Promoting knives to art collectors

...my church had an Artist's Show and it was promoted to the community. I decided to enter my display of photography, which, of course, shows off the artistry of the knives. This is a very liberal crowd, but this area (Westport, CT) is reknowned by it's artist population, too.

Like yourselves, I wanted to extend this 'art' form into the mainstream.

Click for the LARGE version to read my captions.




By no means are the knives definitive, covering all aspects, and I took random guesses at the pricing. There are no buyers in this market (yet), but I wanted to give them an idea of value. Forgive me if they are way off.

I was shooting at the Chicago show when this event happened. Still, I was approached by many who passed by pottery and paintings, etc to tell me how much they enjoyed my display and that my display was the highlight of the show for them.

Nice to see.

Coop
 
James Todd said:
So, What is the difference between "A work of Art" and a "Art Knife"?
Click to expand...

To me, a knife that is a work of art stands out from the crowd. It has something about it that makes you take notice. That doesn't necessarily mean fancy materials, or embellishment. It could be beautiful lines, and outstanding workmanship.

For a lot of people, the definition of "Art Knife" has come to be like what you get from John Lewis Jensen. Not "Fantasy Knives", like those of Steve Licata. They are a totally different genre.
 
Kevin Jones said:
Jim, here's a past thread where there was some very good discussion on that question.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=492317
Click to expand...

Thank you for the link, I read two pages of it and understand most of it. But, it does come down to the fact, Beauty (Art) is in the eye of the beholder.

Thanks Again,
Both Threads old and new are most informative.

Just so you will know what I mean by I consider to be a work of Art is this knife by WT Fuller. But I am not sure any "Art Collector" would be interested.
Jim

attachment.php
 
Last edited:
James Todd said:
Thank you for the link, I read two pages of it and understand most of it. But, it does come down to the fact, Beauty (Art) is in the eye of the beholder.

Thanks Again,
Both Threads old and new are most informative.

Just so you will know what I mean by I consider to be a work of Art is this knife by WT Fuller. But I am not sure any "Art Collector" would be interested.
Jim
Click to expand...

I agree Jim. At the end of the day everyone has their own idea as to what's art.

There's been a lot of discussion here on promoting custom knives to art collectors which is ALL good, however I feel the Safari Club International crowd, gun, classic car, stamp, watch collectors and such really has the most potential for gaining new collectors and support for the customs industry.
Though we will reach out to the art community, the CKCA is and will focus more in these other areas.
Lin Rhea and Jerry Fisk have already made progress in this direction.
 
What is the profile (demographic) of the typical collector of custom knives? Ave. yearly income, age, etc...

It would be interesting to examine the psychology of it, - or maybe the "sociology" of it. Who is the "customer" currently?, and why knives?

- tell you why this is interesting, we don't know who each other are, where the market comes from or goes. I'm not a hunter, but collect "hunting knives".. some irony there. People who like forged bowies, - you'd figure there would be some element as to what sparked this, practical ideas behind, and for some people it may be a totally visual experience. We don't know.

The Buckmaster expo in my town was a large gathering, but no one was selling custom knives, (except one) that i saw. So, who is it (personality-wise) buys custom knives? I cannot explain where my interest came from personally , or why- except i can describe about the effect, the value i find in this area, and inspiration of it.

Sorry i have been so outrageous in this thread.
;) i have just found it entertaining. Sorry Josh. I hope the cake was good! No Jet plane..:(

I also find it interesting, people have a need to define what an "art knife" is.. not novices, but those who are veteran collectors. To some degree as the definitions expand, we lose sight, and have to ask "what is it?"
David
 
Jim, I just have to say; Good for you! Your little display, and efforts of that ilk, do a lot to put the knives into people's thoughts, and legitimize the artistry of their design and creation.

Art has a lot to do with plugging in to some sort of shared consciousness, and I believe that it's ability to do that is what makes art, Art. Art is a shared experience and that's why it's special. Art cannot exist in a vacuum.

Any efforts to bring custom knives into the mainstream, day to day life of people, will ultimately bring the propensities of Art to knives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top