Knifemakers with cult-like following

golok

golok

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
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It is very interesting to note that there are quite a handful of knfemakers out there who can command such attention.

Every blade that comes out of their workshop is snapped up like as if it was a flawless five-carat diamond.

No doubt, the man who is the object of such adulation is immensely happy and comfortably rich.

What account for such popularity which sometimes is achieved in a short period of time?

I doubt luck has anything to do with the phenomenon.
 
From what I have learned through talking to many of these makers is that few of them are comfortably rich. Many of them do pretty well, but many of them are only making an average living. In fact, many of them only make a limited number of knives and still have to maintain another job to pay the bills.

There are a few that have become rich (Ken Onion comes to mind), but that is the exception rather than the rule.

I would also hope that these makers have a lot more in their lives than the adulation of customers to make them happy.

Watching a maker like Mike Snody achieve the level of popularity that he did in such a short time, I can tell you that it was because right off the bat he made very nice knives and over a very short period of time they got to be much better. I have seen this with many talented makers.

I agree with Anthony that the internet has had a lot to do with this. So have the magazines and the makers own abilities to promote their knives and themselves.
 
Marketing my friend, marketing ! You hook up with the right folks and make certain claims as well you limit the availability of your product. That makes it more desireable to the collector. There are a couple though that merit their accolades.
 
I'm a Tom Anderson groupie. I'd buy everyone of his knives if I had the money. I think they are among the best from a design and execution standpoint.
 
Guys like Mick Strider and Emerson come immediately to mind. I wont debate whether i think their praise and following is deserved, but you know what, they are doing something that's working for them, and thus, regardless, they deserve what comes their way, Strider in particular always struck me as having an excellent understanding of what makes his fans so loyal and intent on buying every one of his knives, and he uses that, and uses it well, and good for him if it continues to work. I think there are much better knives for $400 than the tactical AR/GB, and yet, i still want one, and this is from a guy who is VERY much aware of how Strider manipulates his market into loving his knives. I know im being bent over, and i do it willingly. :eek: :)
 
certain makers attract a following for being true people and true to themselves. It just so happens that these are the guys who come out of the gate with smokin designs .

FYI : Blackwood/Rinaldi fan here :D
 
I've never seen a Russ Andrews knife that I didn't want to own. Of course, I can say that about several other knifemakers too. Maybe I'm just a true knife nut. ;) :)
 
Of course, let us not forget the Holy Man from Wialua and his minions! I've heard tell that some of them have even drilled holes in thier houses thinking that will bring them their sacred TNT's quicker!:D
 
My favorite,Kit Carson.His knives are not as limited as some but he has been around for a looong while......:D yet they sell,sell,sell.All the knives I have of his and have seen scream quality.I'm no expert but I think these knives almost market themselves and with good reason.I don't think Kit has updated his site since 1998 or at least the one I have bookmarked.His knife prices have stayed reasonable and are a steal IMHO.
 
I'm with Stumpy. If it comes out of Vine Grove (and that includes Mike O.) then I want it.
Geno Denning also has my loyalty, for the same reasons.
Good people, great knives.
-Paul
 
"Anyone remember Lynn Griffith?"
geez it took me all this time to forget.
Thanks Anthony you're a real pal
 
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