- Joined
- Jan 10, 2005
- Messages
- 655
I am considering putting together a touch mark, or makers mark registry online.
It's a project I've been considering for quite a while, but I firmly believe that the sooner you start a project, the longer you have to procrastinate.
Here's how it would work:
A sub directory on my website would become dedicated to a page, or group of pages that would be filled with quality photographs of touchmarks applied to steel, it would have a large (640x480) image that would be accessable through a thumbnail and would have the makers information listed, such as name, address, company name, web site (if applicable) and any other relevant information (like the years the touch mark was used, or the year it started being used, for those of us who have used multiple touch marks) Etc.
The cost:
$0.00
Okay, not exactly but close, in order to get your touch mark registered you would need to cut a piece of 1" x 0.25" steel 1.25" long, sand, or grind all surfaces shiny, (something above 320 grit would be best for contrast) and place your mark on it, (punch, touch or etch) then oil it, stick it in a ziplock and mail it to me along with all of the pertinent information stated above. I would take it from there, photograph it, and post the photos and info on the site, then re-oil the steel card and lock it in a safe with the pertinent info. so really the cost is about $0.93 for steel and first class postage
Why do I need you to send a piece of steel with the mark?
Several reasons really, read below under benefits to you some of the reasons, but one of the other big ones is consistency, I will have everything profesionally photographed, (my best friend and a blacksmith as well) and it will allow all the marks to be viewed in relation to one another as far as size, depth and clarity.
Why would I do this?:
In reality, this is just an extension of a project that was taken on by the guild I was involved with before they went under, (B.I.G.) I feel that it is a worthy cause, and I'd be glad to do what I can. They where only using hard copy for their registry anyways, so I'll see what info I can retrieve.
The benifits to you:
Well, it would provide a permanent (or at least as permanent as the internet can be) registry for folks to determine who's mark it is on their favorite knife, or to settle disputes with someone using a mark that is similar to, or the same as, yours. As the date(s) regitered would be available as well. By keeping the steel card in the safe, if ever there is a problem with infringement etc., I can send the card and information along to whatever authorities would be appropriate.
What I need to know from you guys, is:
Would you participate if I where to do this?
Please let me know
Tony
P.S. I had my touch mark stolen once, along with a box of fancy tools I'd made myself, (my damascus hammer for one
) and about 6 years later I found some poorly forged Ironwork with my mark on it, being sold as antique!
It's a project I've been considering for quite a while, but I firmly believe that the sooner you start a project, the longer you have to procrastinate.
Here's how it would work:
A sub directory on my website would become dedicated to a page, or group of pages that would be filled with quality photographs of touchmarks applied to steel, it would have a large (640x480) image that would be accessable through a thumbnail and would have the makers information listed, such as name, address, company name, web site (if applicable) and any other relevant information (like the years the touch mark was used, or the year it started being used, for those of us who have used multiple touch marks) Etc.
The cost:
$0.00
Okay, not exactly but close, in order to get your touch mark registered you would need to cut a piece of 1" x 0.25" steel 1.25" long, sand, or grind all surfaces shiny, (something above 320 grit would be best for contrast) and place your mark on it, (punch, touch or etch) then oil it, stick it in a ziplock and mail it to me along with all of the pertinent information stated above. I would take it from there, photograph it, and post the photos and info on the site, then re-oil the steel card and lock it in a safe with the pertinent info. so really the cost is about $0.93 for steel and first class postage
Why do I need you to send a piece of steel with the mark?
Several reasons really, read below under benefits to you some of the reasons, but one of the other big ones is consistency, I will have everything profesionally photographed, (my best friend and a blacksmith as well) and it will allow all the marks to be viewed in relation to one another as far as size, depth and clarity.
Why would I do this?:
In reality, this is just an extension of a project that was taken on by the guild I was involved with before they went under, (B.I.G.) I feel that it is a worthy cause, and I'd be glad to do what I can. They where only using hard copy for their registry anyways, so I'll see what info I can retrieve.
The benifits to you:
Well, it would provide a permanent (or at least as permanent as the internet can be) registry for folks to determine who's mark it is on their favorite knife, or to settle disputes with someone using a mark that is similar to, or the same as, yours. As the date(s) regitered would be available as well. By keeping the steel card in the safe, if ever there is a problem with infringement etc., I can send the card and information along to whatever authorities would be appropriate.
What I need to know from you guys, is:
Would you participate if I where to do this?
Please let me know
Tony
P.S. I had my touch mark stolen once, along with a box of fancy tools I'd made myself, (my damascus hammer for one
) and about 6 years later I found some poorly forged Ironwork with my mark on it, being sold as antique!
