There is no one correct way to display a knife. What is universal is the need to create an image which inspires a DESIRE to own it!

The following webpage, done by Jim "Coop" Cooper, has been reproduced with permission from Coop.. It has been edited slightly for content. Besides the wonderful photography, he also operates the CKD Kit Knife Forum on CKD Forums.com, along with Darrel Ralph. If want to view the full page with pictures and other great information, please visit his website at: http://www.sharpbycoop.com/home.shtml

Current and future sales depend on a good record of your work or collection. Knives are considered investments for many. When it comes time to sell a piece, it is imperative that you make the best impression on your potential buyers. That's smart investing.

Like the knives themselves, my picture compositions are influenced from many various sources and photographers. I own and enjoy all of the noted pictorial display books, and I read every magazine cover-to-cover. I will lay no claim as being unique in this field. Along with good lighting and clarity, I feel 'composition' is an intangible that I strive for, and which makes the BIG difference in appeal. This is my artistry working on your behalf.

That said, I have found myself patterns and styles that draw upon what seems to work best in this narrow field of photography. Knives are long and thin, and because of such offer a lot of extra 'canvas' to add in extra details of its features. And who does not like looking closely at good details? With certainty, the first thing we do as admirers with a hand-held knife is to draw it up and look closely at all the particulars. This asset is largely unavailable in a conventional two-dimensional photo. 

There are two styles of multiple-imaging displays: Montages and Collages. A montage has additional insets included in the core picture, while a collage has a number of individually framed pictures. I utilize both techniques, sometimes in the same photo. Collages are best when space is not a consideration, and a montage is better when there are some sizing constraints. Single images are just that, and may work perfectly, too. 

The creation of a good knife photo starts with a clear side view of the knife in its open position. For many it just might end there as well. I am very flexible. I try to minimize background effects to focus largely on the knife and details itself. But that isn't always the best flavor for each piece. Depending on the amount of wonderful details that are hidden within, helps me make a decision on how to proceed.

In order to have the added objects/details look plausible to the eye, I make sure I use some shadowing to keep them consistent with the core image, and I will use a plain white border to outline an inset. This is a good visual cue that is easily comprehensible. Prop backgrounds need to be realistic as well. My backgrounds are not digital, although I could do this, too. I use a combination of professional photography backgrounds, artist's paper, and other items. All of them can work, and often do.

The display format is linked intrinsically to the specific need: Is this a shot for a portfolio, for submittal to a publication, or will it see primary duty on the web or on an online auction? All of these are different in the sizing and arrangement. Publications generally need a simpler side profile, portfolio's need an 8" x 10" or 5" x 7" rectangle, and the web pics can be collages longer and thinner. This is not hard and fast, but a general rule. 

Tools of the Trade.... 


My work begins with a digital camera, and I am now using the Canon EOS-20D 8.3 megapixel version with highly recommended Tamron AF28-75 Aspherical lens.

I use a light tent of my own design, and utilize 2-3 Norman LH200 100w strobe lamps, which helps me get the clarity I need. The most difficult and important facet of knife photography is controlling blade reflection and allowing for some shadowing.

I have one of the best commercial printers on the market. I use the incomparable Epson Stylus Photo 5500 professional series. It is an advanced multi-thousand dollar printer with resolution of up to 2880x720 dpi and Epson's Archival Ink Technology to produce photo's that will last a claimed 200 years! This is no ordinary photo printer, and my clients who need prints are getting the very best.

Lastly, I use Adobe PhotoShop CS2 9.0 to create and enhance all of the work digitally. I have spent hundreds of hours learning this daunting program and am still learning its features! My computer has an NEC 21" graphics monitor so I can really see the details clearly. Many of the images shown represent about an hour's time working within the program. Even with the best of equipment, there is no easy way to produce these images quickly.

In conclusion, I am able to provide you with any style picture you need. I can do a combination of a montage/collage for your portfolio, website, or auction, as well as include a singular side profile for publication submission. You tell me!

Please browse our Galleries for a look at some of the finest knives and makers I have had the pleasure working with!