- Joined
- Jul 28, 2006
- Messages
- 3,953
There's been some stuff here that has really burdened my soul and I'm going to talk about it. If you don't want your feelings hurt I'd probably stop reading and go pet a bunny rabbit, drink some herbal tea or whatever it is frail souls do when "mean people" like me bruise your egos.
1. Whatever happened to "paying your dues" as a knifemaker? I remember when I first started back in 2002 or so it was somewhat expected of most makers to sell their knives fairly cheap to build a reputation. There are exceptions to this rule of course, some people come out of the chute doing amazing work. I sold knives for nearly 2 years before I dared to sell one for $150 or more. I see new makers that don't understand basic knifemaking terminology attempting to sell poorly made knives for the money that KNOWN makers get for similar style but much better pieces.
2. Whatever happened to pride in the craft?
I see most people humbly accepting critiques but there are people that will defend to the death their lack of quality in their work. They're almost proud of the fact that they refuse to do quality work and pass it off as part of their style. Not saying it's here for this genre of blade but period pieces are an example of this. There are a lot of makers (can't think of any on here) that are proud of their poor work because it's "period" then you have makers like LRB, Cochea, Okz that do period pieces with some damn fine fit and finish.
3. IF YOU POST IN HERE WITH OTHER MAKERS YOU'RE GOING TO GET CRITIQUED WHETHER OR NOT YOU ASK FOR IT!!!!! If you want a cheering section hand some pompoms over to your dog and post your knife in the other gallery. I've always assumed if you posted in the Makers section it's open for critique. The whole tired phrase "you wouldn't say that to me in person" is very hollow. I know most of these guys would and probably would be more stern and critical because they CAN see your face. All I can say is if your feelings are hurt by the generally civil critiques you get here then you've got a long row to hoe. Another thing, the often repeated "you wouldn't say that to me in person" is a thinly veiled threat. It takes 2 to dance and I know more than a few makers and collectors that will have you wearing your asshole for a necklace in about 10 seconds in a face to face disagreement.
4. Lastly, my teacher told me early on that there are 2 negative things people will say about your work. They don't like your style and they don't like the quality. You can control half of it.
Not really sorry if I stepped on some toes. I feel better for having said this. I'm sorry I'm not more elegant with my words, I'm just an old soldier and a public educated Japanese Redneck.
1. Whatever happened to "paying your dues" as a knifemaker? I remember when I first started back in 2002 or so it was somewhat expected of most makers to sell their knives fairly cheap to build a reputation. There are exceptions to this rule of course, some people come out of the chute doing amazing work. I sold knives for nearly 2 years before I dared to sell one for $150 or more. I see new makers that don't understand basic knifemaking terminology attempting to sell poorly made knives for the money that KNOWN makers get for similar style but much better pieces.
2. Whatever happened to pride in the craft?
I see most people humbly accepting critiques but there are people that will defend to the death their lack of quality in their work. They're almost proud of the fact that they refuse to do quality work and pass it off as part of their style. Not saying it's here for this genre of blade but period pieces are an example of this. There are a lot of makers (can't think of any on here) that are proud of their poor work because it's "period" then you have makers like LRB, Cochea, Okz that do period pieces with some damn fine fit and finish.3. IF YOU POST IN HERE WITH OTHER MAKERS YOU'RE GOING TO GET CRITIQUED WHETHER OR NOT YOU ASK FOR IT!!!!! If you want a cheering section hand some pompoms over to your dog and post your knife in the other gallery. I've always assumed if you posted in the Makers section it's open for critique. The whole tired phrase "you wouldn't say that to me in person" is very hollow. I know most of these guys would and probably would be more stern and critical because they CAN see your face. All I can say is if your feelings are hurt by the generally civil critiques you get here then you've got a long row to hoe. Another thing, the often repeated "you wouldn't say that to me in person" is a thinly veiled threat. It takes 2 to dance and I know more than a few makers and collectors that will have you wearing your asshole for a necklace in about 10 seconds in a face to face disagreement.
4. Lastly, my teacher told me early on that there are 2 negative things people will say about your work. They don't like your style and they don't like the quality. You can control half of it.
Not really sorry if I stepped on some toes. I feel better for having said this. I'm sorry I'm not more elegant with my words, I'm just an old soldier and a public educated Japanese Redneck.
