Modders of the traditional world

DeadFall27

DeadFall27

Joined
May 18, 2011
Messages
1,476
Hey all,

I was thinking at work today at all of the mods people do to their tools and possessions to suit their needs today: breaking blades to clean pipe bowl better, grinding new blade shapes (like turning pens into sheepsfoot blades with a stone type grinding), dyeing bone covers, making lanyard holes in opinels, etc.

But, in my thoughts, I came across a question I've had for a while. We as people do our simple mods by ourselves, but who do people, at least in our community, go to when they have something big they would like done beyond their skillset? I see posts all of the time about great knife makers (And, by the way, some Mr. Oeser's work is going to be mine one day...:D) and post of their work, but are they the same individuals people contact for refurbishings, re-handles, and other services we may want?

I am reluctant to send out e-mails in the fear that I will be wasting someone's time, so I wanted to ask out of curiosity, and to clear the waters in a way. What is the proper SOP for asking individuals about modifications? Who are we to contact? Is it improper or insulting to ask certain, busy makers for services other than their product?

Also, another big one: Is it rude to ask a maker to make a piece similar to another knife you have seen and want, or does it matter case by case? Like, I could see flipping through a vintage catalog and asking, "Can you make me one like this one on page 13, 3rd knife down in my pic?"...but asking something like, "hey, I liked this mod or work, can you do something similar?" would seem inappropriate to me.

Unfortunately, it's what I want to do when you break it down.. I want an opinel re-handled like one of our fellow members, but I feel reluctant to ask for fear of insulting a maker and a fellow member in one fell swoop. that's also what makes the mods unique, they arent production, they are special pieces made with heart and soul. To ask for something similar seems immoral...

i don't know, what do ya'll think?


-Jim
 
Glennbad and Seals.

And don't worry so much. Custom makers are pretty awesome people. If they can't or don't want to do something, they will likely point you in the direction of someone who can.
 
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Do you have a picture of the knife you want to replicate? Opinels are generally fairly easy to mod, we might can give some insight how to get what you want with a picture.
 
Thank you all for the responses, it means a lot. I had no idea that those members, or that part of the forum existed. I really should pay more attention from now on! I am on my mobile at the moment and heading to work, so I will post a pic when I get back.

The opinel in question, if I remember correctly, was pipeman's mod I think. He re-handled a No.8 with old moose antler and it had the most gorgeous color and perfect handle shape. Maybe I link his thread here of his outstanding work.
 
DeadFall27 said:
Ah, i lied, I have been to there and posted in it once to no avail.

Am I the only one that has posted there, or can you not see other people's threads in that section for privacy or something?
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I have to agree with your sentiments, I have posted in other sections of this forum with no response whatsoever in the past. I always come home to the porch. :)
 
DeadFall27 said:
Ah, i lied, I have been to there and posted in it once to no avail.

Am I the only one that has posted there, or can you not see other people's threads in that section for privacy or something?
Click to expand...

That seems very odd. I can see all the posts there. I just looked at a few that were answered by BF knife maker members.
 
Sorry Deadfall, My yahoo acct was hacked so I had to rebuild my Flickr acct. Most of my picture posts have gone to the cyberworld. :(
Here is the Moose handled opie. I would be happy to help you through the process. I'll send you my email address in a message.

Best regards

Robin
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Peregrin said:
That seems very odd. I can see all the posts there. I just looked at a few that were answered by BF knife maker members.
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Gary, I think it must be because you're a mod. It says this right at the top of the forum:

"Anyone can post threads, however ONLY KnifeMaker / Craftsman / Materials Providers may reply to threads"

I can't see any either, and in fact it says: "There are no posts in this forum."
 
black mamba said:
Gary, I think it must be because you're a mod. It says this right at the top of the forum:

"Anyone can post threads, however ONLY KnifeMaker / Craftsman / Materials Providers may reply to threads"

I can't see any either, and in fact it says: "There are no posts in this forum."
Click to expand...

I learned something today. Thanks.
 
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