- Joined
- Nov 13, 2007
- Messages
- 402
George Mason, better known as unky gumbi, has been a regular on BladeForums for years and has been eagerly learning the craft of knife making. Recently he has begun selling his hand made knives and I bought two of them recently. Before the sale was consummated George sent me high resolution pictures showing each fit and finish imperfection.
Thank goodness for those imperfections and the courage of newer knife makers to put their stuff out into the market despite their own exaggerated sense of how far the finished knife has fallen short of their vision. I have been able to buy a one of a kind knife with excellent design, steel and overall functionality for the price of a mass production product. As I (and my brother-in-law who will receive one of these) use these knives we will add many more finish imperfections until their sum total emerges as character and fond memories.
As George continues to hone his skills and his knives move from 90% perfect to 91, 92 , 93 . . . demand will cause his prices to double or triple but they will not be any more functional or better loved after years of use than these early efforts. I could urge you to support newer knife makers but it is more to the point to say, do yourself a favor and take advantage of the creativity and talent that is emerging all around us.
Thank goodness for those imperfections and the courage of newer knife makers to put their stuff out into the market despite their own exaggerated sense of how far the finished knife has fallen short of their vision. I have been able to buy a one of a kind knife with excellent design, steel and overall functionality for the price of a mass production product. As I (and my brother-in-law who will receive one of these) use these knives we will add many more finish imperfections until their sum total emerges as character and fond memories.
As George continues to hone his skills and his knives move from 90% perfect to 91, 92 , 93 . . . demand will cause his prices to double or triple but they will not be any more functional or better loved after years of use than these early efforts. I could urge you to support newer knife makers but it is more to the point to say, do yourself a favor and take advantage of the creativity and talent that is emerging all around us.
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George's work looks far better than mine so far though. Got a ways to go. Would be nice to have an "amateur knifemaker custom knife" section. I'd be interested in seeing what other starting makers are doing.
