Should Knifemakers Engage the Public? - Mike Snody Responds to Arch Duke of Arkansas

[kycolonel]

Almost every other knife maker has a much more subdued presence on the web and in real life.

I think you may have just answered your own question. There are alot of knifemakers out there and I'm sure it's not easy to stay top of mind. If Snody wants to take a forward looking marketing approach to get awareness with the next generation of knife buyers then good on him, even if it is initially perplexing to us baby boomers. The important thing is does the man work his butt off and back up the marketing with a quality product? I think the answer to both of those questions is definitely "yes". And as blingy as the marketing effort is, I'll bet he spends alot of time working on it. As a marketing guy I can attest that this involves a lot more effort than it does fun.

 

[jonnymac44]

I've said this before, but no reason not to repeat it here.

I support Mike big time. His work, among that of a few others is what helped inspire me to start making knives and he's been one of those experienced makers who has been very encouraging and helpful to me along my path. His knives are amazing, his personality is amazing. What's not to like!?:thumbup:

I SUPPORT MIKE

 

[AVigil]

Cowboy, Gangsta, Ninja, Special Forces, Rescue, Bushman, Primitive, Hillbilly, Blacksmith, Samurai, Celtic warrior, Persian Fighter, Iron Chef, Crotchitty old coote.....


I like them all

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

I don't know much about these knives, but there seem to be a lot of fans posting on this thread, so maybe some of you can tell me more.

Are these sole authorship pieces? Are the blades handforged? Stock removal? Does he do his own heat treatment? What are the ranges of steels and handle materials in which he works? Do they come with sheathes, and if so does he make his own, or use a sheathmaker?

Seems to be a lot of excitement about these knives by those "in the know" but I can't seem to find too much of those kinds of details. I visited Snody World, but I just got lost and couldn't find that kind of info. I did see that he has a quantity of 46 of one particular knive in stock, and that seems like a lot to me for a custom knifemaker - he must be one hard working dude, so I salute that! Maybe someone could post some pix of some of his best pieces to educate me some more.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Lorien]

the ability to treat haters without disdain is a true gift.
the ability to engage haters in a respectful way is a true gift.
understanding that haters help pay the bills is just smart and shows good business sense.

Rising above is so much better than residing below.

 

[parbajtor]

I misread the title and thought "What, more than they already do, just by being knifemakers?"

Then realised it didn't say enrage.

 

[UltraReef]

Thanks for asking. I'd tell you just to Google Snody and click on Images, but I don't mind answering you for others that may be wondering the same thing. Here's a thread in Snody's BF forum with over 1,000 examples of his work:

SnodyLand Photo Gallery

Mike uses the stock removal method to create his knives and tools with modern steels like CPM154CM, Hitachi ATS34, D2, A2, Carbon Damascus, Stainless Damascus, BG42, ZDP189...off the top of my head. Handle materials also include man-made materials, G10, Carbon Fiber, Titanium, etc. along with natural materials like wood, ivory, MOP. Now Mike does his own heat-treating, before that he used Paul Bos. There really isn't a knife Mike can't create or a material he can't work with, mainly he just works with what he likes. When he finishes a knife, he is just as excited about it as the person getting it, Mike really does love knives and knifemaking.

Also forgot to mention the 35 or so designs he did for Benchmade (All H&K knives) and one or two for Spyderco. Mike's been in the game for over 15 years and he has no desires to do anything but create cutlery.

I don't know much about these knives, but there seem to be a lot of fans posting on this thread, so maybe some of you can tell me more.

Are these sole authorship pieces? Are the blades handforged? Stock removal? Does he do his own heat treatment? What are the ranges of steels and handle materials in which he works? Do they come with sheathes, and if so does he make his own, or use a sheathmaker?

Seems to be a lot of excitement about these knives by those "in the know" but I can't seem to find too much of those kinds of details. I visited Snody World, but I just got lost and couldn't find that kind of info. I did see that he has a quantity of 46 of one particular knive in stock, and that seems like a lot to me for a custom knifemaker - he must be one hard working dude, so I salute that! Maybe someone could post some pix of some of his best pieces to educate me some more.

Thanks in advance!

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

UltraReef,

Thanks for the great info!!! Very interesting and very much appreciated. :thumbup:

When I have more time, I definitely will click through that link and look at the pics.

 

[petah]

I have always found that the true masters always answer questions and are VERY transparent in how/what/why they do what they do and are quite through in the answers... Mike I sent you a few questions but never got any answers :-/

 

[Undertow82]

Mike Snody is clearly among the salt of the earth!

 

[slimshaneee]

Snody is smart!
I haven't owned one of his knives. But that video response really makes me want one. He is honest. I like honesty.
He shows the true color of his spirit and life even though it may cause some people to not understand him, hate on him, or make fun of him.
He has the strength to be himself, and look how far it has taken him. I strongly doubt a hater type has ever been able to do their dream job, or something they are passionate about for a living.

He strikes me as a self made man who has worked hard and reaped the rewards. Having his own website, making his own knives, Hell he even has his own livestock running around! Having knives produced and sold by various manufacturers is a strong testament to his designing capability.

I think I am going to sign up for snodyworld. I could stand to be more like Mike.

 

[Magnaminous_G]

Snody is smart!
I haven't owned one of his knives. But that video response really makes me want one. He is honest. I like honesty.
He shows the true color of his spirit and life even though it may cause some people to not understand him, hate on him, or make fun of him.
He has the strength to be himself, and look how far it has taken him. I strongly doubt a hater type has ever been able to do their dream job, or something they are passionate about for a living.

He strikes me as a self made man who has worked hard and reaped the rewards. Having his own website, making his own knives, Hell he even has his own livestock running around! Having knives produced and sold by various manufacturers is a strong testament to his designing capability.

I think I am going to sign up for snodyworld. I could stand to be more like Mike.

I am starting to like Mike Snody myself the more I watch him. He's a character and an interesting guy. But I caution you on talking about his critics as "haters" and not able to do their dream job. Lots of respectable people just think it's weird for a knife maker to act like that and to have a website like that. I'm starting to convert to a fan, but I still shake my head at it. Let me know how the membership at SnodyWorld goes. I still can't imagine what a knife maker could possibly offer me with a subscription-based site. But I'm open-minded. If you can convince me, I'll join myself...

 

[RogerP]

I am starting to like Mike Snody myself the more I watch him. He's a character and an interesting guy. But I caution you on talking about his critics as "haters" ...

You caution against describing Mike's critics as "haters", yet you describe his supporters as "fanboys" - double standard?

Thanks for all the replies. I just watched a lot of the YouTube videos. I will say that Mike is an interesting person; I mean that in the good way, like someone you want to learn more about. He does seem to get upset at detractors, and his fanboys are constantly on the attack.

Roger

 

[phillipJ]

Arch Duke trying to make everybody in Arkansas look bad! Well your work is Great Mike! Keep up the right attitude, as you are already.
The new friction folders are sick!

 

[RogerP]

Arch Duke trying to make everybody in Arkansas look bad! Well your work is Great Mike! Keep up the right attitude, as you are already.
The new friction folders are sick!

No chance. WAY too many good knife people in Arkansas.

Roger

 

[parbajtor]

I have always found that the true masters always answer questions and are VERY transparent in how/what/why they do what they do and are quite through in the answers... Mike I sent you a few questions but never got any answers :-/

That's because like most things in life, you cannot learn it from a book. It's not having the knowledge, it's having the experience to apply it, correctly.

 

[Magnaminous_G]

You caution against describing Mike's critics as "haters", yet you describe his supporters as "fanboys" - double standard?



Roger

Of course not all of his supporters are fan boys. But any supporter who instantly attacks someone who questions his favorite maker is a fan boy. And just like any popular knife maker, Mike Snody's got a few, and they aren't doing him any favors. If anything, you should be welcoming honest questions with honest answers.

 

[RogerP]

Of course not all of his supporters are fan boys. But any supporter who instantly attacks someone who questions his favorite maker is a fan boy. And just like any popular knife maker, Mike Snody's got a few, and they aren't doing him any favors. If anything, you should be welcoming honest questions with honest answers.

Of course not all of his critics are haters - but some are. You didn't offer that qualification when you first made the comment. Better late than never.

Roger