Patterns

[Wulf]

Many custom makers repeat certain patterns. Sometimes these patterns become signature pieces, of sorts. Jerry Fisk's Sendero Hunter, Charles Ochs' Special Ops Bowie, or Walter Brend's Model 2 come to mind.

If it works, why mess with it, right? The Sendero Hunter, for example, has been tested and used for years. It's blade shape and geometry are extremely well suited to the tasks they're designed for. There's value in consistency and reliability in a proven design.

But that reliability also creates a certain homogeneity, or uniformity, down to the millimeter, that, to some collectors, seems antithetical to the craft of custom knife making. When grinding out a blade on a template, it seems that creativity has been completely removed from the equation. There's no "magic" or serendipity in repeating established patterns, is there? And some who collect for investment also feel that it cheapens the product to know that there are dozens of others just like it, or that a maker can just build more if demand forces a spike in prices. Economists call this concept "elasticity of supply."

Many custom makers say they find that their motivation comes from a desire, no, a quest to create the "perfect" knife. Knowing full well there will never be a perfect knife, they will tell you it's the journey and the discovery that make this quest and end unto itself. So why stop to recreate any one pattern?

If a carbon steel Sendero with plain nickel silver hardware and wood handle currently trades for about $600, what do you suppose it would trade for if it were a completely unique, one-of-a-kind knife?

 

[ragnoor]

Well I would not speak for the makers you have mentioned and you have probably never heard of me. There are certain style knives, we each produce, that seem to sell better than other styles. I have never made a so called "signature piece" and will probably never make one. Every knife that comes out of My Shop is an individual endeavor, no templates or patterns used. All I try to acheive is to make this knife better than my last. This is just my frame of mind, I like to take to the shop.

Ken Beatty

 

[Keith Montgomery]

My guess would be that these pieces are produced to pay the bills. The reason these knives become signature pieces is that they are popular and are asked for over and over. I would think that it would be very difficult for a maker to turn down repeated orders for a certain pattern of knife.

Most makers that have defined models will also make you a one of if you want one, but they have also come to know that these popular patterns produce a good percentage of their income and knifemaking is a business afterall.

I certainly have no problem with these repeated patterns. If I want a Sendero, then I know I am ordering a knife that their are many of. Maybe I can get it made with special materials so that it will different from the others, but even if I don't I will have picked this knife because I liked it. Then again, if I want an original piece, Jerry will be only too happy to make me one.

 

[Wulf]

For the record, I own an Ochs S.O.B. and I want a Fisk Sendero, a Brend Model 2 and, well, several other repeated patterns for that matter.

There are some very tangible benefits to working with a known design and maybe improving it slightly from time to time. I just find it very interesting that some makers rarely stray from their patterns, while others try to make every piece as unique as they can.

One method is not necessarily better than another. As with many other aspects of knifemaking, you have to give up one thing in order to gain another.

 

[blademan 13]

I believe that for any knife to become the “signature piece” for a maker, it has to be one that appeals to more people than any other model they make. This is IMO what helps to establish both the maker and his market. It is often the demand for this one knife that resulted in the change of supply/demand for the maker. Increased demand + reduced supply = increased prices. It is just that often their signature model is the only one that floats your boat. This is exactly the way I feel about the Brend Model 2, Loveless drop point or Moran ST23 (I think that’s the one).

I believe a lot of maker’s continue making a particular model in order to help pay the bills seeing as this knife is likely their most requested. While they may continue their quest of creating the ultimate, in the meantime they will fill the orders as they must.

Of course there are also exceptions to the rule. I would love a Fisk Sendero and hope to own one someday. But then again, I love just about anything Jerry makes. I sincerely hope he continues to make them for sometime. Jerry obviously continues to make the Sendero for the sheer pleasure of making a Sendero and as a favor to his clients. He does not need to make this knife as he will sell everything he makes regardless.

 

[Bigjohn]

I also have a number of successfull standard patterns. (Success to me is measured by customer enjoyment and years of feed back) I do however try to create an original feel or look on each piece while paying close attention to the standard design. Some will argue that as you get better at the craft your patterns will possess a unique characteristic while still maintaining the standard flow by which it is recognized.

 

[kcardwel]

personally I like the idea of a little consistency in design so that when I say I bought this knife from John Sevey, Jerry Fisk,etc. people would recognize that style somewhat. I think it increases the value or importance of the knife knowing you have a Fisk knife which people could recognize. You can always have a knife made a little different.

 

[SharpByCoop]

It's a good question, Wulf.

A good design is one of the VERY hardest things that a custom knifemaker can develop singularly. Because somewhere, someone has already done it. That said, it gives an opportunity for another maker to offer their interpretation in skill and materials of that particular design. This is where the maker can 'show their stuff'.

There is inherent value to discerning collectors for looking closely at a proven design for the *very* subtle changes that can make this maker's work stand apart from the others. It has to be done masterfully, as this is been well-inspected by many. Therein lies the challenge.

If you NEVER make two knives the same, who can ever tell if there was a mistake in the design process. That is a consideration. Then again, if you NEVER make a knife of singular design, what does that say about your creativity?

Keep it up, I'm listening....

Coop