My best advice would be to visit several custom knife dealers' websites and research the current market prices for works similar to your own. Use those comps to determine an appropriate range, and then make adjustments based on quality, materials, embellishments, sheath, etc. How much time someone spends actually making the knife is irrelevant to the pricing equation. If a customer can get an equivalent knife from another maker who's faster and more efficient, why would he pay you more?

I will second the time being irrelevant, as I have gotten better and faster over the years I have not lowered my prices, only become slightly more profitable.

the question of price is an odd one.. because it is dependent on a number of factors. first every object has a perceived value within a specific context, if a price is to far from that number up or down the object will not sell. in our world that means that at a local gun show one price might be correct but the same knife at a national knife show a different number would be. In person things like display and presentation can add or lessen value. Online the quality of Photos and how you present your work can make a difference to the value.

with custom work it is a toss up. the fact is in a lot of ways unlike a finished knife you sell, with custom work the customer is NOT paying you for the finished product they are paying you for your skill and knowledge to make that finished product. For projects I am unsure on pricing I ask the customer to set a budget and then work to that budget with the customer. (as long as it is a reasonable budget for what they want)

what ever the method be up front about what they should expect and add at least three weeks to you lead time. getting done early makes you look good missing a dead line does not and you cant always plan for everything. (getting the flu, car trouble, kids sick etc) keeping in touch with the customer and giving updates as you build is also helpful, remember they are paying to do something, not the finished product, so show them what they paid for. this is also a great way to make sure you and the customer stay on the same page as far as the design.

MP

Thanks Derrick and Matthew. I guess I worded my reference to time incorrectly and you still covered the question. I agree that time doesn't play a factor in price really and the market kind of dictates the final price, because like you said if it did then most people would just get a faster Smith with the same quality of work to do the job. I have looked at pricing on alot of smiths sites and that helped tremendously. I am with you Matthew on giving yourself extra time some people get really excited about getting a new "toy" and if you miss your deadline it looks bad on you and let's the customer down too. Thanks again for the help guys.

Rick