Anthony,
When I look at knives I look at value for the money. I have always done this and will continue to do so.
When you buy a knife you buy what you like and don't worry about the consequences. That is how is should be.
My reality, is that every day I talk to people who are irritated that they bought the knife that they did. Mind you, no one held a gun to their head. But as men, our pride in knowing what is and what is not a good anything at time superseeds rational thought.
Consequently, we talk ourselves into knives at times that, because we think we know whats what, we purchase them. Only to realize that when we go to sell these knives that we were the only one who really loved the knife.
While that should not be a big deal, the reality is it is. Most of us are not independantly wealthy. When we put $200 or $300 into a knife only to find out it is not worth that on the aftermarket, both our pride and wallet are hurt.
Anthony, I have never met Ryan, I have never handled his knives. Im sure he is a great guy and a gifted pistol smith. However, his ability as a pistol smith gives him no credibility in custom knives. It's just a statement of fact.
Reputation is one of the factors that figures into the desireablity equation in the after market. At this point he has none. Doesn't mean he can't get one.
Anthony, I think you would agree that the makers I listed earlier in the thread would be more well known in knife circles than Ryan. Not because the make a better knife, but because they have name recognition. Again, it does not mean that Ryan will not achive this should he decide to continue with custom knives.
Buck tried to have a custom knife shop. It was unsuccessful. Scattergun tried a project with Bob Terzuola, it as well was unsuccessful. Most of the gun manufacturers who have become involved with knives do so at the factory level. HK, Colt, Berretta, Smith and Wesson, etc. They do this because they understand for the most part that gun people are gun people and knife people are knife people. This does not mean that there is not cross over.
In addition to being a custom knife dealer, I also have a Federal Firearms License. Most of the firearms I have gotten in the last few years have been gun people trading for custom knives. So I know the cross over exsists.
As for your comment about a hefty discount overiding my problems with his designs. I thought you knew me better than that. Money is not my motivating factor. If it was, I could make a lot more of it doing something else. I know you didnt mean it that way, but please do not insult me like that in the future.
As you say Im sure his knives will get better. If you ever have one or can point me to one at a show I would love to look at it.
Anthony, thanks for the post.
Les
forgive me once again.
