$1000 for a KNIFE?! What makes them worth it?
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- Before a fateful conversation with a friend 8 years ago, I had no idea that a knife could go for $1000, or that there was such a big market out there for custom knives. I'm sure there are probably plenty of you that wonder why we charge so much for a Grimsmo knife, and in this video I hope to answer your question and maybe even inspire some of you fellow entrepreneurs out there.
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Cost and value are two totally separate things, and really have no relation to each other. In my opinion, there is no need to focus on your cost to manufacture the knives. You should focus completely on the value to the customers. I think in a video like this, you should spend more time showing off the precision of the parts you make. I don't mean to talk about how many ten-thousandths of an inch tolerance or anything, but rather what those tolerances mean to the feel and function of the knife. You used to show off (and some of your customers with UA-cam channels also like to talk about) the smooth blade action. The blade closes with gravity right, but it's motion is slowed somewhat by very controlled friction if I recall correctly. What about the sound the blade makes when you flip it open? I think you should ooh and ahhh people with these things, and the craftsmanship, forget about trying to mention your cost as justification for the price.
Maybe go through the high-level processing steps and show off why they deliver a superior product. Lapping for the awesome finish, heat treat for maximum durability, making your own screws for a perfect fit and the aesthetics they provide, anodizing in creative ways, thin titanium handles for lightness and good fit in your hand......
You only accept perfection and every customer gets the "Full Grimsmo" result, right?
Couldn't agree more, you basically wrote the PR strategy for them;).
Basically, you want to convey feelings and values (not monetary value) in good corporate storytelling. Now, those two last words almost make it sound dirty but the Grimsmos are genuine and genuinely good at what they do so it wont be contrived at all. His values, the feel he is striving for, the creation of an object that people can fall in love with - that's what sells.
And as a freelancer in a struggling industry, the point that he seems like a nice guy who is striving to pay his staff well, adds a few hundred bucks to what I thought I was willing to pay for a knife.
$1k for an iphone that will have a cracked screen and be out of date in a year or a quality tool you will own the rest of your life...
The problem with that is there are cheaper options available... The more money you spend, the less return you get in quality. You could get a quality tool that'll last generations for less than half what you're paying for a Norseman. Just saying
You can do an enormous amount of work with the phone. You might not get $1,000 worth of value from a knife.
most of my knifes cost about 50$ never broken any of them. So far they have lasted 26 years
I struggle with this and the things I make. People just don't know the cost of running a business until they do it themselves. You don't pocket $1,000 for each knife you make. There is sooo many bites taken out of that $1,000 along the way it's insane. Just being in that building must be what, $2,000/mo? So the first two knives you sell each month are just gone automatically (but don't forget about the tax you'll pay at the end of the year!). Then insurance, A/C and electricity and water and sewer and garbage collection is what, another $500/mo? So ignoring taxes, that's 2 knives and 2 Sagas/mo just to have that building functioning. No employees, no materials, no machines, no supplies, etc. I wish I could go around the world explaining to everyone how little small businesses really make - despite what may seem like outrageous prices. We all just got used to mass production, specifically overseas. :-/
Chris DePrisco very true, my response to people that winge and make out that so and so is robbing people is well if it’s that easy to make so much money doing what they are doing what’s stopping you?
Plus another $5K or so for machine payments, although I imagine he’s got the Mori payed off by now.
It is awesome that they can put out a hundert knives a month. I love the journey
The day no one values thier knife at 1000 dollars but the 100 dollar knife it is the guys will have to close their doors they are a novelty shop making novelty items at best they are not able to mass produce what they make at all and what's worse is they actually have the machinery to do it just not the skill
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It's very much like watches, cars, guns, planes, suits, etc. Appreciation of craftsmanship is a very high commodity. Appreciate what you do John.
Hi JOHN,
I appreciate the explanation, I am a recent recipient of one of your Norseman Knives. Funny story, I was on your waiting list for quite a while under several e-mail addresses and different names of real family members. All of a sudden, 2 CONGRATULATIONS e-mails in 5 days, so I did have a choice of 2 different knives, I am in the process of carrying and using my Norseman right now, and hope to give you a more complete opinion in time, and you did ask me for my thoughts in an e-mail. The one thing right off the bat about buying a Norseman, and because of it's $945 price tag, is that I didn't even get the style of knife I would have chosen if given the opportunity, and for $945, I think there could be a way to make that happen if you wanted to. Ano and textures don't matter to me, cause I do that kind of stuff, but just getting the overall style I wanted would have made me a lot happier. Think about it, if you really appreciate your knife customers, that's all I ask, for the next guy. As far as usage, the only thing missing on mine and the way I carry, is a double thumb stud for a left handed opening option. I'd buy it as an accessory? THANKS, RON
Awesome explanation. I would add that the general public doesn’t understand economies of scale. Even the cheap $20 pocket knife at Walmart would cost hundreds if only a few hundred were manufactured.
I think everybody should understand and know the economic scale. Help people understand why things are so high in price, or low.
Excellent point. any machine shop has different prices based on qty. Under 1000 parts the price goes way up.
I applaud him just answering the question, most would just ignore it and drive on. He does nail a superb knife and if collectors actually used their high end knives they would get to enjoy the performance
I have mention to some of my friends that there is a pocket knife I want to buy that costs a thousand dollars. They all respond the same way. I do my best to explain what it is I want, what it is that makes it so valuable. Your explanation was spot on. You're buying a piece of a story, the reminder of perfection. For me it's also a reminder of patients. I'm two and a half year into owning my own machine shop and its hard! And to think you've been doing it for 9 years to get to this point.
I love that you make no apologize for the cost. Quality isn't cheap and cheap generally isn't quality. You make incredible products and its cool to see folks who don't compromise.
VWRY VERY WELL SAID JOHN AND I FOR ONE ABSOLUTELY SEE FOR MYSELF THE TIME AND EFFORT AND CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT ALL YOUR PIECES HAVE AND I HAVE NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER SPENDING WHAT YOU CHARGE FOR ONE OF YOUR AMAZING PIECES OF BEAUTIFUL ART I OWN 3 AND WILL DEFINITELY KEEP BUYING
I've been fortunate enough to handle one for a day and fell in love instantly. Those who say they are overpriced are either not knife lovers, have never handled one or simply can't afford it. I think the norseman and Koenig Arius are 2 knives that are on most collectors grail lists, and usually pretty high up on them at that.
I want one on several levels, for nearly a decade.
1) support a 'tube machinist who is making honest work
2) super high quality materials
3) super high quality craftsmanship
4) will outlast me, my offspring, and their offspring. Modular means if I wear out the bearing I get a new bearing. If I somehow break the blade I get a new blade.
Thank you for sharing what you do. One day I'll be able to take the plunge!
I have watched the videos for a few years now and have seen the growth. I am on this lists hoping one day to get notified. A friend was lucky enough to buy one and it truly is high quality that I'd never be afraid to use on a daily basis.
Join knife groups on fb I got you 😉
I'm buying my first high end knife today. A 2nd hand norseman #2938 for $825. I'm really excited to get my hands on it. The reason they're worth that is that people will pay for something exceptional. If you just need a knife to open boxes there is no reason you NEED to spend more than $10 to have a tool that is safe enough to use and will open a box.
If you want a piece of art that just makes you a little happier everytime you pull it out of your pocket, that you can take with you everyday and have the income to support such a thing... Well there are people like Mr Grimsmo to provide such a service.
Keep it up! Your story was a big part of what motivated me to start my own business making bespoke steering wheels for racing simulators. A big THANK YOU just for documenting your story.
I ordered Norseman #6402 this morning. It’s now winging it’s way to me from Canada. I couldn’t resist the “blurple” color.
Great explanation. I face the same questions in my business of building heirloom museum-grade kitchen cabinets. There are people who appreciate and understand that high quality and serious craftsmanship have value. Your knives are a great example. I've often wondered what the size of the $1,000 custom knife market is in units. At some level of output, you will have saturated the market's potential. Do you ever ponder that? And the other thing is, I'm just glad I don't have a wife I have to check in with.
Was just given a Norseman #5242...and I love it....mechanical art!! Well said....I'm a big fan!!👍🏻
They are going for 1k because people are willing to pay it. Pretty simple. Besides the fact they look awesome and are functional.
There's very slightly more to it that that, but not enough to fill nearly seven minutes of video. They sell for $1000 if the buyer thinks they're worth more than that, and they are offered for sale at $1000 if Grimsmo can get them into the buyer's hands for less than that. The other six and a half minutes are for Grimsmo to explain why they wouldn't exist at all if customers thought they were only worth $900
It's about as simple as it gets. It's worth what the market says it's worth. There's not a chance in hell I'm paying that for a damn knife but if they can get it good for them.
@@grafixbyjorj Let me help the casual.... ALL THESE KNIVES ARE WORTH 300 max.. the Chinese are making the best knifes in the world period... and they cost no more than 350
Lol ur talking stupid shit.... NO STEEL LOCK INSERT AND U DONT EVEN HAVE FUCKING BALL BEARINGS IN THE PIVOT
LOL UR TALIKG ABOUT ITS ART... stop 🛑 the silly shit.. ur know is a 200 dollar knife PERIOD
@Nothing Fancy Just Us Let me help the casual.... ALL THESE KNIVES ARE WORTH 300 max.. the Chinese are making the best knifes in the world period... and they cost no more than 350
Lol ur talking stupid shit.... NO STEEL LOCK INSERT AND U DONT EVEN HAVE FUCKING BALL BEARINGS IN THE PIVOT
LOL UR TALIKG ABOUT ITS ART... stop 🛑 the silly shit.. ur know is a 200 dollar knife PERIOD
I truly own over a 100 knives that I do not use. I own numerous high and low end knives, such as Shirogorov's, CKF''s, Cherbokov, Des Horn's, Jason Clark's and then all the big box manufacturers. I was never interested in your knife until I traded for one a few weeks back #1859 and since it was used i decided to carry it. Not just carry it, use it whenever possible. Within a week I was in love and enjoyed using it. The blade shape is deceiving and like many i didn't think it was a useable shape, boy was I wrong. 🖤💛♥️💙** I absolutely love this knife and am proud to carry it **💜💚🧡
I have spent the past couple weeks trying to get a Saga. Finally a friend was so kind to get me a link to your last batch. I now have a Sage enroute to the homestead here in FL. Now I need a Rask and my search has begun...
Great Job! Explained matter-of-fact and without shame. Own it, stand by it and and be proud of it. This is what made this country great. This is why you guys are at the pinnacle of the industry.
Just got my hands on my first norseman. I can't get over this thing. Wow. I'm local! Hopefully I can get my hands on some more of these !
first time i saw a norseman i thought... ‘splooge’. more than a year later, i just ordered my dream grail configuration. i seriously can’t wait. it’s about 4am i’m that excited. mastery and excellence are amazing ideals in life. worth striving for, rarely achieved but universally noble and honorable. 🤷🏻♂️ also i love baby pink. so. that’s what i’ll be thinking of when i use mine. the aim of unachievable but worthy, honorable goals. holla.
john I have wanted a Norseman for a long time now and I finally was able to get one! ill have it in a week or so but Worth is what people are willin to pay right? I feel your knives are well worth the price and i cannot wait to get it in my hand! Love your stuff!
I'm definitely not going to apologize for spending the money on mine! I cannot wait to get mine at the end of this month!
Love this!
I really appreciate businesses that put time and effort into quality of their product, not just quantity. I'm getting a Norseman from you guys soon and I'm really looking forward to it. I work in a tool & die shop as a toolmaker, and I know how much work and effort goes into machining, assembly, and quality control of products. And its super cool that you guys are in Canada! I love supporting local business, especially if they make a super high quality and awesome looking knife. I plan on passing my Norseman to my grandkids when I'm old and gray, hopefully they can appreciate the great craftsmanship as well. Cheers!
Pay once for quality and what you get rather than pay for quantity which makes a lot of sense for me and I agree with what you said right there.
Your knives are amazing your pens are amazing. You’re products are just simply awesomeness. I’ve watched your journey through the years and you have built something extraordinarily between the business and products you make it’s incredible. Although I am not yet at a point in my life where I can afford one of your knives or even your pens, I know I will one day be where I want to be in my life and when that day comes I guarantee I will have a Norseman in my pocket. Your work is incredible and I commend you and your team on the success and amazingly awesome work that you guys do. Thank you for sharing your journey thus far and I look forward to the future.
I have gotten rid of all my knives except for my Norseman and Swiss Army knives. At first I treated my Norseman as if it was made of glass. I was afraid to really use it. Then I accidentally dropped it on cement and scraped it up. Now it’s my day -to-day beater knife. I use it for everything and have no qualms about doing so. If only I could actually get a Rask to replace my Hillberg Chinese knockoff Rask. Someday….
I've been listening on/off to your podcasts, etc... this is actually the first time I've seen either knife. Justifying price is always a weird thing, but I think you did a good job of it.
There’s lots of knives that cost even more which most people are totally shocked when I’m talking about some of them and showing them pic’s and yet they literally never understand how anyone would ever pay more than like a couple hundred maximum. That’s prob still stretching it even, but they seem to understand prices down around that but assume that’s high end.
I remember the days the norseman was between 500-700, and the talks that one day they hoped to be able to produce enough to bring cost DOWN, guess it hasnt happened yet
If anyone is questioning the price of these knives, they need to listen to the BOM. I love listening to the struggles of what John and Erik have gone through for almost a decade. The prices are well deserved, enjoy the Tornos and Kern.
Just got my norseman 2585.Been on list for two years or so. It is the most expensive knife I've ever bought but I only need one and its fantastic. These are highly sought after knives. It's cool watching it being made on youtube then actually getting it. Now I need a matching pen. The price is high but if people still pay it then what's the problem.
It's my dream to own a Norseman one day. The blade shape is gorgeous
I was just saying this the other day, quality products do that for me whether it’s a knife or motorcycle or car. Quality counts!
I have had one for a few years....looking for a southpaw edition, any chance a few may be coming down the Pike? I've seen a few that were up for sale in the past....
Don't take this the wrong way (if this comment isn't shadow banned...), but none of that explains away the fact that Foxconn could have 10 000 parts kits, to your standards, at your doorstep in two weeks, at $100 each, ready for finishing.
If people are willing to pay what you charge, then you've earned the right to be in business, but don't pretend that your prices have anything to do with costs that you aren't in full control of.
He said that they choose to do it in house. He was quite honest about that. It's no different than the watch world. I can get a nice mechanical with an off the shelf ETA movement for
I guess it's a choice, either you can do fly by night sales or you can build infrastructure to continue manufacturing into the future. One story is a lot easier to market when you throw in the 'made in Canada' angle, etc.
I think you seriously underestimate the level of detail in all those parts, to have them made to these standards by others is only easy on paper.
Problems with quality led him to doing more and more steps in house!! Watch his older UA-cam and social media stuff, you may start to understand the struggle for quality.
An in house ETA that's twice the price of because of inefficiencies and inexperience doesn't suddenly become a A Lange & Sohne. Yes, certain people are willing to pay for branding, but let's not pretend that it's anything but branding.
@@johnalexander2349 it is his choice /style of beeing a knifemaker, entrepreneur, social media person. It's his way of growing and running his business to where he is right now.
It's a bit deeper than branding imo
I get it for the most part. I really appreciate the quality, attention to detail, materials, etc. However, CRK produces amazing quality knives for half the price. Another hesitation of mine is that odd blade shape on the Norseman. I'd love to see variant with a drop point style blade. Keep up the great work. Maybe I can justify one of your knives some day.
I love my CRKs also but they do make their parts in larger batches and have 40 employees. Grimsmo brothers have the letters G-r-I-m-s-m-o even on their screws and does a lot more individual work for each knife. Both are great companies, each making products in their own style. If you can afford either knife you're in the top 1% of knife owners in the world and are getting a quality blade
@fourtsix andtwo So what did you end up thinking of the CRK?
I think what you do is pretty cool. I think the norseman is way cool if I could I would definitely buy one.
Where exactly did you learn to make knives..?
They are expensive because they keep buying machines they don't need to do things that aren't necessary. These prices are not sustainable and if the manufacturing process was more streamlined and less experimental, it could be done much cheaper.
John it’s been an honor being able to join you on your journey. Are you ever going to offer a Saga and a Norsman in a matching set?
Sorry to say that, but you don't have to justifie the price. How your company grew in only 9 years, which are nothing for a company, combined with the waiting list of clients who are willing to wait 12 months for their second knife, proves that they are not expensive, they are "priceworth" .
In the end it comes down to what the market will bear. If you produce a product that your customers want at a price they are willing to pay the free market system is working. If you are producing that same product and nobody wants it then it’s up to you to change something or go out of business. There are plenty of small businesses that die because they don’t know their market.
I remember when they used to be 200-250, wish I pulled the trigger back then.
You and your team are badasses man! Cool shit with perfect feel. I dig it.
After trying to get my hands on a Norseman for 4 years almost and finally having one. I can say it was worth every penny. It has been in my pocket everywhere i go every single day. It will never be a safe queen. I use it every opportunity i get.
ART, engineering, and skill
Cool knives for sure. Is the price the product here? I don't know but I want one...I WILL have one
It’s is amazing to be able to buy directly from you guys with a reasonable price. You have found the sweet spot. Please do the same with Rask and more damasteel Norseman please!
I've been watching your videos for a few years now as you grow you business and I totally understand the price of your knives. The attention to every last detail, the fit and finish of the end product, the long hours required to attain the level of quality.. It's truly a piece of tangible art. I don't own one however I hope to someday. Awesome product!!! Great videos too!
recently got into knives and now seeing you knives i have my ultimate dream knife
Hey John, I finally pulled the trigger on a norseman but I haven't seen anything about a warranty and if you offer one. I prefer having the peace of mind before actually going out with a knife in this price range.
The 101 dislikes are people that can't save money to appreciate quality
Awesome, really makes a sebenza for a third of the cost look like mass production although very similar in quality.
Also 2 completely different knives in almost every aspect aside from the fact that they both have to scales and a blade lol
Take it from someone that owns AT LEAST one of each of the grimsmo items currently sold. They are absolutely time tested precision art tools. Say that 5 times fast. Also dont forget there is a market out there of folks that charge even more! People pay every day more for these items online. John and his Team are amazing. Thanks for the dedication guys!
I came across John when I was looking to buy a mini mill pre Tormach days. He was selling the one he had converted into a CNC.
Worth every cent!!! Love watching your company grow.
There's an easy way to explain to a person why it costs so much without going into extreme detail of the process:
"There's a difference between wanting *a* knife for its utility and wanting *that* knife."
Your knife is unlikely to do anything better than a $50 utility knife, but it's *just* a utility knife vs. a specific knife that you choose like a watch or car.
You don't _need_ your knife under any circumstance, but it's very distinct. Even it doesn't have exactly $1000 or whatever the price is worth of value, you can't get this product anywhere else, and the money is not being pocketed out of greed.
Great explanation John, I’ve got a Norseman, Rask and spinner top. On the wait list for the pen.
There are plenty on eBay.
Thank you John, for all! :)
What ink cartridge do you use in the pen? I have never seen the ink cartridge on video. For a premium pen the cartridge must also be high quality
I think they are fisher space pen refills
When I ask John , this was his answer " Hey Nick! It currently uses a Schmidt Easyflow9000, and I think I have everything i need to make Montblanc rollerball and feltliner inserts fit great."
I second that. If I were able to see or rather feel how it actually writes that would help me pull the trigger. But thats me.
Not yet on a list or reached out but this exactly why I don’t buy folders. I own 3 and the 3rd being at a +$100 point. I want to use what I buy and pay accordingly. I way more want of your knives then most folders I see and when I’m ready I’ll put the coin down.
The only reason you can charge that price is simple. The law of supply and demand. The 2nd hand market set your price. You realized that and slowed your production and raised your price. By all means get yours but don't try and sell us.
I'll stick with my $14 canadian tire knife. It's just as nice...…………………………..
….. OK, wife's left the room
*pulls out visa*
I’m still waiting on stand-by to be picked for a $300 makers choice saga. I’ll never be able to justify spending $300+ for a pen even to my machinist friends but I get it, I want it, I need it
John I’ve wanted a Norseman for as long as I can remember. I don’t think your prices are over the top however my budget has always been around the $300-$400 price range. I’m from Sydney, Australia and have had my eye on one which was for sale privately for the past couple of months. I ended up biting the bullet and buying it yesterday which hopefully should be coming tomorrow. It’s number #1154 and cost around $1200 AUD which is roughly $850 USD. 99% of people I have spoken to in the knife / EDC world don’t believe the price is over the top. Yes it’s still a $900+ knife but the quality is there. The remaining 1% who complain about the prices are just simply cheap skates who want what they can’t afford, like you said in your video you won’t apologise for that and so you shouldn’t. Personally the haters in the knife world in my opinion can go and blow a goat. I think I’m coming up to almost 2 years now for the winners choice on the site lol so just in case my details weren’t recorded I signed up again haha I wanna get this Norseman that’s on its way a brother or sister 😁 keep up the good work mate
Such an amazing value in one video
Been following you for years. Probably since the first Tormach in the basement. The dream of a Norseman has to stay a dream. Not due to the price, cause I’d be happy to pay for the development, the story, the quality and most of all, the usability. However, importing a knife is no easy task to Denmark, and our laws prohibit carrying knifes that are designed to be operated with one hand with a plus 7cm blade. So the dream stays a dream. I’m just along for the quest for perfection, and enjoying every video.
lol i love that you make the rolex comparison.
i'm sitting here staring at my stinky ol' half track.
Well your knife is officially going up on my vision board. along with a rolex milgauss
I´m learning in the same Industrie as you but the thing is everyone is expecting the best quality but won´t pay the money that it costs. So I´m from Germany and we have the same Problem/issue as you. We need to explain why it costs more than the other but our quality is higher than the asian produkts.
Best Reguards from Germany
Do the math, they've made less than 5000 norseman's, 1000 bucks a pop. They've made under 500,000 of norseman's over 9 years, and even less off sagas and rasks. Our household income is much more than that, plus they have all the overhead. They're honestly just getting by, it isn't like they're millionaires. True artists and craftsman right here.
5,000 x 1,000 is 5,000,000.
Wow, I’ve been watching you machine knife parts and grow your business for that long. Really cool man. Nice reminder.
I haven’t seen this channel for a long time and I’m glad it’s going well, now employing people too which is great, well done. I can never get past the fact however coming from a different environment, how much jail time you’d get by default simply carrying one here in England. Knives here have something of a stigma because unfortunately wrong uns seem to like to stick them in people.
I can't believe people complain about the price. Its an artisan product at its core.
Beautiful concept! Nothing wrong with perfection!
The want industry is a tricky but nice business model to cater to. In the want industry you can make anything as cool and prestigious as you want and you can name the price. Atleast in your society, there are people willing to blow off money to appreciate these things. The business i have is more of in the need industry. Some people say its easier because u already have a market but you cant demand too much price especially when the people you cater to are also struggling themselves to even get the cash to buy your product, depite it being a need. I always have ideas to make things better, more efficient/functional, cooler, but that always brings up the price. Sometimes i get to think of a nice way to cut back some manufacturing costs but ultimately the markup cant be too crazy. We manufacture local fishing boat equipment, and the local fisherfolk arent exactly the richest of people. So even if i do try to think of modular new products, its hard to penetrate because of the price. They cant justify buying it, so for our part the price cant even start goin down because the prototyping costs havent even been paid for yet and were not sure if theres anything wrong for improvement because not alot are willing to try it.
Someday i hope to manufacture things for the higher end market where im freely able to go crazy in design and justify its price. However that still depends on the level of the society/economy in your country. This is significantly more difficult to do in a still developing country.
So, kudos to you Guys John, at least you found your market! Keep the videos coming, theyre fun to watch!
Still no steel lock liner insert?
$1000 for a mass produced CNC knife are you kidding me. I just bought a handmade knife for $4000 and it's magical. The maker doesn't even have anything close to CNC machines just great all round workmanship. That's what I payed for and always will.
i don't think you understand the skills and money needed to operate a cnc machine. you won't know until you start...
@@dubdzine I own and operate CNC lathes and Mills and I no way have the skills to produce a one of a kind work of art. It's my dream to learn to produce a master piece with only master hand skills. Don't kid me CNC is about one thing and one thing only, mass production. This guys knives have no heart they are all the same, overpriced and low quality.
If you can’t keep up with demand, that is all the justification you need. Do not doubt yourself. Do not give in to the temptation to provide justification. If someone can’t fathom the price, they’d never appreciate what went into making the item anyhow. They are welcome to make their own if it’s so damn easy... Mind you, I’m someone that would never pay anywhere near what you charge for a knife, and that’s fine! I do however enjoy the story and the machining. Keep up the good work. Don’t worry about pleasing everyone, it’ll never happen.
I doubt that I will ever be able to justify spending that much on a knife, but if I could I would have no problem paying that much for a Norseman. There's something to be said about being able to carry around such precision on a daily basis.
I want you to see extrema ratio knives and their multi million dollar machine park.. if this guy has extrema ratio company, I am sure he would charge $5000 each knives.. value for the money... I don’t care how much your machine costs, I would look the end product ..
Just keep doing what you’ve always done John, your work speaks for itself. Be the best, make the best. Well done team Grimsmo.
(Still love my awesome Norseman 700! Just appreciating it when you have in you hands, it inspires me to do better, try harder and achieve more) thanks for the great videos and even better creations 👍🏻
Rwl 34 isn’t what I’d consider high quality. Tons of better options for a blade out there. I’d rather have a hilberg if I’m being honest
"I aint going to apologize for that."
& you shouldn't
I'm not sure why anyone needs or deserves an explanation on your prices John. Supply and demand sums it up pretty well. Your products are worth what people are willing to pay for it. You have a long wait list....that says all that needs to be said.
To those that bitch about the prices...move along and go buy a benchmade and a pentech gel. If you have to justify anything you bought to the wife with more than a "because I wanted it" then you're a whipped putz.
Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay. Gold is just a metal, a Diamond is just a rock bottom line.
I'm just waiting for the day I get picked from the wait list
Great work! I love my Norseman #4672!!! I’m on the list for a second one!
Dudes are happy to pay (so would I if I wasn’t a poor arse too).
I believe prospective customers may not appreciative what possessing a Grimsmo Knife means. How often is one able to purchase something that is a true game changer? Being fortunate enough to attend the annual Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia, I have been a witness to the ever changing world of custom knife making. Before the Grimsmo brothers brought their quest for perfection to the knife world, the terms "hand forged vs stock removal" were the common denominators of determining the perceived value of a blade of a knife. 6-7 years ago, "Made in China" was not a compliment in my opinion. "Made in Russia" meant a military style or a reproduction of Czarist style blades. With the Grimsmo Brothers, bringing Lean Manufacturing, Unheard of (except for Chris Reeve Knifes) manufacturing tolerances, not accepting the "That is the way it has been done". and the quest for perfection. I believe the Grimsmo Brothers inspired and created a marketplace for WE Knife Company, CKF (Custom Knife Factory), Reate, Shirogorov, and Sinkevich Knives, among many others. Every year the Grimsmo's continue to "Raise the Bar". Their "Knife Making Tuesday" videos have inspired may upcoming knife makers. One can observe new and experienced knife makers handling their knives at the Blade Show booth and listen to their thoughts and realize the effect the Grimsmo Brothers have. Am I fan, you bet, but I am an engineer by education and work experience. So these comments are based on personal observations.
Shirogorov and Sinkevich were both doing this well before Grimsmo and pushing boundaries well before Grimsmo with all in house production and even now are still ahead of Grimsmo in that regard. shirogorov were making their own multi row ball bearing
and multi row roller bearing pivot systems well before Grimsmo were making their own single row bearings. Not knocking Grimsmo but I don’t agree that they are the ones that set the bar for production mid teches. I suggest you go and handle some shirogorov knives, maybe even a few of their collaborations and custom divisions. If you are an engineer you will appreciate them too and they were doing it well before Grimsmo.
will never buy a 1000$ knife but still like the channel.
Honestly.. the only thing that makes me think the price is a bit high... is the RWL-34... Maybe there are secrets i dont know. but atleast chemically it doenst seem as impressive as i would like for 1000 dollhairs
Thanks so much for doing this video. It's videos like this, the ones that explain why, is why I'd give you the money I work long and hard to get.
I own 3, bought the colors I wanted in the secondary. I’ll never buy another folder honestly.
By the way ,I just bought another grimsmo knife on eBay today ,had to have the green one lol
Thanks for your videos and your work, John. You have been all these days in my business run my very first and the one inspirational person. Always, when I am in doubt I do think how you work and what you have achieved. Literaly from scratch. Your attitude, detail hunting and quality dedication of your products are realy one big example for most of the manufacuturers and never the less for other people which can see what does it mean to make a good quality product and not just to by it in China for fraction of the cost and also fraction of the quality. Also I do think, the story around and the comunity around is so importand too. I hope, I will get on the same level in my business (at the moment I don’t mean the level of machinery you have, I mean the skills and dedication on details and quality without any compromises). One day I will love to have one knife of yours. Keep going and keep your self as you are. Greetings from Czech Republic. Big fan of your work. Jan
I would drop a G on a custom lock mechanism with the right accents of anodizing and machining, but a G for a single scale frame lock, I dunno man, excellent work on the machining and assembly but is it really 4 times better then my sog arc lock, I dunno, just my opinion
Your knives are nice and I don't suggest coming down on the Norseman but you guys should consider doing a knife that's just a bit cheaper .
Pappa Squally I wouldn’t because it reduces the high quality standard of the brand. They are known for high quality.
@@Tuckinrim in one way I agree completely but I think a gateway product may hook a few more customers . Like it's easier to convince someone to buy a $300-400 knife and then maybe they'll seriously consider the $1000 one . I'm not saying make it a product that competes directly with the Noresman or Rask .
Pappa Squally probably depends how it’s marketed, unless it’s branded as the cheaper model then the unknown will pick it up thinking of high quality but may be disappointed with what they find. Social media and word of mouth are a powerful thing
@@Tuckinrim Quality is determined by process, not price.
I can assure you millions of dollars of equipment and skill go into making a normal plastic fork.
And the quality is excellent. I've never seen a plastic fork with even 3 thou of flashing. I've never scraped my mouth on even dollar store forks.
But they cost 5 cents. Why? Because the process determines quality. Quality is not price.
For example they are hand polishing right now and I get why, it looks nice. But it's costing 50-100 bucks in labor. So do all the finishing on a 4th axis cnc router.
Buy 30 of them and have 1 guy producing as 30 times the polished knives. If you dial in the process the quality will be there. But hand finishing will always cost labor.
kkknotcool no in your case mass production determines price. Yes money and time go into injection moulds but then they are mass produced. We are talking about custom knives and what they are known for. Not mass produced forks, you could cast the blades and handles. Rumble, polish, blast then assemble and flog for $25. But that is not there market, like I said reduce the appeal of the brand if they are anyway affiliated with such products. Yes you can always speed up the processes and fine tune the finishing/assembly. But if it was your business would you reduce the price of your product so you can flood the market. Pass.