hmn.. Competition?

[RainsFire]

I was just thinking, It would be kinda cool to format some sort of freelance knife making competition.. There would have to be set limitations to make judging possible, and to make it possible for more novice knifesmiths (like myself) to compete on the same level as the resident master bladesmiths.
or maybe have different catagories and levels of competition to enter in..
or I dunno, I suppose its up to the forum, but I would certainly like to participate in something small scale like this.
we certainly have enough interested people on this forum.
we could have groupings for beginners, mediocre, and advanced.. but all with the same blade design restrictions..
example restrictions: size, steel type, possibly an offered knife design to make our own, temper line no/yes.. whatever..
I think size would probably be the biggest one.. the rest are somewhat petty..

anyway, I cant think super clearly right now so I'm probably missing something major here, but I would really like to see this happen.. so ya, Glenn, is it possible?
Knife smiths would you be into entering?
Please post some suggestions.. its getting really late and im starting to repeat myself..so ya.

-Kenon

[RainsFire]

I guess this isn't a very appealing idea is it?
I would really like to hear someones opinion on it though..

[ApprenticeMan]

Competition is not so.......friendly. Try looking up a KITH, Knife In The Hat.

[Christopher P.]

Just caught wind of this. If you want competition, go to a knife show. Blades are judged and awarded there all the time.

[RainsFire]

Ya, I guess I wasn't thinking super clearly last night.. as I've said..
dumb idea.

[Hunterbow Smithy]

RainsFire,

There is nothing wrong with friendly competition and it makes a person dig a little deeper when pride is on the line. I think your idea has a lot of merit, but the execution might be difficult in this virtual forum. Who and how would the blades be judged? Also, what would the time-line for an entry be? If I had to submit a blade for testing would I get it back or would it be tested to destruction? These are just a few of the concerns I would have holding an online contest. Not that I would mind giving it a try.

Regards,

Chad

[Don A]

Just some random thoughts for the lads...

If you are really interested in critical analysis of your own work, finish some pieces, take some good pics, post 'em, and invite the more experienced guys to truly critique them.

Most of the folks on board here are polite to a fault. Even if a guy's work looks like a clothes hanger that was run over by a lawn mower, most will find something good to say... or say nothing at all. That's the way polite folks treat each other. Plus, it is encouraging to the young guys.

Now, if you feel like your hide is tough enough to take some real criticism, then ask for it. When you receive it, welcome it. If you are easily offended, don't put yourself out there.

I have been really amazed by just kinda lurking in the background and watching our own Sam (Apprentice Man) submit himself to this very process. He's not been shy about putting his work out there for critique. He's received a lot of suggestion and commentary. Now, look at the work he has done recently as compared to a year ago. You'll see that there is something to this "watch, listen, and learn" business. He's crankin' out some killer stuff lately.

I ain't saying that it always feels good to work hard on a piece, only to have somebody say "well... you shoulda' done this". But still, it will cause you to do better the next time.

My $.02

Don

[EdCaffreyMS]

When Don used the word "critique", I had to smile.
At shows, I'm often asked by budding Bladesmiths to "evaluate" their knives. My response is usually.."Do you want me to LOOK at your knives, or do you want me to CRITIQUE them?" When "looking" at someones' knives, I try to be as kind as possible, while still pointing out areas that might need improvement. If I'm asked to "critique", then I evaluate the knives as if I were judging them for the Journeyman or Mastersmith test(s), as the situation dictates. I always make sure I tell the individual this, so they don't think I'm railing on them.

Most of the ABS Mastersmiths will make this distinction when evaluating knives. Some folks simply cannot emotionally handle having their work "critiqued". It is not that any of us wants to hurt someone's feelings, much the contrary. Let's say that someone is planning on testing for their JS or MS rating....If I did not give a 100% honest evaluation of their knives, then I would be doing them a disservice. If I were to stroke their ego and tell them everything was great, when it might not be, then they would take off for Atlanta (the Blade Show where all JS and MS testing takes place) with their knives thinking everything is good to go. Should they fail, then because of what I did, they have just wasted a wad of money and time, only to be told "See you next year." And will probably come looking for me with a ball bat!!

One of the reasons the ABS highly encourages JS and MS applicants to have their knives evaluated by as many Mastersmiths as possible, PRIOR to submitting the knives for judging, is to hopefully avoid a wasted trip for someone. People will be people, and personalities do differ. Someone who really knows better MIGHT just tell you that your knives are great, simply to avoid hurting your feelings, hence the reason to have your work reviewed by as many Mastersmiths as possible.
Neither the JS or MS tests are easy. Each requires a lot of work and effort on the part of the applicant. Getting your knives ready and having them evaluated PRIOR to going to Atlanta is just good sense. Many times when I have been a Judge, I have asked individuals who have failed.. "How many Mastersmiths reviewed your work?" Almost without fail, everyone of them gave me a dumbfounded look and said.. "None."
Just trying to make the point that there is more to it than just making 5 knives and going to Atlanta...at least if you want to be successful.

[Robert Mayo]

Great advise Don and Ed thanks for sharing it with us.

Bob

[Hunterbow Smithy]

Perhaps then there should be an area where people who want to have their work critiqued can post pics. When I post my pics I wish to have my work critiqued, not simply looked at because if I need the ego boost I would just show my work to my mom - she loves ALL the junk I make. When I posted my first forged blade, I did it with some trepidation as I was not sure how it would be received. All the feedback was positive and I believe that it is as important to point out what a person is doing right as well as wrong, but errors do need to be brought to light or they may never get corrected. However, it would be comforting to know that the people who are making the corrections are qualified to do so. In saying this, would there be any individuals who would be willing to shoulder the task of critiquing work that people specifically submit for that purpose?

Chad