Thread: A new marking knife

They do look good! (In my opinion, they look better than his existing range. )

I imagine that you're feeling pretty chuffed right now... and rightly so!

I reckon my 2 Cohen originals look better

He could send me one to compare

Is Chris going to do Scratch Awls as well?

Once I get my stanley replacement blade order with the cutouts I intend to make something in this style using the cutout blank.

A very big feather in your cap Derek.
I am pleased to have a DC original and I imagine that its value just increased as a collectable
That black red gum is spectacular.
If I could offer a humble suggestion.
I think that the branding on the shank detracts from the beauty of the product. Have you considered doing what Dave Jeske - Blue Spruce - does, and laser etch the blades instead.
I think it would look classier.
Congrats on the new product
SG

Hi Tom

I agree with your crit. Chris said the laser printing is too difficult. He does plan to reduce the size of the lettering considerably (on my suggestion). I think it could come off altogether. Even so, this is a classy knife (if I say so myself!).

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Hi Tom

I agree with your crit. Chris said the laser printing is too difficult. He does plan to reduce the size of the lettering considerably (on my suggestion). I think it could come off altogether. Even so, this is a classy knife (if I say so myself!).

Regards from Perth

Derek

Maybe I should snap up one of these early production models, as they will be the scarce collectors' items of the future. It would beat superannuation as an investment at the moment
Good luck with these Derek
SG

Very nice Derek and well done.

I know there are a few variations on how the blades in have been fixed in place, what method did Chris use?


Regards,

Denim

Sorry, and no offence Derek. But I think this is a mistake for Chris to supply his well known reputation of quality only to water his name down by adding another. Will you Derek receive a percentage of the profit? I really hope this is not the direction Chris is heading down.
Not to mention the blade size is very similar to Bluespruce's small marking knife.






Regards,



Frank.

Hi Frank

I began making this design about the same time as Dave Jeske (of Blue Spruce). There are a few knives around with similar looking blades (Chester Tool Works, Czech Edge), but they are not as thin as mine. Dave Jeske owns one of my knives (not the other way around though). Our knives are different in design, according to Dave (whom I chat with every now-and-then).

Do I get a percentage from Chris? Yes, I expect that it will add up to a whopping $10 or $20 per year. I can't wait to rake it in! For years I have made a batch of knives and sold them quite cheaply (the time taken to make each individually is high - they were never made for a profit). It has never been a commercial venture. I get asked all the time to make/sell knives, and had offers from companies. I have had no interest. Indeed, I have encouraged others to make their own versions, and provided every constructional aid via a free article on my website: A Knife for Marking Dovetails by Derek Cohen

I could trot out the names of some of the top woodworkers in Oz who use this marking knife daily, but I have not looked for a venture. Chris is a mate and when he asked to make the knife I could not think of anyone who would do it more justice. His workmanship is terrific!

With regard the name, I was taken by surprise, and said so to Chris, even suggesting he just use his own. I don't care.

Is Chris watering down his line by using my knife design? Others can offer their opinion here better than I.

Regards from Perth

Derek (answering you politely)

Originally Posted by Denim

Very nice Derek and well done.

I know there are a few variations on how the blades in have been fixed in place, what method did Chris use?


Regards,

Denim

Hi Denim

I must get Chris to respond here. Basically he burns the blade into the handle. I goes in (a) very deep, and (b) with a special "barbed" arrangement that ensures a rigid construction. Chris is a trained toolmaker, and brings along his special skills in this area.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Derek,

What SG said. They look great in the photos above, but,... they look even better in the flesh. Saw them today at the Wood Show. As you said the timbers chosen by Chris are beautiful.

I do have to agree with you about the size of the lettering. Was talking to a chap the other day about laser etching who was suggesting that this work is getting quite common so prices are also getting quite affordable for smaller orders. Hopefully some investigation will yeild affodable results you Chris.

I do think it is entirely appropriate that your name is on the knife, at Chris's choice of course. Your design is very different to Chris's own. Seems like the professional thing to do to me, acknowledgement of the designer only only raises Chris's standing to my mind. Now if it was a marking knife of my agricultural design I could imagine everybody wanting to deny the origins.

Can't imagine anybody having any legitimate view that your work is anything but quality, and your posts here detail the extensive testing you do on your tools and that of some large international toolmakers.

Seems to me that Chris's brand is only enhanced by having your design marking knives added to his range. I know people like Chris's style of marking knife as it suits their hand and their work and there are many that like your style for the very same reason. They suit my hand well as well.

So well done to you both. Keep up the good work, the more quality handtools made here in Australia by passionate and talented toolmakers the better I think.

Cheers
Pops

Hi Derek,

Congratulations to yourself and Chris for a stunning line-up of marking knives, I like the Cohen-Vesper connection, it does you both proud. May it be the first of many more collaborations.

That 10000 year old red gum is available Earrings,Pendants,Brooches,Cufflinks,Wood Boxes,Wood Bowls,Lake Mungo,Ancient Australian Redgum I suspect only small pieces.. ... I wonder if they have pieces big enough for a saw handle?

Regards
Ray

Thought I better chime in...
Whats this about Skew?? ;-) <<They do look good! (In my opinion, they look better than his existing range. )>>

Actually I have to admit the Cohen knife is a striking design. Very pretty and simple lines and rightly completely different to my own existing 'Joinery Knife". Do check my Knives page - I have actually a MINI JK out now. Identical blade but with a smaller handle. I'm torn which one is better but for now I will offer both. By all means offer some feedback if you wish, good, bad or otherwise!

I must say I am honored to have been allowed by Derek to make these knives. I had for a long time considered a smaller addition to my knife range so this really is perfect.

Pat: Yes an awl should follow close to end of the year, when I get time to breath again.

Derek and Scribbly: Yes I shall modify the name marking, laser marking the blades is to me a process to job out and spend more money on, which quite frankly I have no desire to do so I shall keep in one way or another to the timber envraving on my little pantograph.

Last but not least Frank, and to all:
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. Especially woodworkers, as a potential user of a knife you otherwise may not get a chance to own.
Any business arrangement here is not public business by the way.

Thankyou Pops, I think you are on the right track there.

Frank,
A marking knife is a sharp bit of metal at the pointy end, with some kind of handle to hold it with. Only so many ways to make it! It suits your way of working or not. I have made some myself but not quite with the level of style shown by of the ones posted here. This inspires me to keep at it.
Regards
John