Less is More?

[Megalobyte]

I have been into high-end customs for a few months now, i think i learn pretty quickly, and i think i have a pretty good sense of who the true masters are, who the up and comers are, and who is in neither class. Something i am learning is that when it comes to the best of the best, knives by the true masters, the old adage rings true, less IS more.

I see so many knives where the use of damascus patterns is simply overdone, the pattern is either too complex, or it's used on the blade AND bolster, often in different patterns for each, where a damascus blade OR bolster would have sufficed quite nicely and looked cleaner and more elegant. The overuse of damascus, in my opinion, can give the knife a cluttered, busy look. Compare to the masters who seem to use less damascus, often the blade is clean and not damascus, if damascus is used, generally its limited to either the blade OR the bolster, but not both, and rarely, if ever, would 2 different patterns be used on the blade and bolster. The same goes for filework. It seems the masters don't go for the ultra-fancy, over intricate work, and use instead very tasteful, elegant, SIMPLE designs, simple, BUT flawlessly executed. All of these tendencies, the sparing use of damascus and filework, focusing instead on skillful execution, gives their knives a very clean, very elegant look, much different from the assault of lines, shapes, colors, clashing patterns etc. of lesser makers who seem to feel that they need to dazzle us with a knife full of details and features, when less would have sufficed, indeed looked nicer, cleaner.

Anyone else feel this way? Am i overlooking something? Id like to hear your thoughts.

 

[Tom Anderson]

I'm sure you'll get different opinions, but what you have described is what I call "classic style."

I try to look at knives with "monochromatic vision." That is, ignoring all the frills and fancy materials used and looking just at the design and execution. In my opinion, there are some knives that seem to be just another mediocre design covered with rinestones. (Of course, there must be a market for these knives or they wouldn't exist.)

When I think of classic designs and top notch execution in folders, I refer to works by "old masters" like Tim Herman, William Pease, and Frank Centofante and the "new masters" like Bob Doggett and Andrew McLurkin.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

This one has had me kind of perplexed. On one hand I agree with you, I think some of the nicest knives I have seen are the less ornate ones that have great fit and finish and elegant, stylish lines. On the other hand, I see the knives of Rick Dunkerley, Barry Gallagher, Wade Colter, Shane Taylor, Dellana, Ed Caffrey, Ron Newton and many others and I am amazed at the combination of high quality build, style and the artistic use of materials, carving, engraving and filework. I consider these makers to be masters.

As far as using different patterns of damascus for the blade and bolster is concerned, I find that in many cases the contrast adds to the beauty of the piece.

So I guess what I am trying to say is that I think that knives can be exceptional whether they are simple or very ornate. It is all in the eye of the beholder.

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

Over the years I have leaned to appreciate both. Clean lines and a clean design can be beautiful conversly the ability to incorporate complex aspects into a knife can reflect a very fine skill of blending the aspects into one piece that is also beautiful.

Lesson learned: there are exceptions to the vast majority of general statements when it comes to the artistry of making a life. Less can be more in some cases and it can just be less in some cases. More can follow the same lines.

 

[Megalobyte]

Thanks for your replies so far, i appreciate them. I realize that there are always exceptions to any general statement, i think i allowed for that possibility in my post, and i agree, there is a classic sort of look, clean, uncluttered, flawless execution, and the more modern designs with a lot of art and detail built in, and sometimes it is pulled off nicely, i do own several knives which use damascus on both the bolster and blade, fancy filework, and i love them, because i feel it IS an example of when the use of damascus and ornate filework come together nicely. I guess i would have to say however, that in the end, i prefer the classic look, a simple design, with nothing overly ornate, but each material carefully chosen, every seam and fitting flush and perfectly executed, but, the great thing is, there is a knife out there to suit everybody.

I was also gratified to hear one of you give praise to Pease and Centofante, having just bought one of each of their knives. Having come into a little extra money recently, I agonized over which 2 knives to buy for weeks, and, after looking at literally hundreds of knives on the net, I finally chose these 2. I had very high hopes for them, and was counting the days, the minutes until they would arrive at my door, and when i opened the pouches i was BLOWN AWAY. The workmanship, the materials used, phenomenal is too weak a word to describe the beauty and perfection of these works of art. The Centofante is a monument to simplicity, beautiful materials, superb craftsmanship and elegance. The handles are pearl so fine, i doubt you could ask for better quality. The bolster is beautiful turkish twist damascus, the blade is satin finished, the filework is simple, but extremely fine, almost gem-like in its perfection and aesthetic appeal. I wonder why Centofante's knives, my knife, can be had relatively cheap, and i would bet that there are many knives out there costing much more that are no better, in some cases, maybe not even as good, it seems to me, he's got to be one of the best values going, again, if you like that classic look, which i seem to. I have a suspicion i will be buying another of his beauties in the future, IF finances allow.

The Pease is also phenomenal. It's not one of his super high-dollar models at about $1,000, but its hard to imagine a nicer knife. Again, beautiful materials and execution, classic lines and elegance. In any case, i have nothing but great things to say about them both, as you may have taken from my writing. I wish everyone had knives like this and were with me in knife heaven.

If youre interested in seeing the 5 knives in my collection, and a bunch of other pictures i grabbed off the net, go to:

http://www.thefossilgallery.com/Knives.htm

LMK what you think. Am i off to a good start?

 

[ExamonLyf]

Well...., yeah I'd say you are off to a very good start.., and you have good taste in what you want....

Boy that Dake piece on your "Wish List" is gorgeous huh....Wow!


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"