsy, Stone handled knives

quote:

Originally posted by davetruong:
Will keep you updated!

As a recent knife nut I’m strangely interested in how it turns out. Knowing your customer base and what they end up buying would be neat.

quote:

Originally posted by Green Highlander:
I second the recommendation for a selection of gentleman's pocket knives. Don't overlook Laguiole knives. They are well known and will appeal to people who are not knife experts. I think they will also be an appealing gift option.

This…… of all the $$$ high end knives I’ve taken to shows, the Laguiole gets the most attention from the female customers , and that’s the majority of your market/decision makers I’m guessing?

There are a few makers Forge Laguoile is the largest one IIRC, Laguiole En Aubrac is the maker I’ve had the most of, very nice knives.
Laguiole is a generic term, not trademarked.


I’d guess there aren’t many brick & mortars with this line around either.

Auto knives have to be under 2"

quote:

Originally posted by davetruong:
I'm thinking of adding a knife line in my shop. I used to carry William Henry in my other shop, the sale through was weak, but it brought "prestige" to the shop...we needed it because it was in Newport Beach. What are some mid-high end brands that you like?

About a Month from now will be the annual BLADE Show in Atlanta.



If you do not already know, BLADE is to the Knife Industry, like SHOT is to Firearms or CES is to Electronics

You will find everything from $10 mass produced Chinese stuff to $250-$2,000 mid-tech production to $5,000-$125,000 hand made one of a kind masterpieces










When I was dealing in the one of a kind, High end, hand made, art knives I always had two tables there

If you have the time, head out there . . . I am sure you will find something that fits in

This message has been edited. Last edited by: colt_saa,

It's occurred to me that one of my favorite knives is a Chinese folder that my buddies employer had made for their own branded high end promo swag. It is a VERY nice knife.

They accomplished that with a Chinese employee keeping the factory on their toes. I do wonder if you could do a "Troung Knives" with a Vietnamese producer.