Lynn Griffith Tracker

ptpalpha · Dec 13, 1999

I recieved my Tracker (formerly Large Hunter) from Lynn today. Right out of the box, I knew I'd picked a winner. The ATS-34 blade was ground perfectly: hair-popping sharp and flawlessly even. The belly is perfect for skinning, yet still slim enough for general field dressing. The file work is minimal-just enough to do what it is supposed to: index the thumb or finger on the spine of the blade. Nicely done. The scales are slender pieces of black micarta, contoured gracefully, they make the knife feel like an extension of my hand. And Lynn obviously took great care to shape the micarta so that the "grain" pattern is exactly the same on both sides. Again, very well done. The slimness of the scales, combined with the "heft" of the knife, balance the knife perfectly. Folks, I'd thought that Dozier's knives were the pinnacle of "user" knives in this price range; let me state here that I have been converted. And when I say "user", don't think for a minute that this baby isn't pretty, it's just that it begs to be used! I can't wait to field dress a deer with this! The sheath is icing on the cake. The kydex was formed perfectly; the blades snaps is positively and securely, yet comes out easily with a tug. The belt attachment is a wonder: a beefy little deal that flips open to release the sheath from your belt. It's adjustable for width of belt, horizontal or vertical carry, or even a nice 45 degree angle (which I like the best!!) I have no doubts about the knife being secure in the sheath or the sheath being secure to my belt. This one is definately a winner, and will be my primary hunting knife (and I've got quite a few...). Lynn takes the time and the effort to produce a superior product. I'm grateful, and my collection is the richer for it.

Lynn Grififth Knives · Dec 14, 1999

Paul,
Thank you very much. It was a pleasure to get to make a knife for you, and even more of a pleasure to get to know you. Over the past few months you have become a great friend. I am deeply pleased that I was able to live up to your expectations.

Thanks again,

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Lynn Griffith-Knifemaker

My website
GriffithKN@aol.com

[This message has been edited by Lynn Grififth Knives (edited 14 December 1999).]

Dr.Lathe · Dec 14, 1999

Thanks PTP!!!!!!
Now you have me waiting with even more anticipation for my Marksman!! AHHHHHHHHHH!
Neil

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Update in process! New knives, pictures, Sheaths!!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html

Bear · Dec 14, 1999

Yes, thanks for posting your review! I have a Tracker of my own on order, and you've surely made my wait more exciting. I agree with your assessment of Lynn's work, but I fear we may be in a short-lived phase of his evolution. He's doing great, meticulous work, and offering it at prices low enough that I don't hesitate to USE his pieces. -- Bear

ptpalpha · Dec 14, 1999

Bear, I'm afraid you're probably right. And wait till you get your Tracker-you're gonna love it.

Dr.Lathe · Dec 14, 1999

Lynn,
If you're reading these.......get back in the shop and get BUSY!!!!!!
just kidding......
Keep up the good work!!
Neil

Lynn Grififth Knives · Dec 14, 1999

Neil,
I have been hard at it today. Trying to keep up with orders, and work on knives for shows too. My next show is not until February, in Little Rock. I would love to be a little ahead of my orders, so I can have a good selection for that show. If possible, I will try and get your "Marksman" to you a little earlier than promised. I am lucky to have so many great friends on here to help me grow as a knife maker.

Thanks again,

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Lynn Griffith-Knifemaker

My website
GriffithKN@aol.com

Dr.Lathe · Dec 15, 1999

Lynn,
There is NO rush on the Marksman! I've had several "fixes" for my knife habbit already this month! My little lockback should be ready from Bill Simons soon also.
Is the Raven still on the Drawing board??
Neil

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Update in process! New knives, pictures, Sheaths!!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html

Lynn Grififth Knives · Dec 15, 1999

I am still planning to offer the Raven, at some point in the future. I would accept an order for one at any time. I will build one for stock, if not ordered when I get ahead of orders.

Now I have some questions

How many of you have notice my ads in Blade magazine? How many of you seen the Spec Ops Tanto in the most recent Blade ad, in the "What's New" section? Did any of you first hear of me as a result of Blade magazine (lurkers please come forward)? How many of you read Tactical Knives magazine? Do you think it woudl be worth $2400 a year for me to advertise in Tactical knives? I am asking this hear, because I know if you are reading this, you are either a friend, or have interest in my knives. Your opinions matter very much to me. I look forward to your responses.

Thanks,

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Lynn Griffith-Knifemaker

My website
GriffithKN@aol.com

ptpalpha · Dec 15, 1999

Lynn-to be honest, I have all but stopped buying knife mags since becoming a member of BF. $2400 seems kind of steep to me, although if the magazine has a large distribution number I guess it could pay off. If you do decide to go that route, it might be worth mentioning BF in your ad as from what I've seen your work is highly regarded here. And once they come here, they'll realize (as I did) that they simply HAVE to have one or more of your fine blades!
Paul

Lynn Grififth Knives · Dec 15, 1999

$2400 seems kind of steep to me,

My Blade ad is almost twice that per year, but then again it is for twice the issues. I sell every thing I make as it is. The reason for the advertising is to insure that I always do. I am still debating about spending the money. I am hoping to get more feed back. I do show my e-mail and website in my ad. Several have told me that they found bladeforums from going to my website, after seeing my ad then linking to bladeforums from my site.

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Lynn Griffith-Knifemaker

My website
GriffithKN@aol.com

Dr.Lathe · Dec 16, 1999

Lynn,
I know we disussed this once before.... Is an ad in American Handgunner big $$$?? My feeling is that your knives would do well in that magazine. Guns and knives for many people go hand in hand

There are quite a few knife ads in AH but not as many as in Tactical Knives.
Neil

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Update in process! New knives, pictures, Sheaths!!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html

Richard · Dec 16, 1999

Lynn, advertising in magazines is something I dont pay much attention to. When I got my first magazine, I didnt buy anything because of advertising. My first Spyderco was in 1991 I think, and that is because a friend gave it to me. That is what got me to realize what a GOOD knife was. I would never have considered a custom, until my dad got me a DeLeon bowie as a gift. That kind of got my interest up. Then DeadinNC traded a Folts Mantis to me, I thought, cool, there maybe something to this custom stuff. Then I met you, got a tour of your shop, and saw the work and care that really goes into a good custom, and I was hooked. I dont really even buy production stuff much anymore. I like the attention to detail and the extra performance that I can get from a handmade knife. Geez, there I go babbling yet again

Anyway, to make a short story long, advertising in a magazine can get your name out there, and Tactical Knives would seem to be the best of the bunch. But the main reason I buy customs, is not because of advertising. I buy them because of Bladeforums, the makers I have gotten to talk to in the chat room and through posting. Sure a maker has to make money to survive, but the feeling I get, is that the good ones such as yourself, Kit Carson and many others are mainly interested in seeing that customers get the best knives you are capable of turning out. Advertising is the way to get your name out, but answering questions, and providing info on the forums, as well as treating customers like real people instead of just money is what sells you knives.

Richard

P.S. I am now taking suggetions on how to get my point accross without writing a book and boring people to death every time

AJ · Dec 16, 1999

Lynn,

My first awareness of you & your knives came as a result of BladeForums... both your own posts and the posts of others who have purchased and loved your knives. I don't subscribe to any of the knife magazines (although I do purchase copies at newstands from time to time).

The idea about advertising in firearms magazines sounds like a good one. I'd think that more people subscribe/purchase gun mags than knife mags, which would automatically start you off with a larger pool of prospective buyers. And, guns and knives seem to naturally go well together.

Cool thread. Thanks for taking the time for asking. And thanks for all the help in picking out my Tracker! An excellent experience! Now all I have to do is patiently wait for the knife to be finished!

AJ

Lynn Grififth Knives · Dec 16, 1999

Thank you all for the suggestions, and thank you A.J. for the order. I am waiting on a call back form Tactical Knives. If they ever call me, I will probably go ahead and advertise with them.

Now another question
Do you ever read the website listings in the knife magazines?

Thanks,

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Lynn Griffith-Knifemaker

My website
GriffithKN@aol.com

ptpalpha · Dec 16, 1999

Lynn-yes, I sure do! I think the website listings are an invaluable resource for info. And I just want to say again that I LOVE MY TRACKER!!! I go outside in the evenings to smoke a cigar, and I'm usually wearing sweatpants. I simply open up the belt attachment and place it over the waistband of my sweats, and with it set up on a 45 degree angle, the handle just barely pokes out from under my jacket. Perfect positioning for rapid deployment! The knife is awesome, Lynn.

Lynn Grififth Knives · Dec 17, 1999

Paul,
I think I am going to list my website in Knives Illustrated. One more question. Do you think there would much customer interest in a "Tracker" or "Patrolman" with Talonite (r)?

Thanks,

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Lynn Griffith-Knifemaker

My website
GriffithKN@aol.com

Ryan Meyering · Dec 17, 1999

Lynn,

The website listing is the only ad I pay much attention to in KI. If there's a website listed that I haven't seen before, I always check it out.

Ryan

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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Smoke · Dec 17, 1999

Lynn, I'm pretty much a virtual shopper. It's only lately I look at Blade and TK, the latter is actually harder to get. To be frank, I visit here more, get more out of this site. I've found that websites in the mags I've already found.

Lynn Grififth Knives · Dec 17, 1999

Ryan and Smoke,
Thanks for the input. I haven't placed the new ads yet. I guess I will think about it over the weeekend, and see if I get any more good input.

Thanks again,

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Lynn Griffith-Knifemaker

My website
GriffithKN@aol.com

Lynn Griffith Tracker

BOUNCED EMAIL: I need to update my email address in my profile!