Makers mark questions

Josh Dabney

Josh Dabney

Joined
Nov 23, 2008
Messages
437
I've read alot of posts on this topic but have a few questions still. I'm planning on purchasing the stencils from Ernie Grospitch as he's local and very reccomended but before I make a final decision on the style of the mark I'd like some advice. My plan is to go with my name in a relatively simple font and no other extra pictures or marks, so here goes.

1. Should I Include my first initial , J.DABNEY -vs- DABNEY ? I'd prefer not to use it just to keep the size down.

2. Should I get several different sizes to match the size of the blade ?

3. What size print to get ? I was thinking some 3/32 tall and some 3/16 tall.

Trying to figure this stuff out is harder than making a knife :confused:

Thanks for taking the time to help out a Newbie - Josh
 
I use "D. Schott" simply because theres another "schott" last-named knifemaker who ripped people off years ago and I still get emails from people trying to track him down.

If your name is unique, I dont see a need to put in the initial.

As for sizes. I have two. One is just large enough that it will fit within a 3/16" box while the other will fit within 1/8". I figure that way, one or the other will fit my ricasso and if not, will fit within the borders of the knife spine.
 
From a collector prospective I would just caution against a mark that overpowers the knife. In other words, one that draws the eye at first glance rather than the knife.
Sounds like you are leaning towards a subtle mark though.
 
I think it should have an initial, name or something to set it apart from just a last name. This is in case another maker uses just their last name. Never know what other Dabneys out there want to make knives.
 
J.DABNEY


o

This is pretty much exactly what I had in mind. I like the point that using the J may prevent me from having to change my mark down the road so I think I'll go with that. Thanks Acrid.

David- thanks for the input, sounds as though I was thinking along the right lines as far as size is concerned.

Kevin- Thanks for bringing up the collectors perspective ! This is actually kind of important to me because as my skills develop this is most likely going to be my target customer base. This also raises some other questions.

1. Should I scrap the etched mark altogether and just start from the beginning using a stamped mark ?

2. Do collectors in general, or you personally, prefer one method over another on a knife that you'ld consider purchasing ? Do you feel that a stamped mark is kind of a touch of distinction on a blade as opposed to an etch?

It sure does appear that most of the upper level makers stamp their blades. Is this a coincidence or is there a good reason behind it.

I'd have no fear of using either method and I'll be buying a stamp for marking sheathes reguardless

I'm just trying to figure out the most logical direction to head without needing or wanting to change my mark down the road a couple years

Thanks for your input guys it really is appreciated ! -Josh
 
Josh, definitely include the J. The more info you can squeeze in there without it being overpowering like it's been said the better down the road, when you are famous and such. :)

I would try and include location in a small easy to read font underneath while you are at it. You may not use it right away but again...down the road.

If you have time left over (I think I sorted through 10K fonts before arriving at a decision) you might want to work on a graphical makers mark. That's what I did and I did not use my name yet, just the mark.

And yes, two sizes at least depending on the size knives you make.

Patrice
 
Patrice,
Thanks for your input. I looked at fonts till my eyes bled and really want to keep it simple.

I think that inluding location was something of great importance in the heyday of the handmade knife pioneers such as Moran and Loveless and so on. Because of the computer age it's no longer necassary to phone up information to get ahold of someone as was the case in the past. I haven't set up a website yet but plan on doing so probably even before I get serious about making knives to sell. Google-ing J.DABNEY knife would be all it takes to find the website.

Any thoughts ?
-Josh
 
Josh Dabney said:
J.DABNEY


o

This is pretty much exactly what I had in mind. I like the point that using the J may prevent me from having to change my mark down the road so I think I'll go with that. Thanks Acrid.

David- thanks for the input, sounds as though I was thinking along the right lines as far as size is concerned.

Kevin- Thanks for bringing up the collectors perspective ! This is actually kind of important to me because as my skills develop this is most likely going to be my target customer base. This also raises some other questions.

1. Should I scrap the etched mark altogether and just start from the beginning using a stamped mark ?

2. Do collectors in general, or you personally, prefer one method over another on a knife that you'ld consider purchasing ? Do you feel that a stamped mark is kind of a touch of distinction on a blade as opposed to an etch?

It sure does appear that most of the upper level makers stamp their blades. Is this a coincidence or is there a good reason behind it.

I'd have no fear of using either method and I'll be buying a stamp for marking sheathes reguardless

I'm just trying to figure out the most logical direction to head without needing or wanting to change my mark down the road a couple years


Thanks for your input guys it really is appreciated ! -Josh
Click to expand...

I perfer a stamp, not saying it's better or worst. The CKCA is in the process of creating a maker database to include all types of information including maker's mark histories. Harry Mathews has been gathering marks from makers for quite a while now and we have quite a few.

Here's some of the marks Harry has collected. You may find some ideas here.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=599988
 
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