A few reflections from 2017

bbingenheimer

bbingenheimer

Joined
Mar 4, 2010
Messages
661
This is just a few of my reflections of 2017.

As most here know I retired from the DAY JOB the January 2nd 2017. I went into full swing making knives. Learned a lot as I went and enjoyed every minute. "My biggest fear was having to go and look for a REAL JOB again". At 62 years young nobody wants to hire. Boy I'm glad that that did not happen.

I have the good fortune of a lot of support from this community. I have made many new lasting friendships with many in the last year.

I remember now looking back I was going to produce x amount of knives and be a RICH A$$ knife maker in 1 year. Man what a delusion that turned out to be. I can say though I am a Rich Ass knife maker but not in the monetary sense. I'm rich in the sense that I have a lot of support from this community of fellow knife nuts.

I hope to continue doing what I do and hope that the community will continue to support my passion ( obsession ).

God Bless everyone here and Happy 2018

Bing
 
Terrific.

The dilemma, as I experience as well, is that production is only one part of the total business experience:
Communication, social online presence, ordering supplies, communication, production, fixing broken, communication, improving procedure, finishing, communication, testing, photo work, packaging, shipping forms, communication, payment, deposits, etc.

Repeat as needed for each project.

Oh, and family? Distraction after distraction. Sigh. it's a 'family' run business, and you're doing it all. LOL!

Amiright? :confused:

That you are doing all of this and ENJOYING it as well, is testament to your passions. I wish you even better.
 
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Great post, Bing. I feel fortunate to have been able to get to know you and can’t wait for the upcoming folder class :). Hope 2018 is even better than last year for you.

Jeremy
 
real wealth cannot be measured in material possessions or dollars. Riches are found in surprising places, not just banks.
That being said, a guy's gotta make a living!
Love ya, buddy :)
 
You are a Wonderful Human and I feel very fortunate to have met you and kept in touch and over the years my friend....God Bless and do what you do so well. ❤️
 
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Dawkind said:
You are a Wonderful Human and I feel very fortunate to have met you and kept in touch and over the years my friend....God Bless and do what you do so well. ❤️
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Thanks Dudley, I always enjoy our conversations. Will talk to you soon pal.

Bing
 
Bing, I met you at Blade two years ago and knew right off you were a righteous Man! So happy you are doing what you want and enjoying! Hope to see you this year at the Blade show.

Steve
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Member, W.F. Moran Jr. Foundation
ABS Apprentice
 
Matt / Steve, thanks



Steve Nuckels said:
Bing, I met you at Blade two years ago and knew right off you were a righteous Man! So happy you are doing what you want and enjoying! Hope to see you this year at the Blade show.

Steve
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Member, W.F. Moran Jr. Foundation
ABS Apprentice
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Steve , was a pleasure to meet you as well. Look forward to seeing you again this year.
 
Congrats on the full time and glad its working out for ya! Did same thing about six years ago and its been a hoot. There'll be some tough spots, a guy just has to cowboy up and get er done. It's also interesting how things evolve as ya go. Wishing ya great 2018!
 
"My biggest fear was having to go and look for a REAL JOB again".

Bing, knifemaking is a REAL JOB...the IRS says it is! At least they've hit me up for income taxes like it was real since 1989.

Enjoy your new job!

David
 
You got it Bing. All it takes is a little self discipline, some fortitude, persistence, dedication to the craft, some sacrifice here and there, an understanding (working) wife, an ability to make do with what you have, some skills to fix the things that break yourself and some good luck. What could possibly go wrong?:);):p:D
PS, get off the forum and get back to work.:p:p
 
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Bruce, whenever anybody asks if I have any friends (seems to happen a lot) you are on my very short list! You have done as much to help me along in knifemaking as anybody and honestly, "thank you" just doesn't quite seem enough. Congratulations on a great year! You deserve it.

Bob
 
Way to go, Bing! I'm still carrying my Bing flipper:). I've been full time for 3 or 4 years now...it's the best job ever! Good pay, great friends, flexible hours(work til midnight if you want;)), and the wife doesn't have to work! I'm glad it's working for you. Look forward to seeing more stuff from your shop.
 
Knifemaking made me rich, not financially but certainly from the quality of life perspective. For me it was the satisfaction and putting smiles on the faces of customers. I don't make many anymore, but I still like to spend time in the shop.
 
Bing, your recurves inspired me greatly. I’m self employed too, as a part time knifemaker and full time therapist. The money is inconsistent, but life is much more rewarding. Don’t give up the best part of self employment, enjoying what you are doing.
 
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