What do you think of my maker's mark? Suggestions welcome

B

bjalongi

Joined
Oct 23, 2006
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Hi folks. I'm ready to take the next step and get a tang stamp made. I decided long ago that I'd go with "Wapiti Forge" when ever I decided to get serious, which is in line with my life long passion for elk hunting.



Here's the logo for my website, business cards and etc...

WapitiForgeLogIdea2.jpg



And my Tang stamp (not to scale, it will be smaller)

WapitiForgeStensil.jpg




Comments appreciated.

Respectfully,
Brook :)
 
I think you should have your name in the mark so that people can readily identify your work later on.
 
Your logo is unique and easy to read.

But I would venture to say this, ultimately we are known by the work we produce and not so much, by the logo we choose.
You will find in conversations with makers and knife enthusiast, that the name of a forge rarely comes up. Its more than likely the makers name is what is used in conversation. Think of people you yourself admire because of the work they do. You may not know the name of their forge, but you know the makers name, absolutely.
I am in my tenth year as a knife maker and have just changed my logo to something very distinct with my name under it. The logo I used for the first nine years showed my forge name in large letters with my given name under that.
I am hopeful that long after I am gone someone will handle one of my knives and see it for what it is and then notice my name affixed to the side of the blade and say " this Fred Rowe guy made one fine knife"

These are the musings of a die hard romantic of course.

Good luck and enjoy the journey, Fred


image0_003.jpg
 
I have to agree with Fred's comments.

Use your name on the mark, and make sure it's internet searchable.
(no special / funny characters)

(also check that the website name you want is available and buy it up before you invest in tang stamps and stationary)

I believe that I also read this quite a long time ago in one of the "Gunsmithing Kinks" books - by Brownells.


Don Hanson is one exception and still uses a funny stamp, but I've learned that one :)
 
Maybe something like this? Hope I didn't goof your last name, and I know the font's not the same as the one you chose. But I think the antlers and your name could look cool together.
 

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I like the antler but agree the name is very important. Make sure it is easy to read for those old collectors with deep pockets and poor eyesight.
 
I love it! The angle is about right for the elk to be bugleing at that moment. I can hear em in my head... I agree with the others that you should put your name some where on it to.

Jason
 
Include your name in the mark.

As well appreciated as even Don Hanson III (Sunfish Forge) is I would still recommend somehow including his name in his mark, or yours in your mark.
But think about it.... as well known as Don is, I have no problem knowing his mark for 2 reasons....1. He is Don Hanson III.....2.Catching a (or some) sunfish (bream/blueguill on a fly is my thought of a perfect fishing trip, so I am biased in wanting to know Don's mark.......
 
Listen to Fred he is wise beyond his years. You want people to remember your name, not your mark or you forge name. Maybe one day you may move to another state, your forge name or mark may not work for you then, but if they know your name they will follow you. Just my 2 cents work.
 
others have already said it. I like the logo. I would use your name in it some where.

this was my uncle's mark. Glen Hornby It took him a while to decide what mark to use if I remember correctly. He found a great one.


IMG_0455.jpg
 
Yes, I seriously considered my name under the horns. I'll take another look at it and show you guys what I come up with.

Thanks for the graphic James. However, my name is Brook J. Alongi. Jalongi sounds cool though. :D
 
I think that a maker should include their name in their maker's mark. I've seen way too many times where a person is trying to find who made a knife by posting a photo of a maker's mark with no name. Most of the time these knives go unidentified.
 
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