Blade Forums Customs Forum-Are we changing?

This forum has become more about "Advertising/Marketing"...nothing wrong with that...Im a big fan of both.

The showings, the WIP's, the "look at my newest work", etc. Are about selling knives.

Many of the makers who want critiques...only want ones that tell them how nice the knife is (this hasn't changed). So that is what you mostly get. Whether you prefer one style over another, one material over another, etc. If the grind lines are screwed up...they are screwed up. However, pointing that out or pointing out other minor/major flaws in the knife (construction {not forged against stock removal...but things like gaps between the guard and blade, crooked guards, etc.}, pricing or marketability) are viewed by some as being overly harsh. So it became easier for many just to say nothing. The knife buying public will let these makers know....unfortunately this will occur several months or years down the road.

Just saw a post asking information about a Rod Chappel knife. Typical...no photos, not "thank you for your time in advance" etc. Just tell me what it is worth so I can post it on EBay and become rich. A lot more of these posts than 5 years ago.

The main two knife organizations (ABS and Knifemakers Guild) are no longer discussed like they were even a couple of years ago. Many of my comments that started flame wars have come to fruition. Enough about that.

Coop still has his great photos.

As Chuck pointed out folders are not discussed here that often. This is still a very much forged fixed blade oriented group. Not saying that is bad or good...it just is. Take the Best Bowie Contest. Maybe there should be a best folder contest, etc.

I miss the show reviews (especially STeven's).

My posting has dropped off for numerous reasons. With constant deadlines for Knives Illustrated and Blade I write all I need too about knives. Working on a new book and preparing my seminar for the Blade Show this year eat up a lot of computer time.

I don't know about anyone else, but Facebook is cutting into my "forum" time. Lots of new knife makers posting up with numerous photos. Probably more than here on BF. There are duplicates on FB and BF.

I still check in every week or so just to see what is going on.

Im looking forward to seeing many of you at Blade.
 
I collect knives for fun and enjoyment. I like Lorien's posts because his enthusiasm makes me smile

A little touch of whimsy now and then is a good thing :)
 
JParanee said:
Ryan, I have horrible grammar and post very ugly knives all the time and I could care less what anyone thinks :)
Click to expand...


Proper grammar is "couldn't care less", Joey.

:D

I called. It rang. Nuff said!

Ryan, too much importance is placed on the voices of one or two dissenters, methinks. I think I react similarly - I wouldn't say I've got thin skin, necessarily. Just a hyper-reactive adrenaline gland that encompasses the better portion of the right side of my body! Without a few of the voices of reason (many of which have posted in this thread) I'd probably have ditched ages ago. As far as it being a gentleman's club, I see where you're pointing, but I also know that an enormous portion of my own drive and ambition is fueled by this forum. Do I wish there were more styles and methods expressed here? Yup.
Doesn't keep me from coming back! As billf said, this is a perpetually evolving organism.
 
Things get too complicated sometimes. To me this forum is about:

1) Getting inspiration
2) Posting knives when I feel they are of a sufficient level. (for me)
3) Getting feedback from buyers/collectors.

Now on the feedback part, I appreciate everything but I also think that giving some when it is asked is the best way to go about it. Sometimes I will post a knife for the attaboys/niceone. I usually know what is wrong with the knife, well at least what I can try and fix on the next one and if I don't, that's when I'll ask for feedback/critique. Maybe I am vain.
Anyway, interesting thread.:thumbup:
 
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