Looking at it from the other side

Joined
Sep 20, 2002
Messages
217
In the previous thread "Should I be annoyed", I related a negative experience I had with a knifemaker. I've been thinking about it, have tried to look at it from another tact, and wondered what I should do, to ensure I have a better experience with, and get better results from, the next custom knife maker I try to deal with? Of course it's important to communicate well, be patient, and be flexable, but given problems like the most skilled makers, may not be taking new custom orders at all, have wait lists of two years or more, have a tendancy to make what they want to make, not what you want them to make, and can pretty much demand whatever the market will bear, wich is usually more than I can afford, where top makers like Mayo, Onion, or...(fill in any famous makers name here), are concerned. What specifically can be done to ensure that I'll really be satisfied with both my next custom knife, and the buyng experience?
 
So why not find a relatively new maker who does the same quality work as the makers you mentioned and work with him. You will get a better price because you are not paying as much for the "NAME". He will be more flexible in regards to designs and not set in his ways. You should be able to get the knife in a relatively short amount of time, he won't have a huge waiting list.
 
I think if you, "communicate well, be patient, and be flexable,", you will be very happy with your next purchase. I myself sometimes think I am the only customer and get impatient. Then I remind myself respect is a 2 way street. Then things seem to be alot better.
 
Take your time to learn about the maker first. Makers who have been around have a personality which may or, may not, suit you. Don't be distracted by a few fanatics on BladeForums that hype one maker beyond belief. There are many good makers out there that are relatively unknown but, are certainly capable of making your next knife.

Trace Rinaldi was an unknown knifemaker at one time. Now, his prices are more and the waits are longer. His knifemaking skills are better but, the person behind the name is the same. Good people are still good people when they finally "make" it.

If you have realistic expectations and take the time to search out and find an appropriate person and personality, you can get the knife you want and have a good experience with the process. In the beginning, you have a learning curve to overcome and, apparently you have discovered that the hard way.
 
What has been recommended above is excellent advice. Take the time and get to know some makers. Deal with those that treat you in a way that makes you want to purchase from them.

You will find that most of the long time, big name makers are great guys to deal with. I am dealing with one now that has very similar interests in knives to my own. We have spent quite a bit of time conversing about knives in general. He is a big name maker that is as friendly and professional as they come. This has been the rule rather than the exception for me when dealing with makers.

You can never guaranty that your next buying experience will be one you will be happy with, but do your homework and this will be much more likely to happen.

By the way, sometimes the only way you are going to have success in communicating with a maker is to spend time on the phone with them. I have had dealings recently with a maker that does not do well with a computer, but on the phone he has been great. I should be seeing a knife from him in a few weeks.
 
Originally posted by striper28
So why not find a relatively new maker who does the same quality work as the makers you mentioned and work with him. You will get a better price because you are not paying as much for the "NAME". He will be more flexible in regards to designs and not set in his ways. You should be able to get the knife in a relatively short amount of time, he won't have a huge waiting list.

Hey Striper, have anybody in mind? :)
 
Everyone has given out some great information. My biggest offering would to be patient & flexible! When all is said & done, I ask for approximate cost (realize cost of materials could go up), approximate delivery date (I've dealt with knifemakers who have been flooded out of their shops, had to move when wife got a promotion at work, stretch of illness, personal tragedies - they are only human!). How many days have you wanted to take off from work just because you felt lousy! Knifemakers have families that need their attention also! I'd rather a craftsman not work on my knife than have him hurry up to meet a shipping deadline & possibly 'cut some corners'. In this hurry up world, we should all learn to slow done a little! I haven't been disappointed, yet!
 
Back
Top