Maker's marks

Keith Montgomery

Keith Montgomery

Joined
May 9, 2000
Messages
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Knifemaker Harry Mathews posted on the CKCA website wondering if the organization would be interested in putting together a listing of maker's marks. He had quite often seen posts on knife forums from people looking to identify a maker from the maker's mark on blade. Harry has stated that he would be willing to set up an email address for makers, or anyone else that would be able to help, to send information to. He will store the info until it is figured out how it will be cataloged.

What would be required would be photographs, or well done drawings of all the marks that a makers has had over the years. Information as to what years each mark was being used would be of great help. The maker's current contact information would also be useful, though that is something that will in many instances change over time.

This would be an invaluable resource. It would require some work on the part of the makers, and a great deal of work on the part of whoever takes on the job of cataloging all the marks and corresponding information. What I am trying to ascertain by starting this thread, is how much support the CKCA and Harry will get from custom knifemakers, and any others that have the kind of info that would help make this as complete a reference as possible.

It would really be great if we could get as many maker's marks of knifemakers that have passed away, or quit making knives, as possible.

This is going to be a huge endeavor, but it is one that the CKCA would be willing to undertake if they can get enough support to make it worthwhile.
 
Sounds good! As soon as there is an address I will pass the word on.

I know a few knife makers who do not spend much time on the internet and/or the forums. I will let them know and maybe help them get their info to you.

Of course I would be happy to send my mark and its predecessors. I would think that some of the big names are not so much of a problem as some of us little guys and those who have passed on or just quit.

Also I would hope the CKCA makes sure to not hide the makers mark area too much.
I guess what I mean is: is this going to be a resource for the general public or for the CKCA? No offence meant just a question

Thanks
 
I will try to answer a few questions that might arise up front. This is an idea that Charlie and I have been thinking about for some time. Our idea was for it to be an on going, up to date data base of maker’s marks. Until the creation of the CKCA we weren't sure how to make it available to the individuals interested in knives and ensure its longevity. It is our hope that the CKCA will incorporate access to the data base into its web site and offer access to any interested party. This is yet to be determined.

We are willing to invest a lot of time in accumulating as many of these marks as we can in a format that one day will be a searchable database. We don't intend or want to make a dime out of this, nor do we think anyone should. Our thoughts were that if this was a book it would be out of date the day it was published. If it were a project that was done by an individual or two individuals as soon as they were not able to keep up, the project would end. But if an organization that had an interest in it being created and maintained got behind it, then it would not depend on the individual and others would be involved to ensure that it was kept up through the years. It is our hope that the CKCA can provide this. With the CKCA there would be no association with a particular makers group like the Knifemakers Guild or the American Bladesmith Society, but an association with all makers groups as well as makers not associated with a national group.

The first step has been taken which is to begin gathering the data. That is going on now. The determination on how to best present the data and how to provide access is yet to be determined and there will be plenty of room for others to be involved. Information like that provided by Del will be very valuable and I hope one day to be able to see that same type of data on most makers. But for now if we can just identify the makers and their marks we will be getting a good start. Any additional data will be the icing on the cake.

Anyway here is the e-mail address. don'ttypethisknifemakersmark@gmail.comorthis. Remove the "don'ttypethis" and "orthis" from the ends and you have it. Submission of a photo is indication that the owner is giving permission for its incorporation in whole or part in the knifemakers mark database and that no copyrights will be violated in doing so. I just thought I would throw that in cause it makes me feel better.:D

Let’s see what happens.
 
Fantastic! I've been suggesting this idea for years and will get pertinent info to you soon. You folks should be commended, this will be a fantastic resource whose value and influence will grow over time.

Have you considered building a wiki that could be updated by registered users? I believe there are a number of applications available to do this. That way you guys wouldn't have to take the full responsibility to keep it going, only do some monitoring to make sure it's not being misused. Just a thought

Also, can folks submit other maker's marks? I'm thinking of my hero Hill Pearce, whose mark is a simple scrolled initial "P". He's not making anymore and never made a great many knives, but anyone who saw one and didn't recognize the style would immediately want to know more. Sadly, there isn't much to learn but at least we could identify his mark.

Again, Gold Star day for CKCA! Way to go.
 
At the risk of being super redundant since I already posted my thoughts about this in my "initial" thread over in the custom forum... I think this is a GREAT idea!!!

Going to be a crazy hard project, but will be amazing once it really gets rolling :)
 
Nick, what's the "Custom Forum?" Sounds like someplace to check out but there are so many temptations I don't know which to go to.
 
Dave, there are actually threads devoted to the idea of posting there or not! ;) lol

It's a little bit above shop-talk in the "drop down" menu on this page.

It's become known for some pretty brutal comments. There are a lot of people who own my knives there, and I guess I must be able to "speak the language" or something, because I USUALLY think it's a great forum. It can get crazy sometimes.

Enter at your own risk ;) LMAO :D
 
Have you considered building a wiki that could be updated by registered users? I believe there are a number of applications available to do this. That way you guys wouldn't have to take the full responsibility to keep it going, only do some monitoring to make sure it's not being misused. Just a thought
Click to expand...

I am not familiar enough with computers to do this but it sounds like just what this idea needs. There will be information that varies from just a mark to chapters that could be written about the maker. The main focus for now will be to associate the makers (with enough information to identify whether it is a maker named Smith in SC or a Smith in TX) with their marks. We will also try to capture as many marks as we can with the dates of use on each maker. Like I said there will be plenty of room for people to help on this project. Charlie and I claim no ownership. We just wanted to get it started and hope that it will soon evolve into a resource that can easily be used and updated by both makers and collectors.
 
Here's an article comparing three free (I think) wiki engines.

Comparison of the Best Wiki Engines

You can also google "wiki software" or "wiki engine" for others.

Good luck guys, this is a great idea.

Edit: I didn't pay close enough attention - the article is from a site hosting service so even though the wiki might be free it would surely come with a contract... Sorry about that.
 
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I just wanted to let everyone on the shop talk forum know that over in the custom knife forum there is a sticky thread where you can go for info on where to send any maker's marks and corresponding info.
 
Just thought I'd say it again: This is Great! I've been wishing for something like this for years and you guys are pulling it off. I bet none of us realize yet just how valuable this resource is going to be, particularly for collectors -- but for guys like me too, who just admire other's workmanship and like to put a name to it.

I had no idea how many makers change their marks over the years. The posts on the other thread are fantastic already!
 
We are starting to get a few makers’ marks in and hope that it picks up speed. I want to thank those that have responded so far and encourage all knifemakers to see that their mark is entered in the data base.

Makers please keep the marks coming! This won't work with out your help.
 
You guys are so cool!

I been waiting for years to decide on a maker's mark...now I went and done it...just so's I can take part!

Can a guy's mark be a "waffle" from a framing hammer and some pretty arranged "dimples" from a sixteen penny nail?

We are pretty picky in my shop, we got standards!

Maybe I better work on it some mores!

Someday I will register....you just wait.

Until then ...you guys are first class!

Shane
 
Hmathews said:
I am not familiar enough with computers to do this but it sounds like just what this idea needs. There will be information that varies from just a mark to chapters that could be written about the maker. The main focus for now will be to associate the makers (with enough information to identify whether it is a maker named Smith in SC or a Smith in TX) with their marks. We will also try to capture as many marks as we can with the dates of use on each maker. Like I said there will be plenty of room for people to help on this project. Charlie and I claim no ownership. We just wanted to get it started and hope that it will soon evolve into a resource that can easily be used and updated by both makers and collectors.
Click to expand...

In addition to being a hopelessly addicted knife knut and newbie maker, I am also an experienced web developer/server administrator. If you need any advice or assistance with the computer side of things, please let me know.

And don't let my location scare you as I am also experienced at working remotely with people from all over the world.

Please feel free to email me at donttypethisRob(at)DobbsBlacksmithingdotCom or PM me here.

Keep up the good work!
 
Robin, are you familiar with wikis and database apps? Just curious, not trying to push anyone down a particular path (this just seems a good place for such a thing if it could be implemented). Also, given you live in Finland, are you an open source kinda guy? Honest question, Finland is to me the OSS homeland.
 
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