How important is it to name knife models?

Bob Ohlemann

Bob Ohlemann

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This question is for both makers and collectors. Many (most) makers seem to name the knife models that they regularly produce. Personally, I've found coming up with some kind of naming convention to be difficult and uninspiring. How important do you guys feel it is for makers to assign names to their models?

Bob
 
It is difficult. I currently am settling on a name for a particular blade style. To add to the confusion even further, I don't intend for that name to necessarily be name of the finished knife, although that may be included in that knife's name.

However, I do think there is reason to identify the knife model in some way if there is a likelihood of making it again in the future. I divide these up in three categories.

As an example, (#1) I have my Southland series. #2, Within the series, there are unique knives, such as the Southern Mistress, Southland I, II (D guard), and III, etc. This gives me room to be flexible in the series for design features that I come up with while still keeping a resemblance. And #3 the blade style being the basis, a customer might request specific hardware or materials.

One reason it becomes difficult from a maker's standpoint to actually choose names, is that most cool sounding names are taken already and they are not wanting to step on toes.
 
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It's great when it works, but it's not easy to come up with a name that sounds good, fits the knife in question and isn't already taken. History and geography would be my source material were I to undertake the task.
 
I have a lot of trouble naming knives but it sure does help when you do so that fans can ID a knife. I catch a bit of friendly flak about it sometimes.
 
We all know the challenge of gaining acceptance for the knife community from the population at large, so many of whom still look at knives as bad. Tagging knives with fearsome, brutal names is just pure stupidity, IMHO, as it works against the acceptance we wish to achieve.

While not a head-on answer to the question asked, thought it might provoke some comment.
 
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generally, naming things gives them power, presence...an affirmation of reality.
 
As a purchaser I like it for some of the reasons noted already...it's easier to identify my interest to the maker and make changes...rather than saying, you know that hunter with the wood handle.
 
Collector here.

From a big company bussiness perspective I understand to give a knife a cool, gimmicky name.

Personally, If I ever made a knife it would have a generic name (Randall understands this well) and it wouldnt be etched or engraved anywhere.

Heck, I probably wouldnt even sign the blades.

I really dislike big-*ss letters on knives, and appreciate it when the markings are discrete.
 
Names are nice but I don't think necessary.
Very nice if you plan on doing multiples of the same model.
If you make what you like then they sort of name themselves...

As for inspiration, how about towns in Texas?
 
I dunno I've got mixed feelings about it.

On the one hand, I think it makes sense to name a "model" or "style" of knife, that you're doing multiples or iterations of. That creates a clear differentiation.

On the other hand, I find it overly "dramatic" to come up with names for *every* one-off custom knife you make. Honestly to me, it comes off as egocentric or arrogant. To name a special knife, makes sense, and even as one-off maker, elevates it to a higher stature, but to name every knife... No thanks, I won't partake.
 
Ok....

Names like Predator, Freddy's Glove, Yaujtja, or Mellisandre's Muffintop are great if there is a context that you are drawing from that people can easily relate to....Rambo knives are a perfect example....

But....Flesheater, Deathstik, The Violator, and my personal favorite...SPEW....while certainly making most lol, isn't the best marketing move....these names create a visceral association, and many prospective buyers may be put off.

If you are a Cowboy...making more or less cowboy knives....Mariposa, El Camino, Black Stallion, The GB&A...these all make tremendous sense

If you are military making for military(primarily) the ...FUBAR, WTFO, SNAFU, Alfa 1, Bravo 2, Charlie 3, Delta Force....these all make tremendous sense as well

If you are into Asian naming(which for me would be mostly Japanese) Akira, ShiKami, Hannya, Musashi, aikuchi, kiridashi....these all make sense....however, when you call a sword a kiridashi, you are just confusing people, and imo, you come off looking like a moron with a sad, disfigured sense of humor.

If it is keeping you from developing a name, and getting business handled...there are some really easy ways to name a knife.

1. Model numbers 1-1, 2-1, 3-1........you can use numeric or alphabetic modifiers to suit. Say model 1-1 is in damascus......1-1D.

2. If it is suited to a particular task, what do you think of when you look at it? Say it is a dagger, and very slim....I would think of "Sliver". It's a good name for a knife and not very creepy, but kind of cool. Even if someone else has a knife named "Sliver"..that's ok, they likely cannot copyright it. If it is "Slim's Silver Sliver"....that you probably can't use.

3. Local areas to where you live are good...pull out a map and see if anything works for you.

4. If you really can't come up with anything that works, call it what it is. "Drop point hunter"? No.....Loveless Style drop point hunter? Sure! Dagger? No!!! "Slim Quillon dagger"? Maybe.

I want Matt Diskin to make me some knives with the names "Dirty Sanchez"(maybe a browned damascus Kris blade), "Donkey Punch"(an automatic for sure) and "Cleveland Steamer"(billet aluminum handle, sort of looks like luggage), all with brown wooden handles......but it isn't likely.

If you have ever hung out with your buddies working on band names or song titles, one of the surest ways to induce giggle fits at a show is to start playing that game.

"The Tickler" was a character in Game of Thrones. Good name for a knife, SURE to put a bunch of people off, especially now, lol.

Hopefully, this helps.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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Bob, I truly stink at coming up with names for my work. But lately I have been using Mythology names. My senior year in high school I took a class in Greek mythology as a filler class. Loved it and the teacher was hot too. I remember some of the names others I have use Google. Good luck on your quest. Look toward to seeing what you come up with.

Bing
 
kohai999 said:
i want matt diskin to make me some knives with the names "dirty sanchez"(maybe a browned damascus kris blade), "donkey punch"(an automatic for sure) and "cleveland steamer"(billet aluminum handle, sort of looks like luggage), all with brown wooden handles......but it isn't likely.
Click to expand...

lol!!!
 
RangerBobTX said:
How important is it to name knife models?
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I feel it can be a very productive move in a knifemaker's career if he/she has fine enough and distinctive enough designs or models that are worthy of the effort.
In naming a knife model a maker is basically creating a brand and branding / brand recognition is as important in knifemaking as it is in any other business.

In selecting a name, I would try to keep it simple and not over-think it. A single word that sounds good and somewhat relates to the knife.

Fisk "Sendero", for example, (meaning path or trail, in Spanish) came about when Jerry was carrying the prototype while hunting hogs in the thick Texas underbrush, following trails from the animal.

Seems like Spanish names and terms work well. Another being Harvey Dean's "El Diablo" fighter.

The production knife companies seems to like knifemaker's designs with snazzy names attached to them which can lead to opportunities.
 
It's fun to name knives. With swords or one-off knives they can have individual names! This has been happening for a long time, e.g. Charlemagne's sword Joyeuse. Some sword's are named after their famous owners, like the the sword of Goujian.

It gives them an identity.
 
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I like the idea of using local geographies, towns, counties, etc. That will give LOTS of options and it gets away from all the similar sounding names already out there.
 
This discussion has helped me in narrowing down, not just a name, but a method of choosing a name. I like the geographic idea. I actually use it already but needed help to stay focused.
 
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