Custom Maker & Prefab Blades?

Loki

Loki

Joined
Mar 23, 2000
Messages
740
I was looking at a custom makers web site and noticed that nearly all of his blades had striking resemblences to blades offered by one of the large knife supply houses. His finished products looked very nice and he seems to do all his sheathwork. I can't find where he advertises the blades as prefabs or his own creations. Is this considered "custom" work? The prices are certainly in the Now I'm not saying that using prefab blades is bad - I'm sure they are serviceable. Is it possible that the maker is using these blades or perhaps the other way around - the maker is supplying blades to the knife supply house?
 
Either one is possible.
More than one "knifemaker" made a carreer using Bob Engnath's blades.
IMO, it's called fraud.
 
I would consider him at the most a custom handle maker. He might be supplying the knife supply house, but that is unlikely due to the shear volume they would have to produce. You see many of these type's of knives/makers on eBay.
 
Well, that my take on it too. I suspect that this maker is buying blade and putting on handles. He seems to do a nice job but for the prices charged ($200-1,000+) you can get makers who fabricate their own blades. If the prefab blades were advertised as such then ok -I don't have a problem. Heck I have about 15 Engnath blades that need finishing - but I would not imply the blades as my own work.
 
Many Knifemakers start out doing "kit" knives to see if this is something they really want to get into or spend money on.The main thing is HONESTY with the customer as to what they are.Anything else is fraud,IMHO.It's obvious that this is becoming a bigger problem than before as some knifemaker organizations are requiring that makers sign papers which say what parts were made by the maker or purchased.I think that this is a step in the right direction but if the maker is dishonest with his customers he will probably be dishonest with the organization.Fortunately once these guy's find out the road to knifemaking isn't paved with gold,they will go away.Just my $.02,Dave:)
 
This thread has particular significance for me. I've been wondering about something for a while, and maybe you all can give me your opinions.

As many of you know, I am a dealer of Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works. At one point I began discussing the possibility of having a few of Ted's knives that would be exclusive knives that could only be purchased through me (i.e., no other dealer or Ted himself). Ted liked the idea, and I began thinking of blade styles I'd like to work with. I came up with some designs I liked (being a freelance artist, I really enjoy this kind of thing).

Now let's go back a little. For some time I've been modifying knives and have had Ted send me "blanks" for me to finish. Since Ted doesn't do any other finishes besides bead blasting and parkerization, I learned how to hand finish myself. I also loved the burl handles I was seeing out there , so I began making buckeye, maple and ironwood burl handles (all for myself) to replace the Micarta Ted generally uses. My fiancée and I also learned to make leather and Kydex/Cordura sheaths (she's very talented with the sewing machine). I found it all very fun and a great creative outlet.

Okay, so I'm thinking if I'm going to design knives and Ted's going to make them and sell them to me, why not just have him do the blanks and I'll finish them? My girl and I, together with Ted, are starting a line of knives that will have a slightly different market over the regular MMHW line. We're in the process of developing that line at this moment.

So there you go. If all works out OK, we're calling the line "Dervish Knives" . I don't consider myself a knifemaker and they're not done by one person, so these are not "custom" knives. They will not be called customs, and it will be very clear who is doing what (and how).

My question is this: Do you folks think this is deceptive or underhanded or unscrupulous in any way? I get the impression that many of you collectors are very particular about these sort of details (for good reason), and look down on knives that are not done by ONE person only. There will be three people involved in the process of all of our knives. I don't want these knives to be seen as "cheating" or as a money-making venture of some sort. Is this going to be an issue?

Please give me your honest input!

Thanks!
 
John, I think you could make a plus out of it by advertising it up front. The Best in Blades by Ted meets the Best in Handles by John, sic. Make the collaboration part of your pitch. That way there would be no confusion and everyone is happy. I can see some appeal in that.

As for the other, why not post the link so we can look at it? Since it's on the web, it's not exactly a secret. We might be able to assess whether they are factory blades or not.
 
John,I dont know why you are worried,to me you are just "customizing" an existing knife/knives to make it/them more personal,and you are not misrepresenting this,hell,knock yourself out.Be very careful working with Ironwood,it is extremely dangerous,wear a respirator.In fact most woods are hazardous,as is micarta. ;)
 
Go for it John your honesty will shine through.

As far as the dishonesty, like Tom wrote it is in every aspect of our lives when it comes to business. Without execption that I have seen, the best thing about knives is that it is a very difficult thing for it to hang around in the knife industry (by the same person) for a long period of time.

It is not hard to spot at all. Dishonesty in our arena does stick out like a sore thumb. If you are starting out, read as much as you can, go to as many shows as you can and meet people. You will see a common thread with the folks you can trust very readily and it would be conservative to say that 95% of the folks you will meet and get to know in the handmade area will be people you can put your trust in. In general stick with the folks who give back to knifemaking, are excited about their work and the work of others, who are thought highly of by people in the craft and who are not into hype. Hang on to those guidelines and you will have a much more enjoyable time.
 
John, what you are doing is straight up and honest and I can see absolutely nothing wrong wit it. As a matter of fact, good luck with your new venture.

As far as these makers that are selling knives that they did not completely make themselves as there own, it sucks. If I new of someone doing this I would let everyone know. I would have to be very sure first that this was being done, but if I was positive, I would not hesitate to blow the whistle.
 
Hmmm. I replied to this already, but I guess something goofed.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for all the good advice and encouragement. Not only am I not making any claims about ME being the blademaker, but I'm very proud to boast the Ted Frizzell is doing that- the hard part. That's the selling point (I DON'T make them!!). :)

I'm very proud to be offering Ted's handiwork in a different package. Without making claims of being a knifemaker (what the hell do I call myself? a handle monkey?), there shouldn't be any problems.

Thanks again for your help.
 
John,I tink the old term for a person who installed knife/sword handles is Hafter.You thinking of resurrecting it?;)
 
Yes sir. No more graohic artist, webmaster, illustrator, or even lazy SOB (as my wife calls me). I will henceforth be know as

John Gonzalez, Hafter Extraordinaire

I LIKE IT!! :)
 
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