No Name Knives...Oh happy day!

Dale Baxter

Dale Baxter

Joined
Sep 16, 2003
Messages
171
Some of the Custom knife shows have a policy of covering the makers mark during awards judging and I believe this to be a good policy. It gives an even chance for all makers and eliminates most of the doubtfulness in some of the less experienced makers work. All the knives go on the table in an even state and it is up to the judges to decide the best one on the table strictly by its fit, finish, and design.

What about collectors? Would you do the same? Would you be willing to ponder a purchase of a Custom Knife without knowing the maker? Now I fully understand that some makers have a unique way of doing something that screams the name of the maker, ignore this rule for answering this question.

Scenario:
You are looking for a simple hunter in the $250 to $400 range. No exotic materials. No carving or engraving. You see a knife with a finish that catches your eye, you like the fit and balance, and it is in your price range…would you buy it?
 
No - the name, the brand if you wish, is part of the value of the knife. It's clearly part of the economic value of the knife, but it's also part of the emotional value. As an individual, I will put a premium on the name of makers I know and respect, and I will discount the value if the work is from someone I don't like.
 
would you rather buy a fake Rolex? how about a "Mona Lisa"? ..could you tell the difference? ..

I just finished reading a "least favorite" knives thread, cheap repro Swiss army knives fall apart.

What if the maker has no knowledge of heat treating, would you "see" the difference. there's a lot you can see, and a lot you can't.
Knowing how the maker tests and uses his knives is one piece of the puzzle you shouldn't ignore.
David
 
I'm confused. Can't judges usually tell by the knife who made it even with the mark covered? I'm surprised they are judging if not.

To answer your question; if it were to be used as a hunter and fitted the purpose not being marked would not matter. Now if it were for my collection then that's different.
 
Hi Dale,

Interesting concepts.

The problem would be, at least for me, I would know who the makers were at the show and consequently would pick up on their individual design elements and know who they are.

As for me, when I judge, I could care less whose name is on the knife. The best knife in each category wins. I give no extra credit for scrimshaw, engraving, diamonds, etc. Most of the guys I judge with are the same way.

In the late 90's I was judging at the Las Vegas Classic Knife Show. Harvey Dean won the Best Bowie award. Now Harvey being the stand up guy he is was a little worried when he found out I was a judge. See Harvey had delivered 3 Bowies to me the day before. So he was a little concerned about a "conflict of interest" (told you Harvey was a stand up guy) any way I calmed him down by letting him know that I had voted for Roger Green's Bowie.

I have even gone so far to as point out mistakes to other judges on knives of makers whom I represent. This almost cost me a friendship...however, the maker never got "lazy" again.

While tape is fine, you should be able to trust the integrity of the judges...if you can't, don't ask them to judge.

You are looking for a simple hunter in the $250 to $400 range. No exotic materials. No carving or engraving. You see a knife with a finish that catches your eye, you like the fit and balance, and it is in your price range…would you buy it?
Click to expand...

Yes I have done this hundreds of times. :D Take a look at my web site! :D

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
 
H Dale,

I don't know if you have ever judged a custom knife competition.

It really is simpler than some might think. Even at a show as big as the Blade Show. You might have 30 hunters or bowies competing in their categories. A quick glance by experienced eyes will eliminate 25 of those knives in less than 2 minutes.

Bob Neal and I were asked to judge a couple years ago at the Guild Show. It was the first year the Guild was handing out awards to their membership.

Even with all the world class talent that was being judged, it took Bob and I less than 15 minutes to pick the winners in the 6 categories and best of show.

I was asked to be a judge at the BAKCA show several years back. What a set up. Tables and tables of custom knives to be judged, 20 categories. You are handed a clip board and pencil, as well as a pair of white gloves for handling the knives...wow!

Since I had a table I couldn't follow their procedures for picking winners in each category. Mostly because they labored over this for 3 hours!!! I had to get back to my table so I gave the head judge my sheet with my picks.

I picked 17 out of 20 winners to include the Best Of Show.

It is amazing how much a really great knife stands out among other knives.

That is the main reason I love to judge. Where else do you get to look at what the makers consider their best work, side by side with all the other makers best work.

Dale, truth be told I like nothing better to find a great knife from a maker I have never heard of. My next stop after leaving the judging is at their table to look over the rest of the knives.

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
 
Interesting insights on the judging angle. I bet it would be a fascinating process to observe from the inside.

Roger
 
Hi Roger,

I think you are on to something there.

Pay Per View Custom Knife Judging!

See for yourself the ins and outs of what the judges are looking for. See the drama...the humor all while the tension builds as to which knife will win in each category.

We could have play by play announcers!

It would be great! Sadly I feel I would "play" to the camera :D

The next time you attend the Little Rock or Spirit of Steel Show you should ask the promoter if you could be a judge. They are always looking for knowledgeable collectors to help. Keeps them asking those old crusty dealers.

Gives you great insight into what is going on in the custom knife world. A snap shot if you will of that moment in time in custom knives.

As well it really makes you focus and allows you to learn from others. As another pair of eyes may see something you don't.

Judging was where I learned to be able to tell if a knife maker was right or left handed!

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
 
Now I tend to say Yes to this question.
I feel that I can tell by the fit and finish if the maker knows what he is doing.
If a knife is well made on the outside, it is a fairly good chance that the process continues through the blade and construction. Besides...there are a lot of awards given to non well known makers for some reason.

I also agree with Les.
For the same reasons he stated. It's easy to see the few knives that grab your eye on a table of many.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top