There are those who seek to intimidate a maker to prostitute his values for their own benefit thus gaining some kind of power. Once declined they will do all in their power to defeat his values. One time early in my career I made a knife I did not believe in, I have regretted it ever since. I offered to trade any knife of my sentiment for its return, the owner refuses.
Another knife was the early European quillion art dagger made to the specifications of the ABS for my masters stamp. I made it as a favor to a friend and only recognize it as a symbol of dedication to the friendship of one who I consider a great man.
I have made Bowie's, but only my way and through my personal emotion that promoted their development. David owns one, she is named Shannon after the lady who helped provide me a shoulder that still works, without her encouragement for surgery and over a years rehabilation and guidance I would not be making knives now.
I have also made seven double edged fighters with a blended mid line bevel, inspired by a knife made by Rudy Ruana in 1938, as tributes to the fighting men I admire, those who in my mind made a difference to my concept of justice and community. The first was an excursion in the intricacies of heat treat and we learned a lot through her development, the first three warped and broke when I tried to straighten them. I feel it was worth it for this was the inspiration for the multiple post forging quenches and an end to blade warp in my shop. The man who challenged me to make that design owns the first.
Many years ago another collector offered me $6,000 to make a knife to his design, it was a design I could not justify and I would have hated. I declined, he stated that it was only a matter of money, he sent me a check, I returned it and he sent me another, that check still sits on my desk, where it has remained uncashed for over 20 years. At the time the most I had ever received for a knife was $700 and I could have used the money. I keep that check to remind me how easy it is to stray. His order is a knife I will never make.
Some may not undestand what I have stated, but my comments honestly reflect how I truly feel. My knives are my passion, if I don't love them they will only cheapen the rest of their "sisters", my integrity and the respect of those who have encouraged me.
