Fantasy Knife and Design Resources

B

BizzoDoes

Joined
Nov 27, 2018
Messages
4
Hi Guys,

I'm new here, so apologies if this is in the wrong place.
I've been interested in knives for a while now, and have started collecting. It's a little difficult being in the UK to collect knives without them looking "samey", so I've decided to make my own. Not necessarily functional, as I don't have access to any kind of forge, but I do have a couple of "Opinel Mods" in progress, and I'm thinking of looking into fantasy knives.
So just wondering if anyone recommends any books or online resources that may help me.
I've done many searches in Google, Pinterest, Instagram, etc., but I'd prefer an offline resource.
I know there are a reference books listed in the resources section here, in fact I have a couple of them, so just looking for any fantasy types, or just some "out there" designs.

Thanks all.
 
First, I think you need to define "fantasy knife" for yourself. In pop-culture, fantasy really covers a wide variety of genres...
- Heroic fantasy (Lord of the Rings, elves and goblins, etc)
- Sci-Fi fantasy (Predator movies, Klingons, etc.)
- Ancient (Conann, Egyptian, Greco-Roman)
- Tactical/Military (Big Rambo knives and such)

Ask 10 different people what a 'fantasy knife' should look like, and you'll likely get 10 different answers. And there's nothing to say you can't reference and combine them all together. I'd personally start by looking at general fantasy artists like Luis Royo, Boris Vallejo,Frank Frazetta, Geiger, and such. All have vastly different styles, but will be good reference points to jump off from.
 
jaseman said:
First, I think you need to define "fantasy knife" for yourself. In pop-culture, fantasy really covers a wide variety of genres...
- Heroic fantasy (Lord of the Rings, elves and goblins, etc)
- Sci-Fi fantasy (Predator movies, Klingons, etc.)
- Ancient (Conann, Egyptian, Greco-Roman)
- Tactical/Military (Big Rambo knives and such)

Ask 10 different people what a 'fantasy knife' should look like, and you'll likely get 10 different answers. And there's nothing to say you can't reference and combine them all together. I'd personally start by looking at general fantasy artists like Luis Royo, Boris Vallejo,Frank Frazetta, Geiger, and such. All have vastly different styles, but will be good reference points to jump off from.
Click to expand...

Why?

He hasn't been able to find fantasy knives that look cool and unique, so he's making his own. Why should he care what other peoples' idea of a "fantasy knife" is, you know? Or what the "definition" is?

I say just run with whatever is in your head, Bizzo. :thumbsup:
 
Why? Because he asked for ideas and suggestions.

While I definitely agree to run with what's in your head, as an artist, designer, or craftsman, there's definitely nothing wrong with doing some research, and finding inspiration in other people's work.

And if he can't get the idea out of his head (not uncommon) there's nothing wrong with seeing how others have designed for similar genres.
 
Thanks all, I appreciate the posts.
I'm just after some inspiration, and there are some great ideas you've given that I can start looking at.
LG&M said:
Don't encourage him to run with fantasy knives,
Click to expand...
I promise not to run with any kind of knife. Safety first!
 
Gil Hibben has some more or less outlandish designs as well. Ultimately you can take inspiration from anything really, Elijah Isham took a lot of inspiration for his designs (that border fantasy as well) from people like HR Giger and the Concept Art from Dune.
 
So I went last night, and just out of curiosity, did a google search for 'fantasy knives'.... man, what a disappointment! Page after page of cheap junk. Lot's of Mtechs and flea-market quality knives with minimal, real, artistic quality (though some were, admittedly, marginally cool).

OP, if you want some real, knife specific inspiration, change your search to 'art knives' or similar. You'll find a lot more high-end stuff from some very creative custom makers. Also look up 'Art Knife Invitational' (I'd post a link, but not sure if it breaks the forum rules). Some of the members/makers do some truly amazing work.
 
jaseman said:
So I went last night, and just out of curiosity, did a google search for 'fantasy knives'.... man, what a disappointment! Page after page of cheap junk. Lot's of Mtechs and flea-market quality knives with minimal, real, artistic quality (though some were, admittedly, marginally cool).

OP, if you want some real, knife specific inspiration, change your search to 'art knives' or similar. You'll find a lot more high-end stuff from some very creative custom makers. Also look up 'Art Knife Invitational' (I'd post a link, but not sure if it breaks the forum rules). Some of the members/makers do some truly amazing work.
Click to expand...
Yes, I think I was more after the "Art Knives", leaning more toward the aesthetic rather than function, didn't quite know what to search for, so thanks for this.
 
My favorite time sink for art is a place called deviantart.com , and no, it's not porn. Well, there are some nudes from time to time, but they are behind a login wall so you aren't going to shock anyone nearby. Do a search there for knives and weapons and see what shakes loose. There are 3D renders and drawings at various skill levels for fantasy knives, as well as props people have made for cosplay or fun. Then there are actual knife makers who post their stuff. They run the gamut from Klingon wannabe, to art pieces, to usable steel. There are makers from this forum who put their galleries up there, and they are worth a look too.
 
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