I'm in STeven's camp on this one.
When John Amber was editor for the Gun Digest that publication was first class in every way. Amber collected custom guns of all sorts, hunted internationally, and was connected to every icon/guru in the gun world it seems. He used to say he was half Irish and half SOB, a virtuous temperament in meeting his burning ambition to put together a compelling product that would honor his high standard of excellence mandated by passion, knowledge, and people and editorial skills. His stable of contributing writers covered diverse material but all were authorities that commanded respect/attention. My interests were quite narrow, but I would eventually read it cover to cover by dint of its excellence. Amber gave his contributors license to delve deeply if not eloquently into their areas of expertise. The result was that many articles were classics that could not be found elsewhere, which was rather priceless before the internet came along. Ironically, I sold my gun collection long ago, but I still have all my Gun Digests (1966-92) and still visit cherished articles that moved me then and now.
When Ken Warner took over things went downhill fast. Passion and content were early casualties. Color photos replaced some of the black and white, but what good is the right photo of the wrong subject? The Knives Annuals are huge disappointments to me. I typically glean everything of interest in an hour or 2. Of the 2 Annuals I've examined closely, I've not seen one article that interested me. I'm stunned by the paucity of expert, authoritative writers and subject matter, dull or lively. Just a random, automaton parade of pictures which may catch the eye without informing the mind or touching the soul. Yes, there is the yellow pages section, ... somewhat useful perhaps (given that much of the data are dated and internet searches and forum queries can provide the same or better info), but hardly inspiring. I will not purchase the latest Annual, unless perusing a copy convinces me otherwise.
I want infectious content that has me refusing to put it down way past my bedtime and returning to it repeatedly until the next editon is on the stands. While it would cover different ground than David Darom's books, it should be every bit as engaging. In fact, I think brilliant Knives Annuals could be a primary vehicle in igniting the custom knife industry by capturing new recruits on fire to follow the paths of a Don Hanson, Jim Cooper, Murray White, Chuck Bybee, Paul Long, A.G. Russell and many others with enthralling stories brought to light and personalized by superior writing and unforgettable images.
Silly captions are not the problem, rather it's the dearth of content. The personalities and the stories of master makers, new makers, precocious makers, deceased makers, Neanderthal makers, international makers, dealers, collectors, writers, sheath makers, photographers, suppliers, etc. are all MIA. Where are the how-to tutorials?... make a knife, sharpen a knife, choose the best steel for the job, build a shop, make damascus, heat treat, build an integral, photograph a knife, care for a knife, restore a knife, formulate a successful collecting strategy, run a business, produce a flashy hamon, build a take-down etc. Where are the coverages of the major shows, hammer ins, and cutting competitions? What about troublesome issues like encroaching knife laws and environmental concerns over natural materials used in handles? Why are there no penetrating stories about knife trends, economic impact analyses, informative/enjoyable polling questions/answers, industry status, and looks ahead? Where are the book and new products reviews? Where are the comprehensive descriptions of the myriad of handle materials, their sources, and future availabilities?
You get the picture ... interesting/vibrant subject matter is virtually unlimited and needs constant updating. Pictures without stories are as bad as stories without pictures. The Annuals are so banal/incomplete the CKCA should seriously consider filling the void. There is sufficient talent here on BF to do the writing and the photography, though I'm not sure about the publishing end of it.
Wasting/ignoring the power of the press might be the ultimate sin in trivializing every facet of the custom knife industry, which has, ironically, secretly slipped into its golden age. To borrow Coop's business slogan--producing/buying a Knives Annual does not cost, it pays--could not be more germane or needful.
ken
Looking forward to the article in the DDD publication later.
