Too many knife compliments on the forums.

Walking Man

Walking Man

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I've noticed, not just recently, but pretty much always, that when a knife maker asks what others think about a knife, most responders will say, Looks great, or fantastic work. While almost no one will say, for example "I think it would look better with a damascus blade" or "I think the handle is too small".
I certainly do believe that good work should be complimented, and there's a lot of nice of nice knives out there, but there are honestly very few knives that I would prefer to be a bit different, NOT better or worse just better suited to my tastes.
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And what about you knifemaker, do you want to hear what we really think, not good or bad, but rather, changes based on taste. I don't think that anyone's going to learn anything, or be better able to cater to their market if all anyone hears is "great knife."
 
Well, you can only judge a knife on its looks when all you can experience of it is a picture. People who think it isn't attractive are probably just being polite by being silent, especially since there's bound to be others who will find it pleasing to the eye. Function and quality can't really be judged until it's in hand, that's probably why you don't see much discussion about those aspects of a knife that was just recently produced.
 
hardheart, that's true to a certain extent, but almost all of us have handled a fair number of knives, and we have an idea of what we think of it when we first see it, now I know that what you see isn't always what you get, but if someone asks, I'd prefer to give an honest opinion, even if it is just based on my tastes.
 
If the knife appeals to me visually, I usually compliment the maker. If not, I keep quiet. I don't feel I'm qualified to express a criticism of the blade thickness, blade or handle material, or ergonomics just by looking at a photograph! However, if I have an opportunity to actually handle the knife, I won't hesitate to offer the maker an appropriate and constructive criticism (in private).
 
I am not afraid to give some constructive criticism, but I feel that when I do so I should also point out all the things I like about the knife. Just because I don't like a certain feature or styling on a knife does not mean that there is anything wrong with the knife. Others may well think that something I don't care for looks great. I like to let it be known that my comments are based on my personal taste and are not a judgement on the quality of the knife. After all, there is only so far you can go in judging the quality of something from a picture.
 
No longer than I have been on this forum, I know or know of several makers and see them at shows regularly....it's harder to be derogatory when you know who the maker is. I know of a couple of makers I would make exceptions for if they showed up on here though :D :D
 
I think it is impossible to criticise a knife without actually having it in your hand. One of the most important features of a knife is "balance" and you can't get it from a pic. Knifemakers ultimate critic is the customer and you can get to consecutive customers pick a knife from your table one will be "over the moon" and the next person will criticise it "to the cows come home". I know what I like and dislike but very rarely would I criticise a knife from a pic. If I like a knife I will say so but even then it would be a guarded comment because whilst the knife looks good you have no "feel" for it.
 
There is no such thing as "constructive criticism". Criticism by nature is destructive.

Who among us is the judge of what is right with a knife and what is wrong? Who has the authority to interpret a knifemakers creation?

If you see something you like, tell the maker. If you don't like what you see, move on. My experience is most good knifemakers are very critical of what they make. They don't learn from negative comments.

You never know what will happen in the future. Fate has an interesting way of turning the critical into the criticized.
 
Keith Montgomery said:
I am not afraid to give some constructive criticism, but I feel that when I do so I should also point out all the things I like about the knife. Just because I don't like a certain feature or styling on a knife does not mean that there is anything wrong with the knife. Others may well think that something I don't care for looks great. I like to let it be known that my comments are based on my personal taste and are not a judgement on the quality of the knife. After all, there is only so far you can go in judging the quality of something from a picture.
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Exactly,
and I was refering to the times when opinions are asked for, not just throwing out random thoughts on any knife posted.
 
With the exception of production knives, I will only criticize a knife I have purchased (or been provided to evaluate :D ), and even then, only privately and only if asked for my opinion from the maker.

When a maker posts for feedback on the forums, I generally take that as an invitation to comment only upon the two dimensional asthetics of the knife depicted. If I don't like it, I keep my opinion to myself. I can't believe any maker, particularly one who doesn't know me, would really benefit from the negative comments of a pseudo-anonymous internet poster with a silly-arse dog avatar.

- Rob M.
 
loodieboy said:
I can't believe any maker, particularly one who doesn't know me, would really benefit from the negative comments of a pseudo-anonymous internet poster with a silly-arse dog avatar.
- Rob M.
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My thoughts exactly, just insert [funny baby face photo] avatar and you read my mind! ;)
 
Unfortunately I'm an honest opinionated person, when asked my opinion I give both good and bad, but never in a negative attack on the maker/manufacturer.

I can point out shortcommings or suggest changes without being nasty.

edited to add, that no matter what when it comes to knives, I'm only offering my educated opinion as a result of 25+ years of collecting. Still it's only my opinion just the same and everyone can take it for what it's worth.
 
I think that there is such a thing as constructive criticism. Noone knows everything, and making suggestions or comments that result in improvements are positive.
I try to be positive with my comments, but when I see things that are less than optimal, well If you don't want to know what I think, don't ask, because I'll tell the truth about what I think.
 
At the same time, many criticisms are based on personal opinions. "The handle felt uncomfortable to me" applies to me and this may/may not apply to anyone else. What I find attractive in the design of a blade is purely subjective, therefore it's easier/better to me to point out the things that I like rather than pick a nit with what I don't.

Besides, with my luck the maker of the knife that I criticize would probably make one that I really want, and then not let me have it out of spite. Better safe than sorry, I've got enough burning bridges behind me. :D

Jubei
 
Without having had an opportunity to handle a particular knife and viewing only a picture my comment would be "I like it" or offer no response.
 
The other day I saw knife in the Gallery that was all wrong. The handle wasd on the wrong end of the knife! When you held it you would get your hands all cut up, and it had no penetration since the handle was where the tip was supposed to be. It didn't want to say anything but,man what a silly design. :confused:
 
I usually put any negative feelings I have over a product into a PM or email. I recently cancelled an order on a limited edition knife because of what I learned after I placed the order. Since I couldn't change the knife design, I cancelled.
 
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