custom knives and steel markings

[shootist16]

As I collect more and more custom knives I wish that makers would label the blade with the steel type. It can be a real pain to remember which steel they used.

Of course I guess I could keep a book with a detailed description of the knife and which steel is used for future reference.

------------------
Dennis Bible

....Almost here, The Leading Edge....
http://www.theleadingedgeonline.com

 

[Roy]

Dennis,

I agree. I would also like to see a makers mark somewhere on the blade to identify to others later down the road who actually made the blade. I just picked up an awesome camp knife made by Rob Criswell, but had I not actually bought it from him, I never would have known he was the maker.

 

[Paracelsus]

I think a Makers mark is essential. I keep a log book for my knife purchases to record details like cost, materials, construction techniques, etc. I want to know a lot more than just the steel type.

Having a maker's mark is important to me, marking the steel type is not. That's only one small detail in the things I want to know about the knives I buy. I would not mind if a maker chose to mark the steel (some do), but I would not hesitate to buy a knife made by a well known maker on the secondary market which did not have the steel type marked. Usually it is easy to guess, or the maker can tell you the steel used.

There are many problems with this idea. How do you mark a pattern welded blade? What value would a marking like 1084 mean when comparing a blade by a master like Jerry Fisk with a 1084 blade made by a new and inexperienced smith? They would probably not be even remotely similar materials after the maker was finished. 1084 can be made into a lot of very distinct materials depending on heat-treatment techniques. It is the same with most blade materials.

I agree that it would be great to have the newer materials like 420V and talonite marked in some way. I would add a lot of value to a knife made with 420V compared to ATS34. So for knives on the secondary market, steel markings could both add or detract from the percieved value of the knife.

Nevertheless, I value the makers know-how, skill, craftsmanship, and artistic ability far more than the materials he chooses to work.

Paracelsus

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

I have mixed feelings on this. My favorite and more elaborate damascus knives have no markings or markings with micro stamps (need 8x or 10x to easily read them) or very subtle markings. A nice Damascus pattern can be interrupted at times by a stamp. On the other hand I have seen stamps that look great with damascus.

If you are starting a collection, I think it is wise to keep a log with as much information on the knives you purchase for your collection as possible (a la Para).

I hope not to ever have to sell mine, but if I get hit by a truck (or fall through a big hole in the freeway around here), it will be easier for my executor to see what is going on with my collection.

I picked up a nice folder from Richard Rogers at Blade (the quilted pearl doctor's knife for those who were able to get to his table). With the knife came a laminated card with a picture of the knife on one side and particulars of the knife on the other. That was pretty cool. A 'certificate' really has no influence on me in purchasing a knife, but it sure is a nice touch. I think Richard and Sally started doing that after a discussion on TKCL.

On many of my higher end folders, the maker has only marked the knife on the inside of the liners. Some makers have 'secret' markings they use that some owners never notice. I only have one like that, it was kind of a surprise to the maker when I called them asking about why some letters appeared in the extensive file-work pattern.

(I found them in two out of the way places and had too look hard since it fit perfectly with the filework pattern. It ended up that they used them in three places.) Turned out it was a nick-name the maker was given as a child and that it was only the second time a customer had enquired about them, even though they always used at least one set of the letters in their work. (I promised to keep the particulars secret).

On non-damascus knives a well designed readable stamp can enhance the looks of the knife (at least for me) and I prefer the makers name in plain sight on knives of that nature. I think it really should be decided by the maker. You can spot some styles across the room and know who made it so the maker might prefer a more subtle marking. I other cases they may not like the mark and the way it looks or breaks up the lines of a particular style. Most makers take the marks very seriously and put a lot of thought into them.

 

[Bugs3x]

Dennis -- in these days of computers, I'd suggest just keeping a file in a word processor, or make a database or spreadsheet to track all your knives. Then, at least periodically, you can copy that file to a floppy disk, and maybe stash it in your safe/safety deposit box, to avoid fire or electronic loss.

Dave

 

[Ebbtide]

The downside is when the maker's mark overpowers the rest of the knife

Call me old fashioned, but the mark should be on the ricasso parallel to the guard...YMMV

An ugly example would be the Timberline Wortac, (I know its not a custom, I don't want to insult anyone by using them as an example!)
I like Dozier's mark(s) especially when he puts them on the rivets! The little circle just 'belongs' there

Just my opinion...
Don't most cutlers write the steel type on the bill of sale?
I do like the idea of keeping a log, maybe even keep the paperwork in there too.
Good topic