Michael Veit

[dogman]

Every time I look through the "Knives: Points of Interest" or the annuals, I always admire his work. I see he is still listed as an active maker but I never see his knives at shows, on purveyor sites or discussed. How active a maker is he now and is he still doing that awesome blueing?

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"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell

 

[dogman]

Anyone? Les?

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"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell

 

[Les Robertson]

Hi Dog,

According to Knives 2000 he is still listed. However, he always was a part, part time maker.

I only met him once, that was at the Guild Show in Orlando the last year it was there.

I picked up a guardless fighter he had. Beautiful Rados Turkish Damascus blade and bolster, Elephant Ivory scales. Beautiful knife.

Sadly, his manners and demeanor were not equal to his work. I suspect this is part of the reason you don't see him at shows any more.

You have a good eye Dog, I still remember that guardless fighter.

I sure wish I could have afforeded one of those "expensive custom knives"

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Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur

 

[dogman]

I always find it strange that a few makers always seem to have a bad attitude and skewed business sense. Even though the making of a knife is an individual, personal thing, the sharing of that knife is a very open, social event most of the time. Shows are almost a love fest with interaction between makers and collectors, collectors and collectors and makers and makers. Unless you want to make knives and throw them in a closet (or sell them to a very few close-minded individuals like yourself), why get in this business. I am constantly looking though old knife literature to get ideas and inspiration. You can go back 5-10 years in a Knives Annual, see all kinds of excellent craftsmanship, and then wonder where most of these guys are today.

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"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell

[This message has been edited by dogman (edited 12-07-2000).]

 

[Les Robertson]

Hey Dog,

Yep, those knife annuals are really a "history" book.

It really shows the importance of knife makers continuing to improve, try new things and keeping their name in the public eye.

In today's market, more so than any time in the last 35 years. There are new makers showing up every month who's quality will rival the estbalished makers.

What appears to be the key to their success is if the exploit the weakness's of the established maker.

Specifically, price and availability. If these new makers will charge a new maker price and bust their butt to have knives available. They will find success in the current market.

Guys to look at are:

Gordon Bishop
Neil Blackwood
Geno Denning
Jerry Hossom
Matt Lamey
Trace Rinaldi
Steve Ryan
Mike Snody

This is in no way a complete list. However, these are makers who's work I have seen and feel they have the potential to be here in 5 years.



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Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur