Probationary member

[maxcutter03]

When looking at a knife made by a PM. What are you looking for? What would make you NOT want to grant status because of "what kind of workmanship"?

I am thinking about applying for PM status and want to make sure my skills are at Guild level before doing so.

Please feel free to be blunt and forthcomming.

Marvin

[Steierknives]

Hello Maxcutter,

Was just browsing through the forums and saw your post. I am not a
judge for probationary status but I just though I would put my two cents worth. Before you submit your knives to the Guild for review, you must get four voting members to sign off on your knives. This is a great time to get an idea if your knives are of quality or not. They can also give you help on how to make your knives better.
I took the liberty of looking at your knives on the website you have listed in your post. Although I do not have one to look at personally, from the pictures in your gallery, they look very good.

[maxcutter03]

Thanks for your input sir.

[John R. Fraps]

Marvin,
contact Gene Baskett for an application.
Gene Baskett
427 Sutzer Creek Road
Eastview, KY 42732-9753
270-862-5019
baskettknives@hotmail.com

Also check out the Membership and registration information on this website.
http://www.knifemakersguild.com/join.shtml

Having your website is fine in lieu of brochure.
regarding expected quality, I have seen your website and the pics you forwarded to A.T. and to me. You want your best work of 4 or more knives when presenting them to the 4 voting members who sign your application. Then you again will want your best work when presenting them to the probationary judges. The judging each time is, of course intended for you to show your work, but is also a chance to interact with knifemakers who can give you constructive input/suggestions/feedback. Admittedly, you will be human, therefore a bit nervous....I was.... but the input I got back from those who looked at my knives was valueable.

Please give me a call with any questions, or talk with any of the officers or directors....click on the Contact word to go to that page.

David Steier gave you good input as well.

What would make a "judge" want to approve your knives...do your best job, pay attention to fit and finish and overall design and lines...similar to what a knowledgeable collector/buyer might look for in a knife.
There is no reason to not want to approve your knives but fit and finish are important.

[maxcutter03]

Thanks to Gene and others for looking at my work and signing my app for probationary membership. I will be attending the show in September. Not long after I started my quest to get my app signed I had to relocate and get stated all over again. Gene had some apps at the Blade show and I just so happened to have brought some of my work and was able to make it happen.

Thanks again Gene Baskett, John Bartlow, Gayle Bradley, and W.C. Davis for taking the time to look at my knives and signing my app.