I don't much care for some of the stuff that goes on over at the Custom Knife Forum and try to pretty much ignore it. All you have to do is look at the number of members and guests viewing each forum and then decide where you want to show your work. A few minutes ago there was one person (me) viewing the Makers Gallery and 52 viewing the Custom Knife Forum.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Why don't you post in the Custom sub-forum?
- Thread starter NickWheeler
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2006
- Messages
- 1,652
A lot of that is also fault of the forums front page too though. The maker's gallery is NOT linked from the front page, and unless you know it's there, there's no way to find it without clicking through other links first and spotting it.
Adding a link to it from the main bladeforums page would go a LONG ways to making it more useful.
Adding a link to it from the main bladeforums page would go a LONG ways to making it more useful.
- Joined
- Dec 3, 1999
- Messages
- 9,437
I just posted in that thread, I hope some of you read it and JUST THINK about what I tried to say.
Everybody starts somewhere... I think it's personal desire and motivation that determines where you take this.
I am sure there are thousands of guys dinking around in their garage that honestly could NOT CARE LESS about ever being well known in knife cirlces or a common name in collectors' conversations. Some don't even care if they ever get a single penny for their work... it means more to them to give it away.
Should that guy give a $hit what is going on in the Custom Forum? Nope. And that is perfectly fine!!!
But what if you are like the Todd Begg I met 8 years ago at a small show in Tacoma, WA??? A guy that could make a good, solid knife, but hadn't found his true niche yet.... But... a guy that had the desire and grit to get to the top... Todd stuck his neck out, took good heat and bad heat and just kept growing. Now he commonly gets work published in the magazines, sells everything he can make... hell, he even had the cover of Blade recently.
Should the guy that wants to take it to that kind of level pay attention to what high end collectors like, don't like...and such? I sure as hell think so. Do you have to do it via Bladeforums? Nope? Can you get some insight as to what they want here? Yep.
Do you have to? No. Just like one of my college professors used to say, "The only thing you have to do, is die and stink. And not necessarrily in that order!"
It's just like TV... you change the channel if you don't like it. If you see some guy that you think is just a giant ass... ignore him or at least don't let his posts get to you.
It's never all Koombaya. I've gotten plenty of calls from collectors that went something like, "I'm looking at this knife you posted. What the hell were you thinking?!?!?!"
Did I like that? NO! Did it piss me off? Kind of! Did I cool down, remove some of my ego from the equation, and ask myself if there maybe was something that could have made it better? Yea.
If you can make a clean knife that will garner appreciation for its aesthetic appeal and solid construction, people will notice. Whether you really care... well, that's up to you.
Should YOU really give a $hit what I think??? NOPE!!!!
Everybody starts somewhere... I think it's personal desire and motivation that determines where you take this.
I am sure there are thousands of guys dinking around in their garage that honestly could NOT CARE LESS about ever being well known in knife cirlces or a common name in collectors' conversations. Some don't even care if they ever get a single penny for their work... it means more to them to give it away.
Should that guy give a $hit what is going on in the Custom Forum? Nope. And that is perfectly fine!!!
But what if you are like the Todd Begg I met 8 years ago at a small show in Tacoma, WA??? A guy that could make a good, solid knife, but hadn't found his true niche yet.... But... a guy that had the desire and grit to get to the top... Todd stuck his neck out, took good heat and bad heat and just kept growing. Now he commonly gets work published in the magazines, sells everything he can make... hell, he even had the cover of Blade recently.
Should the guy that wants to take it to that kind of level pay attention to what high end collectors like, don't like...and such? I sure as hell think so. Do you have to do it via Bladeforums? Nope? Can you get some insight as to what they want here? Yep.
Do you have to? No. Just like one of my college professors used to say, "The only thing you have to do, is die and stink. And not necessarrily in that order!"
It's just like TV... you change the channel if you don't like it. If you see some guy that you think is just a giant ass... ignore him or at least don't let his posts get to you.
It's never all Koombaya. I've gotten plenty of calls from collectors that went something like, "I'm looking at this knife you posted. What the hell were you thinking?!?!?!"
Did I like that? NO! Did it piss me off? Kind of! Did I cool down, remove some of my ego from the equation, and ask myself if there maybe was something that could have made it better? Yea.
If you can make a clean knife that will garner appreciation for its aesthetic appeal and solid construction, people will notice. Whether you really care... well, that's up to you.
Should YOU really give a $hit what I think??? NOPE!!!!
- Joined
- May 27, 2003
- Messages
- 456
David,
As just the wife, perhaps my thoughts carry little weight....but I am intimately involved in our BUSINESS. Todd has been full time for 5 yrs now and its our primary source of income. You made some really excellent and valid points in the other thread, but limiting yourself to just other knifemakers is not wise. From the perspective of getting pointers on how to improve your skill set, or learn a new technique...that is fine. However, it is not other knifemakers that put food on my table and keeps my lights on. Its the collector. This board is dominated by forgers and collectors of forged knives. This will not stop me from posting our knives and trying to introduce Todd's work here. I have no doubt that he will not always receive praise or encouragement for every knife, but he will gain insight into what the BUYERS want.
I understand that it can be intimidating to put your work out there and have someone be less than complimentary......but you can gain something from even those. There will be times that you will have to ignore, or take with a huge grain of salt, a particular criticism. Developing thicker skin is a must for any beginner. Todd is still a newbie, and holds his breath every time I post a new knife. Todd's work really started to improve, and thus our sales, when a local collector who lives in our area spent some time pointing out all the flaws in Todd's knives, and all the things he looks for in every knife he is considering for purchase.
Todd makes knives because he LOVES THEM, and if just pleasing himself was all that mattered, then we would have shelves full of knives. But, I don't have a single finished knife sitting on a shelf, and praise be to God, we have not had a show in three years where we didn't sell everything we took. Why? because some very harsh critics pointed out flaws. Other knifemakers can help you with construction, fit and finish......but only collectors can tell you what they will buy from you. Impressing other makers will only get you so far.....you gotta blow the socks off the COLLECTOR, if you plan on making a living at this....
We were once given some advice early on that I will share .....find successful knifemakers who are where you want to be and emulate their business model and attitudes.
Tanya begg
As just the wife, perhaps my thoughts carry little weight....but I am intimately involved in our BUSINESS. Todd has been full time for 5 yrs now and its our primary source of income. You made some really excellent and valid points in the other thread, but limiting yourself to just other knifemakers is not wise. From the perspective of getting pointers on how to improve your skill set, or learn a new technique...that is fine. However, it is not other knifemakers that put food on my table and keeps my lights on. Its the collector. This board is dominated by forgers and collectors of forged knives. This will not stop me from posting our knives and trying to introduce Todd's work here. I have no doubt that he will not always receive praise or encouragement for every knife, but he will gain insight into what the BUYERS want.
I understand that it can be intimidating to put your work out there and have someone be less than complimentary......but you can gain something from even those. There will be times that you will have to ignore, or take with a huge grain of salt, a particular criticism. Developing thicker skin is a must for any beginner. Todd is still a newbie, and holds his breath every time I post a new knife. Todd's work really started to improve, and thus our sales, when a local collector who lives in our area spent some time pointing out all the flaws in Todd's knives, and all the things he looks for in every knife he is considering for purchase.
Todd makes knives because he LOVES THEM, and if just pleasing himself was all that mattered, then we would have shelves full of knives. But, I don't have a single finished knife sitting on a shelf, and praise be to God, we have not had a show in three years where we didn't sell everything we took. Why? because some very harsh critics pointed out flaws. Other knifemakers can help you with construction, fit and finish......but only collectors can tell you what they will buy from you. Impressing other makers will only get you so far.....you gotta blow the socks off the COLLECTOR, if you plan on making a living at this....
We were once given some advice early on that I will share .....find successful knifemakers who are where you want to be and emulate their business model and attitudes.
Tanya begg
- Joined
- Dec 3, 1999
- Messages
- 9,437
Kind of ironic that Tonya posted what she did at the same time I was posting about her hubby.... but very fitting
VERY WELL SAID Miss Tonya!!!
:thumbup:
FWIW- I know there are a great deal of stock-removal collectors that hang out over there, they are just less vocal. Maybe it takes more vocal collectors for us meat-head steel pounders 
VERY WELL SAID Miss Tonya!!!
:thumbup:FWIW- I know there are a great deal of stock-removal collectors that hang out over there, they are just less vocal. Maybe it takes more vocal collectors for us meat-head steel pounders
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 3,148
Well said, Mrs. Begg. Your husband has a great advocate in his corner.
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2001
- Messages
- 6,648
Tanya, you make good points. The operative word is "business". When you rely on knifemaking for food money, then you make what will move quickly with the sure market, the "Collectors". That means that whether each actually knows whazzup or not, you are forced to patiently listen and court their approval. Good business and a fulltime maker, better learn the right ropes to pull. The same goes for those seeking fame. Nick's point regarding goals was an important discernment.
For those who make knives for fun and only modest return, more as a labor of love than anything else, dealing with the drama queens and manipulators may simply not be worth the effort to sift through to the really helpful collectors. There're very helpful, accomplished knifemakers who know the market and critique a knife, too.
Now, the disclaimer: I got sick of selling knives back in the early 90's, and quit. I'd rather make 'em for my satisfaction and give them away to someone who'll cherish it. Knifemaking as a business was not for me. It made my life a lot easier 'cuz then I can say and do as I please. So take all I said as being filtered through a jaundiced attitude.
For those who make knives for fun and only modest return, more as a labor of love than anything else, dealing with the drama queens and manipulators may simply not be worth the effort to sift through to the really helpful collectors. There're very helpful, accomplished knifemakers who know the market and critique a knife, too.
Now, the disclaimer: I got sick of selling knives back in the early 90's, and quit. I'd rather make 'em for my satisfaction and give them away to someone who'll cherish it. Knifemaking as a business was not for me. It made my life a lot easier 'cuz then I can say and do as I please. So take all I said as being filtered through a jaundiced attitude.
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 3,148
What you are describing is a hobbyist. I try not to collect knives made by hobbyists. They tend to depreciate in value rather quickly.
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2001
- Messages
- 6,648
That is an important distinction, B&B. To you, as a collector, it is about the mix of both knives and money.
My entire point is that, for the person who's making and selling knives as even an extremely serious hobby, perhaps they need to step back and make a decision about whether they desire to put up with the possible peculiarities of dealing with people who buy knives with a profit motive.
Nothing against that market, but one must decide what they want out of knifemaking. If one is selling every knife they make for the price they desire as a hobbyist, then I'm simply suggesting that they may want to carefully consider whether they want to be subjected to some of the subjective criticisms visible in the Custom forum.
This thread, in the Knifemaking forum, is about why people don't post in the Custom forum. I am simply offering a perspective.
I don't feel at all demeaned by being a "mere hobbyist". I fully realized long ago that has virtually nothing to necessarily do with skill levels. And skills and knowledge are all that matter to me.
As for the aftermarket, it means literally nothing to me, and perhaps shouldn't to the majority of hobbyist knifemakers. People can get caught up in the selling side as a sign of "validation", and only later realize it's not what they really wanted after all. It's not always about the money. Some folks are just trying to find out if what they're making is going in the right direction as a knifemaker, not a businessman.
My entire point is that, for the person who's making and selling knives as even an extremely serious hobby, perhaps they need to step back and make a decision about whether they desire to put up with the possible peculiarities of dealing with people who buy knives with a profit motive.
Nothing against that market, but one must decide what they want out of knifemaking. If one is selling every knife they make for the price they desire as a hobbyist, then I'm simply suggesting that they may want to carefully consider whether they want to be subjected to some of the subjective criticisms visible in the Custom forum.
This thread, in the Knifemaking forum, is about why people don't post in the Custom forum. I am simply offering a perspective.
I don't feel at all demeaned by being a "mere hobbyist". I fully realized long ago that has virtually nothing to necessarily do with skill levels. And skills and knowledge are all that matter to me.
As for the aftermarket, it means literally nothing to me, and perhaps shouldn't to the majority of hobbyist knifemakers. People can get caught up in the selling side as a sign of "validation", and only later realize it's not what they really wanted after all. It's not always about the money. Some folks are just trying to find out if what they're making is going in the right direction as a knifemaker, not a businessman.
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 3,148
Most collectors are happy to buy knives whose values rise with the cost of living or the CPI. I know very few collectors who are actually profitable. If you factor in the time spent on this forum, none of us are making a profit with this hobby.
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.
- Joined
- May 27, 2003
- Messages
- 456
Hobbyist should also not put up pics in a collector dominated forum, who collect for investment, without risking having their heads handed to them on silver platters.
There is a huge difference between the hobbyist and the full time maker who's bread and butter comes from the sale of his knives. Mr. Fitzgerald, I respectfully take exception to the implication that a full time maker is at the mercy of collectors who don't know whazzup. There is without a doubt, those in existence, and they are in every venue of life. The self appointed experts who really don't have a clue. Besides having thick skin, you gotta have selective hearing/reading abilities too. However, my point in listening to those who are KNOWLEDGEABLE, however harsh and blunt their critique, is what has allowed Todd to improve. The quality of your work and the standards by which it is judged doesn't change based on your status as part time or full time.
As I understand the problem, and maybe I don't.....makers don't post frequently in the custom area because it can get dicey and a handful of people who pride themselves as the self appointed "contrarians" I believe is the word used, scare the crap out of them or get beaten up. Well, every maker has got to decide for themselves if its worth the trial by fire or not. We consider it part of the "dues paying" process. We also know, sifting through all the comments, there will definitely be things that will help Todd....and his ultimate goal is to be A SUPERIOR maker......who keeps his wife happy by paying the bills!!!!
Just an FYI, for what its worth,some time back, STeven did not particularly like Todd's work, thought it was over priced and exchanged several emails with me pointing out quite clearly why he thought so. It really pissed me off. Todd and I however, engaged in dialog with him, agreed to disagree and a few months later he bought a folder from us. I respect STeven, I respect his opinions, I don't always think he is right and I know he can come across as a jerk, he knows too....but that doesn't stop us from hearing what he has to say and discarding whatever we feel is not conducive to our success.
I encourage all the makers who are full time or hobbyist to post in the Custom area.....if you can take the heat, you will grow, period.
Tanya Begg
There is a huge difference between the hobbyist and the full time maker who's bread and butter comes from the sale of his knives. Mr. Fitzgerald, I respectfully take exception to the implication that a full time maker is at the mercy of collectors who don't know whazzup. There is without a doubt, those in existence, and they are in every venue of life. The self appointed experts who really don't have a clue. Besides having thick skin, you gotta have selective hearing/reading abilities too. However, my point in listening to those who are KNOWLEDGEABLE, however harsh and blunt their critique, is what has allowed Todd to improve. The quality of your work and the standards by which it is judged doesn't change based on your status as part time or full time.
As I understand the problem, and maybe I don't.....makers don't post frequently in the custom area because it can get dicey and a handful of people who pride themselves as the self appointed "contrarians" I believe is the word used, scare the crap out of them or get beaten up. Well, every maker has got to decide for themselves if its worth the trial by fire or not. We consider it part of the "dues paying" process. We also know, sifting through all the comments, there will definitely be things that will help Todd....and his ultimate goal is to be A SUPERIOR maker......who keeps his wife happy by paying the bills!!!!
Just an FYI, for what its worth,some time back, STeven did not particularly like Todd's work, thought it was over priced and exchanged several emails with me pointing out quite clearly why he thought so. It really pissed me off. Todd and I however, engaged in dialog with him, agreed to disagree and a few months later he bought a folder from us. I respect STeven, I respect his opinions, I don't always think he is right and I know he can come across as a jerk, he knows too....but that doesn't stop us from hearing what he has to say and discarding whatever we feel is not conducive to our success.
I encourage all the makers who are full time or hobbyist to post in the Custom area.....if you can take the heat, you will grow, period.
Tanya Begg
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2001
- Messages
- 6,648
Tanya, I didn't say you were at the mercy of collectors who didn't know "whazzup". I said businessperson knifemakers have to patiently allow them their "advice", at least the first time. The wheat starts out mixed in with the chaff. Which kernels you end up choosing can only happen after the harvest is gathered.
If I was unclear with my wording, then I apologize. Hopefully my intent is clearer now.
I'm certainly not influenced by any of this, other than as a member of BF, and thus perhaps should not have spoken. But some of the arrogant statements made in the Custom forum by those you say need to be ignored "while seeking the wheat kernels inside" got the better of me. My failing, and why the business of knifemaking is not for me.
I will leave it at that.
B&B, we have different approaches to it all. I have a modest bunch of knives, perhaps $30-40k which I've purchased over the last 30 years. Their monetary value has never been important to me, they are simply my "little preciouses". I've never sold nor traded one. Someday, someone somewhere will be chopping cabbage with their $5 estate sale knife, wondering who Jerry Rados or TZ was, or enjoying how well that Joe Kious guy's folder cleans under their nails. Different strokes. There's a certain irony to it.
Probably best I don't get involved further in something that really doesn't effect my life. Everyone should do what makes them happy. I shouldn't have allowed a couple arrogant, pompous statements to find a thin area in my skin on the Custom forum. Apologies for any feathers I ruffled.
If I was unclear with my wording, then I apologize. Hopefully my intent is clearer now.
I'm certainly not influenced by any of this, other than as a member of BF, and thus perhaps should not have spoken. But some of the arrogant statements made in the Custom forum by those you say need to be ignored "while seeking the wheat kernels inside" got the better of me. My failing, and why the business of knifemaking is not for me.
I will leave it at that.
B&B, we have different approaches to it all.
I have a modest bunch of knives, perhaps $30-40k which I've purchased over the last 30 years. Their monetary value has never been important to me, they are simply my "little preciouses". I've never sold nor traded one. Someday, someone somewhere will be chopping cabbage with their $5 estate sale knife, wondering who Jerry Rados or TZ was, or enjoying how well that Joe Kious guy's folder cleans under their nails. Different strokes. There's a certain irony to it.Probably best I don't get involved further in something that really doesn't effect my life. Everyone should do what makes them happy. I shouldn't have allowed a couple arrogant, pompous statements to find a thin area in my skin on the Custom forum. Apologies for any feathers I ruffled.
- Joined
- Dec 3, 1999
- Messages
- 9,437
Mike-
Even if you were not a friend, I would make it very clear that I love your posts and am sad that, more and more, they are becoming a rare occurence (even though I do understand why!)
You have a very strong command of our language and have a way with words that always paints a picture I can appreciate. I took what you posted as you intended it.
Definitely NO NEED for any apology.
Even if you were not a friend, I would make it very clear that I love your posts and am sad that, more and more, they are becoming a rare occurence (even though I do understand why!)
You have a very strong command of our language and have a way with words that always paints a picture I can appreciate. I took what you posted as you intended it.
Definitely NO NEED for any apology.
- Joined
- May 9, 2000
- Messages
- 29,205
I certainly have no objection. It would be great to see photos of your knives over in the custom forum.
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2002
- Messages
- 1,398
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!.
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!
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!.
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!
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2001
- Messages
- 6,648
....and if anyone doesn't like what I said - well just go tell me to piss up a rope and stand under it!
At your age, you can still piss UP that far? WOW.
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2002
- Messages
- 1,398
fitz - yep that's ONE thing I still am capable - of!At your age, you can still piss UP that far? WOW.
BTW - just downloaded Electric Lady land and as the joker said to the thief...."There must be some way out of here,There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief." :thumbup: