Do clients improve or make knives worse?

I gotta say the customers I have dealt with, and deal with are great. We often talk about small changes here and there, If I think its a good idea and will help the knife in some way, I do it... if not I dont. Its up to them at that point to either buy my knife, or go elsewhere, and I can live with that.
 
Tai Goo said:
I've been in this business a long time, 30 years in 2008, and have pretty much heard and seen it all. I guess I shouldn't get so excited or take any of it personally. It's hard not to though when it is your life long career and sole source of income...

Most collectors are fun, easy, respectful and a pleasure to deal with. A few are bossy and obnoxious. The beauty of it is that a maker can pick and choose which ones he wants to deal with or not.

No one can force you to make a knife,... and no one can stop you from making a knife.

My advice for knifemakers is, no matter how desperate for money you are, don't take any orders for knives that you don't like, don't feel good about, or don't want to make. If you can do this, then... it's all good! :)
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Very well said Tai:thumbup:
 
RMLamey said:
I gotta say the customers I have dealt with, and deal with are great. We often talk about small changes here and there, If I think its a good idea and will help the knife in some way, I do it... if not I dont. Its up to them at that point to either buy my knife, or go elsewhere, and I can live with that.
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That's just it! If they don't like your work and want to try and get you to make something that looks like someone else's work,... they should go to that other maker.

On the same token that makers can pick and choose,... so can collectors.

Occasionally, but not very often, I get requests that go something like this: The collector says, "I really like so and so’s knives, but he's too expensive, and his waiting period is too long. I will pay you "X" amount of dollars to make me one like his. I need it in 2 weeks for a friend's birthday, but I don't believe in giving deposits or paying in advance for work not yet completed." :D
 
Tai, I bet you jump all over those.

I remember when I ordered my knife from you that I had a one request and you basically said that you needed artistic freedom to make the knife as you felt would be best. I had no problem with that, and am very happy with how things turned out. My input was choosing the materials.
 
on Tai's work?(this is not a rhetorical question, just have no idea)

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
on Tai's work?(this is not a rhetorical question, just have no idea)

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
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Good question!

I think I know, but I'm curious what others have to say about it. I have seen fakes and knives that have been altered and or re-worked. Those don't count, original condition only,… please. If you bought it directly from me and then tried to sell it,... I'm all ears!

How long did it take? Did it keep up with inflation? Did you make a profit, or did you lose money?
 
I was hoping this thread wouldn't turn out to be about me, but I guess that's too late now.
 
I'd also like to know,... of the people that have ordered from me, did I deliver what I said I would in the time frame given, and were you satisfied with the service I gave you?
 
I do pride myself in a "spotless" business record. If you feel otherwise please say so.
 
Tai, it was great working with you, you sent the knife to Chuck for a sheath on the exact day that you said you would.

As far as resale value is concerned, I am not going to be able to help; that knife is in my collection, where it belongs.
 
Tai Goo said:
I'd also like to know,... of the people that have ordered from me, did I deliver what I said I would in the time frame given, and were you satisfied with the service I gave you?
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I have bought two knives directly from Tai. the first one (pictured earlier in the thread) was a discussion of ideas and suggestions, and as the project took shape, things like the hinge on the scabbard, which wasn't known in our early conversations grew out of necessity and desire. All the while it was clear who was the 'boss' on the project, and I understand and felt this in a good way. I let someone smarter than me handle the aspects that would make it valuable and define his work.

Delivered as promised, on budget, and above expectations. It couldn't have been a better transaction.

I bought a second knife (topsy-turvy) and it was a replicate of another he had posted. Again, he beat time estimates and it was billed as quoted. I wanted a small change that I saw in the earlier piece, but I presented this aspect after it was finished. Tai slept on my wish and said: "No, this one is done to my liking, and each one is a touch different." I was disappointed, but not when I actually handled the knife. I let the artist have it his way.

I look forward to another project again. I know of a very high-end collector who isn't a forum member here, who wants to know anything of Tai's that is available in the aftermarket. (He is also the ONLY guy I know with a small Hill Pearce knife, and he ain't lettin' go. :grumpy: )

Tai's work is an acquired taste, but a sweet one! :thumbup: Get on board!

Coop
 
SharpByCoop said:
I look forward to another project again. I know of a very high-end collector who isn't a forum member here, who wants to know anything of Tai's that is available in the aftermarket. (He is also the ONLY guy I know with a small Hill Pearce knife, and he ain't lettin' go. :grumpy: )

Tai's work is an acquired taste, but a sweet one! :thumbup: Get on board!

Coop
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This is what we call a niche market...thank you for playing. As if the market for custom knives was not small already.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Tai Goo said:
I'd also like to know,... of the people that have ordered from me, did I deliver what I said I would in the time frame given, and were you satisfied with the service I gave you?
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I have one blade from you, that was already made, so I got it right away. Nice even hammered texture and the socket handle feels good...:thumbup:
 
Tai, I really like your work and have never heard anything negative about you or your knives. Oh, except for that time you quit using power tools :D
 
Tai Goo said:
I was hoping this thread wouldn't turn out to be about me, but I guess that's too late now.
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That seems like an awfully precious statement, considering that you have made 8 posts on this page alone.

I do it too, so this is as not to appear hypocritical.;)

Please understand, I have no argument with your work, or work ethic. Your advise to makers though, is not entirely helpful. Many do not have the benefit of 30 years experience.

None here are founding artists in the "Neo-Tribal" movement. You have made your name for yourself.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
That seems like an awfully precious statement, considering that you have made 8 posts on this page alone.

I do it too, so this is as not to appear hypocritical.;)

Please understand, I have no argument with your work, or work ethic. Your advise to makers though, is not entirely helpful. Many do not have the benefit of 30 years experience.

None here are founding artists in the "Neo-Tribal" movement. You have made your name for yourself.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
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I'm only trying to help. True, my perspective is a bit unique. However, looking back to when I was just starting out,... I wish I'd had someone with 30 years experience to learn from. I've had to learn things the hard way,... and I'm still learning.

Making mistakes is a big part of it.
No one's perfect.

I'm not arguing with anyone,... just can't seem to shut up! :foot:
 
Here's a guy I'm pretty proud of! He came out last year for 3 days of instruction, never made a knife before in his life. He's made 9 to date as far as I know of. I sure wish my first 9 knives looked that good. I helped him with "000" at my shop and he just sort of took off. He's coming back out next month for a few more days. I think if I was a collector, I'd beat a path to his door right now!
http://www.californiacustomknives.com/new.html
 
I have posted this in a couple other places but thought it applies somewhat to this thread as well. Tony Bose calls it The Infamous YoYo Knife.

Back in the day when a younger Tony Bose was struggling to make ends meet, he took on a special request for a unique knife. Tony got an unexpected call from a man in San Francisco. The man introduced himself and explained that he wanted to present his wife with a special birthday gift this year. As the conversation continued it was apparent that this man was sincere but his request was different, to say the least.

As it turns out, the mans wife was a local YoYo champion. He wanted Tony to make a small knife in the shape of a YoYo. He described to Tony the basic design he was looking for and Tony agreed to make it.

As you might imagine, making something this different took a while to design and get to work right. Tony probably could have made three or more "normal" knives in the time it took to make the YoYo.

Tony finished the knife up and sent it to the customer as usual. Much to Tony's surprise(that's a nice way of saying what he REALLY felt...and probably said), the man sent the knife back to Tony and said he didn't want it. :mad: :( :o

The Infamous YoYo Knife has a cute little D2 blade, N/S sides and pins(except the pivot), and is 1.5" across. It's part of the Ed Powell Collection. Thanks, Ed, for sharing this piece of history with us.

tbyoyo1.jpg


tbyoyo2.jpg
 
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