Do Sets Sell?

[Chris_Crawford]

What do you guys think about selling knives as a set verses selling them individually?

I'm thinking about making a set of three knives in all the same size and style, but one will be a slipjoint, one a lockback, and the other an auto.

Would a set of three matching knives be of more value than the same three knives sold separately? Anyone here have experience selling knives as a set?

Thanks -chris

[Gary Mulkey]

Chris,

Most of the sets that I make originate as custom orders. I have had limited success with making sets ahead of time for sale. Not to say that they won't sell, but I believe that you limit the number of prospective buyers by doing so.

Gary

[Ray Rogers]

I agree with Gary. Further, I would say that a set like that would be very cool but probably not more valuable than the same three knives sold individually unless you had name recognition among serious collectors. In that case, a set might bring more . After all, only a collector is likely to buy a set of knives like that anyway ...........

[Drac]

Hi,

Good timing, as I was working on some hunter/skinner sets. Would this set fall into the above issues or because they're fixed blade hunters would this be a different thing. I could still sell them separate but was talking about a combo side by side sheath with Sandy for them. After that, it would be a little hard to break up the set if someone wanted just one.

Jim

[Ray Rogers]

That's not really the same thing Drac. Your knives have two separate functions and work together. Even if you added a small axe to the set it would still answer a broad range of uses

Chris's set is 3 identical knives, differening only by their locking mechanism. That has a kind of cool intellectual appeal that a collector might go for. A person who wanted a using knife though would have a hard time justifying why he needs 3 identical knives that happen to have different locks - not much added utility there.....

[Drac]

Thanks for answering Ray.

Jim

[Don Robinson]

Chris, I agree with the advise given by Gary and Ray. The set limits itself only to collectors. I'd offer them individually and let people know you're willing to provide a set as a special order. Sooner or later, a collector will come along and order a set.

That collector may very well be someone who has previously bought a knife from you and is familiar with your work.

[Chris_Crawford]

Very good points, guys. I agree that the set would have kind of a "cool" factor, buy not very practical for people who currently buy my knives. Selling them individually with the option to make a complete set if requested looks to be the way to go. Thanks again. -chris

[Sam Wereb]

Chris, you might be able to do some good with a pair of those lady's leg knives.