"Firecracker" opposed integral fighter, multibar 'mascus.

Think the last two posts here are both worth a lot of thought. Cajun really states what I believe in. Steven tempers it with a reminder that the world does not conform to one's silly ideals at every turn. I do see the didactic value in the feeback there, and appreciate it- it can however be quite a good thing not to be too mainstream, and not to make only "safe" items.

I won't claim to be all that original, but there are a lot of very nice knives being made in the US that look very similar to each other.

The statement "limiting the appeal for any knife just increases competition" makes sense as intended at face value... but if thought about for a minute also could be seen as incorrect. Many great knives are made with an eye to mainstream style, some of the guys doing that would be almost impossible to "beat" at that game. With so much quality work of that type in the market, you're effectively increasing competition to your work if you are trying to conform to that.

In the end, that's why I hold out hope that if I make what interests me, to protect my muse and because I think my work progresses and benefits from it, that the ultimate result could be some recognition for my voice. And no, I won't claim to be particularly far down that path just yet.

After all, like every thing else in this world it's subjective and becomes "fact" in hindsight only when the dust has cleared. I can't ultimately predict outcomes, just follow what makes sense to me.

Steven, I think it's things like backhandedly referring to my pattern choices as "cavalier," if that is indeed what you intended, that make people bristle at your tone. But then, I wouldn't expect you to be apologetic about the strength of your opinions.
 
Salem Straub said:
I think that you would like the feel of it if you held it. The handle shape conforms to a straight or saber grip comfortably. The point at which the taper down to the bolster begins falls right between the index and middle fingers, and approximates the feel of a finger notch.
Click to expand...

Makes sense. That is why I think there are often caveats to evaluating a knife from a picture (or even 18 pictures :D) without having ever held it in your hand.

Anyway, bottom line to me, as I said, is that I think it is a very attractive piece. Thanks for sharing it here, and for welcoming comments.
 
I know, I really need to get out to shows. And I'm planning on it. It's quite preferable to talk knives in person! Thank you for your respectful approach.
 
Being able to take constructive criticism and turn that into creation of a better product is a must but appealing to everyone is not. In my case, I have to be excited about my designs, ultimately building as if it were for myself. If I sell it, cool, if not, I have another bad ass knife in my collection. I build knives as hobby, I don't sell them as a hobby.

You seem like a very sharp fellow Salem.
 
Salem....

It looks great and your vision came through.

So many people think they guide the knife making world with their opinions and often that opinion ends up saying you should be like others and not be unique in your artistic creations.

Pssssh....that blade needs a guard like a motor cycle needs a windshield...LOL

Keep them coming. Your stuff is so interesting.
 
If this was Facebook (thank god it's not) I would "like" the hell out of those posts, Cajun and Avigil.
If I collected quotes and put them in my sig line, "pssssh....that blade needs a guard like a motorcycle needs a windshield..LOL" would be at the top of my list!
 
I laughed my ass off at that quote. It brought me back to that point in time my pops bolted up a damn windshield to his custom choppa and told me to take it for a spin. HA! NO thank you!!!
 
Salem Straub said:
Steven, I think it's things like backhandedly referring to my pattern choices as "cavalier," if that is indeed what you intended, that make people bristle at your tone. But then, I wouldn't expect you to be apologetic about the strength of your opinions.
Click to expand...

Hi Salem,

The "cavalier" was not referring to you at all.

It was more referring to makers who do "what they want to do", experience less than stellar sales, get counselled by some very successful makers and still wind up doing whatever they want to do. THAT is cavalier...and I have seen it happen hundreds of times.

I don't have enough experience looking at your work to have an opinion about your pattern choices as a whole. You have skill and craft at making a knife....pattern choices are as personal a decision as your favorite dinner or beverage.

The feedback given on THIS pattern of knife was intended to be honest, and hopefully, helpful.

Nobody guides the knifemaking world....it moves with its' own rhythym.

Some of us that have been around for more than five minutes do what we can to share our experiences and this is not always appreciated...but if you care about it enough, it doesn't stop you from trying.

There are a LOT of makers making knives right now....and collectors are not coming in at the same pace. If there are no buyers, or the buyers that are in the community die or stop collecting....knifemakers will be making knives for themselves, and there is nothing wrong with that if that is what you want to do.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Then I apologize for taking it that way Steven, and let me reiterate that I feel what you say is worthwhile. I will be giving it some thought for sure!
I agree that the ratio of collectors to makers is troubling (at least to me) and it is one of the most interesting and necessary things to discuss in the knife world right now. I for one will always perk up at conversations dealing with educating the public about custom knives, furthering the view of knifemaking as a legitimate fine art, etc.
We're cool in my book anyway.
 
I see a lot of truth in most all of the posts. As a Maker, it's up to you to develop more business and bring new people into the market though, considering that is why you make knives. So if you want to sell knives, and the market doesn't hold the demand for your sales goals, then what is it you need to change to make the sales? Marketing? Style Change? Taking some unknown risk? The list goes on and on but ultimately its up to you and your business development approach that will gain you customers.

I wouldn't consider my approach cavalier just because I do or make what I want to. I was also told to do this by a very successful maker. My POV, I make knives because I like them not because you like them...
 
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