Projects and getting involved in the knifemaking process

I can't add to what's already been stated from the collector side of things BUT I have noticed that makers differ too in how they like things to go - not just collectors. The same continuum seems to exist; on the one end the maker who wants no input and marches to his/her own beat, to the maker who doesn't want to even discuss a custom project without significant collector/purchaser input.

Frankly, it surprised me when I first realized there was a difference in makers. I guess I had always assumed that the maker was driven by an internal artistic or design vision that I would have little impact on.

However, my favorite situation is when a maker has a new project in mind, something he/she really wants to do, but isn't sure a buyer will be there when it's done. Often this will be something different or special or out there on the edge of abilities etc. If I sense the excitement in the maker and believe they have the skills to pull it off - and, this part is important to me - if they are someone whom I both like and respect, then I will see if they might be interested in partnering with me (with my enthusiastic support and money) to get their idea done.

If they are not excited enough about their own idea to move our project way up in their schedule - then I know (no criticism here) the project may not be one for my involvement. In fact this is as close as I will ever come to 'placing an order' for a knife. I don't do orders because it's a set-up for frustration and tension (for me, given my nature and personality - and often for the maker too).

If I can't find a situation like I described above then I'm quite happy buying something I really like from a maker (whom I both like and respect) right off of their table at a show. I don't mind simply buying knives I like in this way.

In fact, if there is a maker whom I'd like to get to know a little bit - to see if they have ideas about things they'd like to do but haven't yet found the right circumstance - I'll buy a lesser piece of theirs to test the situation out, to introduce myself as it were.


To some extent knifemakers, and all of us humans, are like the fireplace in the living room. Do you walk up to the fireplace and say "Give me heat and I will give you wood."? No way! First you give the fireplace wood, then the fireplace gives you heat. I feel it's important for me to demonstrate that I'm worth a little of their time and attention by first buying a knife. If it turns out we're both pleased that I bought the knife, I find things go very nicely after that. If it doesn't go anywhere - that's OK because I'll never buy anything I don't like anyway. Worse case scenario is I have a new knife that I like. Best case scenario is that I have a new friendship which may yield a lot of fun, some really exciting projects and a lot of mutual satisfaction over time.

Every way is valid. My way is not best - it's only my way. Works for me!

Good topic Keith - thanks for making us think!
Buddy T
 
While I may have previously given the impression that I only deal with makers directly, there are more than a few makers that I have not been able to obtain work from in my preferred manner.

I do obtain knives from other collectors and dealers, and knives that have already been made from makers. If I have my mindset on a particular maker ( I currently collect 2 and only 2 knives from each maker in my Collection), this is the way it has to go, sometimes. Examples would be Harvey McBurnette(he passed away a few years ago, and I needed a 2nd piece from him, which I got from a friend), Warren Osborne(1st piece I got from a friend for a song, it is enroute to Julie Warenski for engraving, 2nd piece from Warren at the Evening of the Cutlery Arts this past October in Huntington Beach, even though I had one on order, I liked this one better) or Billy Mace Imel, who does not take orders, and was a crucial maker to my small selection representing integrals, which in some form or another should be in every collection involving fixed blades, it is a very special type of knife.

That being said, I absolutely do not have the same attachment and warm fuzzy feeling about these knives like I do for my Crowder's, my J.W. Townsend's, or my Fogg's, all of which involved some degree of input in design and materials used.

And let me use this space to unconditionally recommend Bailey Bradshaw, Matt Diskin, Burt Foster, Chuck Gedraitis, Art Washburn and Nick Wheeler for your collaborations and special projects. They are all exceptionally talented and receptive to working with a collector to provide THAT special piece, and the prices are reasonable, which matters to me, 'cause I'm stingy :D .

In addition, as you can see below, by Mr. Appreciations' post, they all also frequent the Forums, but are by no means "Internet Activated" knifemakers.

By that, I mean that they would make great work, and actively be making a name for themselves even if the internet did not exist, unlike say Snody or Blackwood (no insults intended here, but it is the truth).

Keith, you should call Matt, he is starting to consider making some SF knives, and if that is the route that he chooses to go, I can assure you that design, fit and finish will be absolutely stunning, while remaining affordable.

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson
 
This is really turning out to be a great thread! Thanks Keith :D

Buddy, that's a really interesting perspective I hadn't thought of that much. Thanks for a new view! :)

Steven, thanks again for the kind words, I APPRECIATE them (even though it grates on you that I always say that ;) ).

-Nick-
 
:mad:

Stop saying you appreciate it. Just keep count of how many times I mention your name in print, and buy me a beer for each one. :D

Shouldn't you be finishing my sheath, anyway?

Very agitated,

STeven Garsson
 
I've had the experience of working with a lot of different makers. Sometimes it's a great outcome, sometimes not. My favorite is to order a knife and then have it engraved. This takes time and patience, so far the outcome has been great. Well, there was one!

I don't ask a maker to do something they don't want to. I've seen the results and it's not pretty.

I have become a bit cynical, lately. I've had three or four knives ordered that when done weren't very well done or close to what I asked for. A good friend of mine and an avid collector is experiencing the same thing. And this is with very good makers.

My best story is a maker that calls me and says he has a blank to make a Integral "what would I like". I told him a Stag "Chute" knife would be cool. The result was a fighter, in Sheephorn with precious stones set in the bolster. Not even close and he had approached me!

Win
 
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