Custom Knives 2012, What’s your perspective on the past year?

[Kevin Jones]

I thought it would be interesting to hear both knifemaker’s and collector’s perspective on custom knives and the community as we end 2012?

I believe it’s been a pretty good year for knives and the custom knife community in general. Looks like 2012 was much improved in regard to knife show attendance and overall knife sales. I feel prices have crept up a little which could be viewed as good or bad depending on the individual’s perspective.

I feel we have seen advancements in the knives and knifemakers. The annual “best bowie” thread offers a good opportunity to reflect and compare past years. The knives seem to get better and better.


Some knifemakers seem to have progressed tremendously in 2012. Makers such as Mike Quesenberry, Dave Lisch, Michael Ruth Jr, John White and Stuart Branson immediately come to mind even though there are many others.

I have a hard time getting a reading on our collector base. Seems we see new collectors coming into the community, however we lose some existing collectors, some of which who have been very active.

What are your opinions/thoughts on the past year? Feel free to address my points above or offer other observations and/or thoughts.

As always, thank you in advance for your interest and participation.

 

[theflyingplatypus]

One thing I have noticed is the huge influx of new makers. This for me is both a good and a bad thing, good because it means more options and ideas are being brought forth, bad because it makes selecting a knife just that much harder (as well as sorting through all that is not appealing). I too was hugely impressed with the entries by said makers especially Mike Quesenberry, Dave Lisch and Stuart Branson - that Sun-Nobi tanto that he did was incredible. There are simply too many makers that I would like to give credit to here.

 

[phoenixcatapult]

I think many over-heated tactical knives become more and more resonable by maket testing.and more new makers rocketed to progress,not only at reputation,also price.

 

[Kevin Jones]

One thing I have noticed is the huge influx of new makers. This for me is both a good and a bad thing, good because it means more options and ideas are being brought forth, bad because it makes selecting a knife just that much harder (as well as sorting through all that is not appealing). I too was hugely impressed with the entries by said makers especially Mike Quesenberry, Dave Lisch and Stuart Branson - that Sun-Nobi tanto that he did was incredible. There are simply too many makers that I would like to give credit to here.

Yes, I agree there has been an influx of makers the past year, and I also agree there are both positive and negative implications from this.
Increased compitition for the knife collector dollar will make the cream (so to speak) of knifemakers rise to the top.

Another positive I've noticed: There's been past talk of premium handle materials becoming real scarce. Sambar Stag (little or none left for export), Ironwood (laws against harvest), Ancient Ivory (much going to the orient). And though prices are on the rise, there seems to still be outstanding examples surfacing over the last year. Look at the handle materials in the Best Bowie Thread.

 

[Jon Brand]

I sure hope its been a good year. I have been basically in the dark the last two years. No shows for me, fewer purchases and no published photos. But I gotta say that when looking through purveyors sites I am seeing MANY more "sold" knives then I did for years. I think the knife world has picked up recently from my observation. I agree that some makers have really progressed. Mike Quesenberry has been blowing me away with his daggers this year. Mike Ruth Jr's skills are no surprise to me as when a bunch of us got together in Long Island a few years ago he was already doing ridiculous work. I think this year he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

I had a good year because this thing freakin' kills me everytime I look at it. (Sorry had to show it again)

 

[jdm61]

From personal perspective, I had a pretty rough 2012 i general what with my mom passing away after a nasty bout with cancer and some other stuff, but I was able to finally get back on the horse in the fall as far as knifemaking goes after a pretty long drought. Even better news is that the Gembloux show REALLY picked up this year, especially for me and right at the perfect time. In general, it looks like things have finally started coming back in the knife world and not just with well heeled collectors being able to "cut in line" for the super popular makers or find bargains. It seems like things are finally filtering down a bit to the mid-level after a couple of pretty lean years for a lot of us. One area that really look slike it might be picking up a bit as more knifemakers learn about it and what the customers want, is the higher end kitchen knife biz. They are a tough crowd, but they are also the kind of folks a lot of us say we want to find. People who actually USE their custom knives for their intended purpose.......a lot!!!!

 

[Jos]

Some obeservations from me, European knife collector:

- I notice a lot of new makers, making beautiful stuff.

- My 2 regular knife-makers are taking there craft to higher levels, and their popularity is spreading rapidly. (Gudy Van Poppel & Martin Annegarn)

- The 2 knife-shows I've been this year (Gembloux, Belgium & DKE, the Netherlands) were crowded, seems that there were more people than previous years.

- Personally I've moved from buying anything & everything I like, to working more closely with the knifemakers, and having knives made with my input in the design.

- My only experience with USA based makers this year was the Bill Buxton set I ordered back in 2011, and which was finished, and received this year. Wonderful experience, fantastic set. Hope to order more from Bill in the future.

All in all, 2012 was a good knife year! And 2013 promises to be even better! I've got some SPECTACULAR stuff on the way.

Kind regards,

Jos

 

[raylaconico]

This year has been great! Lots of good things happend this year but the best thing for me was that I finally found the direction where I want to go in my knifemaking career. Everything seems to be falling into place.

 

[Kevin Jones]

I sure hope its been a good year. I have been basically in the dark the last two years. No shows for me, fewer purchases and no published photos. But I gotta say that when looking through purveyors sites I am seeing MANY more "sold" knives then I did for years. I think the knife world has picked up recently from my observation. I agree that some makers have really progressed. Mike Quesenberry has been blowing me away with his daggers this year. Mike Ruth Jr's skills are no surprise to me as when a bunch of us got together in Long Island a few years ago he was already doing ridiculous work. I think this year he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

I had a good year because this thing freakin' kills me everytime I look at it. (Sorry had to show it again)

I went back to work and putting in a LOT of hours so have had to slow down as well on knife acquisitions and shows. I have gone from attending 5-6 show per year to 0.

Some obeservations from me, European knife collector:

- I notice a lot of new makers, making beautiful stuff.

- My 2 regular knife-makers are taking there craft to higher levels, and their popularity is spreading rapidly. (Gudy Van Poppel & Martin Annegarn)

- The 2 knife-shows I've been this year (Gembloux, Belgium & DKE, the Netherlands) were crowded, seems that there were more people than previous years.

- Personally I've moved from buying anything & everything I like, to working more closely with the knifemakers, and having knives made with my input in the design.

- My only experience with USA based makers this year was the Bill Buxton set I ordered back in 2011, and which was finished, and received this year. Wonderful experience, fantastic set. Hope to order more from Bill in the future.

All in all, 2012 was a good knife year! And 2013 promises to be even better! I've got some SPECTACULAR stuff on the way.

Kind regards,

Jos

Jos, I fnd that rewarding as well!! Those Bill Buxton "Sets" are outstanding.

From personal perspective, I had a pretty rough 2012 i general what with my mom passing away after a nasty bout with cancer and some other stuff, but I was able to finally get back on the horse in the fall as far as knifemaking goes after a pretty long drought. Even better news is that the Gembloux show REALLY picked up this year, especially for me and right at the perfect time. In general, it looks like things have finally started coming back in the knife world and not just with well heeled collectors being able to "cut in line" for the super popular makers or find bargains. It seems like things are finally filtering down a bit to the mid-level after a couple of pretty lean years for a lot of us. One area that really look slike it might be picking up a bit as more knifemakers learn about it and what the customers want, is the higher end kitchen knife biz. They are a tough crowd, but they are also the kind of folks a lot of us say we want to find. People who actually USE their custom knives for their intended purpose.......a lot!!!!

Sorry to hear about your Mom, Joe.

Feel free to post images of your favorite knives that you made and/or purchased in 2012. Beautiful Folding Dagger Jon.

 

[Bruce Bump]

I've had a pretty good year as far as orders and sales alike. The higher end bowies, gun/knives are going well if I could just get them finished. I spent 6 months on this 50 caliber "Horsemans Axe" and the rest of the year on some much smaller orders. I think next year is going to be about the same but I do worry about the folks that have no home after the storms take them out. I've never seen storms like these anywhere. It must all effect us knifemakers eventually.

I hear there will be a weekly Television Show on knifemaking come this spring. Kinda like Duck Dynasty but with knives. Cant wait to see it. I feel it will help all of us, makers and collectors. Maybe I'm not supposed to let that cat out of the bag yet.

Anyway, this isnt entirely finished but very close to it:

 

[JParanee]

Bruce that is fantastic

What I have noticed is the stellar jumps a few makers have made

 

[Doug C]

Nice bazooka, Bruce ! :thumbup:

Doug

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

I made a move from the flat lands in Illinois to a rather disconnected and somewhat remote and solitary place in northern Minnesota.
It was good for my head and heart.
Now, I'm not sure where it all came from, but the demand for my knives is out the friggin' roof. And I'm staying away from the computer more and more and a little under the radar. Mostly because I can't seem to get out the shop, literally, seven days a week.
And that's fine, 'cause I love it.
Orders are out-pacing my production about 1.5 to one. Sometimes it feels like 2:1.
Day after Christmas I already had four knives on order for next Christmas.
I'm proud to be a member of both the CKCA and the ABS.
Got my table in Little Rock this year, to which I'll be bringing a very, very nice Stag Bowie - speaking of Stag, Kevin. I did need to pull it out of inventory that I've had stashed for quite a few years. Sad I can't replace it.
The Custom forum here on blade Forums seems to be a pretty civil place these days.
I enjoy it much more when it's like that.
I hate to see little hissy fits among grown men.
Some of the advancements knife makers have made have been very inspiring.
I have two rather large and daunting projects for Andersen Forge in 2013 and look forward to tackling them.
The friendships I've cultivated in the last 16 years have been life changing and only possible because of the knife world.
I thank you all for being part of that.
My life is richer because of you.

 

[Kevin Jones]

I've had a pretty good year as far as orders and sales alike. The higher end bowies, gun/knives are going well if I could just get them finished. I spent 6 months on this 50 caliber "Horsemans Axe" and the rest of the year on some much smaller orders. I think next year is going to be about the same but I do worry about the folks that have no home after the storms take them out. I've never seen storms like these anywhere. It must all effect us knifemakers eventually.

I hear there will be a weekly Television Show on knifemaking come this spring. Kinda like Duck Dynasty but with knives. Cant wait to see it. I feel it will help all of us, makers and collectors. Maybe I'm not supposed to let that cat out of the bag yet.

Anyway, this isnt entirely finished but very close to it:

Bruce if you created nothing other than this fine piece in 2012 that would still be an outstanding year!

 

[Kevin Jones]

I made a move from the flat lands in Illinois to a rather disconnected and somewhat remote and solitary place in northern Minnesota.
It was good for my head and heart.
Now, I'm not sure where it all came from, but the demand for my knives is out the friggin' roof. And I'm staying away from the computer more and more and a little under the radar. Mostly because I can't seem to get out the shop, literally, seven days a week.
And that's fine, 'cause I love it.
Orders are out-pacing my production about 1.5 to one. Sometimes it feels like 2:1.
Day after Christmas I already had four knives on order for next Christmas.
I'm proud to be a member of both the CKCA and the ABS.
Got my table in Little Rock this year, to which I'll be bringing a very, very nice Stag Bowie - speaking of Stag, Kevin. I did need to pull it out of inventory that I've had stashed for quite a few years. Sad I can't replace it.
The Custom forum here on blade Forums seems to be a pretty civil place these days.
I enjoy it much more when it's like that.
I hate to see little hissy fits among grown men.
Some of the advancements knife makers have made have been very inspiring.
I have two rather large and daunting projects for Andersen Forge in 2013 and look forward to tackling them.
The friendships I've cultivated in the last 16 years have been life changing and only possible because of the knife world.
I thank you all for being part of that.
My life is richer because of you.

Your success is much deserved Karl, I'm sure 2013 will be a great one for Andersen Forge.

 

[billf]

Here are some of my thoughts:

As the Best Bowie Thread shows, there are more and more excellent makers - both new and old names. Even more interesting to me is the fact that we here in the US and on BF are seeing more from makers in Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. I am starting to notice a bigger presence here from collectors outside the US too.

Both of these trends bode well for the future IMHO

Of course, this is not to slight our many up and coming names from North America - Kyle Royer, Mike Ruth Jr, Dave Lisch, Stuart Branson, Mike Quesenberry, Nick Wheeler, Karl Andersen etc.
I hope and expect that these guys can continue the great tradition of craftsmanship that we've come to appreciate from Jerry Fisk, Harvey Dean, Tim Hancock, Bruce Bump,Don Hanson, Tom Ferry, Larry Fuegen...well, you get the idea.

This past year has been tough on alot of people, and it seemed to me that the energy level and enthusiasm of the shows was down a little...but improving as the year went on.

As long as there is talent and energy out there, I think the custom knife world will be OK. Of course, there will be changes...but change is GOOD

Bill

 

[Lorien]

it was a really tough year for a great many people. I wonder about the trends, short and long term, which will form after the passing of such an eventful year. Lots of really weird stuff going on; stuff that stresses people out.

I see this activity/community/hobby/profession/sport/artistic endeavour as being a really positive distraction for people that I know who are in it. I have seen major improvements in the knives, but more importantly, the interaction between people. Respect is on the rise, (it better be, or we're all fubar'd).

In tough times, communities of people pull together despite their differences. And maybe it's just my own personal experience here, but 2012 really seemed to me to be a year of reconciliation.

There are major rifts going on 'out there', but here in this community we can put our political/ideological etc differences aside to concentrate on a love we all share.

Some time ago I remember writing something in here about 2012 being a 'year of discussion'. I feel as though I was partly right, and if I was, I predict that 2013 will be a year for action.

Action which follows discussion is the kind of action we need, as opposed to unilateral decisions leading to action. There is always need for discussion, even during action. That's the power I'm seeing from this forum.

Many ideas leading from discussions here are bleeding out into the industry. The industry is feeding on the discussions and actioning on them. It is a great example of how capitalism is supposed to work. So long as the consumer is honestly catered to, as opposed to manipulated, everyone wins and this is what I'm seeing here, at the vanguard of cutlery; C&H Knives, Bladeforums. USA. The World.

 

[Kohai999]

2012 was an interesting year for custom and handmade knives.

1. In this year's BFC Best Bowie contest there were 264 voters...total. This is such a very small cross section of the active collector community involved that first and foremost it says that WE HAVE to do a better job of getting the word out there and getting more people to participate. This includes active collectors, seasoned and noobs. If we don't we will lose much more than we gain by being insular.

2. There has certainly been some new collector interest, and many new makers showing up regularly. Overall a very good thing. I still have some concern about pricing with new makers. Some seem determined to get top dollar right out of the gate, in effect getting paid to learn. This isn't good for anyone, as pricing too high initially means that realizing any kind of profit on the aftermarket and therefore informing what the maker is "really worth" becomes an uphill struggle, and can actually drive seasoned collectors away from "investing in the future" as it would make more sense to go for a sure thing. I wrote a post called "The Gamble" that concerns this very idea.

3. Many makers continue to innovate and come up with fresh ideas and this is a very good thing. The area where I see an awful lot of this is in the tactical sector, which is somewhat inadequately represented on C&H. To make this clear, the areas where I personally find this a good thing is NOT how fat, chunky and made of dissimilar materials a maker can pull off successfully, but the areas that often are overlooked. Maybe making a pivot out with a bit of synthetic material for contrast, or really creating a different and unique pocket clip. Maybe trying a new design for a pivot, or finishing technique, something that we take for granted now like orange peel titanium, but on the INSIDE of the knife. The understated found a good place in the toolbox of many tactical makers this year, especially new ones.

4. I found a number of new makers this year working in the Loveless style, and charging fairly high prices. At the Plaza Show in October, there were no less than 5 makers in the room working in the style. One(David Sharp) had great prices, and is doing incredibly accomplished work for where he is at. Two others have a really long way to go, and were charging the same prices basically as Thad Buchanan and John Young. This boggles my mind, as even though the knives of the newer makers sold....again, not really sure how much room there is for the secondary market built in to those prices...only time will tell.

I got knives from Mike Craddock(damascus fighter), J.P. Holmes(straight backed chef's knife in S90V), Matt Diskin(Fire double action folder), Mike Zscherny(Bose style Wharncliffe 2-blade trapper in amber stag and Maiden's lace damascus), David Sharp(Dixon Fighter), Charles Vestal(CKCA Boot Fighter handled in stabilized black walnut) William "Gordon" DeFreest(big subhilt)and Burt Foster(TBA) this year. That is slow year in knives for me, but taking my time and getting stuff that appeals in a big way has been my approach this year, and it's very gratifying. Placed an order with Enrique' Pena that looks to be something to smile over.

Got to meet Marcus Lin(what an excellent maker and person), Mike Quesenberry(and break bread with), and fellow forumite Aaron "BlueSkyJaunte"....it was a good year.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Gary Mulkey]

I have delayed responding here in order to give this some serious thought and not simply a knee-jerk reaction. As far as sales of knives goes, I think that 2012 was very successful as my inventory of knives has stayed at the lowest level that I have seen for some time. Another positive that I saw was a good number of first time collectors making purchases, especially in the $1000+ range.

On the flip side of this, there was a reduction of sales of basic users & EDC's. A big part of this was my own fault however as I spent the bulk of my production time in making damascus Bowies & fighters which naturally go to the collector more than the user. I believe that the market was there for mono-steel users however as I lost a number of sales for not having any available. I have been at this long enough to know my production levels and realize that I can (or will) only make so many and have eliminated some styles simply because I enjoy making others more. For this reason I don't think that my levels of sales (or lack thereof) for these styles implies any type of trend.

Outside of personal sales my only other barometer for the year would be my knife show. At the 2012 show there was a very nice growth in attendance both with makers & attending public. I don't monitor sales and have no accurate numbers there for the show but the general responce that I was hearing was all positive.

All in all I would rank 2012 as a year of growth in the knife world. There was definately a growing number of quality pieces made by an ever growing number of makers and sales are responding similiar to the economy with a slow & steady rise.

Gary

 

[jtoler_9]

I am a new collector and I really like your questions Kevin. I thought I would try as best I could to add another voice to the thread for whatever it's worth.
To be honest, I am not sure if I have figured out what brought me to this point. I still don't know why I enjoy collecting, buying and selling both folding and fixed blade knives.
2012 was my biggest year for buying both production and custom knives. I have purchased several customs from makers that list their works of art for sale here. The level of craftmanship and also the caliber of individuals that come here to make a living are equally outstanding. I am drawn to all sorts of blades. I do have a budget limit I set for myself. My income begs me to keep my spending way below my appetite. However, I did end the year with many more customs purchased right here than the previous 2 years.
I do have it in my head that I need to slow down in 2013. My collection has grown to a level where I feel a bit silly having so many knives in the safe. So if my own desires offer any type of barometer then there it is.

As an aspiring businessman myself, I have come to admire the makers that I have delt with this year. They are all individually very unique and seem to have different specialities and focus. For example some makers are outstanding in cusomer service, while others are very talented in marketing. So I am always interested in observing how each maker runs their business. I often wonder what the individual knife makers business plan looks like. Do they focus on the high end collector, or the less expensive volume run rate business or both? There really is no correct answer in my mind. Different strokes.
For example, I admire Andy Roy at Fiddleback for creating a marketing event that happens every Friday morning on his sub forum. Sheer genius in my book. Why spend the time listing and monitoring several sales threads. Why not create a feeding frenzy one day a week. Gets the buyers excited. Not to mention eager to buy lest they have to wait another week to try and catch one for sale.
I have grown to love Bill's work at BACustoms. His blades are visually very apealing to me. He has an artistic eye and makes some amazing handles.
Jack Oneill also gets my vote for having outstanding customer service and some of the most comfortable grips I have come across.
(To name just a few great makers for example sake. Certainly not trying to intentionally leave anyone off the list.)

I do wonder what will happen to my hobby in 2013. There seems to be a lot of uncertainty out here with regards to job security and the inevitable increase in taxes for all. I wish every knife maker on this forum financial and personal success in business and in life this year. I hope to run into as many of you as my income and wife will allow in 2013.