What About Mokume?

Laredo7mm

Laredo7mm

Joined
Jul 8, 2002
Messages
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I have been looking at how Mokume is made and how it looks. I think i am going to try and make some. I would use copper and nickel silver in the mokume and try to do a twist pattern. The mokume would then be used for gaurd and pommel material.

During my research, i cam across some posts on CKD and there were some very anti-mokume views being expressed.

Does Mokume have a bad name in the custom knife industry. Should I bother trying to make some if everybody turns their nose up at it?

Let me know what your experiences and opinions are about Mokume.

Thanks
 
If thats how you want to express yourself why worry what somebody else thinks. Make it and use it, if the finished product looks good and you are happy with the result that is all that counts. I'm sure you would find a buyer who would love it.
 
blackboogers-

That is how I think. In the CKD Forum the guy (Les, I think) was talking on about investment value and all that.

Since I am not even close to selling any knives, I suppose it does not matter right now. I am just looking for a larger demographic to draw opinions from.

Hopefully you all will have some pics for me:)
 
I think the most important thing is to be original in design. I view knife making as an art form, a way to express myself. I make my knife and display it. I have yet to sit on a knife for any length of time. I would love to experiment with mokume and believe it could be used in many ways. I had someone say about a knife they bought from me that the handle was too short and I took what they said to heart. It messed me up on the next knife and ruined my flow. I pay absolutely no attention what this person does or how thats done when it comes to design or flow of the knife. Obviously mechanics or performance does not apply to this. One of the best things I use is 1/4 sq. graph paper,a good variety of french curves and a ruler. I lay out my bar stock shape and play on paper. Your dam. looks excellent and your grinding skills excellent. Have fun and make money doing it or at the very least pay for your materials so you can keep having fun.
 
i dont know or really care. i let my customers decide what they want to buy in my inventory. i make what interests me and then see what sells. do your own thing and ajust to what you people want more of.
 
Damn the Torpedos full speed ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You will soon learn to ignore the Naysayers.
New ideas and new and better designs come from untainted brains!
Let your creativety (sp) guide you.
You will screw up...probably many times like all of us have.
Don't give up.
You will eventually settle into your own unique style of blade and get better after each one you make!
Grind on:D
 
I love the stuff. I am just waiting for the flux to come in from Rio Grande to try making it. Delbert Ealy was kind enough to walk me thru the process. Delbert gets 100% welds with his process.
 
I know the post you're talking about and it's influenced my thinking for a long time. Finally I've come to my own conclusion that I'll do whatever the hell I want to. I may feel differently if I were making a living with art knives but I'm not so have that extra freedom. I also recall that Les was taking a position of "today", with a belief mokume will never generate a following of its own. I guess I'm too naive to see it; I figure anything that works for a lot of people over a long time must be doing something right, and mokume fits the bill. I like the stuff; and the Japanese have been using it for a very long time. ;) I say go for it, and when you get some billets you like please let me know, 'cause I'd sure use some.

Dave
 
Mokume is the laminte/layered copper/brass, right? bah, ignore what other people say, I think this stuff looks great. do it. :)
 
Just a quick update-

I ordered my materials and a book on how to make the stuff. It will be interesting to see what happens. I will post some pictures if I am not too embarassed to show it. :)

Hey, how different can it be than doing damascus? And we all know how easy that is. :D

More to follow, hopefully soon.
 
It's all about taste.

Some like Caviar, some like Russian Caviar.

I like RC Cola and Moon Pies:rolleyes: :p :rolleyes: :p :rolleyes: :p

I like Mokume too.
 
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