Speaking with authority?

Oku

Oku

Joined
Dec 2, 2002
Messages
886
Preface: My week, as some of you know, has not gone "according to plan" for a variety of reasons. This has resulted in what some acquaintances would term as "a case of the A$$". In reading some of the posts this week, and having recently worked a local show, I felt the need to post a "small reminder about manners".

This post is not the result of a specific personal experience.

Rant mode ON!

I urge us all to remember (some more than others :mad: ) that knives are not unlike underwear....we all want them to fit/feel "just so". What's right for you may not be right for me, or that "guy" (sorry ladies :rolleyes: ) over there.

Statements like "this knife is no good because......"(a direct quote BTW, but not from this forum) tend to be based on opinion, not research, not experience, and certainly not an awareness that the speaker really isn't THE DIVINE GIFT to the cutlery world.

I've found that folks who have the DIVINE GIFT disease, are super critical, but generally cannot make the product themselves (or, if they attempt the work, produce something that I consider substandard).

*A Truth: Any machinist who is "worth his salt" thinks he is the best at what he does.....The problem is that most of them are wrong.*

Which leads me to another point. Makers (at least good ones) learn from criticism, but it must be constructive, and, be given within the context of the design. Not all knives are choppers, not all knives are fighters, and not all knives are for food prep. Nor should they be!

Accept differences in product. RESPECT the intent of the maker (you may first need to ask what the intent of the design was). Admire the craftsmanship if not the design/intent. RESPECT the fact that someone has taken the time, and applied the energy to MAKE something.

Craftsmen are told on a daily basis what is wrong with their product and then "schooled" on how to make "the ultimate...whatever" by folks who really have no idea what is involved in making the product regarding materials, processes, and -i've found- even physics! Think before you speak to these folks! Rather than saying "you need to......." Ask "could you...." Before you even do that, BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PRODUCT THEY PRODUCE!

WE ALL HAVE OPINIONS! That's fine! That's good! Just don't treat your opinion as if it is a FACT!

If you "see" something that doesn't look right, or, doesn't agree with what you think....ask why it was done that way before you form an opinion.. Questions are how we learn!

Most -if not all- of you know that I'm a sheath maker. I handle knives from a huge variety of makers, and I don't neccessarily agree with the design or quality of everything that crosses my bench. But, I treat each piece with respect because it is the embodiment of someone's idea, and perhaps, represents an important step in the evolution of what may become a superior product.
 
nice... i COMPLETELY AGREE oku. i try to stick with a statement i once heard: "Don't give your opinion if it isn't helpful or constructive". But luckily, from what i've seen here, i've never seen anyone complain about busse knives with the exception that they didn't have enough..:D

Happy Fourth Oku
 
Brian, point well taken, and well stated.

It still amazes me how inconsiderate some people are, perhaps out of simple social ignorance, when it comes to statements about a makers products.

If their managers or superiors were to publically berate them in a similar fashion in front of co-workers, surely a lawsuit would follow.

I have seen, on many forums, someone pop in, make inflammatory comments ripping a product, then never post there again.

The safety (anonymity) of cyberspace unfortunately is too often abused by people, using forums to speak (spout) with psuedo-authority.

Sad these individuals never caught onto the concept behind "If you can't say something nice(ly), don't say anything at all."
 
AMEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brother


I have been doing gun shows selling my custom kydex sheaths & holsters for almost 5 years now & while I will listen to all the "experts" out there. It sure is frustrating sometimes

Thank the heavens for Zoloft :D

Happy forth Oku

Send me an e-mail sometime fellow kydex bender.
 
Aloha All,

Amen Oku!

Listen...... you hear that sound.... its the sound of good advice ;)

There's a reason why our Lord gave us 2 ears and only 1 mouth....

Listen twice as much before you speak..... then think first.....

Happy Fourth Everyone.... Stay Safe... :D
 
Gee, I qualify for a lot of those points,

1) I was at the show last weekend.
2) I am a machinist (well, at least a "Home" machinist, but I don't think I'm the best).
3) I have given my thoughts on knives (even yours).
4) I do like certain styles and brands better than others, I do find some knives not worth purchasing, but I don't criticize them, I just don't buy them.

The one thing I do though is have a respect for the time, effort, skill, experience, devotion, desire, and passion that it takes to create something. Brian knows that I like to weld and machine metals to make different things, sometimes they work out, sometimes not, but I enjoy trying.
It seems like it wasn't too long ago, that most people were a craftsman of some type because we were a nation of inventors and manufactures. Now days, we do little more than come up with the ideas and have some other country fabricate it cheap. I see a big problem with the lowering of manufacturing skills and the ability to work on and fix/repair items.
Well enough of my ramblings............................
:D
 
Hey gang!

Thanks for understanding...I just felt the need to do that on behalf of everyone who actually makes stuff.

For the record, this post was NOT triggered by any of my "regulars" at the show or otherwise :rolleyes:

It just needed to be said.
 
Hey Oku....

You couldn't be more correct...

In the years I've been a sheath maker,, I've sheathed knives from nearly every major manufacturer, as well as many famous and infamous makers...

When it comes to sheaths,, I've pretty much seen it all, from the worst of the worst to some of the best.. Every once and awhile something comes across my bench that makes me shake my head, not so much of the knife, because I know I probably couldn't do better,,but the sheath.. The phrase that comes to mind more times than not is: "What were they thinking??"

I once had a famous knifemaker try and explain to me on how I should make a sheath. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I've resheathed close to over 100 of his knives for customers,, and was nearly at the point of telling him,"I won't tell you how to make knives, if you don't tell me how to make sheaths" :)

As far as critique goes.. Yes,, it is Very important to get both good and bad remarks about ones work. It is the only way that you can see problems, and correct them, and grow skills in your craft..

I've seen pictures posted of my sheaths from only a few years ago, and some of them make me shake my head and say: "What Was I Thinking??!!" I've even replaced a sheath that I made over 5 years ago because I just couldn't stand to think of the guy using it...

Everyone has different tastes, likes, and preferences.. Not everyone likes my work, I know that and accept it, however I' am grateful for the people that do. It's my customers who have put me into this position. Just like Oku, Leatherman, Nico, David Brown, sorry if I missed anyone... It's the customers who help you to strive to make a better and better product.

Anyway,, I'm off on one of my tangents.. You guys who make sheaths know exactly what I mean...

Rant Mode

**OFF**

ttyle

Eric...
 
Hi Eric

thanks for including me in that group of people!!!! :eek:

I have not been in the business as long as you and others, but I feel exactly the same way!! have seen quite a few knives and SHEATHS allready and some is great and others are not.

About the develope in the stuff you make yourself. I have it in the same way !! I can see a very big diffrence in what I made in the beginning and what I make now!! some times I get a little embaresed over what I thought was great stuff in the begining, but all skills you have too learn takes time and if you could not see the diffrence then there was nothing too work with!

thanks again!

Nicolai
www.brix-tactical.dk
 
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