Do you guys/gals...

Keith Montgomery

Keith Montgomery

Joined
May 9, 2000
Messages
29,205
...like to have makers stick to what they know well, or do you prefer to like to let them try new things? I am finding that if a maker is wanting to, that I am more than happy to have them try new things. I enjoy giving makers a chance to make a pattern welded steel they have never made before, or a Michael Price style all silver sheath, or to forge S-30V. The reason for this is that I feel it gives them the chance to build their skills, opening up new opportunities for them in the future.
 
I really like tho have them try new things.

I have not been collecting for very long, and now that I am into customs, I find that the knives that I want the most are from makers with pretty long waiting periods. On way to shortenthat period is to discuss with the maker the idea that he do something new or unusual for him. I try to get their input on designs, asking how they would modify an idea. Often that will pique their interest enough to get them to really want to give the idea a try, often so that they can take the knife to a show. I have had several "collaborations" with makers that way, and some of my favorite knives have been the result. I love looking at my knives and thinking that I had somnething small to do with their design.

Of course, on the other hand, occasionally I will se a knife design that seems so amazingly cool to me that I just have to have one like it. I might specify the scale or bolster material, but the basic design of the knife is just something that I have to have.
 
I like to turn makers loose on new & different things - provided that it's something they're actually interested in doing and that the pre-requisite skills are present. That said, I probably wouldn't talk to a stock-removal specialist if I wanted a mosaic damascus piece. But pushing someone in a slightly different direction can be a rewarding experience.
 
If I'm fairly confident the maker isn't stepping way out of their league or degree of specialty, then I'm more than happy to converse on new ideas for makers to try. I haven't had too much experience with this yet but that is how I would approach it.
 
One of the questions I usually ask of a maker when my name gets to the top of the order list is: "What do you feel like making, is there anything that you've been wanting to try?" There isn't much sense in pushing a maker very far from his/her field, but exploring the boundaries a bit can be very rewarding for us both.

Roger
 
One day I asked Don Hanson if he could recreate his version of a Rapala filet knife, a tool I used to use frequently as a youth when I had more time for fishing. His knife was a work of genius, even though I had never seen Don do one before. It was incredible fun for me, and I hope Don enjoyed himself too. I therefore heartily recommend asking for something different from your favorite smith!
 
I find it's better if the chef cooks what he wants...

-Michael
 
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