Jim,

I buy other maker's knives but not for the reason you are asking about. I want to have examples of my friend's work, whether it's perfect or not or from a master smith or not.

I know that my knives are usually not technically perfect so I can reasonably know that most other's are not as well. So, from the research standpoint, I think the money is better spent on education (classes)or equipment than actual knives, hoping to gather techniques from studying them as objects. That's just my take on the subject.

There is value in studying objects, of course. We all should do that. That's how we train our eyes to recognize degrees of perfection.

I realize that my answer is really a comment more than an answer. This should not sway you one way or another if you want to buy knives from master smiths.

Thanks Lin.

I have not purchased any. Not that I wouldn't or don't want to. My reasons are due to my budget. I do get the opportunity to look at MS and JS knives often, I use this for the inspiration and education your speaking of.

I do know a JS maker that has purchased knives, folders and flippers, to take apart and learn from. I also spoke to the MS maker that made the knives in question. He did not advise the taking apart.

I will say that as members we have a great resource for learning here and in the organization in general.

Chris

I do not buy knives, but...my wife is a collector and she has put together a nice array of high quality pieces. Of course, I currently make mostly folders and she is fond of Damascus Bowies so we are in different places as far as taste goes (But I will get there eventually). Obviously, I enjoy her collection and though I wouldn't say I look at them to learn from, they certainly inspire me. I also consider them a yardstick to measure my own work. I do have to agree with Lin; for my money, I would rather buy education with a skilled instructor than a knife from him.

Bob

Jim, I do buy knives from other makers and not just M.S. or J.S. and some are not even A.B.S. members. I have bought from the makers that have helped me along also, but I am working on a collection of one blade style. I find it verry interesting to see what diffrent makers see in the guard and handle design for the blade shape I give them to work with.

I also have limited funds for this collection but I do have 8 knives so far and 2 more ordered, and even though the blade shape is the same you can see a real diffrence in what each maker designs for guard and handle.

To finally answer your question, yes I find it does help me in looking at guard and handle designs for blades I am working on in different styles, I have also sent pics and asked advice on knives I have drawn up to ask for help on tweeking handle shape. Landon

Jim, I also have to agree with Lin on the fact that classes or working with other makers will help you more than just studying the work. Because watching how they do things and being able to ask questions is better for your learning curve than looking at a piece and trying to figure out how to do that on your own. Landon

Hope this helps.

Guys

If I might interject, I have done all of the things that you have mentioned and for me spending some one on one time with an ABS Master Smith or an advanced Journeyman Smith will put you way ahead in your work.

I completely agree that taking classes with great smiths is the best way to go. I do that as much as I can and I will always do that.

I think of this 'in addition' to that. When I got home after a hammer in, I had forgotten something and found that I had not written it down in my notes.

It was really helpful to be able to go look at a well made knife to see the answer to my questions.

Also, I like the idea of giving business to knife makers.

Thanks for all your thoughtful replies.

-Jim

Before I ever started making knives I was a pretty active collector. I bought quite a few knives in those days and enjoyed using several of them extensively. My experiences in owning and using these knives have influenced my own development as a maker, especially in things like handle ergonomics, weight, and balance - things you don't fully come to appreciate until after you've acquired some experience using knives for various different tasks. It's amazing what you can learn after spending half a day clearing trail, splitting kindling, or preparing food with one of your knives. I'll never forget the time I nearly destroyed the blade on a large camp knife made by a well-known MS while trying to chop free a pinched saw blade on a big old maple tree in the backwoods of Vermont...

Today I do the bulk of my testing with my own knives to find out which design elements work, and which can still use a bit of improvement. But I still find it informative to view, handle, and use other makers' knives to help inspire ideas or contrast certain characteristics against my own work. Besides, it can be very satisfying to own, carry, and use a knife made by a friend and mentor.

Thanks Derrick