How important is a creative blade shape to buyers/collectors?

I say make what you like. Just because you can.
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I like that. Words to live by. Of course, it won't apply to the unseasoned maker who does not understand effective design. But, you've obviously gone far enough down the path of knifemaking that your out-of-the-box thinking won't produce misbegotten atrocities. All I can say is go ahead and try for new horizons, everything that we think looks and works great today was a new horizon at some point for someone... and, don't be afraid to fail, it's inevitable and is the cost of trying to push your boundaries. "The workmanship of risk" and all that.

But, I don't have to tell you that. It is clear that you are that kind of maker already.
 
Thanks guys. I guess that since I have the luxury to for now, I should really do what I want like you say. I was thinking more for the future when I do take this up full time and may need to adjust my designs to be more “mainstream”. Although even doing what I want, the input I get here might help me channel my time and energy to parts of the knife that people are more interested in seeing creativity in. I could say that it doesn’t matter what people think but I'd be lying. I am as vain as the next guy after all and do like it when a knife I made is well received. :o
 
Lorien said:
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and suggest that most collectors and/or buyers are not looking for creativity of any kind.
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That wasn't my experience at the last show, Lorien. The farthest off the beaten path sold the best...I carried my "safest" knife home. I don't know if that trend will hold. I hope so 'cause I really enjoy doing different things(without starving). IMHO, it's good to separate from the pack as long it is tasteful and functional.
 
that's why shows are good. Committed buyers and a chance for a real, personal connection. I still do not think that people looking to buy knives for the creativity of their maker constitute 'the most'. They may, however, buy creative knives- but perhaps not for that reason specifically, (see 'herd mentality').

Congratulations on a great show, Ben! I'm not surprised you did well, your knives exhibit an exceptional balance of daring and comfortable. I consider you to be an 'exceptional' knife maker and look forward to seeing you progress, I hope that you try your hand and new things constantly and that your patrons reward you for it.

Would you post a pic of the knife that didn't sell? I'm really curious.
 
Check out Caleb Royer's post a few weeks back. It has the two extremes...daring and 'safe'. The knife has found a home since, but the experience has made me feel more bullish about trying new things. When the majority of orders are for the most non-traditional knife on the table the message is pretty clear. This is a business for me, so I have to adjust as the market dictates...fortunately right now it's telling me to do what I please. How cool is that? Some of your designs, Lorien are deviations from the norm, and I like 'em! The sky's the limit. Shoot for the stars...just take care not to trip and land in a frog pond, lol!
 
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sounds like a good problem to have! A real credit to your design skill, (and ability to pull it off) that's for sure.
Had my fair share of dips in the frog pond:D
 
I'd like to share something Lin Rhea has been hammering into my skull. A knife should stand on its own merit, not on materials or embellishment. IMHO, line and flow are the most important part of a knife design, not just the profile, but the lines within the lines. I think as long as the principles of line and flow are followed there can be a fair amount of deviation from the norm. Look forward to seeing what you come up with, Patrice.
 
Ben Seward said:
I'd like to share something Lin Rhea has been hammering into my skull. A knife should stand on its own merit, not on materials or embellishment. IMHO, line and flow are the most important part of a knife design, not just the profile, but the lines within the lines. I think as long as the principles of line and flow are followed there can be a fair amount of deviation from the norm. Look forward to seeing what you come up with, Patrice.
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Good post and Lin is a smart man :)

When I look at a knife I reduce it in my mind to a line drawing so to speak

If it has merit ....that is high art in its own way
 
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Thanks for passing that along Ben. :thumbup: That's in part why I never was in a hurry to start using higher end materials, and I am still not. I think developing a good eye design wise so that the knives stand on their own as you say is the first step. And only when you have that down should you move on to high end materials. Well that's how I see it anyway.

Thanks again for your feedback on this guys.
 
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