What is My Process?
‘Where to start?’ is always the question. Sometimes the idea for a new design comes from a conceptual place, ‘what would a gentleman’s tactical folder look like?’ Other times it simply comes from a blade shape or construction approach I imagined. Even other times it can be inspired from a body line on a car I saw that day. No matter how you classify it, I draw inspiration from a broad range of areas and none of them are consistently a linear line to knives.
I think that is the amazing thing about knives in general. One creator can span the gamut from functional tool to artistic mantle-piece within the realm of edged tools. And within that wide gamut is also a tremendous history. Humans have been using edged tools and weapons since prehistory and have forged a fundament bond with them as a result. Because of this, there is a tremendous treasure trove of patterns and styles to also draw upon. One of the knives that highlights this mix of inspiration is Gudy Van Poppel’s Gitano. The Gitano is a work of art, incorporating traditional Navaja lines in to a pocket-able EDC tool. The LionSteel version of the knife transforms it from a flipper to a slip joint for European customers, and in doing so they integrated a historical ‘Cran Forcé’ french slip joint system, which has the security of a back-lock but remains non-locking. Genius.
This is how my process begins. With inspiration, with history and then straight to paper. I was trained as and am a practicing Industrial Designer, so sketching is the majority of the process. Sketching variations, moving lines and proportions until I am completely happy with the design. I can easily go through over 50 variations of a single design before I’m completely happy.
After this, I begin to refine it with ergonomics. I always take in to consideration ergonomics while sketching, but you can never be 100% right in the sketch. So begin to make mock-ups out of foam, cutting and sculpting them to get the comfort in hand to a high level. This may seem a bit trivial, however foam is affordable and believe it or not, it will show your weaknesses & hotspots faster than creating 3D models.
Once the design is finalized on paper, then it begins modeling and refinement. Transitioning a concept from a sketch to 3D isn’t always easy, but the results are always a joy and stunning to see. Here is this idea that previously only existed in 2D as a rough idea; modeled, it suddenly feels real and you just want to reach through the screen to touch it. At this stage, I will explore doing some 3D modeling if I feel it is necessary. If a design tends to be more artistic or conceptual, modeling will help to see if there are any remaining issues. With more traditionally shaped knives, I may forgo 3D modeling as their ergonomics are often resolved in the foam stage.
After this, I begin to refine it with ergonomics. I always take in to consideration ergonomics while sketching, but you can never be 100% right in the sketch. So begin to make mock-ups out of foam, cutting and sculpting them to get the comfort in hand to a high level. This may seem a bit trivial, however foam is affordable and believe it or not, it will show your weaknesses & hotspots faster than creating 3D models.
Once the design is finalized on paper, then it begins modeling and refinement. Transitioning a concept from a sketch to 3D isn’t always easy, but the results are always a joy and stunning to see. Here is this idea that previously only existed in 2D as a rough idea; modeled, it suddenly feels real and you just want to reach through the screen to touch it. At this stage, I will explore doing some 3D modeling if I feel it is necessary. If a design tends to be more artistic or conceptual, modeling will help to see if there are any remaining issues. With more traditionally shaped knives, I may forgo 3D modeling as their ergonomics are often resolved in the foam stage.
I can honestly say I dream to never create anything that is completely frivolous. If even one person can see my idea, hold it in their hand and decide it has a place in their life, that is everything. Many designers will tell you that they design for themselves, and while that is true, I can’t separate myself from the customer completely. I am making things to be purchased, so I want you to desire and find use in the tools I create; so as much I design for myself, I design for you as well. I hope you found this a bit informative, at least a little bit interesting and fingers crossed, maybe inspiring. Creation is not an easy process but is quite gratifying and fulfilling. I am honored to have the opportunity to share my creations with you.
Sherif Manganas