OT: Need some input on my makers mark

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
20,978
I can't put it off any longer...gotta start marking my blades. I know a lot of folks here and trust your opinions on things, so if you have a spare moment...maybe you could help me get this figured out.

I've toyed with lots of ideas but have yet to come up with anything I actually like...until this latest one.

I need some creative thinking energy if you've got it. Have a look and let me know. Here are 2 versions (slightly different). It would be around 1/4" tall/wide. I haven't decided whether to etch it or stamp it.

attachment.php
attachment.php



Basically, it's my initials = "D" and "K" with the center vertical piece being a cross section through a blade.....convex edge, of course. :D

The serifs, I can live without if I have to....just wanted to fancy it up a little...

Maybe you guys have some suggestions and ideas?

I just want something simple and clean, yet classy....and maybe a bit mysterious.....(not asking much, eh? :p )

Thanks y'all....
 
Basically, it's my initials = "D" and "K" with the center vertical piece being a cross section through a blade.....convex edge, of course.

Danny, you may want to add your last name under the logo ("DK/Koster". It took me a while to figure out that the symbol was a stylized "D" and "K".

n2s
 
I think the logo looks good.
Not2sharp's idea is good too.

Also, your last name all by itself in a classy font would look good too.
 
I like the Right
but partly it depends how you apply it
(detail transfer)

Sort of medieval or runic look to them.
Classy, original.

Following the previous
Could you maybe add say "koster"
in smallish lettering
as a linear element within the design?


~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<>call me 'Dean' :)-FYI-FWIW-IIRC-JMO-M2C-YMMV-TIA-YW-GL-HH-HBD-IBSCUTWS-TWotBGUaDUaDUaD
<> Tips <> Baha'i Prayers Links--A--T--H--D
 
Leave it to me too be different.:rolleyes: ;) I like the left one best, but I also like N2S's idea of Koster printed behind or underneath for clarity.
I would also etch them, albeit I would make it a pretty deep etch, in lieu of stamping them as some folks believe that stamping the blades sets up stress risers.
Personally I don't know that it does but I think the etching looks a lot more classy anyway.:D
 
I like the one on the right.


I think a written name in addition to the symbol would detract from the effect, and certainly the "mystery." The mark is yours for those who know. You don't need a lot of extra grafitti.
 
I agree with Danny in Japan; Koster in of itself would be nice with a classy font. You could even have it curved instead of straight. If you want to stick to the DK, I personally like the one on the right.

When you're better known Dan, your Maker's mark will be no mystery to those "in the know"... :) I think it's kind of cool to have a rather enigmatic logo.

Who knows, maybe I'll have a knife made by you, and be the first to have your newly designed maker's mark. ;)
 
After much thought and consideration, I have decided Dan is applying a Rorschach Test on us. :)

I refuse to identify my thoughts. Could be too revealing! :D
 
The smaller one, the left? is better. You want unobtrusive style. It looks better smaller, anyway.
Put your last name underneath as others have stated. Everyone has a little symbol. That probably doesn't mean much unless you're super famous.


munk
 
Dale = LOL!!

I am listening, guys....carefully considering each suggestion...



Danny...you pay shipping both ways, I'll gladly mark it for free....:D
(too expensive...please don't do it...just giving you a bad time :footinmou )
 
Dan...

Have your name written in Garmond (sp.?) block letters and place the logo underneath. Have your name appear as an arc as if you were to take a C and rotate it 90°. The logo would look nice fit inside...
 
How about the symbol on one side and "Koster 2004" [year made] on the reverse? Or you could pick some year that has a secret meaning and begin to grow your legend -- like Dr. Pepper and "10 2 4." :)
 
I like the logo a lot, but definitely would suggest at least your last name and city somehow too. SOmething along those lines. Lots of discussion of htis over in makers forum, as i'm sure you've read. Too many custom knives a few yeasr later that no one can seem to identify the maker. Now expect you'll be all famo0us by then, but still a good idea to make it easy to identify. Mysterious is cool, but makes it harder for peeople to track you down and give you money. Money is cooler than mysterious, least to me. ;)
 
I'm going to go with the one on the right. If it were up to me, then i'd put the logo on one side and then "Koster" in an elegant font on the other side. I think most people would be able to figure it out. As a matter of fact, i used to mark my stuff with (and still do sometimes) a leter K with a bar running from the top of the "arm" to the bottom of the "leg" of the K making a little triangle, then adding a little 45 degree bar to the top and bottom, respectively, of the "back" of the K. I marked sheaths, knives, book bags, anything. It was a pretty cool way to ID something of yours without having to do the "name in the underwear" silliness. the cool thing about it is that any of the stuff that i lost and someone else found and kept, they will be haunted by the mysterious mark for as long as they own it. Is it a ruin? A spell? A secret order?..nope, just Kelley's lost crap;) I -will- have to get my hands on one of your blades one day, Dan. I've handled enough of your handywork via HI to know that you do stuff that's practical and pleasing to the eye.

Jake
 
Ok....just was informed that the symbol looks just like the one for the Dead Kennedys....a fine band for some....but a mark is supposed to be at least somewhat original.


Got any more ideas of what would look good?
 
Dan
Having lived in the West for so many years, take a look at 'Brands'. A special brand symbol revolving around your name or interest.

I don't have any sites bookmarked but a search would bring up some, I'm sure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top