Quick poll about glazed/crocus finish on custom slipjoints

[Gorog]

Please don't hate me, anyone, but I chose number three, because I plead ignorance in every way to the subject of knives and knife making. I may be able to thread my way through a typical obstacle course of steel, but throw some real complex stuff in, like chromium vanadium hypercomplexive dysterophy and intergalactic spacecutting, and I CANNOT keep up. I do not think Ken needs a different life because he is probably very good at what he is doing already, and that would be cruel to ask him to--I'm sounding real stupid right now, so I'll just skip to the meat of the matter. No, I do not know about glazed/crocus finish on custom slipjoints, but if someone would be willing to explain about it, or point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it, as I am always looking to better myself in knowledge, skill, and ability. And then, I would be able to tell whether it is a good idea or not so much. Ignorance is indeed bliss, but bliss is often overrated. Thanks in advance, and peace.

 

[dannyp]

I voted no, but I certainly don't think the idea is dumb. I actually think it's a pretty interesting concept and see how it could appeal to some people. I don't know how it would hurt to offer it on custom orders if you're willing to do it and the customer wants it. The reason I voted no is that my personal preference would be for an "as ground" or satin finish, especially on stainless.

 

[Mad_Maxx]

voted no but don't find myself in any of the 3, 100%

Canal Street Cut uses this finish "polished mark side blades", read it was to give the a more "custom look"? or similar
my canittler D2 clearly shows the difference in all 3 blades, the half moon trapper shows it less
not a fan nor a hater, it's something "different" to me even if I prefer either hand rubbed (drooly) or satin/as ground (fine grit though) over the super polish like on case, gecs polish seems to show less fingerprints?

Maxx

 

[cnas122]

I will say that there is nothing better than coming across an old knife that still has the original finishes. Boy what I would give to go to Charlie's house in the wild Kanuck and see his knife collection!!!

 

[VCM3]

Ken,I did not put a vote in,but I'll say,I'd rather see one finish on a blade,thats just me. But I think it is a fantastic offering to your customers,if they want it. I know some will. It is a unique & personalized offering,and it replicates the oldies.
A note of mention,maker Bobby Toole,of Mississippi,puts only a mirror finish on his slipjoint blades
-Vince

 

[ken erickson]

Thanks everyone for voicing opinions and observations. I think I have a pretty good feel for this and will offer it as an "option" in the future.

 

[Bastid]

I like the idea of a glazed finished and in some cases a crocus finish in the swedges.

 

[rprocter]

Ken, i'm voting "No" for the crocus finish because my understanding is that it takes some time to get it just perfectly polished and this would then add to the cost of the knife. I do think it is a good idea to offer it as an option on custom orders as some 'pure' collectors may want this historical accuracy.
Now, if you could figure out how to replicate the Peachseed jigging as shown in the Bullhead link, that i would say "YES" to !!
roland

 

[waynorth]

On certain patterns, I think the Crocus option on the mark side of the main blade is a grand tribute to the traditions from which these knives spring (pun intended)
A true Crocus finish has a burnished aspect to it, that closes the pores, and helps prevent corrosion and resists scratches!
Of course I voted number one!
Aside, I also think an attractive etch is a worthy homage to the language of cutlery from the past! Think "Carpenter's Knife","Michigan Pen", "King of the Woods", "Mumbly-Peg"!
I know some people sputter with indignation about etches, and I certainly don't recommend them on heavy users, as they disappear anyway, but for someone who collects for historical records and perpetuation of the sensibility of pocket cutlery, and already has 30 users, there is a place for these artistic markings. The crocus polish and blade etchings speak to the marketing efforts of the time, solidifying the historical link!
(If this is too far astray from your thread, Ken, I will delete the rant - just let me know!!)

 

[DennisStrickland]

ken i know you are a great knifemaker but i have'nt seen a true crocus on anything but much older knives. i've seen great mirror polishes but not one modern true crocus. i did'nt know if modern makers could duplicate this & if so it would probably be a carbon steel. curious---dennis

 

[ken erickson]

i have'nt seen a true crocus on anything but much older knives. i've seen great mirror polishes but not one modern true crocus. i did'nt know if modern makers could duplicate this & if so it would probably be a carbon steel. curious---dennis

I fully agree with you Dennis. From what I know about a true crocus you need the smearing affect that carbon steel would yield,not being possible with ss.The best I could do was offer a mirror on the mark side with a as-ground on the pile side.

 

[1581zebra]

I voted yes because the poll addressed interest, and well... I'd be interested. I'm not certain I'd buy it if presented the option, but I never discount stuff like that. I might just like it. I'd have to see it a few times to appreciate it I'm sure, just like so many other things.

 

[chouse]

Yes as an option on request. No if you just make a few and then sell or try to sell them. They would for the most part only be appreciated by collectors of the old traditional knives. I am sure even back then they just polished the mark side to show off and left the rest to save time and money. I have found a few old Remington folders finished like that and it is a thrill to find one with original finish.

 

[sigman]

Just by chance I am reading this thread after buying a lovely Joel Chamblin "Lanny's Clip" off Arizona Custom Knives, partly because it has a mirror finished blade. All my other slippies have a hand rubbbed finish on the blade and it makes a nice change to see a blade finished in the style of the old Sheffield folders (with their crocus finish). I don't think a "dual finish" blade would appeal to me but offering the option of a mirror finish seems to make a lot of sense to me.

Colin.