Knifemakers poll: There can be only one

[Mark Williams]

I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately about knifemaking and how I hope the good Lord will allow me make it a profession. I lay awake some, well most nights thinking about knives. I've made pretty much every style of knife that I like other than folders. I have decided to go with the primative/tribal style because thats what I like the most.So the point of this poll is:

IF you could only make the style of knife that you enjoy the most, what style would you make. I know there are subcategories under what is in the poll, but pick something close.You can elaborate in your post.

Mark

 

[indian george]

Bowie's and fighters love them

 

[Bruce Bump]

Cut and shoot Dual threat weapons. I dont see that catagory so I cant vote.

 

[Burchtree]

I like them all!! I think it depends on what mood I'm in. I don't want to be stuck in one blade "genre" and hope to do as many different styles as I can. It's probably not the best decision for me though because it's good to be in a niche, you become very proficient at a style and it's easier to make a name for yourself.

 

[C. Marlowe]

Folders ( liner locks ), no questions. Everytime I go to make a fixed blade, I realize I'm much happier with making folders. I would have to add Balisongs as a subcategory to that, as I make those too.
- Charles

 

[heatride]

Folders of course. I make multiblade slipjoint and lockback folders.
If someone told me Glen you have to make only one type of folder Im pretty sure it would be a single blade slipjoint.Nah maybe a two blade trapper. Gezzz that would be a tough call And look at the upside Mark ya don't use near as many belts

 

[Tom Militano]

I'm with Indian George, I like Bowies and fighters too.

 

[Dan Gray]

Folders are coming up my list...as in auto's

 

[Sylvester]

I`m getting geared up for folders,slipjoint and maybe lockback

 

[dryridertx]

I collect all types, but the Bali-song is my favorite. I look at some of the custom made bali's and they are a work of art.

 

[rlinger]

I have become a D'Holder groupie.

 

[Terry_Dodson]

i like swords and fighters

 

[Matt Shade]

I like folders the best. I've only made linerlocks so far, and I like to make them fancy working class knives. I try to do some filework on all of them, if not full blown filework down the blade and around the handles. I go for tough/economical materials and stick with utility type designs though.
For some reason it just bugs the hell out of me ( I mean to no end!, almost pissed off about it!) when I give somebody a knife and get the "WOW thats AWESOME, I'm gonna PUT IT IN MY ROOM so I don't lose it!" :grumpy:

Oh well

 

[Frank Niro]

If you hope to sell knives full time I suggest you find one or more types that customers and collectors want to buy and that the demand in those types will be high enough to keep you busy. If you make knives that you want to make, it may make you happy but they will not make sales necessarily. If you make the type of knives with the materials buyers want with the quality expected then you will build sales. You will find a lot of satisfaction in this , if not right away in very short order. You will have money to spend and satisfaction . For example, you may want to make folders. Lock back sales are very slow at this period of time. Liner locks are very popular right now. However stainless blades are not popular but damascus ones are as are damascus bolsters and mammoth ivory scales.Even with all that,coloring the damascus and liners are also looked for items. Oh yes, don't forget the file work on the liners and spacer for the blade. Yes I have a passion for making liner locking folders and yes I have cycled through all of the what I want to do. I have adapted what I wanted to do to what the buyers want. It is working very well for me. And, unless you have lots of orders backed up and making good money, going full time will not change that but might possible produce pressure and stress for you. I hope this helps. Frank

 

[Daniel Koster]

also missing - miniatures

 

[Mark Williams]

They only let you post 10 options

Mark

 

[Bruce Evans]

My vote is for the elegant/collecter pieces along with Bowies of all kinds..
Bruce

 

[misque]

Working grade/using knife maker here. From 2 inch blades on up to Bowie size.
My ultimate goal is to build a part time business that'll keep me fairly busy come retirement in ten years or so.


All the best,
Mike U.

 

[Mark Williams]

Where are all the tactical votes? What does this imply?

Mark

 

[Terry_Dodson]

would you include fighters in the tactical group? what are you concidering a tactical? :footinmou