Collectors Viewpoint on Custom Knifemakers Collaborating with Knife Companies

[Snody]

What up playa!? Hope you and the new monster are doing well, sir! He must be getting big now....


I think that there is a BIG difference between the customs and production lines from what I've owned over the years... Unless it's a "mid-tech" usually the production runs are a far cry from the customs. That is to be expected, of course. No way a machine can detail or hone a grind like the Master... But I think each serves a purpose.

First off, congrats on Ka-Bar and the fact that they're US made is a HUUUUUGE factor for me. I often pass up blades that were made on the production line from outside the country... Not for quality control reasons.... I dunno why really! I have seen some super cheap Chinese knives that were pretty well built and insanely sharp for ten bucks! However, I won't carry them. Even the sweet Spyderco models that aren't made in the US make me uneasy... No reflection at all on the quality....

So, the bottom line is DESIGN. Period. ...and yours rock amigo... Without a doubt.... Solid.

Also, another thing is to consider is this... Realize you are risking many things by taking a custom blade out into the world... From accidentally losing it all the way to having to submit it for evidence in a self-defense case (oh, yeah use it to fight and ya gotta give it up to the boys in blue until your court case). Do you really want that awesome hand ground Snody outta your mitts for even one second? A chance you have to think about...

A great hand ground knife to buy is a Snody Boss-uber knife @ affordable price.... OR...You can buy a thousand production Snody's and not feel the pain of price or loss while still sporting a superb blade design...

I wish you all the best Mike and I will be looking out for the KB's!


Cojelo suave Hermano,

-Raf

Oralle, tiene mucha razon
Cojelo con take it easy Carnalito..
Como Siempre.. Todo Tranquilo.
Mil Gracias por tu ayuda!
Cuidate Mucho y llamame si necesita algo.
Con Respeto.

 

[Bastid]

More than a few friends have had great collab. experiences. Things worked out well for the maker and the company. You gotta love it when a maker can get a little side income that reduces the stress and pressure of keeping a roof over ones head so to speak. In some cases, when that pressure is reduced, I have seen a much happier maker.

When it happens "right", it is a good thing all the way around for the maker, the company and the community. Like others have posted, I firmly believe that when it happens well and fairly more people are drawn to the makers work, into the community including the custom knife arena. Collaborations have helped fuel a respectable amount of growth in the custom community for at least a couple of decades. That is a good thing for everyone.

A lot of times it is easy to set aside what is happening. A lot of makers are just that. Knife makers. If they can not be making knives ... there is no income. I have seen folks get sick, hurt or have other things that come up and it can be a mountain to climb over depending. I have seen in a couple of instances a complete change for the good due to collaborations that worked out well. The common thread is to do it with a sound company. You are lending them your reputation and they can help get your name out there.

Of course it is not all roses out there. They can hurt a rep. too and more than one trusting maker has been taken advantage of by a few individuals (or so I have heard) .