How does a knifemaker know whether he has improved?

[golok]

A guy who first embarked on a knifemaking career obviously has many things to learn.

Five years down the road, how does he gauge his own knifemaking skills? Is it comments and appraisal of his work by other knifemakers?

I suppose getting the ABS is an indication, but what are the other ways to find out if he has improved by a few quantum leaps since the day he first put the blade to the grind?

 

[SDouglas]

Compare the quality and performance of a current knife with and early one.

I would say that if a maker can't see a difference between two knives made 5 years apart that he or she is not growing.

 

[NickWheeler]

I agree, but I also think outside opinions are very important.

It takes a little gumption to put your feelings and ego aside and ask for HONEST opinions about what you're making. Many big makers don't like to give honest opinion as most people ask with the notion that they are going to get a big compliment and a pat on the butt.

But if a guy really wants to improve, I think it shows, and they will get help. I have and continue to do so with many makers I look up to very much.

Also, advice from customers is VERY important. Sometimes collectors look at things or have feelings about things that never come up with another maker (and vice versa).

A maker has to be careful, because some of the advice they will get will be on subjective matter, i.e. "I don't like this handle design." which could just be that maker's style.

Then there's the obvious one...if people are buying your knives!

Nick

 

[Danbo]

Ya know, it wasnt that long ago that some young guy named Nick Wheeler was asking me to look at this knives and give him my opinions.

Now, look at him! I have to wait and wait for his backlog to diminish or pay more from a purveyor for one of Nick's knives now. Plus, the Wheeler knives I do own, I can't bring anywhere and show off, because everybody tries to buy them from me.

A knifemaker knows he is getting better when people start fighting over his knives.

 

[Bigjohn]

Nick is on the money...I heard once that success is a constant journey. I ask many knifemakers what they think about my work...usually with good responces but I do however appreciate the maker that takes the time to elaborate on a particuler item or concern. It saves many years of trial & error.
Ultimately it will come down to extra time in the process, 1 more hour on the knife can sometimes mean the difference between an ok knife or a higher end piece.

Good question

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

Another way to judge if you are getting better is by the amount of time it takes you to make a knife. My first folder took me a month to get to work right, now I can make one in a few days. You develop a sequence of steps to get to the end result. You become more precise at wat you are doing and learn how to make your machines do what you want them to do. If your fit and finish or abilities have not improved in 5 years than it's time to start doing something else. It is also helpful to try and achieve the quality, fit and finish of high end makers that you admire.