How to create ones on style?

Rene E. Roy

Rene E. Roy

Joined
Oct 4, 1999
Messages
709
Can anyone help me with the burning question, how to develope ones own style of knifemaking, so you know it's your knife from across the room.
 
That's an easy one Roy. It just takes a while is all. In my experience you don't just 'come up' with a new style. You develop it progressively over a period of time. You start with an idea and forge it up. Then each time you forge up that style it has subtle changes until each blade you forge has the influence of that 'style'. There are countless examples of makers that use the same general style with most of the knives they forge. I'm a prime example too. You just have to get out there and keep forging and you will 'find' your own special style. All it takes is time and patience and lots of hard work. But it's easy. He he.
 
Max is right, in time it will become apperent what
is right for you to make, you will become
comfortable doing it and get good at it, then that
style becomes your signature. Just follow your skill
and instenct Gib
 
The answer is simple, yet complex. Be your self, learn all you can about the knife you wish to make. If function is your goal, test for that function. First hand emotion develops the spirit of the knife. Tradition is not considered unless that is what you wish to devote your time to. I just finished an extensive article for Blade concerning this issue. Your first knife should be your guide, providing it was not made to be another man's knife.
 
Max is wrong, it ain't easy! :D But it sure is fun. Personally, I don't think you can avoid having a personal style; it's just part of the way you see knives, the way you use tools, everything about your motivations and the way you work.

And Max is right, it develops over time. Can't wait till I get some! ;)

The more you "think" about each one, the more it will have that stamp of its own. I think this is why there's so much work for knifemakers - all their knives are different and special, and people gravitate toward that. I can't imagine there ever being a glut of handmade knives.

Ed, I'm looking forward to your article.

Dave
 
Been thinking about this thread all day. It seems to
me that when I came back to it that there is truth
in each one. I asked myself if I had ever made a
knife that I would not like to keep? Unless it is to
a custom order and then in the end I would like to
keep it, I am doing this now I don't like this knife
but it is growing on me, I think the customer has
something I can use in the future in the way of an
idea, nothing new I just had not thought of doing
it. I have come to this concluclision if I have made
it then it will have something that I do that will
imprent it's self in the knife that will show that
it is made by me. I would like to want to keep each
knife that I make, I think that is an I.D. Gib

Ps Ed when is that artical coming out I cant wait.
 
My thoughts on this issue are pretty much in agreement with what has been said.

I had some great mentors in my earlier years. Their advice was to make every style and type I was capable of making (straight knives, folders, miniatures, art knives, etc). If the customer didn't like the knife and you felt the same, stop making it. If the customer liked what you made and you did too, make more and ask for feedback from them. Use that feedback to improve each knife.

Smartest advice I got was to offer free refurbishing and sharpening. That gave me a chance to get it back, take it apart, see how everything was holding together, and make improvements.

I have one folder model that I have been making for many years and it seems to be as popular today as it was then, and a hell of a lot better built.

Roy, find a style you and the customers like, and keep improving on it. It might take years for it to happen. It most likely will become your signature knife.
 
I ask a successful knife maker a similar question. How he comes up with all of his designs. He is now mostly known for his folders, and there is a lot of creativity if you can find the time and frame of mind to make your designs. He told me that sitting down and not thinking about traditional patterns. Then try thinking of a scenario where a knife would be used. Like outer space, diving or hiking. Use your imagination and draw your design out and refine it.
Build the knife and use it, if you like the design you have a winner EDC or you have knife number two hundred and ten to put into your junk knife drawer.

Jeff
 
Gib: The article will be comming out in the issue that goes to the printers next week. Hopefully it is one of more to follow on art and knives.

There is a lot of material that can influence us. Most of the art books support what are popular now and seek to perpetuate their investments. Some actually perpetuate origonal thought, these are the ones you want to read carefully

I believe it was Miles Davis who said, "Sometimes you have to play a long time to play your kind of music. Once you have found a direction, ride it to the greatest potential you can, this way it will continue to challenge you.

Kit said a lot, we need to look at a lot of knives to see what the past has to tell us. Each of us will look at the knives with a different interpertation of what is there. The indivicual perception is what can make a difference. I have one knife that I have looked at for a lot of years, while I still see what I first saw, I see a lot more now.
There is only one rule, have fun with it.
 
I think too
if someone is taught knife making sometimes
you see the teacher in the knife,
 sometimes not, 
 If you are your own creator, it will come through,
 some of your work will sell, some not,
so you adjust to fit both the customer 
and you're needs. this comes only with time.
complicated but not.
 
Just keep making the knives that you are interested in and make them better each time. Learn from your mistakes and dont scrimp on materials and questionable heat-treating. If you settle into one style you may become bored IMHO. I jump from one style to another so often that how can anyone notice my style? I say dont worry about it unless you want your knives to be seen from across the room but I cant do them over and over I go crazy!
 
I spent the day in my shop pondering this question.
Some thoughts;
If it is art knives that interest you, visit a museum of art and carefully study the art of those you admire, somewhere in their work you may find what you are looking for.

When looking at knives of past masters, ask questions why and what for? Many times the only reason is tradition, or ease of manufacture.

I have always wondered why the false edge on knives. I just found the answer in a 1914 calvery manual written by Lt. George Patton Jr.
"The false edge is not for easier penetration but for ease of removal of the blade from the body of your target." This is from memory, but pretty close. He also states that the saber is a weapon of offence. Success with the saber depends upon the offensive nature of the man and speed of his horse. Now I know the answer that I have sought for years.

Never quit seeking to understand. Every now and then I find a thought in an old knive, kind of like a time capsule planted by the maker for someone to appreciate. You may never know the reason why, but experiments can lead to very exciting results.
 
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