Asking a Maker to lose the markings

A

AcesAndEights

Joined
May 15, 2005
Messages
96
I am thinking of commissioning a maker to construct a knife for me, the only problem is I dislike their markings(mostly a size thing.) Im concerned though that the asking the maker to construct a knife sans their marking that they might take offense.

So what is your guys view on this? Would any of the makers here be offended if a customer asked for a clean knife?

Thanks.
 
That's a very good question. I love products that are "sterile" (no markings of any kind), and there are admittedly very few such things around to please weird people like me.

It wouldn't surprise me if knife makers were reluctant to do this, as then someone else could claim to have made the knife or something like that. It might come down to a person wishing to protect his "trademark."

Blue skies,
-Jeffrey
 
I believe you would have better luck asking them to resize their logo/mark. I don't see anything wrong with a tiny mark or word or something, but I will definately admit that the big Gaudy marks are terrible. I would say, just try to bring up the matter in a polite and honest fashion, and take whatever comes of it. I'm sure that if you are tactful, the maker will see your side of it and you may come to a nice compromise.
-KC
 
perhaps just stamp his initials in a discrete place?

I know a guitar maker who has this exact concern for his clients.
Instead of inlaying his name in the guitar he inlays his name in morse code down the fretboard. everybody who looks at it, passes it off as normal fretboard inlays.
 
In my opinion if I commision a Master Smith to make a knife, I would want his stamp on it for resale value.
 
I'd think the maker'd be more willing to put his mark in a discreet or hidden place rather than leaving it sterile. Like on the inside of a backspacer or liners on a folding knife. I'm not sure where you'd hide it on a fixed blade though.
 
If your asking for a full tang fixed blade, have him put it on the tang that will be covered by the handle materials. If you just ask him to "hide" the mark and not just leave it unmarked he might be more compliant. If its a hidden tang he could put it underneath the guard or on the pommel, most makers will work with you if you let them know your serious about buying thier product.

I also like sterile knives, or at least the ones I am going to use and abuse, but like previously said for resale value I would want it on there.
 
Well, as I see it, there are 2 sides to this issue, both of which have been pointed out by the others, and both of which are valid :D The 2 sides are obviously those of the maker and those of the buyer... :cool:

By placing a mark on the knife, the maker wishes to protect the authenticity and veracity of his work. As a buyer, however, you have the right to spend your money as you wish, on what you wish... It seems clear to me that the answer is compromise. I think a solution that proves agreeable to both parties could be worked out, assuming both parties were willing to engage on the issue...

So, talk to the maker and tell him your desires. See what his reaction is and, if I'm not mistaken, he'll offer some solutions. If he doesn't want to budge, I'd thank him for his time and find someone else, with no love lost.

And, as Knifeclerk asked: who and what?? Let us fellow knife-knuts in on the surprise!! :D
 
Knifeclerk said:
Alright, so my curiosity has peaked. What are you going to have made and by whom?
Click to expand...
Not to be pedantic, but do you mean "piqued"? Cause saying your curiosity has "peaked" would mean something rather different. :p
 
If you are spending the money ask for what it is you want. I like my Protech knives. They micro print the name on the spine of the blade, barely visable.

However, the value of the knife will go down if it doesn't have the maker's mark on it if the maker is one of the better ones. The potential buyer won't know if it is original or a knockoff. There is usuallya an inconspicuous spot where it can be marked without detracting from the beauty of the knife.
 
Great thread.As a user/collector I would rather not have anything except maybe a small stamp on the ricasso as I feel anything on the blade would promote or attract corrosion,of course I have only in the past two years been able to acquire/afford Customs and was apprehensive to ask the maker if this was possible and was told it was my money and they would be happy to comply.I'm pretty sure some Smiths would not want to omit their Makers mark just because a customer wanted it that way.I keep my blades clean,dry and silicone oiled up so it may be a moot point and why would a well known maker change his stamp for one person?Maybe a Custom Smith will respond to this thread.I do understand a maker wanting to protect his mark.jm.02. :)
 
I wouldn't be offended...especially if it was handled tactfully. I think most makers would be pleased to have the commission in the first place.

Just say "I would like to order a custom knife from you, but without the mark on it - I would prefer a 'sterile' knife".

That way, you're not coming out and saying - Hey, your mark is ugly.

If they take it, great. If they get offended, find somebody else.

Best of luck, friend.
 
This is one reason I've kept it simple with my mark. A nice fancy logo or makers mark is nice but it can be something buyers may not want. I would say ask but be nice about it like Dan Koster said. Just explain why you would like it more discreet or hidden.
Scott
 
Knifeclerk said:
Alright, so my curiosity has peaked. What are you going to have made and by whom?
Click to expand...

I didnt really want to say. I think I remember seeing them on the forum, and I thought it would disrespectful to mention any names.

Thanks for all the replies, I wasnt expecting to get so many. I will probably contact the maker as soon as they start taking orders again.
 
I was thinking of using this as my new mark on knives:

newlogo.jpg
 
I like small marks that don't take away attention from the appeal of the knife too. Maybe the guy could resize his mark but many times they pay for a stencil and he may only have the one.

It may be possible to have him put it somewhere else for you like inside the handle scales or under them. At least this way his ID is still on the knife so you know where it came from.

Having a unique knife by a maker that had a one time special mark can't hurt the value IMO. If the ID was hidden though it would be up to you to make sure the next owner knows about it. That is the only draw back I see. A knife not marked could end up going for $2 at a yard sale sometime down the road when it would be way more valuable than that.

Steve
 
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