Thread: A new marking knife

Firstly - beautiful work Chris - I think you have done justice to Derek's very elegant design.

I've only been around the forums for about half the year but I already both know Chris and Derek's names as being associated with high quality work, so I don't see how acknowledging both on the knife is anything but spot on. Look at the Bailey marking on the Stanley planes, how many of you think it was wrong to do that?

Derek's one of the most generous with his advice I've seen on these forums and also with his web site - and I'm very pleased for him to see one of his designs made available to the rest of the world.

He's also given those of us who can't currently justify the cost of the cohen-vesper original instructions to create something similar ourselves - how many people would do that at the risk of reducing sales?

Congratulations to both Chris & Derek

I don't see any issue with the difference between this design & Chris's original as they are primarily intended for two different uses one for Joinery, and the other for Dovetailing, and suit those uses admirably.

I think the design could be improved with different labelling, but then the first airplane was not a 747 either.

Regards

Nice tools. I've added one of the DC-CV fine knives to my little collection.

Originally Posted by Chris Vesper

I'm flatterd to hear of my reputation, thankyou. I just try hard and do what I do in my own way. But I dissagree with your thought that using Derek Cohen's good name and design will water down my own. Derek's opinions and skills are highly regarded by most people and again I am very pleased to be involved here. Having Derek supporting me by offering this is a good thing for all.

Derek's name and reputation is known world wide in woodworking circles.

I have been reading some old blogs of a very talented hand tool woodworker and author who seemed excited when he met someone from Australia who actually knew Derek Cohen!

One for Derek or Chris - do we know the release price yet?. Also, if these large lettered prototype ones are not to be sold to the general public I'm sure there's a few of us who would be interested still.

Hi Andrew

Ordinarily I would leave this for Chris to answer, however I am aware that he is frantically preparing for WIA (Woodworking in America), the big show in the US of A.

I think that Chris was taken by surprise at the success of the detail marking knife at the Perth Wood Show, where he sold all with the standard thickness (thin) blades. He had a few of the ultra thin bladed knives over. So now he has to make a lot more than he anticipated to take with him!

The name issue has been resolved. The knives will read (in much smaller print) "Vesper".

I have nil to do with the sales, production, marketing decisions, or anything for that matter. It is not my business. Chris will no doubt come back with the prices when he is able to do so.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Thanks Derek - and glad to hear they are selling so well. Maybe you'll have to talk him into making a few of your other items - the brass dovetail markers would sell well I think!

By 'black redgum' is ancient redgum meant?

Hi Ern

As Chris is probably now winging it to the US ... from his blog ...

Black Red Gum. This very special timber is the first of the 'Premium Range' timbers used.

Some may be familiar with the regular River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) trees that are very prolific through the four south-east states of Australia. Black Red Gum is technically the same timber (normally rich red in color) but is now black in color and very old. This is because the rare Black Red Gum has been buried and naturaly aged underground for 5000-10,000 years. It is very rare, hard to get and in limited supply so a tool made in this timber is a very special thing to have.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Thanks. Sounds the same as what turners call ancient redgum.

Presumably it's the original recipe we try to imitate: iron, water and tannin = black.

Turns up in the sand quarry near the Kiewa R here in Vic.; also in the Murray R. basin.

Very spekky.

As far as I am concerned it is congratulations to everyone! I have one of Derek's early production marking knives and it is always to hand when I'm doing joinery and I have one of Chris's that lives on the bench when I am marking out bigger 'stuff". I have no problem with the double credit in the name as I am sure Lie Nielson doesn't have a problem with the double credit on the Lie Nielson- Boggs spokeshave ....
but please reduce the size of the name as is being considered and Chris please reconsider and have an elegantly scripted name etched on the blade ... that even smells of class!
fletty

Chris sent me this picture from WIA ...



Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Derek,

I see that you and Chris got a bit of a write up in the latest Australian Woodworker magazine for these marking knives, under New Products.

Another 'Onya' for both of you.

Cheers
Pops