Forged Knife Maker With a Workshop Unit

Professional and home chefs, outdoor and hunting customers, collectors, and gift or homewares shops that stock handmade goods.

Direct sales of finished knives online and from the workshop, wholesale to retailers, and higher priced custom commissions.

• Forging, grinding and heat treating steel
• Consistent quality across a range of knives
• Pricing and managing orders
• Selling and building a brand

• Check zoning, fire safety and any council approvals for a forge, plus gas and ventilation requirements
• State and territory knife laws on making, selling, displaying and posting knives, including sales to under 18s
• Public and product liability insurance, and workers compensation if you hire
• GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Equipment and rent are a real outlay, so test demand before committing to a long lease

Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on your forge, equipment, rent and fit-out. Equipment and rent are a real outlay, so test demand before committing to a long lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your range, prices and whether you sell direct or to shops. These are estimates, and the work typically needs around 25 hours a week.

Check zoning, fire safety, council approvals, and gas and ventilation requirements for a forge. Also check state and territory knife laws on making, selling and posting knives, plus insurance, workers compensation if you hire, and GST registration.