Too many knife compliments on the forums.

I won't directly critisize, but will on occasion ask the maker "can this knife be made with (insert one of the following) different blade steel/handle material/blade shape/blade or handle lenth/etc. The only problem with this approach is that when the maker says "yes" I usually end up buying it!
 
I'm a new maker and I haven't been around this wonderfull world of knives for very long, I haven't handled many knives and I don't know any knife people. I completely rely on the feedback that I recieve from you knowledgable knife knuts. When I post a picture of a new knife I always ask for ALL or ANY comments, while it does help to hear compliments (lets me know I did something right and makes me want to make a better one next time) I would like to hear brutally honest opinions as well, it would help me to improve.

I know it's hard to judge a knife from just a picture but I'd like to hear about the overall design, blade shape, handle shape, the flow and the choice of materials or anything else that you think would improve the look of the knife, the feel is a completely different story but the design can certainly be critiqued, I know opinions vary and not everyone likes the same things but I personally would like to hear what you do or don't like. In either case all comments are always appreciated very much, Dave
 
Most of us try to make constructive comments. When all you can hear are crickets or maybe citizen Kane clapping, the message comes through ;) And sometimes specific comments are made about this or that that might be changed.
When someone like me makes a comment, that's one thing; but I should think that a comment from some of the experts and artists that dwell hereabouts would be very valuable - even if it's only a encouragement.
 
Chuck Bybee said:
There is no such thing as "constructive criticism". Criticism by nature is destructive......
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I respectfully disagree. :)

First, I don't think anyone here is talking about the kind of "criticism" that suggests ranting, raving, and disparaging negative comments. I believe most of us are interpreting the word "criticism" as more of a "helpful suggestion towards change" (is that politically correct enough? :D )

When a knifemaker asks me "What do you think of this knife?", I'm afraid he IS asking me for criticism - good and bad. If he didn't want it, he shouldn't ask. And I have made many suggestions where the response of the knifemaker was, "Gee, I never thought of that. That's a good idea."

I also believe that knifemakers (at least the ones I know) DO seek out "constructive" criticism that will allow them to become better knifemakers. Most of them are smart enough to consider the source and the validity of the comment.

(As a writer, I constantly open myself to criticism - it goes with the job. If I show a script to my Aunt and she says she doesn't like the ending, I smile and take it with a grain of salt. If I show that script to Steven Spielberg and he suggests that I rewrite the ending - I listen!)
 
cockroachfarm said:
I believe most of us are interpreting the word "criticism" as more of a "helpful suggestion towards change" (is that politically correct enough? :D )
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That is exactly what constructive criticism is. It is just suggestions that someone feels will help make something better. It is not an attempt to tear something down.
 
The last time I said I didnt like a custom I got slammed for it by everyone but the custom maker, but that was proable 3300 posts ago.

So since then I just keep my mouth shut or I say somthing like: "This peice does not appeal to my taste but I can see the craftsmanship and time put into it".
 
Nothing is more painful than a customer who doesn't like your work. You learn tough lessons that way.

If you're a wise maker, you seek out those comments to learn from them.




I have noticed, like you (walking man), that the compliments are dished out all to easily, and rarely a constructive remark made. But, consider the setting. Is bladeforums a school of knifemaking? How many people here are actually qualified to make constructive criticism?

Most folks are users/buyers and if they don't like it, they don't buy it....plain and simple.

That's another one of those "life lessons learned".


By day, I'm an architect. I thrive on constructive criticism. I have to live by it too. I have a responsibility to committees, government officials, clients, general public, etc. to pay attention to what they have to say - no matter how qualified/unqualified they may be.

I would like it if we had an area, say, a sub-forum for real critical analysis in terms of design, use, durability, sharpness, etc.

However, the knife world is a largely self-checking arena. If your stuff is crap, word gets around. If it's nice, word gets around.


I have offered constructive criticism (otherwise known as "analysis and response") to makers who have asked sincerely.

I have also sent my work around and asked people to tear it apart. I learned more in that than any knifemaking books I read. And, yes, I did eat some crow!


The makers who's work I have been open and honest about were usually grateful, albeit begrudgingly.

As you've noticed, most of the time it's a "look what I can do" show in the gallery - but I think that's ok. That's what that forum is there for.

If you want to make some serious comments, head over to ShopTalk and post your grievances there. I have, and have been met with responses that often "realigned" my way of thinking and looking at things.

Perhaps an idea we might have is based on ignorance, rather than experience.

There are some "touted" makers here who's knives I have handled and immediately put down in disgust. Just felt awful! There are others who's designs didn't look that great, but sure felt good in the hand!

So, you might sum up my post by saying - "If you don't have anything helpful to say, don't say anything at all".

Dan
 
I think that it's given. . .when a maker asks for comments about a knife in a picture that are asking for comments about “aesthetics” and not "how the knife functions.”

I have no problem commenting on the aesthetics of a picture of a knife. I’m also aware that what’s not appealing to me. . .may be appealing to others. And. . . .I haven’t seen too many pictures of knives that I didn’t think kindly of.

I would venture to say that “some” people won’t post comments on a knife. . .simply due to them not visiting certain forums.
 
I think comments are given a little freely, but appropriately. For example, even a Frost POS looks good. :rolleyes: I can tell a little about how a knife would feel to me by looking, but I can't tell everything. So, commenting on looks is all that you can really do.
 
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and what that opinion is, is usually personal as to likes and dislike, in addition to exceptional knowledge about knives and art or lack of it. That said, I agree with a prior poster that it's OK to mention things privately if asked and in the event you want to get one like it, but only with the changes that you would like to see if it was yours.
 
Chuck Bybee said:
There is no such thing as "constructive criticism". Criticism by nature is destructive.
Click to expand...

I used to work in a department. Much of my work involved writing. I made it a personal practice to submit my important writing to peers for review before the work was issued. I never failed to get suggestions for improvement. I never failed to use at least some of those suggestions. But, then, that's me. I was more concerned with the quality of the product than deterred by any threat to my ego. I did not think my work was incapable of improvement.

That practice is the basis of "peer review" in science.

The practice of allowing and listening to critical review seems to help some knife companies/makers and leads to even better reputations (some examples: Bark River; Spyderco). That is not the case with all such enterprises. But, then, that's them.

I believe that thare are some who are well-qualified to critically review knives.
 
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