I like knives. I like talking about knives, and I like designing knives. I suggested to Sam Owens in late 2010 that he consider making knives, and that was towards the beginning of what has become a very valuable friendship and enriching continual learning experience. Sam is a genuinely great guy, patient and kind, appreciative, dependable, and hard-working. It is a pleasure to know him, and an honor to be able to design tools with such a promising craftsman.
Before Sam and I worked together, I had a relationship with Eric Draven. I met Eric through my moderation of the Non-Firearm Weapons forum on TheHighRoad.org. Eric and I began corresponding through PM and email, and even began speaking frequently on the phone. I gave Eric advice on how to better market his products, ideas for new products to exploit niches he was covering, and designed several knives with him. Eric and I sent each other gifts- I sent him a Himalayan Imports kukuri, and he sent me a hat, and a few small knick-knacks he'd made.
I was hoping to help Eric make a series of small knives that would be priced within the range of most "knife people". I suggested names for the knives, and we hashed the details of what the knives should look and feel like. I finally sent him a total of $410 for four small knives and shipping. Eric claimed a few problems in production, my last email from him being in February of 2011...and then, I never heard from him again.
I'm sad about how this ended. I considered Eric a friend. Outside of my personal feelings, our working relationship seemed like a good way for him to get some badly needed advice and perspective, and for me to see some neat items brought into the world. I've lost a lot more from some friendships, though, so I suppose I was lucky to only lose $410.
On a happier note, here are some Daily Kiris. :-) The left is the first Daily Kiri-EC (Extended Choil). It's been used quite a bit, so the GunKote is starting to show some wear. The middle Super Daily Kiri is 35VN steel. The right knife is a 3V Daily Kiri with GunKote and paper micarta scales.
Sam, you're a great friend. Thanks.
Before Sam and I worked together, I had a relationship with Eric Draven. I met Eric through my moderation of the Non-Firearm Weapons forum on TheHighRoad.org. Eric and I began corresponding through PM and email, and even began speaking frequently on the phone. I gave Eric advice on how to better market his products, ideas for new products to exploit niches he was covering, and designed several knives with him. Eric and I sent each other gifts- I sent him a Himalayan Imports kukuri, and he sent me a hat, and a few small knick-knacks he'd made.
I was hoping to help Eric make a series of small knives that would be priced within the range of most "knife people". I suggested names for the knives, and we hashed the details of what the knives should look and feel like. I finally sent him a total of $410 for four small knives and shipping. Eric claimed a few problems in production, my last email from him being in February of 2011...and then, I never heard from him again.
The four on the left of the top pic I designed with Eric. |
On a happier note, here are some Daily Kiris. :-) The left is the first Daily Kiri-EC (Extended Choil). It's been used quite a bit, so the GunKote is starting to show some wear. The middle Super Daily Kiri is 35VN steel. The right knife is a 3V Daily Kiri with GunKote and paper micarta scales.
With 87mm Persian 2 for scale. |
1 comment:
Nice looking knives, and yes, sometimes things just don't work out. We just deal with it and move on, as you have!
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