Migrating here from Shoptalk?

Murray, I really don't sell that many knives (sold only one to date) so I don't really have customers per say. Personal reasons at home make it so I prefer not to have physical address and phone # on the website but I try to compensate by responding to email very quickly. And I send my coordinates privately when I need to communicate with someone by means other than email. It will surely change someday when I retire from my mundane job and move on to knifemaking full time. Well that's the plan anyway. :o
 
Patrice-

I think you will like it on this side. :)

While everyone of us likes to get an attaboy from fellow makers... often on the other side I see it happening (totally IMHO) based more on a notion of, "If I tell everybody their stuff is great I will be liked and get to hang out at the cool kids table... and then people will like my stuff too..." than necessarily because they genuinely like or appreciate something.

Now don't get me wrong, I have always appreciated what Thumper's momma told him!!! ;) :) But it seems like some people take that sooo far as to think, "Well, I don't have anything nice to say, so I'm going to make something up and say it anyway."

That kind of false appreciation doesn't help anybody.

On this side of things, you usually get praise when folks believe it, or silence if they don't like it. Sometimes, especially if directly asked for, you can get a pretty straightforward critique. Which can be hard on the ego, but very helpful in the grand scheme of things.

As I think you've already seen, there are some guys in here that are true masters of the craft. Even though this isn't actually a technical forum, if you see something when they post a knife or WIP and want to know about it, and ask politely... chances are extremely good they'll give you a friendly answer/explanation.

Glad to see you posting here Patrice. I've tried many times to get other makers to wander in here, and the majority of them simply refuse. I think much of that can be traced back to the other things I wrote in this post.

But then again, everybody knows I am an elitist, snobby, dream crushing, new maker hater that only posts things to be mean.... so take this for what it's worth. :foot: ;)
 
Nick, I see this from another angle. Sure, I liked it when I was first starting out. The folks in Shop Talk were very encouraging. But now that I have been doing this a few years and actually want to SELL some knives, I feel that i should do my best to DISCOURAGE new makers as there are too damned many of them. :D
 
Nice looking work Patrice. Hope to see more of it.

I too am a fan of fine craftsmanship and my interests include many types of knives.

That Rattler caught my eye. Hope to see it when it's done.

Peter
 
Nick you really took the words out of my mouth, good post.
Patrice your work is awesome Sir, don't be too humble man,:D step up and own it. Seriously you are very talented. I make a completely different type of knife but your work is still inspiring.
 
What this forum offers are potential buyers.

It eludes me that if you are serious about creating a position in this market, yet you wouldn't step into the buyers circle and do your dance. LOL!

Here's where the rubber meets the road.

If you really want to know where your work stand, ask: "What areas do you feel I need to work on?"

Those who are in a position of buying (or not) may tell you.

Sharpen those photography skills when showing off your pieces. it's a subset of your work, no different than sheaths or heat treating.

Or send that work to others, but don't be mediocre if you want to create a reknowned impression.

Patrice has made his mark in each arena. Props.

Coop
 
yeah, but before you start posting your knives, (if you are in the business of selling them) buy a friggin knife maker's membership!

It pisses me off when I see makers posting their work in here or otherwise benefit from Bladeforums, (ie; getting intel from shoptalk) who clearly are selling knives, that don't buck up for a membership that enables Bladeforum to flourish.

First timers and hobbyists are different, but you know what I mean.
 
ShopTalk is for talking shop. C&H and the Knifemaker's Gallery are for presenting finished work and getting feedback. I don't understand the confusion.
 
SharpByCoop said:
Patrice has made his mark in each arena. Props.
Click to expand...

Jim, by arenas do you mean knifemaking and photography? Sorry I have to ask but as good as my English is, I still get the meaning wrong from time to time.

James, that's in theory. The reality is a little more complicated but I'll leave that discussion for another time and place. And for somebody with a better grasp of the English language. (see above statement) ;)
 
Patrice, I've always liked your style and craftsmanship. The designs you come up with are fresh and exciting. Even the more ordinary ones have some aspects not seen before on a knife. This place has some high powered makers and collectors thus isnt for the faint of heart newer makers. Even after making knives for 20 years I still open the door slowly here but these guys love knives and care about us as people and knife makers. Stick around and enjoy the group.
 
Nick, I don't know STeven yet so I can't tell if you mean it's a good or bad thing. ;)

Bruce, thanks for the welcome. I am already getting the feel that this is a good place with good people. Honest ones it seems and that probably has a lot to do with the tough reputation of the forum. But honesty is what is needed to get better in the craft.
That and of course masters like you, Karl B. Andersen, John White, Nick Wheeler and many others who selflessly share their knowledge.

And Bruce, the good words, well that's just gravy. Reading those make me as happy as a kid on Christmas morning. Thanks Santa. :thumbup: ;)
 
james terrio said:
ShopTalk is for talking shop. C&H and the Knifemaker's Gallery are for presenting finished work and getting feedback. I don't understand the confusion.
Click to expand...

BINGO!

I would post more in C&H... but I'm afraid of STeven...



Ha! Just messin', but not really.:p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top