Knife Designs

R

rdj94a

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I have been making knives for over 10 years, and consider myself OK, nothing really spectacular, compared to all of the greats. Standing in front of the grinder working on a new blade, with a single thought. (make this one better than the last one). When one thinks of all of the knife makers across the country,I sometimes ponder about a new design,(if that is possible). Seems like everything I think of, if I do enough research on it, it has been done. So I just let my hands do the talking at the grinder and see what comes out.
 
Yes, I think all of the practical blade shapes have been done. But the variety of combinations of handles, guards, bolsters, pins, embellishments , etc is endless. So it is possible to constantly come up with something new even if it is a variation of a previous blade design.
 
I always figure it has to be my own design and that's all it has to be. Looking at someone else's work is fine and it may give you an idea or ideas to go ahead with, but to copy knives just doesn't work for me or most others. I keep searching within myself for something that I can design in that will give me a very special knife but it seems I have to be pleased but not satisfied with any improvement I come up with.The quest goes on. Frank
 
I love knife history. There are no new designs. Look at the world of slip joint folders. Think about a new design. Then find a design that don't exist. You can't do it. Very few designs are new.

Now about copying someone else work. How about Loveless, Keith, Black, and Micheal Walkers Locking Liner. Hibben, Reeve, and Davidson have all copied these great makers. To me the highest honor you can pay to a pasted knifemakers is to copy his work. We keep these makers alive by copying there works and studying their methods. I love Loveless' works I am making my forth loveless design integral knife. Yes it is copy. But I am adding my twist by making them Integral. Oops I am copying Davidson and Best now.
I made over 100 knives last year. I only copied four all where Loveless designs. Now I am working on folders, Thank you Micheal Walker, locking liner was inspired by a english screwdriver.
The knife world is about being inspired by makers.
 
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