I'm Steven Ramos and I made the knife that is on the cover of "Knives 2017". While a number of great makers have influenced me, Jay Fisher has been my biggest influence in my work. But to say I "copied" Jay Fisher mitigates all the hard work I've put into my craft the past few years I've been making knives. I am completely self taught and sacrificed much in pursuit of making the best knives I possibly can. I have put off relationships, missed out on experiences and have poured every penny I've earned back into buying more materials and equipment leaving me, more often than I would like to admit, with two digit numbers in my checking account. I don't even own a car. I have thrown away thousands of dollars worth of ruined steel learning how to make knives and how NOT to make knives. Accusing me of copying another artist's style basically says "You cheated and didn't work for or earn any of your success".
I have the utmost respect for Mr. Fisher, and all artists for that matter, and would never copy any of his work. I never have, and never will take one of Jay's designs, replicate line for line and claim it as my own. I have far too much integrity and respect for the craft and Jay to do that. All of my knives are original designs drawn and created entirely by myself.
I don't think you can copy someone's "style". Would all the, literally, dozens and dozens of incredibly skilled Loveless makers be no-good copycats then? What about those who make Hibben style Bowies? Are they just cheaters too? Should I make the same Damascus sub-hilt with stag handle that so many others make? Who are they copying?
The fact of the matter is, every artist is influenced by those that came before them. Ludwig Van Beethoven was influenced by Wolfgang Amadeaus Mozart. And Mozart was influenced by Johann Sebastian Bach and Joseph Hayden among others. Both Beethoven and Mozart have written beautiful piano concertos and full symphonies. While they are two different composers, their music is very similar. No one calls Beethoven a copycat.
To be completely honest, I don't know what, for some people, exactly makes my knives TOO similar to Jay's. Is it the mirror finish? Bolsters at both ends of the knife? Tapered tangs or file work? Maybe my gemstone handles? If these things make me no-good copycat, what should I change to separate myself from other makers? Jay Fisher is an OUTSTANDING craftsman but he didn't invent any of the features I mentioned. I'm very proud of what I have accomplished in the four and half years, at the time of this posting, I have been making knives. I have worked my fingers to the bone and have been pushed to the edge of tears just trying to figure out how to improve my work by even 1%.
Forgive me if I sound overly defensive or hostile; that is not my intent. I only wish to politely defend myself and my hard work. I wish all of you the best as my fellow enthusiasts and craftsmen!
