Pakistani, Russian, Middle Eastern knives

[Bill DeShivs]

I know I'm pretty opinionated. I have spent a lifetime playing with, using, collecting studying, repairing, and making knives.
In so doing, I feel I have developed a taste for classic cutlery. I know some people never get past the "That is so cool!" or "Wow, that's deadly looking!" stage in collecting. Some never learn to appreciate well made items, classic materials, classic styles or decoration. This doesn't mean because I like some thing that you should. It simply means that some collectors grow in their knowledge and taste over the years. Few seasoned collectors get excited over Rizzutos and Lightning knives.

What is really puzzling to me is the influx (on social media) of Russian, Pakistani and other Middle Eastern knifemakers' popularity in the US. While some of the work is quite good, overall the knives can be spotted from afar. Absurd designs with useless blade grinds, excessive filework, and engraving. These things are garish and tasteless in my opinion.

Even when these makers try to replicate classic designs their work sticks out like a sore thumb. Features are exaggerated, making them look like cartoon knives. I have yet to see one that I couldn't immediately identify as to area of origin. I'm sure they don't cost much and they ARE "custom handmade knives," but they sure are "unique." Some of the hand engraving is very well done- but overused. Of course, all have extensive file work-everywhere! None show any restraint or class. I wonder if any of those guys could actually make a knife that wasn't easily identified.

Yet, the more absurd the design and garish the decoration and execution are, there are always buyers for these aberrations.

I guess there IS an ass for every seat.

[Fishtail Picklock]

Amen, brother, AMEN!

[Bill DeShivs]

Oh, yeah- they almost all have "damascus" blades.

[Fishtail Picklock]

Bill, I have to admit, most of those things are "BAU" Butt-assed UGLY! It is to laugh.

Most of the designs I have seen are about as useless as tits on a boar hog.

[frosolone]

I think these knives attract people as they are the new kid on the block. People want to be the first to have the newest thing (not always the best). They sometimes hope maybe this will be the next BITCOIN. I remember when the AK 47 knives came out (PRISON) made from parts of old ak's for 50 dollars, they now are getting somewhat high prices. This is just my opinion and no animals or children were hurt during it's writing.

[Tom19176]

I don't like them at all either....

[jim d,]

I don't care for them either. One thing I will say is that at least they are not making counterfeit copies of classic knives.

Jim

[Shawnee_B]

I was selling/ knives on ebay for a short period when there were less than 1000 listing's. Good knives, custom, autos. Not long there were 10,000 and 90% junkers. I'm 70, made knives since a kid but I DO buy several knives a year too. Love it when someone rants on their $5 Paki gas station buy and asks if I can sharpen it. Bwahaha!

[john]

“ Yet, the more absurd the design and garish the decoration and execution are, there are always buyers for these aberrations.”

Way too much decorations, engraving, etc. for my taste. I believe it’s a cultural thing for example their architecture is very ornate.

[Bill DeShivs]

Some of the guys do very good engraving, but they literally slather engraving all over everything. No restraint. Same with file work.
But, I have not seen one yet that replicates European or American classic work. They try, but it always look Middle Eastern. They just can't seem to replicate the styles.

[gravknife]

I'm with you Bill on classic knives from the past .

You just can't beat a well made hand finished knife from a seasoned cutler or firm like Puma or many older makers . .The ones from Pakistan and China are churned out to make money end of ,no quality control or love in them just affordable for the masses or anyone starting up.

When I started collecting switchblades I looked for the unusual and different knives trying to get an example from most countries ,but I have strayed myself for a couple of clones and Chinese knives ,wowed by the cheap price tag and it was less money to lose to customs .

I think as you say collectors become seasoned with time and only appreciate true craftsmanship when they finally have it in hand and see what they have been missing .