Who is this guy

R

RobertHankins

Joined
Jun 10, 2001
Messages
1,385
As a collector.
What do you look for in a Maker?
This is NOT about his work.

Before you plunk down that hard earned $

What questions do you ask yourself when you are on the other side of the table?
 
I'm not the best person to answer this question, but I will give it shot. Currently I'm waiting on my first custom knife as we speak, and I can only tell you about my experience. I happened to find a custom knife maker locally, so I was able to visit his shop, a big plus in my mind. I was looking for an honest person in addition to a craftsman, it turns out he is a member of the Knifemakers Guild, ( a plus, but not necessary)so he measures up to their standards. Other than that I just kind of went with my feelings, did he come across as a prima dona? Did I feel as if I was receiving the "Bums Rush"? Was it obvious I was being Bull$hitted? Was he knowledgable about various blade steels and handle materials? The most important consideration was honesty in dealing with me. I can put up with an A$$hole to a point, there are a lot of great makers out there, I won't put up with too much crap from a maker, but they may of had a bad day when we met. This is just some of the things that went through my mind as I discussed my order with him, again I'm probably not the most qualified person to feild this question, but it gives you a custom knife newbie's perspective.
 
I look at the maker as a person first and his work next.
It seems a good person turns out great knives and will be around for a long time. A maker with a bad maner is usually gone pretty quick.
The same goes for all of us in any buss. You can't always meet the man face to face but there are phones and e mail. That will give you a good look at someone. I must admit once I bought a knife and then met the maker. I don't have that knife anymore. All in all I belive 99% of the makers are real good folks. Take Carson,Broadwell,Ralph, Moran and others like them. These guys turn out HQ knives and are good folks. They talk to everyone like they are people no matter what they do for a living or how much money they have. I like that. We all know these guy have tons of people after thier knives. A lesser man would get a big head and would not have the time of day for regular old folks like me. As far as what material to use and how to build the knife I always ask the maker am I crazy and if so what do we need to change so the knife comes out right. Now with some makers if you want to have some fun just say build me that knife no one ever ordered but you always wanted to build. Talk about being knocked down when you open the box. To much fun.
 
I look for BladeForum members, because you can interact with them. That to me is the biggest advantage of being here. In most cases this works out great when you're dealing with friends. I do know and work with makers that aren't regulars here, but they are the exception. If you're not dealing with the makers here I think you're really missing the point. :rolleyes:
 
I have to agree with you PhiL up to a point. The maker I have an order with doesn't have a presence here at Bladeforums( I'm trying to change that), but I was able to drive across town and talk to him face to face. This made a big difference to ME, if I was going to order something strictly over the net/phone, then I would follow your advice. This place is a great resource for buying both Custom and Production knives. You can get to know the makers, and see several pictures of their work that may not be on their website.
 
I ordered my first custom about 2 months ago. Officially, have a 7-years wait, but am assured it probably won't be near that long. I just sort of tried to order a knife via e-mail a few minutes ago. Am not certain it will work.

In both instances, I think the personality of the maker played the largest part in my decision to order. I also really like all the work by one of the makers, and much of the work of the other. I don't think I'd order a knife I really didn't like, just because I liked the maker so much, but suppose it is possible.

The forums are a good place to learn about a maker. The second maker has a presence here. I think it provides one a very good look at the man's character, which I admire greatly. I agree with an above post that most makers are good people. But, there are prima donnas/a&^holes everywhere. I would have to say that participation in the forums by makers has caused me to rule most "in" as possible makers from whom to order. But, it has also convinced me that I don't think I want to do business with a few others -- even if I really like their knives.

I realize that makers can't become bosom buddies with every customer. There simply isn't enough time. But, I know that I can have/develop a satisfying correspondence with both the makers via e-mail. I am convinced that both are extremely honest, honorable, and "good" guys. I'm not going to be buying enough customs to bother buying one from somebody who's personality I find abrasive, however good his/her knives may be.
 
Thanks for your input.
Personally I find that if i am having a bad day I stay out of the shop.
How relevant is that? If you are concetrating on someother situation instead of the one at hand, your work will suffer.
You are right a makers personality and attitude will show up in his work.
So for the most part the good guys win in this business.
 
Values, values, values.

If they are the same as mine, I don't hesitate. After reading Ed Fowler's book, and watching his video, I feel like I have sat around his kitchen table talking to him for hours. He shares my values, what can I say?

I'm saving my money. Yes, I still do business sight unseen based upon the strength of someone's character. When I have saved enough, he'll get my check and I'll wait until he says it's ready.

I'm sure that there are other makers of similar quality also.
 
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