absolutely unofficial survey re: THE BOOK

Those are fine looking handles. If it wasn't stamped 1880, I'd say they were made of plastic. The details and lines look almost perfect. :eek:
 
Great news John! :D

Number 1, is a very powerful cover and I like it. I find that I also like number 8, for its sheer elegance.
I hope this book does come to be. Put me down for an autographed copy also!
 
JP .Best workmanship of a fuller I have seen, puts most kamis to shame.Have you any details on John Rood? Like Whearabouts in London was he based?

Is that scabbard top Damascus{to coin a term} or etched or something else entirely?

That & no5. look outstanding for quality even if not so exotic as the others.

cheers,
Spiral
 
John,
You are working with a fine graphic designer. Or is it you? Number 1 is my first choice, and #6 my close second. I guess I like the elegance and serious/scholarly look. They are all very good, however.
 
John Powell said:
Mr Bad X: the kukri you asked about is one I've discussed before and I consider absolutely perfect.
ROOD.jpg
Click to expand...
John I'm sure all of us here know why you consider this kukri "perfect!"
That is probably the most beautiful kukri I've ever seen! And you know I favor the wider blades the utmost.
And that is a wonderful example of hand checkering done by a true master! Lovely pales in use as to what this kukri truly is IMO.
 
It may be plastic, but it's really GOOD plastic.

The handle is steel and the locket is finely engraved. The checkering is so reminiscent of the finest gunmakers it makes you wonder. John Rood is an absolute mystery as is the scant information regarding this kukri. Frustrating, but fun.

All the work is mine although my computer skills are sorely lacking. As an art director/designer/creative type I really enjoy applying my skills to a personal project along with the advertising/marketing things I make my living from. Compliment is appreciated.
 
My favorite covers are #4 and 5. The other covers and inside page layouts look great as well!
I'm looking forward to when the book is published I think it would be a great resource.
Mike
 
John, you're missing a bet here. I think everyone is focusing (naturally) on their favorite knife. Were that the sole criterion I would go with your original gut feeling and use one of the beautiful ivory handled watered blades in 6 or 8, or the somewhat similar blade in #4.

But all of your fonts in your titles are somewhat similar _except_ #7. To me, that cover is perfect, and the knife would be a secondary choice. The slightly italicized font looks very "action oriented" and is not so blocky as the others. Since you chose a dark handled Khuk for #7, why not put that beautiful Nahan Sirmoon khuk you just showed us on the cover? Then you will have the best font and (I agree with Yvsa) about the best looking khuk I have ever seen in one package.

Just my nickels worth! BTW, if you don't give us all first crack at autographed copies we'll sic Bruise on you! :)

Good Luck and Regards,

Norm
 
I look at the covers in an objective or formalistic way. In other words I don't see the kukri as a knife, but as a visual object which is part of the overall presentation.

From that perspective, I see Cover #1 as claustrophobic with a misplaced emphasis. It presents itself as a total closed composition which emphasizes itself rather than the subject as conveyed by the text and graphic.

Cover # 9 is the direct opposite. It is an open, static arrangement which emphasizes the text and graphic equally and presents it on a neutral, but aesthetically pleasing background.

However, I have no knowledge of commercial design. My academic background was in the analysis and criticism of fine art, and many times the aesthetics of the museum and the aesthetics of the marketplace follow divergent paths.
 
John, I asked my best friend of 40+ years to comment, who has impeccable credentials in the area of marketing and design: He served as Advertising/Promotion/Membership Director for the Minneapolis Society of Fine Art (Minneapolis Institute to Art and Minneapolis College of Art and Design) and the Creative Director for Carlson Companies (Carlson Marketing Group). (He also has a nice collection of WWII theatre made knives and Ka-Bars). His comment:
“I think #1 is the most dramatic and well thought out design. It 'cuts' through the clutter, displaying a sense of authority and 'gravitas'. The design also defends the price and the customer's decision to purchase the book.”
​
He sends his regards and just received a surprise package from Yangdu. His first HI.
 
To hell with it!
Put the HI cantina pic on the front of the book.
Send that perfect khukuri to birghorka and tell them we want twenty more just like it.
 
OK, don't know if this helps.

1) I second Danny's second proposal. But that doesn't really address the issue at hand, or the risk to your gorgeous piece by sending it there. It would be really great if the kamis made some though.

2) To me, 4, 8, 9 also fly, IMIO. (second I stands for ignorant)

I can see the thing about # 1 being a bit "congested".
But color is important too. #1 seems to stand out as having "serious" color scheme. "Edgy" colors don't seem to fit.

But as has been noted, most purchasers are not going to go by the cover. If that is what is most important to your potential backer, well they may not be right, as hard as it sounds.

3) Forgive me my ignorance, but what is the sun-like symbol, and why do you choose to put it on the cover to visually compete with the khuk?
 
When the book is finally ready, will it be specially autographed by John and sold to the beloved members of this cantina - just curious.
 
Lettering layout/shadow from 1 (in black or -dark- lettering)
on white background like 2
no sun symbol
with kukri from 6 (or other contrasty, fancy look)

:)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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firkin said:
.. most purchasers are not going to go by the cover...
Click to expand...
The key to the appropriate design is who makes up the target market.

Book #1 is the most "commercial". It could be prominently displayed on the "specials" table. Because of the attention catching cover and the many beautiful photographs it would make a great coffee table book. Books of this type are usually bought on impulse. In this case, the cover is the most important part of the book.

If it were back in the shelves and had to be specifically sought out, then all that can be seen is usually the spine. The reader knows the subject and needs a cover that instantly conveys the content.
 
Please also change the title to:

" Dannyin Japan: his knives, his friends, his women"

and put a few khukuris in the back for good measure.
 
Lovely khukuris, of course.

I and my better half offer the following opinions from what we see:

1. Looks a bit complex and the khukuri does not show up well -- on my monitor at least.

3. Our favorite. Colors draw the eye, title easy to read, and there is a 3D effect due to khukuri overlapping on to border.

5. 2d choice. Good, sharp contrast between khukuri and background makes cover more eye-catching.

7. Hard to read title walikng past a table of books.

8. 3d choice. Again, title easy to read and khukuri distinct.

Hmm, if the blade were done in metallic finish . . . .
 
" Dannyin Japan: his knives, his friends, his women"
Heeheee...however, it may need the title spruced up for today's hip crowd...something perhaps like:

"Danny Japan! Blades, Buds, Babes."

Keith
 
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