Custom makers database

[Rockingkj]

Is there somewhere in the great internet a custom knife makers database? Thru the years there have been thousands of knife makers. A lot of them mainly known in their local area. As we all know knives travel and with that and changing of hands, detail about the maker is lost. I like to know who the maker was, where they worked and so on. I have some knife guides that early on published some information about custom makers but later addition’s dropped that section. Apparently a daunting task so that information was removed from later editions. Perhaps a section could be created for us to post information and pictures of custom makers past and present. I for example know a bit about “SCHEP” knives, Georger Schepers Chapman Nebr (now deceased) and could contribute to a thread/section with a bit of information and pics of knives. Crazy idea?

[Mumbleypeg]

Not a bad idea but hard to maintain at a forum. There's a pretty good list of both past and current custom makers here https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/. Has alphabetical and searchable lists, with pictures of knives both currently available and previously sold. Best of all perhaps is it's a business so they have incentive and resources dedicated to maintaining. JMO

Ken

[Rockingkj]

True enough. In some ways we are building a database here when a custom knife is posted with a makers name. One challenge IDing makers is when they used a symbol rather than a name with town and state. Or simply initials or name. Says the guy that marks his stuff with a cattle brand. Need to get more famous or notorious before most folks would know who made it. Lol.

[rea1eye]

I know there is Custom Forum here. Maybe a Custom Knife
Identification Forum could be started.

It will take time and effort for it to bear fruit.

Bob

[bestgear]

If I were in the market for a custom knife (which I'm not), the first place I'd look for a maker is at the member directory for The American Bladesmith Society whose certified bladesmiths represent the cutting edge of forged blade performance and design on six continents. Their mission is to preserve and promote the ancient craft of forged knives through education, testing, and certification of Journeyman Bladesmiths, Master Bladesmiths, and Master Bladesmiths/Instructors.

That said, there are plenty of custom knife makers that never went the certification avenue and still produce a top-shelf knife but I believe that ABS's philosophy to inform and educate knife makers about the art, science, technology, history, and culture relating to forged edged tools, weapons and artifacts and the proper care and use of these objects is important if I'm dropping a large sum of money on a custom knife. YMMV.

https://www.americanbladesmith.org/

[bestgear]

Not a bad idea but hard to maintain at a forum. There's a pretty good list of both past and current custom makers here https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/. Has alphabetical and searchable lists, with pictures of knives both currently available and previously sold. Best of all perhaps is it's a business so they have incentives and resources dedicated to maintaining. JMO

Ken

I concur with 2 points from the Senator from Texas - (1) The folks at Arizona Custom Knife keep a pretty solid list of custom knife makers and (2) it's hard to maintain a list

[Rockingkj]

I certainly understand all the points raised. Thru the years I have been to a lot of auctions and seen and bought any number of “handmade” knives. Some with great workmanship and quite a few that are less than desirable assembly. Nationally known makers are easy to find information on. ABS members are an assurance of quality. As mentioned there are folks that have made nice knives but never got a pedigree for their knives. Years ago I knew a fellow from O’Neal Ne. John was quite proud if what he made but I would smile and say that’s nice to be polite but would never buy one. However now that John is gone his knifes are bringing crazy prices in his home area. Out in the rest of the world most folks would not give $20. So it’s nice to know who and where the maker was from. Might find a market for a knife obtained quite cheaply.

[galvanic1882]

KnifeMag has one, if you buy the internet subscription you can access it.