Knife Maker or Knife Designer

[RoyalM]

I was watching a program recently on landscaping and the landscape architect said something like:

''My job is not to come in and draw what the client asks, my job is to understand what the client is trying to do and wants from the project and then to respond to that and the site. I then convince the client my design is what they want.''

So I though that was pretty arrogant at first then I thought about it and he's right. If you want someone to draw up or make something you've already decided on the design of then you contract a maker or builder. If you want to use the expertise and knowledge of a professional then you hire a designer who can take your idea and move it on to the next level and hopefully improve on it.

As someone studying and working in the field of design, architecture to be exact, I sometimes forget that I'm not just a CAD monkey or human machine there to churn out someone else's design. That I should be trying to improve their design. Shame most clients I seem to deal with just want the monkey part of the job done.

So my question to the knife makers on here do you see yourself more as a 'maker' or 'designer'?

[PoltergeistWorks]

I know what You mean. I don't like to say this, but I don't like it when people ask me to make a knife like "this"... That's kind of like saying "I like Your work but I don't like Your designs". It's kind of insulting in a way... You know?

[Ken Brock]

I think it would be hard to be a "knife designer" if you hadn't first been a "knife maker"

[oromoto]

I know what You mean. I don't like to say this, but I don't like it when people ask me to make a knife like "this"... That's kind of like saying "I like Your work but I don't like Your designs". It's kind of insulting in a way... You know?

Can it because he loves your craftsmanship?

[liontribe]

i know what geist is saying. the art aspect of knifemaking is the most important thing to me. of course, this is coming from a former musician and illustrator, so i may see things a little differently. carry on.

liontribe

[shakie]

When I make a knife for someone it is my design. I only make one offs accept for twin dags, Say you have seen my portfolio or my website and you see something you want, I'll make something similiar for you, no money up front, I'll send pics when starting and finishing and when I'm done and you like it, OK, if you don't, no prob. I sell everything I make. But I make knives for the love of making knives and not for a living. If when you receive it and you don't want it just send it back in the same condition for a refund.

[Mike Stewart]

I think you need to be a maker to do good designs because you then know what is actually possible to make and what is not.

I have seen a lot of designs by people that are not makers and most of them are pretty overcomplicated and silly.

Regardless of that - Some are very Good.

I say that If you want to design knives - have at it.

I don't take Commissions and usually only make my own designs.

I do make knives for other knife companies but only ones that i would think will work well.

I have turned down more than I have accepted of other folks designs.


Mike