I don't think there is any magic formula for making the leap to knifemaker "stardom". I think what's required is a deep commitment to making each knife better than the last one, as well as the foresight to understand that each and every day that you walk into the shop, your going to learn something new. Something that every "knife star" does is to build the type/kind of knives that are in demand within their niche area. And in many ways that niche has defined the knifes that those makers build, and have become known for.
If you pay close attention, you'll notice, those who have achieved that level of success that we will call "knife stardom" never really set out to achieve that. They made the best knives they could, continually sought to be better at it tomorrow than they were today, and are honest and fair in their dealings with others. The "stardom" thing only came after many years.
My own personal story involved scratching and clawing my way along, robbing Peter to pay Paul for about 9 years before I achieve any level of what I would call success. For me, I considered myself successful when I could stop robbing the family checkbook to pay for my knifemaking habit, and it fully paid for itself....and then some.
I can remember a time when I used to think that all I wanted was to become one of the "knife stars". But over time I realized that I am right were I'm suppose to be, and although I continually work to be a better Bladesmith/Knifemaker, that doesn't mean I'll ever be one of "the best". For me it's all about the journey, and all the wonderful people and experiences along the way.