- Joined
- Dec 28, 2003
- Messages
- 205
Even though I have not made a knife in over 60 years, I have read every word in this thread with interest. I do consider what I do as as integral part of knifemaking. As many of you know, I am a professional leather craftrsman that specializes in making knife sheaths. I love what I do to the extent that it also passes as my hobby. Lucky me!
The knifemaker has a definite advantage over the sheathmaker in one respect. He does have the choice to accept orders from his customers or make his product and sell from show displays, advertising, ebay, and a variety of retailing means. The sheathmaker must, for obvious reasons, accept orders to sheath an existing knife that is probably custom made. That he might just have a sheath laying around that would fit that knife would be highly unlikely. To make sheaths to stock a house supply would be foolish as our biggest customers are custom makers and standard sheaths rarely fit knives of that caliber. This translates to the order must be accepted in order to fashion the sheath.
Over the years I have been fortunate in that I have gained a rather distinguished clientele (knifemakers) that give me the privelege of designing the sheath for the knives they place in my care. I rarely (if ever) make a sheath to the customers specifications. I would not consider that as my work and my customers are buying my sheaths----not just sheaths made by me. Occasionally I will have a request to make a sheath "just like the one that Sam Smith makes' and I politely refer that person to Sam Smith. I do not copy other maker's work and feel that the customer would be better satisfied with an original rather than a copy. It is my experience that the knife will dictate the type sheath that best fits the purpose for which it is intended. I do not believe that I have ever originated a style or pattern for a sheath that has not been previously originated, I would consider that an arrogance without merit. I, personally, feel the same about knives and some makers that claim originality and moan because some other maker is transgressing upon his territorial rights to singular production. A patent would do a lot to establish that right---or remain silent!
As a knifemaker, you will find that as you gain proficiency in your skills, you will also develop a recognizable style that will be sought after as a knife that is made by YOU. When you have arrived at this very desirable plateau, you might well find it to your advantage to NOT accept orders and avoid the hassle of unavoidable delays, impatient customers that create stress and ones that are telling you how to build their version of a knife and not yours. Your work is what attracted them to you in the first place and now that they are happy with that work, they want to change it---doesn't figure does it?
If you like the occasional challenge of a specified construction by a customer, by all means go for it but it is not what will give you name or visual recognition.
If you are succeeding without orders, it might be to your advantage to sell on the strength of your name and following. The hassle is minimal, you can make what you like, and the pleasure is not diminished---- I wish that avenue were open to my type of work------Sandy Morrissey
The knifemaker has a definite advantage over the sheathmaker in one respect. He does have the choice to accept orders from his customers or make his product and sell from show displays, advertising, ebay, and a variety of retailing means. The sheathmaker must, for obvious reasons, accept orders to sheath an existing knife that is probably custom made. That he might just have a sheath laying around that would fit that knife would be highly unlikely. To make sheaths to stock a house supply would be foolish as our biggest customers are custom makers and standard sheaths rarely fit knives of that caliber. This translates to the order must be accepted in order to fashion the sheath.
Over the years I have been fortunate in that I have gained a rather distinguished clientele (knifemakers) that give me the privelege of designing the sheath for the knives they place in my care. I rarely (if ever) make a sheath to the customers specifications. I would not consider that as my work and my customers are buying my sheaths----not just sheaths made by me. Occasionally I will have a request to make a sheath "just like the one that Sam Smith makes' and I politely refer that person to Sam Smith. I do not copy other maker's work and feel that the customer would be better satisfied with an original rather than a copy. It is my experience that the knife will dictate the type sheath that best fits the purpose for which it is intended. I do not believe that I have ever originated a style or pattern for a sheath that has not been previously originated, I would consider that an arrogance without merit. I, personally, feel the same about knives and some makers that claim originality and moan because some other maker is transgressing upon his territorial rights to singular production. A patent would do a lot to establish that right---or remain silent!
As a knifemaker, you will find that as you gain proficiency in your skills, you will also develop a recognizable style that will be sought after as a knife that is made by YOU. When you have arrived at this very desirable plateau, you might well find it to your advantage to NOT accept orders and avoid the hassle of unavoidable delays, impatient customers that create stress and ones that are telling you how to build their version of a knife and not yours. Your work is what attracted them to you in the first place and now that they are happy with that work, they want to change it---doesn't figure does it?
If you like the occasional challenge of a specified construction by a customer, by all means go for it but it is not what will give you name or visual recognition.
If you are succeeding without orders, it might be to your advantage to sell on the strength of your name and following. The hassle is minimal, you can make what you like, and the pleasure is not diminished---- I wish that avenue were open to my type of work------Sandy Morrissey
