Handcrafted items are great! We think they are the best...of course that might be because we are makers!
Handcrafted items can also be expensive. Not only do the makers and artists need to invest in top quality materials but they must invest countless hours creating their art and perfecting it so that the customer receives an heirloom level product.
We make knives and blades and products of steel, wood and resins. All these things are getting more expensive all the time. We look for high carbon and Damascus steel that meet very high standards for sharpness and edge retention.
We also stabilize or woods to ensure they are hard, long lasting and in some cases infused with brilliant colors. Wood, and especially exotic hardwoods are becoming sought after and very pricey. Our charcuterie and cutting boards are all made from exotic hardwoods not found at your typical lumber store or big box outlet.
So what do I do if I am a customer who wants to own a handcrafted item that is something you can be proud of and pass on for generations?
Shopify and Etsy, two of the places that Two Headed Dog Knife Works uses to sell online, now have payment plans! Shopify has Shop Pay where you can buy now and break the payment into four installments. The vendor must have an agreement with Affirm and some stores do not participate. Etsy recently partnered with Klarna that also allows the customer to make four payments!
So, go ahead, shop for quality items. Remember what your grandparents said: “You get what you pay for!” In this case pay for quality and get an item that lasts and that you can be proud of.