Custom Knives Depicted in Publications – Significance?

Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones

Joined
Oct 28, 2006
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Yesterday, Chuck Ward and I were discussing the knife photos in the most recent Blade Magazine article “Hottest Knives of the Hottest ABS Smiths” (very good article, by the way) and we starting pondering the question of what’s the significance if any of having your knives depicted in major knife publications?

Chuck submits customer’s knife photos to five major knife publications, as do some other knife photographers, for possible inclusion into future articles. He was wondering if in fact collectors valued this service?

The significance or value of maker’s knives and photographer’s knife photos being featured in major publications such as Blade and the Knife annuals is very obvious. Where else can makers and photographers get such great positive exposure and advertisement for FREE?

We decided that most all collectors like seeing their knives in magazines, however are their other benefits or significance?

• Do custom knives increase in value as a result of this publicity?

• Do they become more marketable if you sell?

• Does this publicity add to the knife’s history or providence thus increasing its collectability?

• Is there any downside to having your knives viewed by collectors all over the world?

It seems that the most well known knife photographers get about equal exposure in the publications.
I have found that having your knives (even knives brought to the show) photographed at the Blade Show increases your chances of having them depicted in the magazine.

Thanks in advance, for your views and opinions.
 
Value I'm not sure if it can be proven, but marketability, of course!

Saldy, the only knife that I own that was featured in a magazine was stolen, and another that was going to be featured got cut.

Ironically, I have been pictured in a couple knife magazines myself. I wonder if I am more collectible because of it. LMAO! :D
 
Hi Kevin,

• Do custom knives increase in value as a result of this publicity? No.

• Do they become more marketable if you sell? Only if the person buying thinks its cool that the knife was in a magazine.

• Does this publicity add to the knife’s history or providence thus increasing its collectability? It could if the knife or maker become Uber Famous!

• Is there any downside to having your knives viewed by collectors all over the world? Yes, the maker may get so many orders for that knife, they will be sick of making them by the time they finish.

I have owned hundreds of knives photographed for magazines (in Germany, Japan, Taiwan and even in the US) and KNIVES Annual. I have seen that for the most part (there are exceptions) it had little or no affect on the price or desirability.

I think it adds to the "cool" factor for the owner! Especially if it is a cover knife.

Hi Steven,

If you want a knife or 10 that have been or will be in a custom knife magazine contact me off line. :D

Oh Kevin, there is a much better way to get photos in magazines than the way Chuck is doing it. I do like his work.

WWG
 
WoodWorkGhost said:
Hi Kevin,

• Do custom knives increase in value as a result of this publicity? No.

• Do they become more marketable if you sell? Only if the person buying thinks its cool that the knife was in a magazine.

• Does this publicity add to the knife’s history or providence thus increasing its collectability? It could if the knife or maker become Uber Famous!

• Is there any downside to having your knives viewed by collectors all over the world? Yes, the maker may get so many orders for that knife, they will be sick of making them by the time they finish.

I have owned hundreds of knives photographed for magazines (in Germany, Japan, Taiwan and even in the US) and KNIVES Annual. I have seen that for the most part (there are exceptions) it had little or no affect on the price or desirability.

I think it adds to the "cool" factor for the owner! Especially if it is a cover knife.

Hi Steven,

If you want a knife or 10 that have been or will be in a custom knife magazine contact me off line. :D

Oh Kevin, there is a much better way to get photos in magazines than the way Chuck is doing it. I do like his work.

WWG
Click to expand...

Don't know if I agree with you WWG, as I have sold knives just by posting their photos on this forum even when they were not for sale. Positive exposure is always a good thing.

So I have to assume that by knives being depicted in a Blade article or in a Knives Annual has to increase the marketability of that knife. If nothing other than the fact that many will consider it a substantial piece if shown in a major publication. And with exposure to thousands, perhaps more, many may be interested enough to possibly become potential buyers. Especially if accompanied by a favorable caption by Les Robertson. ;) :)
 
Hi Kevin,

First, let me say any knife that is featured with a favorable caption by Les Robertson will almost instantly become a classic and as such worth at least double. :D LOL

I see what you mean. Yes, a photo in a magazine will make the knife more marketable...if for no other reason than some one may look at it and decide they want one.

WWG
 
I dont know if Chuck's way is the best way or not, but its a GOOD way to get photos of your knives in the magazines. I can tell by the flurry of emails, etc. when a photo or photos of my knives get published. Lin
 
I was talking to an editor of one of the knife magazines about a month ago.

Like Chuck Ward, Terrill Hoffman, Point Seven, Mitch Lum, Buddy Thomason, Bob Glassman, et al -- we all submit photos of the knives we photograph to major publications. This editor pointed out that he has seen plenty of quality knife photographs and has plenty to choose from.

What makes the difference in inclusion is something different, or SOMEONE different. The work or maker has to stand out above the rest in some form.

A quality photograph submitted by me or anyone is just a lucky raffle ticket entry to be included in a publication. It will not ever replace the maker taking time to fill out a short bio or an informational note to these editors, in addition to our work.

Magazines work on a simple premise of profits, and the editors are accountable to their publishers. There is a heirarchy. It is in the interest of the editors to create an interesting publication that sells, and not try to be a promotional advertisement for a knifemaker who has just spent time and maybe money on a quality photo.

I think a good photo is the foundation of a quality promotional campaign. Buying ad space, writing copy, writing an article for potential submission (Read: WWG ;)) will go much further.

I gave out a handout at Wulf's N-E Hammer-in with names and mailing addresses for six publications I submit to. I offered the same info: Get up and promote yourself as well. Burt Foster jumped in and told how he had submitted images on his own and got a nice backpage article.

Added value? I'm certain. Maybe not in extra monies, but I'll bet those publication knives will sell faster than their unpublished counterparts.

Don't forget that in this day and age the internet is creeping up on new collectors and knowlege. Don't throw money at a photographer who isn't doing his part to promote you outside of mailing a photo to a magazine... :rolleyes:

Coop :D
 
WoodWorkGhost said:
Hi Kevin,

First, let me say any knife that is featured with a favorable caption by Les Robertson will almost instantly become a classic and as such worth at least double. :D LOL

I see what you mean. Yes, a photo in a magazine will make the knife more marketable...if for no other reason than some one may look at it and decide they want one.

WWG
Click to expand...

I actually bought a knife today from a collector that frequents this forum that received the knife form the maker and instantly had Coop shoot it several months ago.
I had contacted the collector and expressed interest in the piece the day he posted the photos on this forum.

So my point is good photos whether on magazine covers, dealer sites or forums sell knives.
 
I'll admit I get a kick out of having one of my knives in a mag, but I don't think it makes them any more valuable. I would neither charge a premium nor pay a premium for such a knife. It can make the knife more easily saleable, though, as there are those who place a greater value on this factor than I do.

Main benefit is to the maker - some very broad exposure indeed.

Roger
 
For new collectors, pictures assert a kind of credibility even without any copy.

When you start seeing numerous pictures of knives from the same maker over and over again in print, it implies that the knives have some lasting value or the maker has some credibility. That my or may not be true, but to a newer collector it is certainly effective marketing.

Also, I think the KNIVES annuals have sold many knives. I have the complete set (over 20 annuals) and you see many of the same makers (motivated sellers) popping up time and again. Magazines and books will usually print quality pictures provided by makers. I can't imagine what Les's "secret" is... Everyone in the industry knows that especially since the advent of the internet, knife periodicals are STARVING for good copy and decent pictures of quality knives. If you are trying to make a living as a knifemaker and you aren't reaching out to writers, editors or both you are making a huge tactical error!
 
Hello all. Yes I think there is some significance. It does get your name and an example of your work out to a larger audience. It does generate e-mails and questions as Lin said. As for marketability? so far the pictures and articles have increased my sales along with some good advice and help. THanks WWG and thanks for the mention in the article. So yes it has helped me, as Roger said very broad exposure.

Brion Tomberlin
 
I have always held that good photo's sell knives. I have been recommending this to makers for years. You would be amazed at how many don't take that advice.

As Anthony wrote, you see the same makers work over and over again in the knife annuals. They obviously understand the value of photography.

Judging by the amount of work that Coop and Chuck are getting, apparently good photography is starting to sink in.

My "secret" LOL is a combination of marketing strategies to get a makers work in knife magazines. My "secret" has worked for two makers in this thread. It has even got some of my knives "covers".

Those makers who understand the value of good photography are many. Those who will spend the money for good photography are few.

Generally those are the ones with several months or years worth of orders and seem to show up in magazines and Knives Annuals with some regularity.

Most of you contributing this thread are the ones who "get it".

WWG
 
Just got my Blade today.
I own 2 of the knives featured in the article (Hanson & Knight)

I have a smile on my face knowing I picked "hot" makers.
Seeing knives in Blade and having them be MS test pieces - bigger smile and a little teeth showing.

Personally knowing Les Robertson AND Peter Gill....PRICELESS!!!
...and I forgot Roger P, we've never met but have spoken. Congrats on being quoted (published)
 
Michael brings up an excellent point.

If you break down the article there are particular makers mentioned. Why did they get in the magazines? Because they fit they articles concept. Some got photos in the article and most, if not all have professional photographs available to both the writers and editors.

Some writers go to great lengths to get knives photographed for articles. They convince the editors to pick up the tab, have professional photos taken of the knives. This allows the editor to have the knives on hand when they receive the article...always by deadline :D Cost to the maker $0.00.

Not having to run down makers to get knife photographs for the article....PRICELESS!!!!

Hard to believe there are actually some makers out there who don't think dealers don't earn their discount.

WWG
 
As a collector its a very nice feeling to open a knife book or magazine and see your knives. I can only imagine the feeling of accomplishment a maker must feel.
 
As a "sometimes" writer, I never understood how any knifemaker could be "too busy" to take an active role in marketing when it comes to knife magazines. I guess "too busy" can be synonymous for "too lazy".
Knife Magazines are an easy way to hit your core, target audience.
 
Evidently, Blade Magazine gets many of their stock photos from knives shot at the Blade Show. As out of the six knives I have had photographed while at the last three Blade Shows five have since showed up in the Magazine.

My Dean hunter shown in this months Blade must have been as a result of Chuck submitting it.
 
Photographs in magazines and books definitely adds to the provenance of a knife. There is now a historical record of the knife. In the world of antiques, that can be worth a great deal.

It is definitely an ego boost to see one of your knives in a magazine, and it is good publicity for the maker.
 
Michael Starr said:
Just got my Blade today.
I own 2 of the knives featured in the article (Hanson & Knight)

I have a smile on my face knowing I picked "hot" makers.
Seeing knives in Blade and having them be MS test pieces - bigger smile and a little teeth showing.

Personally knowing Les Robertson AND Peter Gill....PRICELESS!!!
...and I forgot Roger P, we've never met but have spoken. Congrats on being quoted (published)
Click to expand...

Wow :eek: Michael, two in one article. That must be a record or something.
It's hard enough to get one with all the great looking knife photos they have to choose from. :thumbup:
 
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