Scaled pictures collection. Size comparison

[effer]

I have read a recent thread about the wish for "life size pictures" of different knives. As it was pointed out that idea would be too difficult to implement due to different resolution of monitors, pixel density etc.

I've been thinking long time ago about a bit different and very simple approach to getting an idea about the size of the knife just from the pictures. If there would be a collection of pictures of knives with a grid background, it will be pretty easy to put two different pictures together, scale them to the same size and get an idea how one knife is compared to another. This can be done very quick in any image editing program. Even a standard Paintbrush can handle such a simple task.

I have printed out a scale grid on a standard 8.5x11" paper. Put the knife on it, took a picture. Repeated the process for several knives. Then I edited some pictures together for size comparison.

With this method, it doesn't really matter if picture size or resolution is different. It is still very easy to put two together. All what really counts is that shots are taken from straight up.

If we would start taking pictures of our knives and someone can host them in one location, then we could have a very good reference picture library. Doesn't matter, if there are several pictures of the same knife. Hopefully at some point someone with good photography skills can provide a picture that everybody will like.

One more thing. Posted picture should be not copyrighted in any way. They should be free to use (and abuse).

.

Here is one made from five pics. Gives you an idea of Busse Hellrazor next to Small Sebenza, Strider PT, Buck Waimea and Boker Subclaw

This one is put together from three different pictures from above. Color tone was adjusted:

 

[effer]

Here is a link to the grid image that I have used.
Done in photoshop. 8.5"x11" 300dpi.

Grid 8.5" x 11" (300dpi)

 

[spoonrobot]

Those are good pictures and this is a good idea. Buy some more knives.


ETA: You could also post them as thumbnails to give a good overview.

 

[effer]

Those are good pictures and this is a good idea. Buy some more knives.

I have access to some more knives and already got some more pictures, but if I will be the only one taking those pictures, then project won't go too far

 

[spoonrobot]

What set-up are you using to get the top-down viewpoint?

Soon as I can find a printer I'll see what I can do to contribute.

 

[effer]

I use a simple $10 tripod. But really pictures can be taken without tripod or any set up. Even if the quality will be crappy, pictures still can be used to get the size comparison.

 

[effer]

ETA: You could also post them as thumbnails to give a good overview.

Posting them here is just the start.
Pictures need to be hosted somewhere, on a knife related website, because people have tendency of deleting old pics from photobucket, moving them around etc. That would break the link.

On a website pictures can be organized by manufacturer and model. There can be several pictures of the same knife. Maybe at some point there could be a voting system where best, most voted picture goes to the top, other 5 are kept and the rest could be removed to save server disk space.

But even collecting such pictures here would be a great help.

 

[bladebertt]

That's a great idea, thanks.

 

[displacedtexan]

Could a photobucket be setup we could all add to?

 

[effer]

Could a photobucket be setup we could all add to?

As far as I know, photobucket can't be setup this way.



Here is an example why quality and size doesn't matter too much.

First picture taken from tripod, no flash

Second picture taken with no setup at all, with flash
Notice a different magnification.

Third picture was screwed up on purpose. Bad quality, zoomed in.

When put together with adjusted brightness on the third picture anyone can get an idea about the size of Strider PT next to Boker Subclaw and Gerber EAB