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"2008" A VERY GOOD Year?
- Thread starter Kevin Jones
- Start date
jdm61
itinerant metal pounder
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2005
- Messages
- 47,357
Having been to Blade '05, '07 and '08, while I can't say which was that much better, my memories of '05 was that it was a monster show. But for me, much of that had to do with the fact that I got to meet Bill Moran and a few moreof my knifemaking heroes. I really didn't spend much time at any of the three outside of the ABS section except for trips to the supplier's tables, even this year, which was the first time I was able to spend the entire 3 days. In '06, I was there for such a short time i didn't really see anything outside of the ABS section. This year has been a pretty good year for me persoally in the knife game, expecially from about January on. I did my first show in February and i am one of those guys tha Paul was talking about whose knives are improving from project to project. Then again, they only had one way to go...up!!! 
I look for this coming 12 months to be even better. I am going on a "working vacation" to Gembloux in November, will be running my first ads soon and I'm on the wating list for a table at Blade. Add to that the fact that I am starting to get a little bit of interest in my knives and thing look fairly positive.
I look for this coming 12 months to be even better. I am going on a "working vacation" to Gembloux in November, will be running my first ads soon and I'm on the wating list for a table at Blade. Add to that the fact that I am starting to get a little bit of interest in my knives and thing look fairly positive.
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2002
- Messages
- 12,297
2008 has been Very Good to me, maybe the best year ever.
Blade Show was Fantastic! And Chicago is shapping up to be Great!
Met some great folks this year also.
Blade Show was Fantastic! And Chicago is shapping up to be Great!
Met some great folks this year also.
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2002
- Messages
- 2,125
I didn't make it to Blade this year but in past years i see the same displays in the "display only" area. Not very good representation of customs, IMO, and usually dominated by Buck and factory Randalls, for example.. And same goes for the Nat. Knife Museum in Tenn. , not a premier custom collection displayed. Mostly a sparse smattering, and predominately, dated stuff.
Someone somewhere should know (..harping back to Blade) what it takes to get a table and get more custom collections displayed. Somebody must have to die for a table to open up.
David
Someone somewhere should know (..harping back to Blade) what it takes to get a table and get more custom collections displayed. Somebody must have to die for a table to open up.
David
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2005
- Messages
- 27,861
if I can make it to Blade West, then I will call this a VERY GOOD year. Otherwise, for knives and the like, I have to say that 2008 so far has been a GOOD year for me. A few highlights;
-A gift of David Darom's book and a couple of phone conversations with the man
-Some good conversations with Jason Knight, Burt Foster, Matt Lamey, Nick Wheeler, Tai Goo and Peter Marzitelli.
-A great knife from Matt Lamey; http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=568287
-A great knife from Tai Goo; http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=574456
-A great knife from Bill Burns, (a Burt Foster blue collar hunter)
-Hopefully before the year is up, my online store, Bladeworks.ca, will be full steam ahead
-I learned more about knives in 2008 than any time previous, thanks to you guys and Bladeforums
-My interest is crystallizing, from a collecting standpoint, and now I have somewhere to go with it
I don't have a big picture view worth sharing, since I'm pretty out of the loop, except for the forums. But in my world, 2008 has been a good year for cutlery.:thumbup:
-A gift of David Darom's book and a couple of phone conversations with the man
-Some good conversations with Jason Knight, Burt Foster, Matt Lamey, Nick Wheeler, Tai Goo and Peter Marzitelli.
-A great knife from Matt Lamey; http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=568287
-A great knife from Tai Goo; http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=574456
-A great knife from Bill Burns, (a Burt Foster blue collar hunter)
-Hopefully before the year is up, my online store, Bladeworks.ca, will be full steam ahead
-I learned more about knives in 2008 than any time previous, thanks to you guys and Bladeforums
-My interest is crystallizing, from a collecting standpoint, and now I have somewhere to go with it
I don't have a big picture view worth sharing, since I'm pretty out of the loop, except for the forums. But in my world, 2008 has been a good year for cutlery.:thumbup:
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 13,363
David, you must be either going to a different Blade Show then I have been visiting for the last 6/7 years, or my expectations are just much lower than yours.
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2002
- Messages
- 2,125
Kevin,
I was speaking of the "display only" area. I have not seen one single maker (i can think of) featured in the "display" section of Blade.. maybe John Nelson Cooper, and ? a Randall table.
Would be nice to see this area start w/ a clean slate. More customs, a prime example- why not a display of Loveless, Michael Walker, Ruana, Bill Moran? ..there are surely collectors that could bring outstanding collections of these great makers.. Yet instead, we see the same Buck display over and over for a decade. Why?
All I'm asking...
Nobody could complain that makers don't bring incredible offerings of their own knives. They most certainly do, but some collections and knives just disappear into vaults. Seeing these knives/collections would be good, for everyone.
I would enjoy seeing a broad range any particular maker's early work, later work, styles, patterns. Something like this could be done at Blade, ..but if it has been done I haven't seen much of it.
Dr. Lucie's Scagel collection, which he has been gracious enough to display, is one example of what I'm talking about. Mr. Denton's table of Loveless knives, another sort of display/collection.
Who else have i missed?
David
I was speaking of the "display only" area. I have not seen one single maker (i can think of) featured in the "display" section of Blade.. maybe John Nelson Cooper, and ? a Randall table.
Would be nice to see this area start w/ a clean slate. More customs, a prime example- why not a display of Loveless, Michael Walker, Ruana, Bill Moran? ..there are surely collectors that could bring outstanding collections of these great makers.. Yet instead, we see the same Buck display over and over for a decade. Why?
All I'm asking...
Nobody could complain that makers don't bring incredible offerings of their own knives. They most certainly do, but some collections and knives just disappear into vaults. Seeing these knives/collections would be good, for everyone.
I would enjoy seeing a broad range any particular maker's early work, later work, styles, patterns. Something like this could be done at Blade, ..but if it has been done I haven't seen much of it.
Dr. Lucie's Scagel collection, which he has been gracious enough to display, is one example of what I'm talking about. Mr. Denton's table of Loveless knives, another sort of display/collection.
Who else have i missed?
David
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2005
- Messages
- 3,972
Not all for 2008 knives, but here are my Paul Long sheaths of 2008. Man, it has been fun Paul! All dressed in their ties.
- Joe
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,336
I wish I had a count of all the knife images I have shot for portfolio shots AND website dealers. It's staggering. I have increased capacity every year, 2008 being no exception.
My client's work is getting regular exposure in every USA magazine, as well as in Japan. I am pleased for them. I am but the messenger.
I see no end in sight for me. I need to come up for air once in a while! There are a LOT of nice knives that are deserving of photography.
Coop
My client's work is getting regular exposure in every USA magazine, as well as in Japan. I am pleased for them. I am but the messenger.
I see no end in sight for me. I need to come up for air once in a while! There are a LOT of nice knives that are deserving of photography.
Coop
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
It seems like the entry level($500.00 and under) stuff is doing ok, and the higher end(over $1,500.00) is gaining some good ground for many makers, but there is an abundance of supply in the middle, and weakened demand and unfortunately, this is where a lot of makers are positioned.
Also, the Chinese market and European markets seem strong, but the domestic market seems soft.....and this is where my xenophobia kicks in.
Have not heard from Les Robertson yet, and that would be a good voice in this discussion.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
Also, the Chinese market and European markets seem strong, but the domestic market seems soft.....and this is where my xenophobia kicks in.
Have not heard from Les Robertson yet, and that would be a good voice in this discussion.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2001
- Messages
- 7,353
Les Robertson
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 3,565
I have been summoned...and here I am! LOL
As Kevin wrote...he "Feels" this is a great year for custom knives. He, like everyone else here is entitled to their "feelings".
Most who have posted here are collectors who have had a great year for their personal collections. Most have purchased 10 knives or less...usually from the a few makers.
While your feeling is that this is a great year. If you talked with those who make and sell custom knives they would tell you it has been a "slow year".
Starting with the Reno Show...many world class and other makers took knives home.
Next the Arkansas Custom Knife Show....very slow....very.
The East Coast Custom Knife Show, considered one of the premier shows in the country....very slow....very.
Heard good things about Solvang...smaller show lots of in demand makers.
Blade Show is always good. However, most of the MS Makers took knives home. As Kevin pointed out lots of great knives. Of course with 400 tables of custom knives...there had better be some great knives in the room. The blade show is so busy even if no one bought a knife, the overall impression would be it was a great show. It is a great show...my favorite show...next year will be my 25th Blade Show!
Note...what is a great knife or a hot maker is determined by the collectors. So while no one would argue that Tony Bose, John Young and Jerry Fisk are hot makers. They all have drawings for their work. I did not participate in any of these drawings personally.
It is an interesting dichotomy in that the main reason people are rabid for these drawings is not to put a knife in their collection but to sell it to someone who didn't win the lottery. Nothing wrong with that, just an observation.
The recent Guild Show was small as was the crowd.
Note; at every show in the world...Some makers sell out, some do ok and some sell nothing.
We are ready to get out of the summer doldrums of late June to early August. Most people are foolishly spending money on things like vacations and school.
I know I just wrote a check for $4,500 to Georgia Southern (so please buy something from me will you..).
However, like clockwork the emails and phone calls started again in earnest this past Monday. With Gas prices dropping and the Christmas season looming on the horizon (expect to see Xmas stuff in late Sept in many of your favorite retailers).
Note...I had the best July I ever had...go figure.
I think Coops business is picking up due in large part to quality for the money. As well some makers (finally) are breaking the code that they should get their knives photographed.
Paul Long is getting great press from Kevin and others on this forum. So his order book is getting filled up daily. I received two from Paul for a couple of Mark Terrell knives (that within a few days will be in Australia). Very nice work!
Back to the custom knife market. Currently we are seeing the aftermarket flatten out for many makers work. Perhaps the high gas prices are the reason for a reversal in fortunes for many "hot" makers. The high prices of last year for many of these makers are not being realized in 2008. Phil B, Bob Lum, Ernie Emerson, Harvey Dean, Kit Carson, Ken Onion, Bill Moran, Steve Johnson, etc.
Note this has nothing to do with the makers...only how much of a premium that collectors will pay in the aftermarket. For many of these makers the "Tipping Point" has been reached.
A side note...I have been told by several people that Loveless knives that had micarta scales are currently being rehandled with Stag and Ivory. The theory being that those would make the knife worth more money and more desirable. However, my guess that Bob, being such a big fan of micarta has probably used that material on more knives than any other.
So as things progress you expect to see more and more non-micarta handles showing up for higher prices. Eventually people will start asking for paperwork as proof that this is what the knife originally came with. Those who have such paperwork will command a higher price as showing the work being done originally in Loveless's shop.
I would say that those who post here regularly with a lot of enthusiasm will feel it is a great year for custom knives. IF they are buying what they like and getting their orders filled...every year will be a great year!
If you think it is a great year for you...then it is.
Every year for the past 13 has been great for me....Im doing what I love to do everyday....and making money at it! Financially some years were better than others.
I'll post more in response to this later. As right now I am headed to Atlanta to watch my Chicago Cubs continue their road to the World Series against the Atlanta Braves! Row 24 behind the Cubs dugout!!
As Kevin wrote...he "Feels" this is a great year for custom knives. He, like everyone else here is entitled to their "feelings".
Most who have posted here are collectors who have had a great year for their personal collections. Most have purchased 10 knives or less...usually from the a few makers.
While your feeling is that this is a great year. If you talked with those who make and sell custom knives they would tell you it has been a "slow year".
Starting with the Reno Show...many world class and other makers took knives home.
Next the Arkansas Custom Knife Show....very slow....very.
The East Coast Custom Knife Show, considered one of the premier shows in the country....very slow....very.
Heard good things about Solvang...smaller show lots of in demand makers.
Blade Show is always good. However, most of the MS Makers took knives home. As Kevin pointed out lots of great knives. Of course with 400 tables of custom knives...there had better be some great knives in the room. The blade show is so busy even if no one bought a knife, the overall impression would be it was a great show. It is a great show...my favorite show...next year will be my 25th Blade Show!
Note...what is a great knife or a hot maker is determined by the collectors. So while no one would argue that Tony Bose, John Young and Jerry Fisk are hot makers. They all have drawings for their work. I did not participate in any of these drawings personally.
It is an interesting dichotomy in that the main reason people are rabid for these drawings is not to put a knife in their collection but to sell it to someone who didn't win the lottery. Nothing wrong with that, just an observation.
The recent Guild Show was small as was the crowd.
Note; at every show in the world...Some makers sell out, some do ok and some sell nothing.
We are ready to get out of the summer doldrums of late June to early August. Most people are foolishly spending money on things like vacations and school.
I know I just wrote a check for $4,500 to Georgia Southern (so please buy something from me will you..
).However, like clockwork the emails and phone calls started again in earnest this past Monday. With Gas prices dropping and the Christmas season looming on the horizon (expect to see Xmas stuff in late Sept in many of your favorite retailers).
Note...I had the best July I ever had...go figure.
I think Coops business is picking up due in large part to quality for the money. As well some makers (finally) are breaking the code that they should get their knives photographed.
Paul Long is getting great press from Kevin and others on this forum. So his order book is getting filled up daily. I received two from Paul for a couple of Mark Terrell knives (that within a few days will be in Australia). Very nice work!
Back to the custom knife market. Currently we are seeing the aftermarket flatten out for many makers work. Perhaps the high gas prices are the reason for a reversal in fortunes for many "hot" makers. The high prices of last year for many of these makers are not being realized in 2008. Phil B, Bob Lum, Ernie Emerson, Harvey Dean, Kit Carson, Ken Onion, Bill Moran, Steve Johnson, etc.
Note this has nothing to do with the makers...only how much of a premium that collectors will pay in the aftermarket. For many of these makers the "Tipping Point" has been reached.
A side note...I have been told by several people that Loveless knives that had micarta scales are currently being rehandled with Stag and Ivory. The theory being that those would make the knife worth more money and more desirable. However, my guess that Bob, being such a big fan of micarta has probably used that material on more knives than any other.
So as things progress you expect to see more and more non-micarta handles showing up for higher prices. Eventually people will start asking for paperwork as proof that this is what the knife originally came with. Those who have such paperwork will command a higher price as showing the work being done originally in Loveless's shop.
I would say that those who post here regularly with a lot of enthusiasm will feel it is a great year for custom knives. IF they are buying what they like and getting their orders filled...every year will be a great year!
If you think it is a great year for you...then it is.
Every year for the past 13 has been great for me....Im doing what I love to do everyday....and making money at it! Financially some years were better than others.
I'll post more in response to this later. As right now I am headed to Atlanta to watch my Chicago Cubs continue their road to the World Series against the Atlanta Braves! Row 24 behind the Cubs dugout!!
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
Thanks, Les!
Just want to clarify......I said this was an ok year, right off the bat...that does NOT mean the year sucked, but also felt it important to counterbalance the "yeah-yeah, everything is SUPER" crowd.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
jdm61
itinerant metal pounder
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2005
- Messages
- 47,357
Always have to be the proverbial stick in the mud eh, STeven? Two things that you mentioned about the sub-$500 and European markets do give me a bit of hope. I am burning a nice chunk of my Delta and Hilton points and taking a bit of a "working vacation" to Gembloux in November where I will have a fair number of those sub-$500 items on my table. Wish me luck:thumbup:
Two things that you mentioned about the sub-$500 and European markets do give me a bit of hope. I am burning a nice chunk of my Delta and Hilton points and taking a bit of a "working vacation" to Gembloux in November where I will have a fair number of those sub-$500 items on my table. Wish me luck:thumbup:- Joined
- Dec 6, 2007
- Messages
- 324
Not only the best year, but the only year, since all my custom knife acquisitions have been in 08.
Nevertheless, can't we hear the faint, dolorous thunder of distant storms, and might not 08 be remembered more as the harbinger of decline than promise. We are seeing how the American economy teeters on the brink of recession due to greedy sub-prime lenders, a toothless problem compared to those threatening to devour us in-house and globally.
And who will guide us through the minefields . . . a political system where the narcissistic Prometheans spend most of their energy and talents solving the problems of re-election?
Time is not a friend, but the hangman. Sorry to rain on anyone's parade, but if history shows anything it's that great nations find apogee glory in their ruins and memory, especially those that misplace or ignore their original compass. But what the heck, gas prices are falling, Vegas has Michael Phelps winning 8 gold medals at 2 to 1, and that one-of-a-kind bowie that's in the mail is certain to provide the giddy narcosis that both sedates us and inspires us to aim higher next time.
ken (the Oracle of Delphi--lol)
Nevertheless, can't we hear the faint, dolorous thunder of distant storms, and might not 08 be remembered more as the harbinger of decline than promise. We are seeing how the American economy teeters on the brink of recession due to greedy sub-prime lenders, a toothless problem compared to those threatening to devour us in-house and globally.
And who will guide us through the minefields . . . a political system where the narcissistic Prometheans spend most of their energy and talents solving the problems of re-election?
Time is not a friend, but the hangman. Sorry to rain on anyone's parade, but if history shows anything it's that great nations find apogee glory in their ruins and memory, especially those that misplace or ignore their original compass. But what the heck, gas prices are falling, Vegas has Michael Phelps winning 8 gold medals at 2 to 1, and that one-of-a-kind bowie that's in the mail is certain to provide the giddy narcosis that both sedates us and inspires us to aim higher next time.
ken (the Oracle of Delphi--lol)
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2006
- Messages
- 147
I don't think that the lenders- sub prime loans are in many cases only a small portion of the products offered by lenders-are any more responsible ( solely) for the state our economy is in, then the major distillers are responsible for alcoholism in the United States.
A pretty sweeping statement on your part Ken. For me it's about people taking responsibility for they're actions.
Regards,
Paul
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 13,363
Sorry David as I missed your point regarding the "display" section. I haven't spent much time in that area just for the reason you mentioned.
I too would like to see more custom collections displayed. Jay Hendrickson displays some beautiful Bill Moran pieces and our own Larry Bailey beautifully displays his outstanding ABS hunter collection in his walnut display cases, however both in the ABS section.
How about your Ed Fowler collection? That's is without doubt worthy of display IMO.
Les Robertson
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 3,565
Hi Ken,
Let me first say that it was a wonderful night at Turner Field in Atlanta. My Cubs won 8-0!!! Sadly they only play "Go Cubs Go" at Wrigley Field after a win.
First, technically the country is not in a recession..there is still growth...minimal but still growth.
The Media is all about what is bad, wrong, horrible about America and what it is doing world wide. Al Gore gets the Nobel Peace Price for Global Warming...then has a $350K Electric bill at the Mansion. Go Figure
Having been around the custom knife market for awhile there has always been some people with the doom and gloom attitude about custom knives. The Economy has been the main reason sales are slow or non-existent for some makers. They. like many take the shortest route (excuse) as to why their knives are not selling.
Sales is a simple proposition....provide a service or good that solves a problem. The problem in many cases is...I don't have that knife in my collection.
Makers who bring the same knife over and over again to the same show for several years. Will note a decline in sales..why? Because people have that knife in the area of that show...they are looking for something new.
What is happening right now is a market correction of sorts.
Many of the MS Makers are finally coming to the realization that the JS makers are doing it as good (and in many cases better) for less money. In come cases substantially less money. Ask any MS maker who is honest about it and they will tell you the standards are much higher to make MS than they were 10 years ago.
Many tactical folder makers are coming out of nowhere and asking comparable money for those who have been around for a long time. They had some initial success, but many of those makers are selling fewer knives this year.
Every year in custom knives collectors (for better or worse) thinking about their collections in terms of possible return on investment. While it may not be at the forefront of their thinking when buying a custom knife. The little voice is at least saying "Ah Hem" (clearing its throat).
As the economy tightens (as it does several times a decade) collectors will be looking with a little keener eye at what they are buying. This goes back to why I think Coop and Paul are having very good years. Both of them have "value added" services. Making the knives more desireable..Coop with his photos showing up everywhere except The National Enquirer (although I thought the style seemed familiar with regards to the Sen. John Edwards story...and his wife home dying of cancer....what a stand up guy).
So like every year you will see makers of note slowing to a crawl then disappearing. New makers flame out because of their pricing and lack of business acumen. Other leaving full time knife making for a more "steady" pay check.
As with collectors some will change hobbies. Some will come to realize that with the prices of everything going up, it's time to head back to factory knives (although I understand that things are down on that side of the street. It seems the ships that bring the knives from Taiwan are charging more because of the oil.) This is cutting into the bottom line. As well the cost of titanium and carbon fiber are going up...as well as steel. Factory knives are appealing to many because of the price point. The higher the price the less appealing they are.
Still other collectors will look at either become makers or dealers. A huge step that involves a lot of time and money, with little or no guarantee of a return on your investment. But how hard can it be?? Can't be that hard, that idiot Robertson can do it.
There are some exceptional makers out there who will always be in demand and whose knives will continue to demand a premium in the after market.
There are those who are not as well known, doing very clean work at a very reasonable price. Doing your "homework" will help you identify those who are successful in 2008 and have potential for the foreseeable future.
The biggest threat to mediocre makers charging prices not in line with their position in the market. Is a collector who can identify them. Yes, they buy what the like....however, many are just changing the criteria as to which knife qualifies as a knife that they like.
Ken, don't worry custom knives aren't going away any time soon.
Let me first say that it was a wonderful night at Turner Field in Atlanta. My Cubs won 8-0!!! Sadly they only play "Go Cubs Go" at Wrigley Field after a win.
First, technically the country is not in a recession..there is still growth...minimal but still growth.
The Media is all about what is bad, wrong, horrible about America and what it is doing world wide. Al Gore gets the Nobel Peace Price for Global Warming...then has a $350K Electric bill at the Mansion. Go Figure
Having been around the custom knife market for awhile there has always been some people with the doom and gloom attitude about custom knives. The Economy has been the main reason sales are slow or non-existent for some makers. They. like many take the shortest route (excuse) as to why their knives are not selling.
Sales is a simple proposition....provide a service or good that solves a problem. The problem in many cases is...I don't have that knife in my collection.
Makers who bring the same knife over and over again to the same show for several years. Will note a decline in sales..why? Because people have that knife in the area of that show...they are looking for something new.
What is happening right now is a market correction of sorts.
Many of the MS Makers are finally coming to the realization that the JS makers are doing it as good (and in many cases better) for less money. In come cases substantially less money. Ask any MS maker who is honest about it and they will tell you the standards are much higher to make MS than they were 10 years ago.
Many tactical folder makers are coming out of nowhere and asking comparable money for those who have been around for a long time. They had some initial success, but many of those makers are selling fewer knives this year.
Every year in custom knives collectors (for better or worse) thinking about their collections in terms of possible return on investment. While it may not be at the forefront of their thinking when buying a custom knife. The little voice is at least saying "Ah Hem" (clearing its throat).
As the economy tightens (as it does several times a decade) collectors will be looking with a little keener eye at what they are buying. This goes back to why I think Coop and Paul are having very good years. Both of them have "value added" services. Making the knives more desireable..Coop with his photos showing up everywhere except The National Enquirer (although I thought the style seemed familiar with regards to the Sen. John Edwards story...and his wife home dying of cancer....what a stand up guy).
So like every year you will see makers of note slowing to a crawl then disappearing. New makers flame out because of their pricing and lack of business acumen. Other leaving full time knife making for a more "steady" pay check.
As with collectors some will change hobbies. Some will come to realize that with the prices of everything going up, it's time to head back to factory knives (although I understand that things are down on that side of the street. It seems the ships that bring the knives from Taiwan are charging more because of the oil.) This is cutting into the bottom line. As well the cost of titanium and carbon fiber are going up...as well as steel. Factory knives are appealing to many because of the price point. The higher the price the less appealing they are.
Still other collectors will look at either become makers or dealers. A huge step that involves a lot of time and money, with little or no guarantee of a return on your investment. But how hard can it be?? Can't be that hard, that idiot Robertson can do it.
There are some exceptional makers out there who will always be in demand and whose knives will continue to demand a premium in the after market.
There are those who are not as well known, doing very clean work at a very reasonable price. Doing your "homework" will help you identify those who are successful in 2008 and have potential for the foreseeable future.
The biggest threat to mediocre makers charging prices not in line with their position in the market. Is a collector who can identify them. Yes, they buy what the like....however, many are just changing the criteria as to which knife qualifies as a knife that they like.
Ken, don't worry custom knives aren't going away any time soon.