Have we entered a “Golden Age”?

[Kevin Jones]

It seems we are seeing significant changes or innovations in design, embellishment, materials and construction methods/processes over the last 3-5 years. I find this especially true in regard to “ABS” knives. For example, the typical “ABS Bowie” is no so easily defined as it has been in the past.

Have we or could we be entering a “renaissance” of the custom knife? Or is it just normal and healthy progress brought on by creative appetites and increased competition among makers?

Or am I just dreaming and it’s pretty much the “same old / same old”?

I’ve attempted to show some examples below. Please give yours thoughts either in agreement or disagreement and post examples if you like.

As always, thank you in advance for your participation.

Advancements in the laminated blade and increased creativity in handle design and construction:

New processes for engraving and knife embellishment:

Creative use of hamons and other processes to enhance and add uniqueness to blades:

New innovative knife designs and use of mechanical mechanisms:

Taking "Integral Construction" to new levels:

 

[Kohai999]

It seems we are seeing significant changes or innovations in design, embellishment, materials and construction methods/processes over the last 3-5 years.

More like the last 10 years


Have we or could we be entering a “golden age” of the custom knife? Or is it just normal and healthy progress brought on by creative appetites and increased competition among makers?

Or am I just dreaming and it’s pretty much the “same old / same old”?

Actually from what I saw last year, and certainly this year, we are experiencing some degree of slow down and idea stagnation. It may be due to economic criteria ONLY or it may also be due to simple creative "block" on the part of many innovative makers, but I am just not impressed with a lot of the "new" that I have been seeing, and am focusing on well rendered classic designs.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[betzner]

My two cents - I don't see any great advancements taking place. Nothing that appears to me to in any way be the beginning or continuation of a "golden age".

What seems to be happening in the world of custom knives is, I think, a continuation of the creative process that began long ago. If there is a little bit more of it, or a little bit less of it, I for one don't notice.

 

[missin_hobo]

Well, the knifemaking industry has surely been going through something of a technical renaissance in the last decade or two, especially if you compare knives made today to knives made a generation ago.

But 'golden age?' I'm not so sure. As other posters have said, this is a matter of more than just technicalities. There are economic and social factors to consider.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Actually from what I saw last year, and certainly this year, we are experiencing some degree of slow down and idea stagnation. It may be due to economic criteria ONLY or it may also be due to simple creative "block" on the part of many innovative makers, but I am just not impressed with a lot of the "new" that I have been seeing, and am focusing on well rendered classic designs.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

Well, the knifemaking industry has surely been going through something of a technical renaissance in the last decade or two, especially if you compare knives made today to knives made a generation ago.

But 'golden age?' I'm not so sure. As other posters have said, this is a matter of more than just technicalities. There are economic and social factors to consider.

Interesting that both of you referenced economic conditions.

Do you believe a poor economy to an extent stimulates creativity and "new" ideas as makers look to distinguish themselves/their knives from the pack in hopes of capturing sales?

I believe there's been huge design advancements in the "ABS Bowie". A decade ago the "ABS Bowie" was very often a carbon steel blade, with a wood handle and disk shaped guard. Now you only have to go back to the Blade Forums 'Best Bowie' of the year threads to see how much that's changed.

 

[Kohai999]

Do you believe a poor economy to an extent stimulates creativity and "new" ideas as makers look to distinguish themselves/their knives from the pack in hopes of capturing sales?

I don't believe that poor economy helps the knife community at all, with the exception of those taking advantage of favorable prices on the aftermarket.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[jdm61]

Interesting that both of you referenced economic conditions.

Do you believe a poor economy to an extent stimulates creativity and "new" ideas as makers look to distinguish themselves/their knives from the pack in hopes of capturing sales?

I believe there's been huge design advancements in the "ABS Bowie". A decade ago the "ABS Bowie" was very often a carbon steel blade, with a wood handle and disk shaped guard. Now you only have to go back to the Blade Forums 'Best Bowie' of the year threads to see how much that's changed.

I tend to agree with you at least as far as the ABS bowies go. There have been some significant changes in the last few years. Many of them have been quite simple and yet there impact on how the knives look have not been what I would call subtle. You mentioned the "disc" guard and I would go one step further and remember when many, arguably too many, had disc guards with rope type filework. The big change that I noticed over the last few years was, for lack of a better term, the streamlining of the guards and other fittings on these larger knives, as demonstrated by the thin "sculpted" guards that you se on knives by Don Hanson and Russ Andrews among others.
One other thing has happened over the past decade or so that really has nothing to do with style or design, yet still makes for a strong argument that we are in something resembling a "golden age" of custom knifemaking. The quality of work has advanced so much that serious collectors can now demand near perfection even in something like a reasonably priced hunter. Think about the kind of knife that you can get for under $500 today.

 

[betzner]

Do you believe a poor economy to an extent stimulates creativity and "new" ideas as makers look to distinguish themselves/their knives from the pack in hopes of capturing sales?

Perhaps I've noticed a bit of advancement in the area of makers distinguishing themselves more in marketing than "manufacturing", while the economy has proven to be a sustaining, negative element in the equation.

Bob

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Personally, the level of information available about all aspects of custom knife collecting has dramatically increased. Or maybe I just haven't been looking hard enough .

 

[ptgdvc]

Interesting that both of you referenced economic conditions.

Do you believe a poor economy to an extent stimulates creativity and "new" ideas as makers look to distinguish themselves/their knives from the pack in hopes of capturing sales?

It may be exactly the opposite. A good economy, with plenty of cash chasing higher end work, permits more liberal experimentation and certainly more expensive embellishment. The very high end of any market has its own rules and is fairly independent of the general economy.

Golden Age? Perhaps, I am certain we have had a Golden Decade.

 

[gthouse]

I agree with the last 10 years. After collecting for the last 15 years. I have seen tremendous growth in both quality and inovation. Any ABS master or journeyman today must present knives superior to 10 years ago. Knives presented 5 or 10 years ago would not pass today, mine included. I refer to ABS because that is what I am familiar with. Golden age? Possibly, but it far from over.
Gary

 

[Kevin Jones]

I don't believe that poor economy helps the knife community at all, with the exception of those taking advantage of favorable prices on the aftermarket.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

I wasn't saying it did, just that a poor economy resulting in less money being spent should result in maker's going the extra distance or being more creative to get out in front of his/her competition. I know I would be.

I also find that often good times make folks more complacence or less hungry.

 

[Jon Brand]

Alot of customers seem to buy knives as investments. Wouldn't the slow economy cause makers to hold back a bit and create a product that is a "sure thing"? (A time tested design)

However over the past bunch of years I do think knives have gotten prettier. The use of brightly colored ivory has gotten more popular it seems, rather then using just brown or cream colored stuff. I'm not sure about designs, but off the top of my head I think they have gotten more innovative.

 

[Kevin Jones]

It may be exactly the opposite. A good economy, with plenty of cash chasing higher end work, permits more liberal experimentation and certainly more expensive embellishment. The very high end of any market has its own rules and is fairly independent of the general economy.

Golden Age? Perhaps, I am certain we have had a Golden Decade.

Perhaps "Golden Decade" is more accurate.
I started collecting just about 10 years ago so feel I have a pretty good reference point. Seems to me custom knives have come so far since my first exposure to them.

One positive to the recent poor economy is that some of the more popular makers waiting list have become more manageable.

 

[RogerP]

I've been saying for a while that collectors have never been more spoiled for choice. Golden age / decade / whathaveyou - things are pretty darned golden from where I sit.

As for the economy, I buy Peter's analysis - better ecomony = more cash = more likelihood that collectors can sponsor ceiling-breaking projects by their favourite makers.

Roger

 

[ptgdvc]

Now that the US Dollar has been supplanted by the almighty Loonie,
I expect to see even more numerous and exciting projects for Roger "di Medici" Pinnock.

 

[jjtjr]

In my opinion there are many more knifemakers out there. One of the sucesses of the ABS is that they train so many good knifemakers. I also believe that there are many more new stock removal makers entering the fray. More makers mean more competition to sell knives.

I think that this competition is the reason that there have been so many improvements in the quality of knives lately. Many of the newer makers are making very fancy, imbellished knives to attract customers.

I doubt if the number of custom knife collectors has increased as quickly as the number of makers. This means more competition for the same amount of customer money.

I do think that the economy has affected the market because it has cut into the amount of discretionary money being spent on knives, which also increases competition.

I don't know about a"golden age", but there are very many great knives being made now.

Jim Treacy

 

[Lorien]

I'm a newcomer, but to my mind, cutlery buyers certainly seem better educated and I'd liken that enlightenment to ' a golden age '.

Good one Kevin:thumbup:

 

[Jon Brand]

Maybe the golden age is due to the expansion of the INTERNET. Fifteen years ago, makers may have had less competition due to the lack of WWW power.

 

[braillediver]

Wouldn't the slow economy cause makers to hold back a bit and create a product that is a "sure thing"? (A time tested design)

Any makers willing to comment on this? Seems there'd be greater risk making bold design statements when the buyers might be less inclined to take risks and more closely watching their spending.