SharpByCoop • Gallery of Handmade Knives

**Anders Hogstrom** · 02-27-2012, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by SharpByCoop

I've been giving the book project more thought. As expected, it's not going to be nearly as easy as constructing a single version to show the local acquaintances.

I am hesitant to make a book that is fairly short and vibrant. That's what I want.

The hesitancy I am having will surprise you--but it's VERY real to me: Who's work am I going to alienate by NOT including it. I have 6700 knife images and about 3000 of those were paid for by specific clients.

Imagine you've been working with me over many years and, of the 100 images I choose, your work isn't included. Hmmmmm.....

Because, of course, art is subjective, and if I am the editor of my own book, then I have my own sense of what appeals to me visually. That said, I have a business to monitor, which is a responsibility to my clients. All of them.

I'd like advice on this one, please.

Coop

I would say that the images you choose to include in YOUR book is completely up to you- perhaps you like the color of this one, the damascus of that one and the general composition of the next one. Has not much to do with who made what and who's included and who's not. I would hope I hade made something that you would feel fit in the book, if not - well, no hard feelings we just all keep at what we do

...and yes, I would want a copy - A

**SharpByCoop** · 02-27-2012, 12:38 PM

^^^ Thanks Anders (and others) for this input. Of course as a maker, I'd want my knive's images included. In my image selections, as you say, I am looking for examples of knives that are atypical and good. Not just good.

And my own experiments in lighting and composition for a client's project are what I need to show as well. (Many are already in the prototype book I showed earlier.)

I am heading back to my other full-time job this week. I've not gotten too far on this, and it will need time.

AS I do with anything, once I commit, I REALLY commit.

In the meanwhile, we'll see the bi-weekly updates.

Coop

**SharpByCoop** · 03-05-2012, 04:49 AM

Just a quick heads up: Susan and I returned from the East Coast Custom Knife Show (ECCKS), and it was a barn-burner for us. Non-stop projects all-day, every-day.

To all who I saw or missed: Thanks for being there!

I'll post a standalone thread real soon and follow up in here. Over 60 images. There were no 'average' knives at this show, certainly not in my room. All upper-level pieces.

##### Updated post

Yes, I/we have been busy for the past three weeks. The ECCKS was exceptional for us. So much so, I created a standalone thread which shows all 60+ images I created that weekend.

Click here: 2012 East Coast Custom Knife Show • ECCKS

Thanks to ALL!

Jim & Susan Cooper

**SharpByCoop** · 03-18-2012, 09:25 PM

Time for a fix...

Make that a FIXED BLADE fix.

Mark Knap NEVER under-delivers. His handles always make admirers gush.

David Sloan decided to get Wicked.

I'm involved for the fifth year with this fine charity project. It's J's first time on board and he really blew it out! Props to John Cohea and RichardJ. as well.

Lastly, I so rarely see one of my buddy's knives from the East Coast: Indian George. It's a 'Springbok' fighter with horn spacers.

Next up: Hinges.

**SharpByCoop** · 03-18-2012, 09:33 PM

I really love Todd's work. He doesn't come around to this forum much, and that will only make you frustrated. WOW!

Ron Best: One of my favorite makers has been VERY successful since he started his folding knife designs. Each one is signature, yet different.

Rich in color and texture. I can only imagine the hours of work that this requires.

Speaking of work. Now fit all THESE pieces together properly. He did. It clamped perfectly, open and closed.

That's it for a while.

**nelsone** · 03-19-2012, 06:50 PM

It has been an absolute pleasure viewing these pages. Thank you for allowing me to see so many beautiful works of art.

**OldeWolf** · 03-20-2012, 02:09 AM

Don't know if anyone suggested it yet as I didn't look through all 18 pages but for the book, you can do all 6000+ photos in a long time series and once you run out of stored pictures, you still will be taking more pictures and making more books to add to the series for everyone to enjoy. No one misses out or feels left out. Who said it had to only be one single simple book?

**JulianHayes** · 03-20-2012, 03:43 AM

Dear SharpByCoop. First the Hendrickson, then a reply with that charles vestal.... It is your fault my keyboard is covered in drool.. beautiful blades -hayes

**fabiodossantos77** · 03-22-2012, 04:47 AM

D'Alton Holder:

Your're a talent, man!! what a great knife!!

**fabiodossantos77** · 03-22-2012, 04:56 AM

1 in the Legacy Series - John White, MS:

BEAUTIFUL KNIFE! Great Work On Damascus. Details are great!

**SharpByCoop** · 04-05-2012, 01:38 PM

^^^ Thank you, friends. I am pleased you are enjoying these artists and craftsmen.

Here's a bunch of work which came my way in the past few months or so. Never shown here.

I liked this one so much I used it for my avatar. Color = Excitement!

More in a moment...

**SharpByCoop** · 04-05-2012, 01:49 PM

Kevin Evans, JS ~~showed~~ wowed us with two of these folders in his own thread. The resemblance to DH3's work is intentional. He drew on him for a LOT of help!

Anders Hogstrom sent me this combo enroute to a prominent West Coast collector. It has all the warmth and style points he's renowned for.

Subscribers to Knife World will get a chance to witness these razors again, soon. Robert Williams happens to live 20 minutes away. We had a great studio session.

Been especially quiet here for the past couple of weeks. Just as I've gotten into full swing with my afternoon coaching duties. Must be karma allowing me space.

Thanks for viewing!

Coop

**peterinct** · 04-05-2012, 06:41 PM

GREAT pictures of some AWESOME knives Coop.

That Newton is just incredible! I am somewhat biased, as I know Larry and have handled his knives. Fit and finish doesn't get any better and no doubt it is as SMOOTH as a knife can be.

Peter

**timcsaw** · 04-06-2012, 02:11 PM

The file work on that piece by Larry Newton is just amazing... stunning actually! (I looked at it with the window's magnifier).

**Jd4003** · 04-09-2012, 07:25 PM

Coop,

Just wanted to say thanks for posting all these! They are fantastic photos of gorgeous knives, and they give collectors like us exposure to some amazing pieces that we would likely never see otherwise. Keep em coming!

Jacob

**SharpByCoop** · 05-04-2012, 08:16 AM

Here are a BUNCH of images I've produced in the past month or so, which were shown in individual threads. As they needed to.

I always endorse Makers or Collectors to post on their own. They will get the required input in a standalone thread.

Continued...

**SharpByCoop** · 05-04-2012, 08:17 AM

**SharpByCoop** · 05-04-2012, 08:29 AM

Here are some knives which have NOT been seen yet.

Ron Best blows the top off the balisong niche. WOW!

Chuck Gedraitis. And outstanding rendition.

CJ Cai pleases the eye.

Chad Harding makes us look closely.

**SharpByCoop** · 05-04-2012, 08:33 AM

'Senator' Peter Gill brought me a few pipes to photograph a few months ago. They were a part of his growing collection. We did it as a lark...

After Peter posted them on his Pipe Forum, I got a call from a prominent website pipe dealer to shoot this amazing boxed set. Although he shoots all his own stuff, he felt this needed a little extra 'desire'.

**Marcel54** · 05-04-2012, 08:45 AM

Those Best balisongs are really cool, but the winner to me in this bunch is Chuck's folder. Bob Hergert made a really great looking scrim as well.

Marcel