Orders certainly have to have due time and consideration, but my favorite thing is to dream up new features and incorporate these in projects. All that said, I really like a simple working knife and can only assume that others do too. So, I try to provide a balance when going to shows.

It's hard to read a particular show unless it is exclusively and art type show. So, I try to have something new and interesting in the works for each show, perhaps with the award categories in mind, while filling in with working type knives.

As far a knife sales go, I believe it's vital for a full time maker to look at current trends, and evolve with the times. I've been around long enough to see how the clients' desires have changed. There was a time that the majority of "custom" knife buyers were. for a lack of better terminology, the "southern gentleman" type. Who wanted knives that he could put in a display case, and when company would come on Sundays, he would show them off to his friends and family. As times changed, those clients became fewer and fewer, and the tide turned to a younger generation of buyers who want a knife that they can put in their pocket, or in a little carry bag, and go to the local coffee shop/internet cafe and show it to their friends.

As for me personally, I'm alot like you Gary....I've been around long enough to see many trends come and go, and have watched the types and styles of knives that clients want totally change. I've been through those times where orders have been so backlogged that I knew what I had to do every time I stepped foot in the shop, and paniced when I realized the order list was getting short. But through it all I have always stuck to my guns and created knives that interested me. Even when I jumped into the tactial folders, I would make them in my own style, and add in my "touches".

About three years ago, when the Docs found the "spots" on my lungs, and I went through all the surgeries and uncertainties, my outlook on knifemaking changed too. I slowly caught up on the order log, and in many ways have come "full circle".....I don't mind saying that I don't have a large backlog anymore, and it's a spot that I like being in. Now when I come in the shop, I have the time to do the things I did when I began.....come into the shop and make the knives that I want to make, and it's made the who knifemaking process "new" for me.

I still build "show" knives, but for the most part I make the knives that I want to make, and try new ideas and techniques that I never had time to do when I carried a huge backlog.

Full time knifemaking has become a more and more difficult way to make a full time living. For me the key has been to diversify.....forging hammers, damascus writting pens, grinder platens, and other items that I'm interested in. I've always operated on the premise that it's got to be something I like, and that I'm interested, I think the key is just to NOT put yourself in a box, and do the things you enjoy doing.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate hearing from you.

In addition to working on those styles that I enjoy making most, I will periodically make something that will push my skills; something that I haven't done before. This may be a different Damascus pattern or something in the handle that requires skills that I haven't previously done or mastered. I try to expand my skills each year and the best way to do that is to try new things.

I've learned a lot from each of you over the years and appreciate how you both pass on your experiences to those of us who are still learning.

All my best,

Gary

I am in the same thought as Lin, and wish I could be more like you Ed. I do concentrate on orders, but I also schedule time to work on projects that I want to do for me. Such as playing more with hamons. Also looking through older knives annuals and getting ideas for new projects. Such as Hill Pearce style knives. Love his designs, so I want to incorporate more of that style with some twists such as hamons. Also like you Gary, I would like to do more old bowie styles, some of those are really challenging which is good.

I will always have a couple of standard styles on the table at a show and one or two show pieces. But I like to have something different just to get reactions.

Brion

And now for a murmur from the peanut gallery.....

I have the luxury of not "having" to figure out what is going to sell, so I try making things that I find interesting or challenging. I don't mind saying this at all, but I often venture to the websites of some of those who have already responded to this thread (and other makers)and take a look at what they have recently posted, and decide if I like it or not. If I do, I may try and make a knife in that style, or with that shape blade or handle type/shape. I also am fortunate to know a few master smiths who I can ask "what should I do next?". That can be a dangerous question though.

I definitely do what I call "trolling for ideas", which is basically reading the mags, visiting forums and photo boards, reading history books about knives, etc. My most recent acquisition is "The World Encyclopedia of Knives, Daggers, and Bayonets" by Dr. Tobias Capwell. There are a few 17th century daggers that I particularly like. I have them on my long list.

Right now I am in crunch time and have to finish up a few pieces in order to have them at a show the last two weekends of the month. This is primarily an art show and I have always been the only knife maker out of 150+ artists showing. (I've done this show for 6 or 7 years now) Every year I try and have a few knives of different styles, but this year the inventory is pretty lean. I just sold a couple of knives that were intended to be at the show, so I have to hurry and create SOMETHING to replace them. In consideration of the time constraint, full tang kitchen knives are the ticket. That's an easy decision.

What am I going to do next? Well let's see.....I could put together five knives for my JS test next September. Got any ideas? <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//huh.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':huh:' />

I do think that it is important to do something just for yourself once in a while even if you are concentrating on filling orders. Usually I will have an idea in mind that I've wanted to make for a while but do find myself going through my various knife books for inspiration from time to time. Not always for a complete knife style but maybe something as simple as a different style handle or guard.

Thanks, everyone. It's always fun to hear how everyone else goes about this business.

Brion--I have seen in other threads that you are quite a Hill Pearce fan. I'm not had a chance to see any of your knives in this style. Any chance that you will have one in Little Rock this year?

Gary

I will see what I can come up with Gary. One may show up, if I can fit it in. Here is a bowie made in that style.

|quoted:

I will see what I can come up with Gary. One may show up, if I can fit it in. Here is a bowie made in that style.

Looking forward to it. That's a beauty!

Gary