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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
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- Thread starter 2knife
- Start date
How about just finding something nice to say about a knife.... I am my own first and strongest critic......so i think a little complement helps...........But that is my opinion.......................carl............ps......I can take criticism but on here i try to look for something good in each knife...........I get my best ideas right here........
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If knives are not of a style that I care for, I tend not to comment on them. If I see things I don't like about knives, I will post my honest impressions. At the same time, I like to point out the things I do like about the knife. There is nothing wrong with giving constructive criticism.
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I think statements that are constructive criticism should be welcomed by all including the knife maker. However statements like such as ..I don't like your grinds, or Your choice of materials suck..or something to that nature which belies a personal opinion is best left unsaid.
Rule of thumb I have always used when speaking to a knife maker about his work is to imply that first this is my opinion and that he is the expert however has he or she ever considered........
honey draws more flies than vinegar
Rule of thumb I have always used when speaking to a knife maker about his work is to imply that first this is my opinion and that he is the expert however has he or she ever considered........
honey draws more flies than vinegar
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Interesting question David.
I usually won't comment on a piece I don't like. Always comment on a piece I do. Sometimes I think I should give positive criticism in order to help the maker.
I respect STeven for his honest and frank opinions.
When I first came here someone told me (don't remember who) that it's acceptable to comment negatively on a maker's knife post however not on a collector's. Kind of makes sense I guess?
I think one should call it like they see it, as long as it's done in a appropriate manner.
I agree with David in that some complement just to be polite or encouraging.
I usually won't comment on a piece I don't like. Always comment on a piece I do. Sometimes I think I should give positive criticism in order to help the maker.
I respect STeven for his honest and frank opinions.
When I first came here someone told me (don't remember who) that it's acceptable to comment negatively on a maker's knife post however not on a collector's. Kind of makes sense I guess?
I think one should call it like they see it, as long as it's done in a appropriate manner.
I agree with David in that some complement just to be polite or encouraging.
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
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WELLL...YOU, David....don't really know all that much...you collect the work of one maker, and could be legitimately, an expert on his work, and those around that style...but would not be qualified to pass judgement on say, a damascus pattern, or a particularly deeply hollow ground stock removal knife, right?
So in that case, it just might be better to shut up.
As far as just offering an opinion of what you like...some say nothing, some pussyfoot, and some lay it all out there.
Personally, I am trying to shut up, or offer some constructive criticism, but it still bugs me when I see premium materials going into ugly knives.:grumpy:
Trying not to let it get to me in 2008.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
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Good post, Dave. I tend to try not to be too critical of any knifemakers but do comment once in a while on a few points I would change in a design I otherwise like. If the differences between a knife and what I like or would collect are too great then I tend not to make any comment. There are different ideas on knife design so if something is made with obviously different goals than what I'm looking for I don't think that the criticism will be constructive, no matter how well meaning my response may be.
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WELLL...YOU, David....don't really know all that much...you collect the work of one maker, and could be legitimately, an expert on his work, and those around that style...but would not be qualified to pass judgement on say, a damascus pattern, or a particularly deeply hollow ground stock removal knife, right?
I don't think that a fair presumption, Steve. I know that David has collected slip joints<?> and other types of knives and is not just a rookie.
I also primarily collect Ed's knives but do consider myself fairly well rounded in understanding other designs, styles and the workmanship that makes a piece desireable. Granted, when it comes to determing a maker based on examining a piece or knowing the market value I don't have that type of experience but I can probably pick out a sub-par example of a "hot" maker's work.
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Saying nothing negative is a gentleman's answer. Everyone of us sees aspects of a knife that don't appeal to our individual tastes.
Offensive? More than likely. Unless a critique was specifically asked for by the poster, then neutral words would be advised, positive words, recommended.
There is always a cost. Of course critical opinions CAN be constructive, but the internet is SO DAMN EASY to be an armchair quarterback and to allow misdirection and self-interest to overtake the constructive process. Many posters won't even spend the time to punctuate and write clearly. This is written communication 101. How effective will their words be understood on a potentially volatile subject such as critiquing others work? Is it an open door policy?
Yes, but who's truth? And at what cost? Being supportive isn't easy either. Looking closely at an object (or person) and finding some value in the form is an art as well.
VERY few people have the tact and command of the english language as, say STeven, who has been known to speak out on from the other side. He can make his point tactfully, I sure couldn't. Even if I wished to. I think critical comments are a strong spice, and like all spices, they need to be used sparingly.
Still and all, a valid question, Dave. :thumbup:
Coop
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Constructive criticism is as, or more valuable than positive comments. The trick, as Ren and Coop have already stated, is to give tactful and useful feedback. Writing an email or pm to give someone your opinion is perfectly valid, but criticism in an open forum (in public view) should be carefully thought out. Unless it is asked for, or in the rare case deserved, critical commentary should be left out of the public arena.
Just my opinion,
Nathan
Just my opinion,
Nathan
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
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We did hash this, about a year into my posting regularly, so about 2005,....maybe.
A maker who posts pictures of their work on this subForum...AUTOMATICALLY invites critique...and frankly, if I were a professional maker, and saw two positive comment postings, and nothing else before the thread sank to the Royal Main...I would find that the MOST disappointing, for that speaks out as abject mediocrity, does it not?
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
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Point taken. This has never been an issue for me, because I always ask for criticism. However, the language you use and the manner in which you critique is the difference between your post being viewed as an attack rather than a valid opinion. I have had a couple knives in the gallery here that received lots of views, but little or no comments, that's why I started asking for criticism.
Sorry if I'm aggravating you Mr. Garsson, the search button is my friend, even if I forget to use it sometimes.
Have a good one,
Nathan
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
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No aggravation at all, was just letting you know, and reminding the other Forumites that might have forgotten, that is is what we more or less agreed upon as accepted protocols.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
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Being on the maker side of this i gotta say that the way people handle it here is great. When i first started makeing knives i didn't know crap. i posted some real turds with handles and i was given encouragement to continue. If it would have been the other way around i would have quit along time ago. Now when i met some of the People here in person it was a different story. Last year at reno i approached steven to look some knives over for me and give me an honest critique. he did so without discourageing me or makeing me feel bad. My neck knives which he hit pretty hard he followed up with that they are not his style of knife and then he told me what he would do to change what i do to suit his taste. and then he told me to build what i want to build so i gotta say not slamming anyone particularely new or younger makers is only to our benefit to get them to continue makeing and hopefully to improve along the way.
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Good point, Steve...:thumbup: As long as the post contains something constructive I'm sure the maker will appreciate it.
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Usually, I will only comment if I really do like the knife. If I am asked to comment, I will give you my unvarnished opinion and let the chips fall where they may.
In the case of makers, I make no secret of who I think is doing the best work. If I think that a maker is doing substandard work or is overrated, I prefer to just say nothing publicly. If I know and respect a maker, and see something particularly egregious, I may ask him privately: What the *&^%$(@ were you thinking?.
In the case of makers, I make no secret of who I think is doing the best work. If I think that a maker is doing substandard work or is overrated, I prefer to just say nothing publicly. If I know and respect a maker, and see something particularly egregious, I may ask him privately: What the *&^%$(@ were you thinking?.
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I think that just about all of the appeal of custom knives is based on personal opinion, especially if you are looking at pictures of knives and not the knives themselves, so if I don't have anything positive to say, I don't say anything at all. It's only my opinion, anyway.
Ok gents this is my first hidden tang knife open for comments + or -
Blade 5160 3/16" thick 5.25 long tappered towards the tip
Handle is oiled banksia 5.5 long
1/8" Aluminium pin
316 S/S finger gaurd .
I only have a few things to work with ,a home made 6" disc sander,pedistal drill,8" grinder/buff and a lot of the shaping is done with my 1/4" high speed grinder ,files and sand paper.I have a piece of 316 5/8" thick 3" wide 6' long and the finger gaurd was cut from that with a hacksaw.
How did I do ??
Quick pictures just for this thread
Blade 5160 3/16" thick 5.25 long tappered towards the tip
Handle is oiled banksia 5.5 long
1/8" Aluminium pin
316 S/S finger gaurd .
I only have a few things to work with ,a home made 6" disc sander,pedistal drill,8" grinder/buff and a lot of the shaping is done with my 1/4" high speed grinder ,files and sand paper.I have a piece of 316 5/8" thick 3" wide 6' long and the finger gaurd was cut from that with a hacksaw.
How did I do ??
Quick pictures just for this thread
Les Robertson
BANNED
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- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 3,565
Years ago a knife maker asked me what I thought of his work. I did what most people do...Very Nice, etc.
He then asked me how many I wanted to buy? I was caught flat footed. It was then I had to actually tell him what I thought of the knife. He was angry and justifiably so.
He explained that because he respected my opinion is why he asked for it. He was not angry because of my comments, but because I didn't give his knife an honest critique.
Because of that conversation 15 years ago, I probably have gone "over the top" on some of my comments.
My first thought when seeing a knife is its marketability....will it sell. This is an occupational hazard.
Next, fit, finish, etc...
Then I ask the maker the price. Most times they are asking too much for the knife.
In the new Blade Magazine there is a continuation of my pricing ideas using SWOT analysis. I highly recommend this to any knife maker having difficulty pricing their knives. Note, SWOT analysis is not my idea or theory. Simply a marketing tool to help price any product.
My reputation is such that as a maker if you come to me with your knives and ask for an honest critique that is exactly what you will get. Some have found my comments to be a little "Harsh". Consequently, my first question to the maker is..."Can you take it"?
On the plus side, for those who feel confident in their work will bring me their knives or stop me and ask me to critique them. More times than not, their work is good and I end up buying some.
So my "reputation" as turned into a "filter" of sorts and has worked in a very positive way for both myself and the maker's whose knife I am critiquing.
While I learn something about custom knives everyday. At this point I have developed a pretty good eye for both forged and stock removal knives.
I agree with STeven though. Most collectors, by virtue of collecting what they like. After several years have enough experience to provide an honest and helpful critique to makers who build knives in the style(s) they like.
However, fit and finish....is well fit and finish.
Every knife maker out there knows either consciously or subconsciously every mistake that is in the knife. They also know what they will do better or different on the next knife. Most don't need an outside source telling them what is right or wrong...they already know.
Then again who among us doesn't enjoy a "job well done" comment from those who appreciate what you did.
Les Robertson
Custom knife Entrepreneur....Critiquing custom knives since 1984!
www.robertsoncustomknives.com
He then asked me how many I wanted to buy? I was caught flat footed. It was then I had to actually tell him what I thought of the knife. He was angry and justifiably so.
He explained that because he respected my opinion is why he asked for it. He was not angry because of my comments, but because I didn't give his knife an honest critique.
Because of that conversation 15 years ago, I probably have gone "over the top" on some of my comments.
My first thought when seeing a knife is its marketability....will it sell. This is an occupational hazard.
Next, fit, finish, etc...
Then I ask the maker the price. Most times they are asking too much for the knife.
In the new Blade Magazine there is a continuation of my pricing ideas using SWOT analysis. I highly recommend this to any knife maker having difficulty pricing their knives. Note, SWOT analysis is not my idea or theory. Simply a marketing tool to help price any product.
My reputation is such that as a maker if you come to me with your knives and ask for an honest critique that is exactly what you will get. Some have found my comments to be a little "Harsh". Consequently, my first question to the maker is..."Can you take it"?
On the plus side, for those who feel confident in their work will bring me their knives or stop me and ask me to critique them. More times than not, their work is good and I end up buying some.
So my "reputation" as turned into a "filter" of sorts and has worked in a very positive way for both myself and the maker's whose knife I am critiquing.
While I learn something about custom knives everyday. At this point I have developed a pretty good eye for both forged and stock removal knives.
I agree with STeven though. Most collectors, by virtue of collecting what they like. After several years have enough experience to provide an honest and helpful critique to makers who build knives in the style(s) they like.
However, fit and finish....is well fit and finish.
Every knife maker out there knows either consciously or subconsciously every mistake that is in the knife. They also know what they will do better or different on the next knife. Most don't need an outside source telling them what is right or wrong...they already know.
Then again who among us doesn't enjoy a "job well done" comment from those who appreciate what you did.
Les Robertson
Custom knife Entrepreneur....Critiquing custom knives since 1984!
www.robertsoncustomknives.com
Well said Les,
As a budding maker I want to hear about what I've done right and what's I've done wrong. Like you said most of the time I know what's not right, but when I'm asking I want to know what I've missed. I've collected and been to enough shows to know F&F, but on the other hand I can always learn more. Also sometimes the person giving their review can give you pointers or points of view that your are unaware of...
As a budding maker I want to hear about what I've done right and what's I've done wrong. Like you said most of the time I know what's not right, but when I'm asking I want to know what I've missed. I've collected and been to enough shows to know F&F, but on the other hand I can always learn more. Also sometimes the person giving their review can give you pointers or points of view that your are unaware of...