Critique protocol

[ADBrown]

Good afternoon BF!
My question concerns knives for sale by the makers. In my limited experience on the forum I’ve learned a great deal about knives, their history and the great variety of talent that the smiths have. I’ve noticed, too, some knives with fit and finish issues; often the maker posts with a request for comments, yet I don’t recall any critical responses that might be helpful to the maker. And by critical I mean truly helpful and not just bashing. This group as a whole is extremely polite and very kind. While not having any smithing experience I am a woodworker using hand tools so I understand the struggles with trying to achieve the best fit and finish possible. Is it just an unspoken rule that such comments be withheld out of respect? I know no one wants to be “that guy” - but I’ve seen some marvelous work that would be outstanding with a minor tweak or two. And I understand that everyone has their stylistic preferences, but when gaps are present, or flaws are visible in the blade, etc. is it bad form to call it out? Knowing how difficult smithing must be, I have the utmost respect for anyone who would put their creation out in front of BF members. This isn’t a criticism or complaint, but just an honest question. And as I write this I think maybe the answer would be just a private message to the maker. I’ve seen a few I would’ve purchased but for a minor flaw that could’ve been corrected.
Allan

 

[Danke42]

Probably the best place to start is a frank assessment if these are in fact functional flaws or if they hinge on personal taste.

A lock that fails or a sheath that won't retain the blade would be notable flaws to review. Not being able to change parts to make brown scales harpoon blade would be personal taste.

Two good places for these comments would be the reviews section and the GBU if you want to get a second opinion.

 

[killgar]

An interesting question.

My personal policy goes like this-

If a person just wants to show their work, I keep any "criticism" to myself. But if the maker asks "What do you all think?", or says "Any comments or criticism welcome" then I might offer some constructive criticism, if I think it's warranted, and if I think it's truly constructive.

In general though, my philosophy is "I don't criticize another mans work unless I can do it better".

Of course if you're looking to purchase a knife from a maker, or have them make one for you, then you are certainly entitled to tell them how you want it.

 

[ADBrown]

Probably the best place to start is a frank assessment if these are in fact functional flaws or if they hinge on personal taste.

A lock that fails or a sheath that won't retain the blade would be notable flaws to review. Not being able to change parts to make brown scales harpoon blade would be personal taste.

Two good places for these comments would be the reviews section and the GBU if you want to get a second opinion.

Yes, I agree 100%. My question relates to only being able to see the knife through posted photos, and not having the knife in hand. In the latter case one could seek to have the maker correct the problem or return for refund.

I recently found a knife I wanted, but could tell there were problems with the guard - gaps, fit/finish issues, etc. If the problem was corrected I might’ve purchased it; perhaps asking the maker - thru DM - to fix the problem would’ve been the right move. From the the overall quality (as it appeared in the photos) it certainly seemed within the maker’s ability to correct the issue. But because nothing was said, nothing got corrected and a sale was lost.

As I run through these hypothetical cases, I really see the responsibility is on me to communicate directly with the smith as opposed to a public comment to the effect of “… beautiful knife, but it would be super great if you could remove the grind marks near the ricasso…” I’m just sometimes surprised by what gets overlooked. And it could be that maybe these problems DO get addressed non-publicly, but folks new to the hobby might never learn that better work should be expected at certain price points.

 

[shane45-1911]

but when gaps are present, or flaws are visible in the blade, etc. is it bad form to call it out?

No. I do it all the time, much to the chagrin of certain "craftsmen" on this forum.

What I find is that some "novice" makers post their work expecting praise and admiration as though it was the second coming of Christ, and get completely bent out of shape when that praise doesn't happen. It isn't to hard to weed out the "hacks" versus the people that are truly trying to get better at their craft, and welcome constructive criticism.

If someone posts a pic of their work on here, they should have tough enough skin to accept ANY criticism of their work. I'm not afraid to give an "atta boy" when deserved. But I'm not afraid to say if something looks like crap (IMO, of course). Just as I am not afraid to offer what may be a better alternative, solution or suggestion.

The measure of the man is how he reacts to that criticism.

 

[Danke42]

Yes, I agree 100%. My question relates to only being able to see the knife through posted photos, and not having the knife in hand. In the latter case one could seek to have the maker correct the problem or return for refund.

I recently found a knife I wanted, but could tell there were problems with the guard - gaps, fit/finish issues, etc. If the problem was corrected I might’ve purchased it; perhaps asking the maker - thru DM - to fix the problem would’ve been the right move. From the the overall quality (as it appeared in the photos) it certainly seemed within the maker’s ability to correct the issue. But because nothing was said, nothing got corrected and a sale was lost.

As I run through these hypothetical cases, I really see the responsibility is on me to communicate directly with the smith as opposed to a public comment to the effect of “… beautiful knife, but it would be super great if you could remove the grind marks near the ricasso…” I’m just sometimes surprised by what gets overlooked. And it could be that maybe these problems DO get addressed non-publicly, but folks new to the hobby might never learn that better work should be expected at certain price points.

Well that's a hard pass right there. There are so many talented makers from the super stars of the forge to the little guys who crank out ideal blades there isn't even a point in calling out someone who's posting knives that look like they failed shop class,