Filework - An era that has passed? (hopefully)

I think that filework can add alot to a knife, especially a fancy carved folder by JD Smith. Jim Treacy

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DaveH said:
I know it's an aesthetic personal judgement but whenever I see filework, I see art knife and waste of time AND it destroys the elegant lines.
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Hi Dave,

He he he! First I have to chuckle. Damn art knives, the sooner we lose them the happier we'll be..... ;) :p :D

When I want to show a new person my interest in custom knives, I ALWAYS make sure I choose one with filework. That was a real initial lure for me. Works wonders for them, too.

But, I understand how it is either an acquired taste or one that you don't like. Try convincing the hoards of collectors of high-end gents folders to enjoy more hard-use knives and tactical styles. I think you'd hit a dead end.

One of the delightful things about filework (and that is a broad term from just about everything from serrations for a better grip, to carving and inlays) is the sheer amount of variations that are out there. I do agree that the tried- and-true consistent vine filework is so common that it can be boring. Poorly executed vine filework is also an eyesore. Like all things involving style, some makers have a knack, and some are just going for the ride.

I ordered a Crawford Kasper which is soon to come in. Pat and Wes do the most basic style (half rounds and slices coming in at 90° to the work) of filework, and I find an excess of this to be uncreative. But that's their 'look' so I asked for a touch of it on the backspine alone for the effect. But not all over (Go back to the less-is-more thread..... ;)).

Filework CAN show creative and artistic talent. Frankly, if I was to rant on something phasing out sooner than later, the trend in tacticals to pimp handles with a random cuts with a Dremel tool for grip is the lowest form of creativity I encounter in a custom. But, I digress....

Coop
 
I like tastefully done filework when appropriate. I have seen examples of bad and beautiful. IMO, can be another way to show the craftsman’s talent and make the piece more unique.
 
The skill that it takes to put filework on a knife impresses me, but personally, filework just makes things too busy on a knife for me most of the time. I don't mind some filework on a backspacer if it is not overtly complex, but I really don't like it on liners in all but a very small number of pieces that I've seen.
 
Love filework..but like anything...used not abused ..with a bit of restraint
Gus here's some inner backspring filework for ya;)

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I like filework.Especially on a nice folder.I understand that each has their own preferences,but I'd like to impart a short story about this.Bob Rossduetscher and I have hosted a small Hammer-in for the last two years,one year Mark Nevling did a filework demo.Of all the things that were going on that day,I've heard the most from my friends(who are not into custom knives.....yet)about how impressive it was to see the filework come together from nothing to a nice pattern.I think that bodes well for the knife world....and also tells me that it is not going out of style,nor should it be in my opinion
 
The filework on the knives posted is spectacular. Thats the kind of filework I like to see.

I see filework on more simple user knives as boring, uneccessary and trendy. I feel the same about mosaic pins. I think they're tacky and over used.
 
The cool thing about custom knives is the simple fact they're CUSTOM. You can have as much or as little embellishment as you like. I like filework on some knives and not on others. It depends solely on the individual knife. I'm not gonna say whether filework is good or bad. It's a matter of personal taste. I will say that a knife that is not designed to do the work of a knife isn't really much of a knife, and no amount of embellishment is going to fix that. Like the saying goes... form follows function.

So, if you like filework and other embellishments on your knives, GREAT!. If you like them plain, thats great too. It's really just a preference.

$.02
 
psycho78 said:
The filework on the knives posted is spectacular. Thats the kind of filework I like to see.

I see filework on more simple user knives as boring, uneccessary and trendy. I feel the same about mosaic pins. I think they're tacky and over used.
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Now there is another good example.......mosaic pins. I happen to like filework better on folder than in the BLADE of a fixed blade knife. Like Don, I do like the treatment that makers give the ferules, guard, etc. As for mosaic pins, every supplier and their grandmother sells them now and in my opinion, they are overused to the point thatthey are not even interesting anymore. I have never used them in my short time trying to make kives nor have I even bought any of the material, although I think many of the patterns, especially in the smaller pins, are quite interesting and attractive. Just not my bag, baby......lol As an aside, I own three knives with filework oon the balde. Two of them, my fisk Sendero and my Sentz folder have minimal work, The thrrrird, a small J.R, Cookstage fighter has it on the spine of the blade, the choild and the guard, ferrule and buttcap. A little busy, but hey......I'll get over it because it is a J.R. Cook fighter (and very tastefully done) lol
 
I love nicely done filework! This folder would not be the same without it

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So Dave, instead of antagonizing the thousands of folks who actually LIKE filework, can you post some photos of work that appeals to you instead? That is before you run away.... :eek: :confused:

This is a discussion forum, not Whine and Cheese. ;)

Coop
 
NO DON"T!!!!!! it could be like that Imus thing and we could be scared for life after all you don't like what we like...must be some sort of perverted commie
 
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