TomW, I can see your point. I have seen a couple of the "what do you think of this" threads turn into "okay, just drop an email and we'll get you set up with your custom knife options" (unless I am misunderstanding, of course). OTOH, if you know that is the content of most of Lynn's posts on the general forum, then just don't bother reading them! Simple solution! The people who run the forums obviously don't think Lynn is stepping out of bounds, and it's their call, not ours.
I think Lynn is being smart and gaining general opinion before he invests in materials, styles, etc. If he knows they will probably be a big hit to begin with, them he's one step ahead of the guy that fails to learn about his market. Market education (or lack of it) is one of the main reasons businesses fail, so I think Lynn is being pretty savvy.
Bladeforums has two types of people on it when it comes to knifemakers. The first are newbies who have to promote their own stuff. I fall into this category, I think Lynn does too, and there are others. After a while, less self-promotion occurs and more customers start reviewing the products, saying nice things, etc, and before you know it voila! You have mail!
I have had half a dozen sheath inquiries in the last week and I have simmered down a lot on the promoting I do of my own business. Go figure. In any case, Lynn hasn't overstepped the boundaries, and if his posts serve to reel in customers, then that's fine, too, because I hear he has a great reputation for making sweet knives.
Lynn, if you're reading this, too, I need to get with you and see what the possibilities are of having a MNK sent to me for a small fixed blade test I am doing. I'll send the knife back, too, of course when testing is done (unless I decide to buy it!
).
Now, on to the answer to the question of material colors... for synthetics, you obviously have to have the black and white covered. Blue is a good addition, too. Maroon micarta is gorgeous stuff, and I am experimenting with some rag Micarta that at this point in the game could go either way.
Carbon fiber is a good choice, too. I think you should add tan canvas Micarta to the list, as it looks like an old Fender tweed amp covering, which is way cool!
Getting some wood in for people who like the knives but aren't fans of synthetics would be smart, too.
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My Custom Kydex Sheath page:
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Palmer College of Chiropractic
On Two Wheels
agocs_s@dd.palmer.edu
Madpoet (Mel Sorg, Jr.) Tribute page:
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