Custom knife maker (home workshop)

Home cooks, hunters, campers and collectors who want a handmade knife, plus buyers of custom or personalized gift knives.

You sell finished knives at a set price per model or take custom orders with a deposit. You can also sell at craft shows, online shops and local events.

• Patience and fine hand skills
• Basic metalworking or willingness to learn
• Photography and online selling
• Attention to safety

• Check city or county zoning, home occupation rules and HOA or lease limits for noise, sparks and metalwork at home
• Check with your local fire department about forge, propane and fire safety requirements
• Knife laws on sale, shipping and age limits vary by state and city, so check before selling certain styles such as automatic or concealable knives
• General liability and product liability insurance, since a faulty blade can cause injury
• Grinding dust and metal fumes need good ventilation, eye and lung protection
• Register for sales tax with your state if required, and keep records of sales

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the grinder, heat treating setup, steel and safety gear you choose. These are estimates, so price your own tools and materials before you buy anything.

Monthly revenue is typically around $200 to $2,000, depending on how many knives you finish, your prices and how well you sell online. These are estimates, and they assume at least about 8 hours of work a week.

Check city or county zoning, home occupation rules and any HOA or lease limits on noise, sparks and metalwork. Ask your local fire department about forge and propane requirements, and check knife laws on sale and shipping in your state and city.