If you are a Knifemaker....then be a Knifemaker

A little over a year ago I decided to venture into knife making. I had many questions and did many google searches about designing a forge, blade materials, heat treating, and many other aspects of the hobby. 9 times out of 10, that google search led me to a bladeforums thread. And 9 times out of 10 my questions were answered. I then became a registered member and started posting questions, and pictures of some of my work. And the positive responses and helpful insight from many, including some of the moderators, has done nothing but fuel my desire to continue this hobby and aim to make improvements to every blade I make. This forum has been my number one source for answers to questions that I have to just about everything. I have finished about 15 blades now, and have sold a few to friends. I don't have a website, but maybe I will someday. I have no doubt that if I have any success in making and selling knives that I will have to give a certain amount of thanks to this forum. That being said, I have just upgraded my membership via paypal to "knifemaker". Thank you bladeforums.
 
I bet there is a number of other people like me- I make knives, I sell quite a few, but I don't sell them here or even (so far) promote or link to my sales site.
Mostly because I'm blown away by the quality of many of the makers who sell here, I feel like it's not going to go up until I feel like it's approaching journeyman quality.
Still, what it comes down to is that I AM a knifemaker, so I should pay the knifemaker membership.
It's the cheapest school you'll ever attend.
 
Well I just removed my website link from my profile after reading this thread. Like a few of the other have said they used to visit this site daily. When they did they would look at all the nice knives and read the shop talk threads. While they were here they might spend some time answering a question there when they could be making money by spending time in their workshop. When the rules were changed I made the decision to stop posting pictures of my knives. Now I visit the site on a rare occasion. Looking through the posts on the Custom and Shop Talk section it seems like a lot of good makers no longer spend any time here and the Shop Talk area doesn't seem to be as informative as it used to be. If I ever want to sell my knives on here I will get a membership, I would also do so to buy from makers here. By not allowed any maker to post a picture of their knives I believe you have lost a resource for new makers to learn from. Not only would they respond to questions in Shop Talk but they also inspire the new makers to get the best from their work.

It is my personal opinion that it is in the best interest for a blade forum to have people that make those blades posting content. I guess it comes down to the similar thoughts of Nathan.
 
Cubane said:
By not allowed any maker to post a picture of their knives I believe you have lost a resource for new makers to learn from. Not only would they respond to questions in Shop Talk but they also inspire the new makers to get the best from their work.

It is my personal opinion that it is in the best interest for a blade forum to have people that make those blades posting content. I guess it comes down to the similar thoughts of Nathan.
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Again, It is not that knifemakers may not post pictures for reference, guidance, tutorials etc......this is acceptable at any membership level.

It is that they may not do so with any advertisement or references as to their business, item availability etc.....
They may not advertise via their profile,home page or signature without the proper paid membership level.

This isn't a new rule.

The problem is that too many registered users have been helping themselves to content/features that are rightfully designated for the paying membership of the site.
 
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Yes it was several years ago that it changed from no selling to no advertising which was deemed to be any picture posting to show off a new knife etc. The rules were made clear then when they were changed.
 
Cubane said:
Yes it was several years ago that it changed from no selling to no advertising which was deemed to be any picture posting to show off a new knife etc. The rules were made clear then when they were changed.
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No, that's what Karda is trying to explain to you. Not long ago there was some clarification of the rules explaining that only pictures posted as advertisement, or accompanied by advertisements weren't allowed.

Re-read what he said.


You can post pics, you can't post pics saying "Just finished this one, it's available", or have any advertising links or business related crap in your sigs or posts, without a membership.
 
Now, where it does get a little dicey is this (and we do have a few people doing this also):

Knifemakers whom are clearly knifemakers with businesses doing so, posting dozens of threads to show off their work.
Doing so in hopes that people will contact them by their enabled email to purchase their work.
As registered users are not allowed to do business here, it is not so hard to figure out that these people should not be taking orders from the site.
Whether the people contacted them first is immaterial... if a knifemaker is accepting orders from this site, they need to do the right thing and pony up the money to Spark for the business this site is providing them.
 
if you need inspired or jsut want to see great knives the custom forum and for sure coop's thread are more then full of eye candy to help
 
Cubane said:
Well I just removed my website link from my profile after reading this thread. Like a few of the other have said they used to visit this site daily. When they did they would look at all the nice knives and read the shop talk threads. While they were here they might spend some time answering a question there when they could be making money by spending time in their workshop. When the rules were changed I made the decision to stop posting pictures of my knives. Now I visit the site on a rare occasion. Looking through the posts on the Custom and Shop Talk section it seems like a lot of good makers no longer spend any time here and the Shop Talk area doesn't seem to be as informative as it used to be. If I ever want to sell my knives on here I will get a membership, I would also do so to buy from makers here. By not allowed any maker to post a picture of their knives I believe you have lost a resource for new makers to learn from. Not only would they respond to questions in Shop Talk but they also inspire the new makers to get the best from their work.

It is my personal opinion that it is in the best interest for a blade forum to have people that make those blades posting content. I guess it comes down to the similar thoughts of Nathan.
Click to expand...

I fully agree, There was a time this was a great board with much more info and eye candy to look at. Now it seems that 95% of the board content is filled with, will this work?, do you like this design I drew, what grip material should I use, can I use steel from Lowes, Ect., ect, on and on, then the blind offer help to the blind. You've got Stacy, Rick and maybe a couple of others to give good advise, but little else of quality to offer any more. Why would any successful maker want to pay you to sell his goods here? He's already got all he can handle in most cases. I used to post pics here, but I never posted a pic of a knife that wasn't already sold. I have never tried to sell one here. I didn't, and still don't need to. I just thought that maybe someone might enjoy seeing some of my work, and compare some of my methods to others. I have had to post a message on my web site, that I am taking no new orders until I catch up on those I have, about 1 1/2 years worth, and this site has been no part of that situation. And you want me to PAY you to come here and read the type of postings I referred to above? I don't think so sport. I am content to carry on as is. Unless you want to boot me off for giving my opinion.
 
LRB said:
I fully agree, There was a time this was a great board with much more info and eye candy to look at. Now it seems that 95% of the board content is filled with, will this work?, do you like this design I drew, what grip material should I use, can I use steel from Lowes, Ect., ect, on and on, then the blind offer help to the blind. You've got Stacy, Rick and maybe a couple of others to give good advise, but little else of quality to offer any more. Why would any successful maker want to pay you to sell his goods here? He's already got all he can handle in most cases. I used to post pics here, but I never posted a pic of a knife that wasn't already sold. I have never tried to sell one here. I didn't, and still don't need to. I just thought that maybe someone might enjoy seeing some of my work, and compare some of my methods to others. I have had to post a message on my web site, that I am taking no new orders until I catch up on those I have, about 1 1/2 years worth, and this site has been no part of that situation. And you want me to PAY you to come here and read the type of postings I referred to above? I don't think so sport. I am content to carry on as is. Unless you want to boot me off for giving my opinion.
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Regardless, you stiil need to remove your knifemaker homepage listing and references from your profile...or upgrade your membership.




Karda said:
Again, It is not that knifemakers may not post pictures for reference, guidance, tutorials etc......this is acceptable at any membership level.

It is that they may not do so with any advertisement or references as to their business, item availability etc.....
They may not advertise via their profile,home page or signature without the proper paid membership level.

This isn't a new rule.

The problem is that too many registered users have been helping themselves to content/features that are rightfully designated for the paying membership of the site.
Click to expand...
 
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I guess I'm conflicted on what some of you are saying.

On one hand I'm not really a knifemaker at all, more a sharpener/tinkerer. On the other hand I participate in this forum and ask questions.

The implication that a person in my position should (have to) buy a knifemaker level membership (in order to refrain from being a leech) is ludicrous.

I'll admit, I follow some implied "rules", mostly those set by the frequenters of the GB&U forum, but those are common sense issues sprinkled with some ethical obvious-ness (not a word, I know). I've never felt a compelled need to pay for a knifemaker/service provider membership.

I do believe that a frequent user should consider a Gold membership. After mine lapsed I bought the entry level membership, but it's time to move up.

I don't know if anyone else has this problem but I use the Tapatalk app exclusively. Honestly, you all look the same to me. To see what membership level you are I have to click on your username. I also don't see signatures. In fact, I can't even remember if I have one at all. Unfortunately that limits my abilities, foremost for this discussion, seeing my own membership. I simply don't think about it much as it's not something I ever really see.

I'll be happy to buy another Gold membership after Christmas because I feel like it's the right thing to do. I won't buy a Knifemaker membership because I think it's clear that I don't fit the criteria.

As far as I know, the only forum/action that requires a specific membership is the use of the Pirates Cove, and those selling something. I don't do either.
 
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Patrice Lemée;12993366 said:
Nathan, just to let you know that you are missed as is the other Nathan (the Machinist), although he still visits a little from time to time. Still wished he visited more. :(
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I agree here too Nathan. I remember when I first joined this site I received a lot of of advice and help from you along with many other members here and you were a big help to me. I was always appreciative when you would chime in on all the questions I used to post on here and I've always respected your opinion and thoughts as a maker.
 
I ran some 'selling' questions by Karda and was told I would need a 'knifemakers' subscription to follow the forum rules. I currently have a 'gold' membership. Is there a way to upgrade my membership...or do I just have to buy a new membership? Teddy

BTW...the membership fee of $75.00 is dirt cheap considering the wealth of information and selling possibilities. I have been a member of a similar site for the jewelry industry for years and the price...$90.00 per month. It was a business expense and deductible from gross income, just like this site would be.
 
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There are PROs and CONs to almost anything. Maybe it helps if we call them out in one place.

PROs to having a paid membership:
1) Karma. Doing the right thing for its own sake lightens the burden on your conscience. Doing the wrong thing just because you are capable brings you distress. You may not understand it yet, but distress shortens your life. So perhaps paying for membership allows you to live a longer happier life.
2) Networking. Being part of a group that shares an interest and exchanges information without reservation is another of those intangible benefits that you never really understand until you have it. Seen from the outside, this may seem "cliquish", but that is usually a case of sour grapes.
3) Profit. Others have already described the sort of benefits to be had by posting here (improved SEO rankings, random customer generation, not to mention help in making your products the best that they can be and therefore more valuable). I'll add only that being a paid member of the forum that does not sell still profits me, if not financially then certainly in terms of my sense of accomplishment.
4) Education. We each come into this with a certain unique mindset. Being able to share it with others advances all of us. Even the newest maker making the most obvious mistakes might also be helping others by offering a fresh perspective.

CONs to having a paid membership:
A) Money. The money you spend might otherwise buy an additional latte every month, and maybe a premium doughnut. If you aren't into that, then you might otherwise use the money to buy two stabilized wood blocks or a very small piece of damascus steel... but not both.
B) Responsibility. Once you've paid the money you might feel duty bound to extract the maximum benefit, which means spending more time here, and less time grinding.
C) Philosophy. You may be afflicted with the belief that all speech is (or should be) "free", which you translate into costing nothing. In such a case, it might seem "wrong" to pay to be able to say whatever you want.

I'm sure there are more in both categories. The point I'm making is that people will not always agree on whether the PROs outweigh the CONs, and while we might not agree with their choices we would be well advised not to simply assert they are wrong.

I know for myself the big problem was not wanting to seem pretentious. I got over that, and decided to go the other direction and be as pretentious as I could. ;)

In the end, I decided to pay simply because I wanted to support the forum. Long may it be here for future aspiring makers!

- Greg
 
rjfm1972 said:
A little over a year ago I decided to venture into knife making. I had many questions and did many google searches about designing a forge, blade materials, heat treating, and many other aspects of the hobby. 9 times out of 10, that google search led me to a bladeforums thread. And 9 times out of 10 my questions were answered. I then became a registered member and started posting questions, and pictures of some of my work. And the positive responses and helpful insight from many, including some of the moderators, has done nothing but fuel my desire to continue this hobby and aim to make improvements to every blade I make. This forum has been my number one source for answers to questions that I have to just about everything. I have finished about 15 blades now, and have sold a few to friends. I don't have a website, but maybe I will someday. I have no doubt that if I have any success in making and selling knives that I will have to give a certain amount of thanks to this forum. That being said, I have just upgraded my membership via paypal to "knifemaker". Thank you bladeforums.
Click to expand...


I am guessing this is the best example of the intent of this thread.... You get out of anything only what you put into it.
 
I'd be a lot stricter than the mods are. Even just announcing that you're a maker, say, from another country, putting up pictures of your work, whether you advertise them for sale or not, is advertising. You think that the talented makers who put up pictures of their work, whether or not they mention them for sale, don't get noticed by people who might not otherwise even know that they exist, and then contact the maker for a project? It costs a lot of money to run a forum, and a lot of time by mods who aren't getting paid for their time, as far as I know. I've moderated forums before, and it's a lot of work for negligible reward beyond helping your favorite community get by.

Consider your motivations. Why do you want to post pictures of your work but NOT support the site and community and help keep it running? Even if I only sell a few knives a year on this site, that pays for the membership. Would you say no to a customer who found you from a picture you put up on Blade Forums?
 
Wow.... I really appreciate the sentiments and support this thread has generated!
I'm sure that the community appreciates the opportunity to be able to be a knifemaker on this site at such a nominal fee and recognize the outstanding value that presents itself here.

In total so far, I've sent out 25 warnings instructing those members with homepage listings and/or references as knifemaker in their profiles.
All are hereby notified that I will be rechecking these in the future at my convenience and may terminate any that have not complied with the request for removal. If you value your membership here, please comply. If you wish to advertise in any manner...purchase the membership.
 
Excellent comment. Couldn't have said it better myself!


tryppyr said:
There are PROs and CONs to almost anything. Maybe it helps if we call them out in one place.

PROs to having a paid membership:
1) Karma. Doing the right thing for its own sake lightens the burden on your conscience. Doing the wrong thing just because you are capable brings you distress. You may not understand it yet, but distress shortens your life. So perhaps paying for membership allows you to live a longer happier life.
2) Networking. Being part of a group that shares an interest and exchanges information without reservation is another of those intangible benefits that you never really understand until you have it. Seen from the outside, this may seem "cliquish", but that is usually a case of sour grapes.
3) Profit. Others have already described the sort of benefits to be had by posting here (improved SEO rankings, random customer generation, not to mention help in making your products the best that they can be and therefore more valuable). I'll add only that being a paid member of the forum that does not sell still profits me, if not financially then certainly in terms of my sense of accomplishment.
4) Education. We each come into this with a certain unique mindset. Being able to share it with others advances all of us. Even the newest maker making the most obvious mistakes might also be helping others by offering a fresh perspective.

CONs to having a paid membership:
A) Money. The money you spend might otherwise buy an additional latte every month, and maybe a premium doughnut. If you aren't into that, then you might otherwise use the money to buy two stabilized wood blocks or a very small piece of damascus steel... but not both.
B) Responsibility. Once you've paid the money you might feel duty bound to extract the maximum benefit, which means spending more time here, and less time grinding.
C) Philosophy. You may be afflicted with the belief that all speech is (or should be) "free", which you translate into costing nothing. In such a case, it might seem "wrong" to pay to be able to say whatever you want.

I'm sure there are more in both categories. The point I'm making is that people will not always agree on whether the PROs outweigh the CONs, and while we might not agree with their choices we would be well advised not to simply assert they are wrong.

I know for myself the big problem was not wanting to seem pretentious. I got over that, and decided to go the other direction and be as pretentious as I could. ;)

In the end, I decided to pay simply because I wanted to support the forum. Long may it be here for future aspiring makers!

- Greg
Click to expand...
 
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