Start a Home Workshop Knife Making Business

Home cooks, chefs, outdoor enthusiasts and collectors who want a handmade knife, plus people buying gifts.

You sell finished knives at a price that covers materials and your time, often through your own website, Etsy, social media or craft fairs. Custom commissions and sheaths can add to the price.

• Patience and precise hand skills
• Learning grinding and heat treatment
• Design sense for blade shapes and handles
• Photographing your work for online sales

• UK law restricts selling knives to under 18s and has rules on delivering bladed items, so check the current age verification and delivery requirements before selling online
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance covers a workshop and stock
• Noise, sparks, dust and fire risk: check your lease, mortgage terms and with your council before running machinery at home
• Grinding dust and metal fragments need good extraction, eye protection and a respirator
• Check carrying and postage rules for certain blade types, as some knives are restricted or banned

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the grinding equipment, heat treatment setup, safety gear and materials you choose. These are estimates, so plan your own kit list before buying.

Check the current UK age restrictions on selling knives to under 18s, the rules on delivering bladed items, and any carrying or postage rules for certain blade types. Also check insurance, and your lease, mortgage or council position for a home workshop.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £2,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many pieces you can make. The estimates assume at least about 8 hours a week, and skills like grinding and heat treatment take time to learn.