Are you a knifemaker? Check this out.

MaxTheKnife

MaxTheKnife

Joined
Aug 19, 2000
Messages
643
Howdy folks, I've been making knives for several years now. When I finish up a knife I'm especially proud of, I like to post a pic of it somewhere so other folks can see it. Not to brag, just to say 'here, this is what I just did'. Know what I mean? I think all knifemakers have similar thoughts with each new knife. I know I do.

Over at the Crucible forum on EZboard, Tai Goo has a new forum titled 'To Critique And Be Critiqued'. This is a place where you can post pics of your latest blade whether forged or stock removal. If you want some honest, well thought out opinions of your work, bring your pics for a review. Be ready to explain your methods and techniques. We all want to learn something and the best way is to have the chance to ask questions and make comments on each others work. This is a brand new concept and is working very well for those who have participated so far.

I hope to see some of you fine makers there to share your talents and pics of your latest work. Or even pics of your very first knife. It's a great time. Come on over and lets have some fun. Here's the link to the forum:
http://pub14.ezboard.com/bthecrucible26870

Prepare to have a laugh or two at some of the earliest works posted. Poke some fun and post some pics. See you there.
 
Interesting forum. I like the idea if it helps makers out to improve their work. I agree that you never hear anyone say, "Hey, that sucks ass."

But on the other hand, most of the posts I read there...the criticism is purely personal opinion on design and aesthetics...not so much fit/finish or functional design suggestions.

I think that a knife can be perfectly great in the minds of a thousand, but one person won't like the contrast here or the color there. But does that warrant announcing your distaste?

But it is a neat idea. I guess I just grew up hearing my grandmother say "Never miss a good opportunity to keep your mouth shut." (with a grin and wink) too many times. :)

Thanks for sharing the link,
Nick
 
The forum is still relatively new and hasn't really gotten a good start yet. You see pics of knives all the time posted here at BFC and lots of other places. Most times, I think the makers that present these knives just want to show what they're doing right now. That's one of my motivations for showing pics.

But if this new concept in knife 'judging' takes hold, it could mean a great deal to knifemakers of all descriptions and skill levels. It's difficult to tell someone that their knife 'sucks donkey balls' in a nice way, so most folks just say stock phrases like 'hey, that's a nice knife' and 'keep up the good work' and let it go at that. That's expected by the majority. So, this new forum is set up in a way that there are no holds barred and should open up new avenues to approach constructive criticism of others work.

It's not meant to be a place where you can flame someone with an obviously bad knife. Heck, we've all made crappy blades. Posting a pic there should be a learning experience for all involved. Even the lurkers can learn something. And probably the most important part is the discussions that can result from questions asked about how you did this or that on your particular knife. It's kind of a sounding board for new designs or concepts. A way test market new ideas and get honest opinions.

And it's not just for knives either. It's all about metalsmithing. So, anything that can be forged or ground out at the workbench is welcome. I aggree with your grand mother about keeping your mouth shut. I could take a few lessons from her :) But sometimes, telling someone what you really think is a good thing. Give it a try and see what comes of it. I appreciate your response and hope to see you there sometime in the future.

Oh, and you're welcome L6.
 
Twitchy system, that...

It kicked out my registration about four times, and every time, it sorta half-registered me...at least enough so that I couldn't use the same name.

I finally get registered, get my confirmation mail, and go to try logging in, but it keeps telling me that my name/pw combo won't work...I'm waiting for the second mail that should verify my id/pw combo, to make sure it didn't truncate it or anything, but WHAT an aggravation!!!

I'm really looking forward to getting everyone's opinions, though...

:D
 
Max-

Sorry if I came off too negative, it is a very good idea for a forum. I totally agree with you on how people could improve if they were only aware of what really NEEDS to be changed.

The kind of thing I didn't realy care for was like your chain damascus neck knife review. I think it's really pretty as did others, so to me...Tai Goo saying the damascus was bad for that knife didn't seem like constructive criticism so much as his personal opinion on the artistry of knifemaking. Please no one email me thinking I'm flaming Tai Goo either, he's entitled to his opinion of aesthetics just as much as the rest of us are.

Maybe I'm just scared to post any of my work there:eek:

Thanks Max:)
Nick
 
There's a funny story behind that particular knife and that particular post Nick. No need to air it here though if you know what I mean. I'll tell you about it over a cold one sometime.
 
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