I probably should just keep my mouth shut, but....
While the collectors represented on the Custom forum can be important to knife makers remember the "custom knife" world as represented "there", in Blade, etc. is not the only game in town - if you think so, just ask yourself why great makers such as Jerry Fisk (and Jerry is just one example) are actively seeking other venues for their work even though they have several years back logs with custom collectors....
Who am I to speak? FWIW -
1) I've not only been selling my craft for 40 years - knives, sheaths, and other leather, but I've been involved in a couple of different big bucks collector's markets over the years (high end custom guns, both modern and muzzle loading, and the antique "cowboy" market - both of which in most cases involve much higher dollar amounts, 4-6 figures are normal, than the general custom knife market.
2) Selling my craft has been our ONLY source of income now for the last ten years and business is booming - I have 3 times as much work this year as I did over the last five and if I could figure out some way to clone myself it would be 3 to 5 times that (yes I am actually turning down work!)

3) After suffering a debilitating neck/back injury in 1982 (the reason I only forge out a couple of blades or so per year now and instead prefer working in collaboration with other fine bladesmiths doing the fittings and handles as well as the sheaths and/or displays), I spent 16 years as a small business manager while also working at my craft - thankfully and hopefully in part because of me none of the businesses failed...
As for some of the frankly rude and IMO uncalled for arrogant comments in the Custom Forum - as my momma used to say you can catch just as many flies with honey as you can with poop - and honey smells a whole lot better.
The so-called "unvarnished truth" does not need to be rude or condescending and some of the comments over there are just that. And no I'm NOT saying we should all be Kumbaya all the time and never offer a critique - but remember in most case critiques are colored by the commenters own set of perceptions and prejudices, often a narrowly defined set, so it's best to view any and all comments in that light. It's rather my concern that those rude/condescending comments can in fact be counter productive to both makers and collectors. It's not only that they can unnecessarily upset/PO/turn off some very fine folks/artisans, many who just might be "famous" one day, but they also can lead (and I've seen it before both with knives as well as in other "arts") to a stifling of creativity and growth in the makers....there are imitators and there are innovators - again there's nothing wrong with either one, but I know which one I would rather be and you don't have to lose by being "outside" the so-called mainstream - it can be a harder road to follow, but for me at least it is all worth while. Worthwhile for me is being able to do what keeps me fulfilled rather than just selling to the market, which in my experience has often led to burn out of some very fine makers - again I'm not passing judgment on any one else - different strokes and all that. If it wasn't worthwhile I could sure find a whole lot "easier" ways to make a living and then like fitzo become a "hobbyist" and enjoy what I do without the business pressures and some days I really wish I had that luxury!.
I just don't want to lose my ass, either.
Note the large collection being sold by Nordic currently. Great knives, mostly by makers whose fame has long since passed are being sold for pennies on the dollar. That really doesn't help anyone except the collector interested in such historical placemarkers (like myself) or the dealer who is happy to cash in the collection for a fraction of its original purchase price.
Like most people, I don't have money to flush down the toilet. If I am going to enjoy the hobby of collecting handmade knives, it will be buying knives that myself or my heirs will able to sell without deep regret about their purchase.
With respect ---might I ask what guarantee is there that the knives you collect from todays makers won't wind up in the same situation as those great knives made by the no longer famous.....anyone that thinks that such a guarantee is life long or longer just may be fooling themselves? no matter who says they're guaranteed to retain their value.....second if the new makers aren't supported/encouraged (and most of the best of the best in today's market started out much the same as today's new makers - as part timer/hobbyists) then where will the custom knife market be in a few years down the road......something to ponder I hope
as always others mileage WILL vary.......and if anyone doesn't like what I said - well just go tell me to piss up a rope and stand under it!
