poll: give customers what they want or stand for principle?

Should makers use materials the customer wants even if the maker has reservations?

  • Yes

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • No

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
I'm not a maker, but I've had several knives made for me. If a maker ever didn't want to make a knife I requested or use the materials I want (usually Stag that I send them) I hope he would just tell me "No!" flat out. I'm in Sales and I take No better than most folks. My reason is that I want the makers that I work with to be as excited about a project as I am. I've been very lucky so far with my picks. I did have one maker that made 1/2 dozen of one of my designs, when he was finished he wouldn't take an order for any more.

I have a buddy here that made me a Bowie, one like he never made before with a hidden tang. He wanted to make the knife just for the challenge, and kept me updated on the progress. It came out great. We're talking now about him doing another knife for me with a new grind for him and he knows he'll have to send it out for engraving before it's heat treated. It's a tough assignment, but I know if he starts it, it will be beautiful. Of course since my first knife from him and this next one, I now have to wait until Nov. until he gets time to make it. :(

Since I have my place in line I don't mind mentioning his name here.
Max Burnett of Ogg Custom Knives. ;)
 
I'm not a maker, probably never will be since I lack essential mechanical skills. Haven't ordered a custom to my specifications yet either.

I believe that knifemakers are entitled to say no when they feel that some aspect of the customer's request would compromise their artistic integrity.
 
Come on guys, what are we talking about here?:confused: As a Customer, are you telling me that if I want MOP, instead of linen Micarta, or G-10, that the maker will say no? If I want a satin blade, instead of a high polished the maker will say no? We are not talking about changing the grind, or blade style, we are talking about what kind of materials, as a customer, I want on my knife. I don't think these kind of things are unreasonable requests. <p>I have never ordered a knife from a maker where I wasn't asked from him, what kind of scales I would like, or if I wanted file work. Let me reiterate... I go to certain makers, because I want them to make me one of <b>their</b> knives! I don't want to design my own knife, but I do want to pick out the type of materials used.
 
I voted "no" because of the wording. If "questionable materials" were changed to "materials that are functionally acceptable, but that you find aesthetically unpleasing" (as I view Dymondwood to be), I'd change my answer.
 
Well...I'm getting ready to order my first custom (yea!). I want a maker who will do pretty much what I want without compromising his/her principles...and without letting me do something stupid. I'm paying for his/her expert abilities...I should, therefore be willing to listen...as the maker should be willing to listen to me. It's about give and take. So far, that's what I'm enjoying most about the process. What I'm enjoying least is that there are too many choices...I'm overwhelmed...but that's a good thing.

OwenM,

Not to hijack the thread...but what's wrong with green micarta? :confused: Seriously. Is there something I should know?
 
I voted "no" because of how the poll is worded. It says, "if the maker has reservations." That means to me it would have to be something I'm not comfortable with using...not neccessarily new boundaries or new materials.

No maker would accept some of the requests I've had like:

"I have this chunk of steel, I don't know what it is...I think it will make a good knife, will you use it?"
Of course not!!!

"I have this Gerber blade, will you put a handle on it and etch your logo on it?"
No.

I think these are the type of questions that the poll is geared toward. Then of course we all have or are trying to achieve our own style. Since I am young and still striving toward a style while attempting to reach the highest quality available, I will very often take totally custom orders even if the design or style seems odd...but the materials always have to be top notch.

When this gold member deal gets processed for me, I'll post a picture of the type of knife I'm talking about....not my style at all, but both myself and the CUSTOMER were happy in the end. :)

Nick
 
I don't get it, I like pakka wood/dymond wood, especially emerald green. The stuff is tough as nails and finishes slickern the action on one of Tim Herman's slivers.That'll be 50 cents for the plug Tim! :D

I doubt I'll ever make a livin at knife making cause I figure the maker should be able to make what they want with the materials they want and the methods they want to use. I know the customer has to be satisfied but if they look long enough I'm sure they'll find the knife they want and it will be all the more special.

WOWSERS KIT, THAT IS ONE AWESOME BOWIE KNIFE!
 
Guys I think the answer has to do with wheather you are a craftsman or an artist.

An artist wants to have everything his way. color, texture,design, function, and he the only say as to the outcome of the product.

a craftsman builds for the customer, to suit the needs/wants of the customer. he reserves the right to refuse unsuitable materials, and will make design recomendations, but he builds as suits the customer.


I am a craftsman, not an artist.
 
Originally posted by LynnBob
OwenM,
Not to hijack the thread...but what's wrong with green micarta? :confused: Seriously. Is there something I should know?
Click to expand...

Not a thing (I suggested it, remember:)). Just wouldn't have looked good with the knife I wanted to put it on, and I'm glad I didn't follow through with it. And I say I buy just to use:o
 
It looks like a ww1 trench knife that has been stylized and a big bite ground from the back so the blade will be weak.

It would probobly be wicked at close range, untill the blade breaks.

but then you still have the knuckles

interesting, I think the form works, if the blade is differentialy tempered so that the spine is a spring, it would probobly hold up.

always judge a tool by its ability to preform it intended function,

It's a good fighter,(a bad skinner, and a worse whittlen knife)
I like it:)
 
I've got a damascus hunter with micarta scales. The maker usually uses stag, but I wanted ivory micarta instead. Why? Cuz I like the look, and I know that it will last for generations. And generations is exactly how long I want it to last.

I've got nothing against recommending high quality materials to a collector. But I'm not a collector, I am a user..... sometimes even an abuser. I have absolutely no interest in what my choice of handle material does to the "value" of the knife. Had I ordered this piece and the maker refused to go with micarta, I would have been okay with that. But I'd have gone and found a maker who was willing to make it how I wanted it.

For the record, the micarta has even been embellished with beautiful scrim art. Call me a heathen all you want, but it's my knife..... and I love it just how it is.
 
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