What do people think of Elishewitz?

Joss

Joss

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
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I received the Knives 2008 book, and he was the maker whose work most impressed me. I have never held one of his knives in my hand, but they have unique designs I think.
 
I ownwd one of his knives about four years ago. It was very well made, but when I stopped collecting tactical folders, I sold it. His work has improved steadily over that four years, so I doubt you would regret getting one of his knives.
 
I think that Alan is the next Michael Walker
Dave Ellis
exquisiteknives.com
 
I really like Allen's work. Not all but most. Funny, I've never owned one but I've been in a few drawings for one.

Win
 
Hi Mr. Ellis,

The next Michael Walker....no, no chance.

I understand what you mean about his designs and technical skills. I thought the "digital camo" that was on the knives on his table was cool. First he needs to get to the point where dealers and collectors are actively buying his work.

Right now very few dealers are carrying his knives. Collectors have slowed down as well. Due in large part to the fact few if any of his knives hold their value in the after market.

According to Allen at the Chicago show he didn't sell a single knife in the main show.

Compare that to the activity and prices that Michael's knives brought at the Auction. As well how many dealers and collectors actively seek Walker's work and happy to pay a hefty premium to get one.

The good news is that Allen is young and has another 20 years to get there.

WWG
 
I definitely liked what I saw of his knives at the Chicago show. Not the type of knife I buy, but some interesting designs and very well made.

Roger
 
He's been around a long time. An Elishewitz (phantom) was the third custom knife I ever bought.
A few years ago there were some complaints about the degree to which the knives were sole authorship and quality, but I have never held an Elishewitz that wasn't first rate.
Although the knives are tactical, and extremely good for that purpose, I have a dress folder I got from les Robertson that is one of my very favourite knives. It is freakin' beautiful.
I think his knives are excellent. Fixed blades too.
 
I like his older designs over the newer ones because they were more straightforward, so to speak, which is how I prefer my tactical folders. That said, I think his recent knives are often more interesting and exciting visually. He does some incredible detail work and is very creative.
 
Allen was one of the instructors at the Hammer in at Johnny Stouts shop this past weekend. His class was on the pantograph mill, and a stint on patterning and lay out. Quite a talented young man.


I first met Allen back in the late 80's. At the time his work was of good quality. Heavy and clunky, but the talent was there. I and a few others did a lot of arm twisting on Allen to get him to lighten and refine his work. He was young and highly motivated. I think he is doing Fine work these days. I think if anything has hurt the collect ability of his work it was all the collaborations he did with manufacturers. It can some times make a buyer back off( especially newer younger buyers) when they can buy a very similar product for 1/4 to 1/5 fifth the cost of the knife from the maker. With the techniques that Allen uses in producing his knives, the factory versions were very close to his in the way they both looked, and fit and finish, and technique of manufacture. More than one dealer and collector has told me that this has hurt Allen in the short run. We have debated the use of CNC here, EDM, laser, water jet, and other high tech machines, and their place in the Custom, or hand made market. I am not interested in the debate at all. Each maker must follow his or her own star. But even when the maker makes only one of a kind pieces, using hi-tech machines like the ones used in industry, the end product can look to a point like just that. Some what manufactured. When you add this to the ease of getting a factory knife produced much the same way for a much lesser cost, it has to hurt the maker in the long run.

In Allen's case, I think he is brilliant in his design, and forward thinking in his techniques. He has done well with the collab's. This can be very complimentary to a maker. Especially one that is up and coming. But It can keep prices down on the custom, or hand made market. I was very seriously thinking of going in with a couple of companies for the instant recognition and monetary gain. Several well known collectors, and dealers, not to mention makers talked me out of it by explaining some of these in's and out's. And the long run pit falls they can cause. Being a poor o'l country boy, I still wonder if I made the right decision those years ago. Which is better? Good money from the manufacturers when you are young, or high demand when you are old and slow! HeeHee!!! The things that keep me up at night!

If Allen can keep up his brilliant designs, I think demand will continue to grow. Some do not care for the very modern designs he comes up with. I personally Like his work, ad always look forward to what is coming next from his fertile mind. Mike
 
Thanks everyone, I am blushing! I was made aware of this thread by some close friends and even though I usually do not like to comment on threads about myself I just wanted to say thank you for the kind words and endorsements that all of you have made.

WoodWorkGhost, I do not know where you get your information from but I did sell at the Chicago Show. I sold out at the Tactical Invitational and sold most all my knives during the regular show.
How would you know that my collectors' sales have slowed down? Are you sneaking into my office at night :eek: On the contrary, everything that I make sells immediately. You are right I am slowing down in my old age and am not making that many knives but they are not sitting around in my shop.

Thanks again everybody and hope to see you at the NYCKS!
 
Allen is a brilliant maker and designer but in my opinion has tended to avoid making what customers and dealers wanted, but rather what he wanted. At a time where he was at the top of the tactical market he shifted gears completely and started making highly embellished gents tacticals and other items that didn't really appeal to the bulk of his core customer. This was a huge marketing mishap in some eyes but maybe the change in pace kept him sane. Also because of that shift to more discerning clientele his technical has ability jumped by leaps and bounds over the past 5 years also.

I know Allen reads the forums. I am a huge fan of his work. I would like to see him make more "Tactical" folders and fb's again. Allen, if you are reading, thats a knife with a super strong lock and high performance 4" blade :) beadblasted handle OK. :) Under 600 :)
 
Alan Elishewitz makes me wonder why anyone else can charge more than $1000 for a tactical folder. :thumbup:
Alan, you work is awesome!
Thanks for keeping prices low!
Just one thing though, I'm not sure I like the funny step style thumb studs. I've never handled one, but I do like the old ones.
 
I will take a position somewhere between Dave and WWG.

1. Allen IS a brilliant machinist.....I know other machinist/knifemakers who are pretty up there in the stratosphere and they uniformly have much respect for Allen's skills. He is probably not the next Michael Walker...I'll elaborate below....

2. Disclaimer....I own three of his knives, and a Pirela collab. titanium pen....one knife is for sale because he is in the permanent collection...he is that good, when you find the piece you want...in my case, it is an e-lock, and a button lock, with integral machined bolsters, specifically this one, pic jacked from his website, hope it's OK, Allen?;)



3. Allen marches to his own beat...he is a shooter, martial artist, husband and knifemaker. Michael Walker has a mellow approachability, and a bit of mad genius that makes collectors swoon. Allen can be hard to approach, and a bit antisocial. He does pretty much what he wants to do. If you like it, great, if not...tough nuggies.

4. I just did a quick perusal, and there are 4 dealers with knives available from Allen. Don't know what his annual output was in the past...but it seems like he made a lot of knives. His designs are unique, and readily identifiable as his work....some have mass appeal, some are geared towards a different aesthetic. It really comes down to what you like.

The bottom line is that his knives are good value, and likely to appreciate over the years. They are very, very well made.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Sounds like Allen is doing just fine to me!!!

Great to see you at the Hammer in this weekend Allen. Manuela enjoyed meeting you! I think we had a great bunch of students. They really paid attention! Feels good to give back sometimes. Harvey Dean had good attendance, Bill Ruple was nuts as usual. I rally got a kick out of teaching. Wish I could do it more often.

Oh-by the way. Looks like I'm not the only one who's fortune was read a little wrong by wwg's crystal ball. Haa!

You keep right on kicking Ass Allen!! Mike and Manuela
 
Any time a makers work is instantly recognizable, and of Superior quality. It cannot help but appreciate! Allen's work is of very high quality, and is very unique in its appearance. A formula for a winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Marches to own beat) Steven said the same about me!!! I kinda like that!!! What kind'da drum you got Allen? ? Probably see you at SoS this weekend, But I'm totally out of knives. Guess that means I won't sell any knives there either! . I feel the rumors brewing all ready Hee!!!
 
I saw this one at Blade this year.

Ed1.jpg


Impressive to say the least!

Johnny
 
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