What materials do collectors prefer?

Salem, good ideas about defining the verticals and horizontal. You can use that model to slice and dice the segments any way that helps you understand what to do to your product to reach the target customer.
 
Very well said Salem! :)

Mark, thanks for adding that.... it's a great idea for other people to consider. I know it's worked well for me. :)

I hope no one misinterprets my first post. Quality materials are of course important... But I was trying to give Patrice a little boost to continue focusing and progressing on his designs and construction, and not allow himself to be consumed with worry over materials.

There's a very short list of things that most all of MY customers (so this is real experience and not just theory) would simply NOT WANT...

Giraffe bone--- I couldn't really give you a concrete reason. I just know it's become pretty much hated.

Brass---- A lot of folks, myself included, like brass.... it's the green tarnish that turns many away. And even the people who like it, often stay away from it with resale value in mind. Personally, one of my favorite combinations is a clean carbon steel blade, polished brass guard, and elk antler handle.... But I would not build a knife made of those unless it was for myself or an actual order.

Dymondwood

Purpleheart and similar, very plain woods.

I think that pretty much covers it Patrice. ;) :D
 
NickWheeler said:
There's a very short list of things that most all of MY customers (so this is real experience and not just theory) would simply NOT WANT...
Dymondwood

Purpleheart and similar, very plain woods.
Click to expand...

FWIW, I agree on these points.
 
Mark, thanks for presenting another point of view.

Greg, I appreciate you trying to complicate things for me. ;)

Salem, I appreciate the good words and the confidence you have in me. (More than I have at times believe me ;)) But don't worry, I'll still build what my sometimes “different” mids comes up with. But I want it to have a certain appeal to others than just me. I sure hope that the person buying one of my knives would do so because he liked the whole package or my “style” if you want but I don't want to use the more frowned upon materials. Like I told Nick, I don't think have the "pull" with buyers to make them overlook choosing those material and I may never have it.
So I am not looking for materials to dictate what I make but, once I have the specs I need in mind, find the material that fits those specs AND is most sought after. All this of course considering my limitations, budget and expertise wise.

Tanks again for all the input guys.

PS: I wrote this before I saw your post Nick, thanks for the no-no list. You guys made me realize that it's mainly what I was after. :)
 
You can have a pretty terrific piece of work but poor materials will dramaticaly restrict its sale and value. The truth is it may be a "sow's ear" but covered in gold it becomes a special "sow's ear" and has a very large increased value. Let the materials suit the knife to be made. Frank
 
markb said:
I don't understand the aversion to brass, bronze is OK?
Click to expand...

Brass is just plain ugly. There, I said it! The more you polish it, the more it looks like a cheap imitation of gold. It scratches and turns green if you look at it funny, and also happens to be costly, heavy and mess with a knife's balance. I've never used bronze, but I do know it at least takes a patina in a cool-looking way.

Again, I'm not a collector, these are just my opinions as a maker and user.

I can confirm Mark's point about customers picking handle material; I recently had three jobs where the client supplied the stabilized wood. I'm pretty sure the wood all came from Mark, actually. One had a flaw/void in it that needed fixing, but that's no one's fault; it just happens sometimes with burls. In other cases, clients have chosen the G10 or micarta they wanted from suppliers/links I provided them, and had it sent to me.

The point is, the clients picked out what they liked, and that builds their confidence and pride in the final product. It also takes pressure off of me, and saved me some hassle. Win-win situation :thumbup:
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top