Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on February 1, 2012 at 9:00

Tom....

I agree with a lot of what you said.  Even though Bruce wants me to write about knives being used and carried in the field of my expertise, I would love to write about more traditional knives like the Stockman patterns.  Thanks Tom for your input of which I will be sending my editor.

Tom Peterson said:

Here's my own opinion: I am largely a traditionalist. I like the trad folders, mainly those made by GEC. I do still like older classic knives by other makers too. I have one tactical folder and hundreds of trad folders. I do like some of the tactical folders and military type knives but I am an old fart and I'm not planning on going off to war. I respect other folks' right to enjoy the newer tactical folders, military type fixed blades, swords and tomahawks but that is not waht I enjoy reading about because I really don't want to buy those types of items. I think that it is tough for a knife magazine to please all of their readers because there is such a wide spectrum of edged tool users and collectors. I like the art knives and enjoy looking at all of the craftsmanship involved in their manufacture but some of them are pretty over the top too. I do personally feel that KI invests too large a portion of its printed pages to the one sword guy which is a big turn off for me - but that is only my personal opinion. I wonder if KI should be broken up into smaller more specialty publications to better serve it's readership - tactical knives/tomahawks; traditional and maybe the fancy fixed blades together; and then swords. While I don't have alot of interest in some of these groups I do appreciate good craftsmanship in each group so I sometimes don't mind reading about the products. I agree with some of what Smiling Knife and others have said about an outdoors context. I do enjoy knife history and older military knife articles (WWII and earlier).

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Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on February 1, 2012 at 9:07

Kent.....

Thanks for the input.  Another "X" in the traditional column. Thanks again.

KENT GABLE said:

Hi Clint-I tend to agree with Smiling-Knife and the others of similar tastes. I'm not interested so much in tactical knives or weapons as I am in quality made traditional hunting and folding knives. Not necessarily high end knives either but I'll spend more time looking at an A.G. Russell or Cutting Edge catalog than I will a Smoky Mountain Knives catalog (Case & Buck being the exception) I love Randall knives but here again, mine is a Model 5, Camp & Trail Knife with a stag handle, not a fighting knife.

Hand made knives in the more affordable range are always of interest to me. I've recently found a magazine called "The Backwoodsman" interesting because it covers a lot of information about the days of old and making your own knives and tools. Occasionaly, a few adventure or historical  stories based around a knife might offer a little break from the monotony of a "knives only" magazine, but that's just my opinion. 

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Permalink Reply by Charles Ray Wagnor on February 1, 2012 at 9:09

Guess I am like most of the older generation, would pick it up and read it if it had storys about a feller that poored his soul into knive making. When he got started and his failures, to his sucesses. Have no use for tactacl knives, except maybe cut up cardboard, So I don't hurt my colloctor knive. I'm a poor boy, what the hell is a Randle, LOL, and

I sure can't afford one, so why would I read about one. Maybe the guy that started the business, and his story if it came along would tempt me.

Basically the thing to make me buy is Vintage, or old knives. Guess that is why I love the Great Easterns

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Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on February 1, 2012 at 9:11

Andrew....

I like your ideas of which I will sending to Bruce at KI.  Next time I am in Switzerland I will drop in to Victorinox and see how this is done.  The last time I visited Switzerland I bought up a few knives and looked at some cool watches...buying only one. LOL!  Thanks again Andrew.

Andrew Forsythe said:

I enjoy traditional knives, so anything along those lines would interest me. 

Profiles of American, and international,  knifemakers would be good.  E.g.: What are some of the old---and new---manufacturing techniques that GEC uses?  How in the world can Victorinox make a consistently good knife for $20?  Etc., etc.

I would also like to see at least one "how to" article in each issue:  how to prevent rust in a carbon knife; knife sharpening, both bevel edge and convex; whittling technique and projects; and so on.

And maybe a short "remembrance" or "knife story" piece, probably on the last page.  It would tell the story of some event or time in the teller's life where a knife played an important role, maybe involving a father, grandfather, (or mother or grandmother!), childhood friend, etc.

Good luck with the survey!

 

Andrew

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on February 1, 2012 at 9:17

Terry.....

Thanks for the input.  As for my articles, when I write about an auto knife, I always include something about the laws of your state.  Now since there are 50 states I can't write about all of them as Bruce would not approve to take up all of that space.  But I will pass on some link or randomly pick out a state and give a short version of their law on autos.  City laws effect you as well.  I know some cities ban the carrying of a locking blade knife.  Crazy!  Check out your local laws, State and City.  Thanks Terry.

Terry Waldele said:

Wow!  Hard questions!

Cover Content: 

a) headline banners of what's inside,

b) photo(s) of one or more featured products of a wide variety on appropriate background (outdoor scene, etc., but not firearm-related),

c) photo of contributing author(s) with their names,

d) title of special interest piece and subject discussed. 

Articles:

a) New edged devices on the market (4 or 5)

b) Featured knife manufacturer, designer, or knifemaker

c) Knife-related products

d) Sheath designs and materials

e) How-to articles

f) Historical articles

g) Knife-related services

h) Knife-related laws - new laws and case studies

i) Product reviews

Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on February 1, 2012 at 9:27

Mike....

I wrote an article about Spyderco and their factory and HQ in Golden Colorado.  This is a must visit for you Spyderco fans.  Great people at Spyderco.  A manufacture of long standing is Ontario Knife Company at http://www.ontarioknife.com/.  Thanks for your help Mike.

Mike Berkovitch said:

Hello Clint,

As many wrote, there is a need of traditional folders material. There are many subjects on this topic that can be dealt. Such as review on manufacturers, newer and older, active and that had been closed, and evolution through time.  Or review on traditional models in perspective of time, review on custom makers and their manufacturing processes. Or in depth researches about the roots of the American traditionals which will probably lead to Sheffield England and Solingen Germany, review on "around the world" traditionals and so on. This is what's come up as I think of what will attract my interest. I hope you'll find it useful and forgive my not so good English.

Mike

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Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on February 1, 2012 at 9:42

Steve.....

You have hit the nail on the head.  None of the magazines on the news stand devote a great deal of their issues to the traditional knives.  What is the reason?  Thirty something bosses telling the 50 + ys old writers and experts what to write about and what not to write about.  Recently, a publisher hired a nice young man to head up their gun magazine.  This nice young man owned only two firearms and never when out to shoot or hunt.  If you was to say "Rance Rifle" to this new boss, he would have no clue you were talking about the Ruger Mini - 14.  Well I am getting a little dizzy up here on my soap box. LOL!  Steve the reason these magazines push the tactical knives is tactical knives sell and traditional knives don't.  Check out your local gun store or knife store and find out the ratio of traditional to tactical knives in the show case.  This is how it is.  Thanks Steve.

Steve wells said:

I can understand the " Tactical Movement" that is blazing the knife scene-- but like the others here on IKC that has shown it is the Traditional Knives we COLLECT and USE. So if  a Mag. is going to be successful in my opinion

it needs articals of  INFO of  the Knives and people of these Knife Companys. But to keep the  Mags going you have to have Advertisement of these Companys, which could show the  info of the New traditional knives coming out.

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Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on February 1, 2012 at 9:56

Charles....

I hear you brother.  In writing for LEO "law enforcement officer", military readers I like to write about knives from $20 to $400 dollars.  The double edge to this is, the $20 knives are not made in the USA and most of the targeted readers can't afford the $400.  I would love to travel to visit the different knife makers like Bob Dozier in Arkansas....just a state away from me.....Dave at Pro-Tech in Southern California and many other smaller start up knife makers.  The fact is KI does not pay for this so unless I am in the area I can't afford to travel here and there for this type of article.  Charles I will forward your ideas to Bruce at KI.  Thanks again.

Charles Ray Wagnor said:

Guess I am like most of the older generation, would pick it up and read it if it had storys about a feller that poored his soul into knive making. When he got started and his failures, to his sucesses. Have no use for tactacl knives, except maybe cut up cardboard, So I don't hurt my colloctor knive. I'm a poor boy, what the hell is a Randle, LOL, and

I sure can't afford one, so why would I read about one. Maybe the guy that started the business, and his story if it came along would tempt me.

Basically the thing to make me buy is Vintage, or old knives. Guess that is why I love the Great Easterns

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on February 1, 2012 at 9:57

Clint, I was about to mention age being the difference in knife type appeal. You might want to ask your 30+ boss who has the most money to spend on knives and guns. I'll bet the 50+ age group got them beat hands down. One thing that helps that group is the fact most are finished rearing their kids. Overall I'm proud of our members giving you a lot of good info to take back to your boss.  Good luck with your project.

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Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on February 1, 2012 at 10:09

Robert....

I believe this battle has already been joined....so being above my pay grade I will stand by to re-enforce if needed.  Thanks Robert but I have been waiting on this to happen to all of us.  Everything is being marketed to the younger crowd...as it has always been.  The baby boomers are on their way out and the "X" Generation is coming in to their own.  I think there should be an "Old Fart's Knife" magazine.  The problem is the advertisers want to market their knives to the younger buyers.  Case is still hanging in there but I believe their quality has lessened in the last five years.  When us old farts move on, companies like Case will do the same.  Thanks gain Robert.

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Permalink Reply by KENT GABLE on February 1, 2012 at 10:11

KENT GABLE said:

Charles- I ain't exactly a "rich" guy either nor am I getting any younger but about 35 years ago, I began admiring Randall Knives (made in Orlando, FL) because of their fine craftsmanship and quality. They are also forged and handemade, not stamped and admittedly expensive, although prices vary. Finally, after waiting a long time, I was able to afford one that I had long admired and bought it for field use, not as a collector's item. So, natuarally stories of their founder Bo Randall (now deceased) and his various knife designs are of interest to me but I can understand why others could care less?

Many servicemen still wear Randall Knives with pride and they're use in many wars since WWII is well reknown as well as their use as a dependable hunting knife like mine.

 I too own and admire Great Eastern knives ( mine is a Northfield Brand) and own a  Canal Street Knife for the same reasons you seem too but these are not exactly cheap knifes either. They are well made knives that exhibit a high degree of craftsmanship and worth every penny in my opinion.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Fletcher on February 1, 2012 at 10:39

As far as covers, I like those that are simple and not to busy.  Black fonts are more appealing than reds or yellows.  It is always good to let the picture tell the story and create the focus.  Two types of covers would work:  Ones that include people that are working on knives or sheaths that are part of a feature story ( grinding, forging, hammering, sharpening,  a high shutter speed of a blade cutting a water bottle etc.) and the second type being a feature piece of cutlery ( think whittler knife with a long curved shaving, or fancy knife in a pose).  I think articles that step wise follow the creation of a knife whether a classic or tactical would be interesting.  Updates from makers whether major factories or custom craftsmen would also be interesting.  I tend to favor vintage patterns.

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