I'm not critising makers, just the people who criticise others when they never use the collectables they think are pinnacles of the knifemakers' craft when they are never used. Unless a knife is used, how can anyone learn about it to offer any advice to improve another knife.
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Does a Rolex really tell time better than a watch at walmart?
You are criticizing collectors that appreciate and understand a higher level of workmanship, skill, sweat, tears, risk, time, and patience from a maker. They are buying knives that had a huge amount of hours in planning, practice, and execution. And yes these knives do cut and if you have $2000 I'll make you one you can try out.
These collectors are paying big money for these knives and that does give them a right to "critique" the knives they see. And by the way, this is a forum.
Am I a bit sensitive about this, sure. Because you are criticizing people that are helping support and drive the knife world. You're not going to scare off Kevin Jones, but what if a new collector shows up and offers his opinion and then he's told he shouldn't have an opinion because he's never gutted an elk out. He might just leave thinking he's not appreciated.
I usually find opinions like these from people that don't have the ability to make these knives, or the wealth to buy them so instead they throw stones. I'm not putting down makers making user grade knives, or the collectors that collect them. I make them too. But don't come here and throw out sweeping charges that stem from jealousy or ignorance.
