A good feeling

Tanguay Custom Knives

Tanguay Custom Knives

Joined
Jun 15, 2003
Messages
1,500
A few months ago we hired a new operator at the power plant where I'm a supervisor. He's young, just a few years out of the Academy, but he's a hell of a worker. He's gotten some really good hands on experience in the time since he's graduated. He's a good kid, pleasant to be around, smart, but quiet, and certainly not a know it all. He listens well, is very attentive, and does whatever he is asked to do without a grumble. Did I also mention that he's one hell of a worker! I wish I had a few more just like him. If I ever meet his father, I'm going to shake that man's hand, and tell him what a fine job he's done.

Not long ago he asked me to make him a knife. He looked over my web page and gave me a rough idea of what he wanted. I finished it up for him yesterday, and gave it to him at the beginning of our shift last night. I've never had a customer act happier or more appreciative of a knife I've made for them. You should've seen his face. It truly reminded me of a kid at Christmas. He immediately put it on his belt, and has been wearing it ever since. I think he's showed it to every other employee and contractor he's seen in the last two days.

Contrast that to earlier tonight. I tried to give a young man here on BF some much needed advice, and I felt like everything I said fell on deaf ears. I put it in perspective though. This is the internet and all, and he and I don't really know each other, but it bummed me out a little just the same. I guess that post, and being on nights again, kind of put me in a mood.

I had no intention of posting a picture of this knife here, because to me, it was really nothing unique. I like the design, and the knife came out well, but I've made many like this one before. Well, I just saw my young plant operator admiring his knife again, and it made me feel really good, so I figured I'd post a pic. It seems the knife is really special to him, and now, after seeing his reaction over the last two days, it's special to me too. It really makes you feel good when you see your hard work, something you made with your own hands, give another person joy. Seeing him enjoying his new knife like that really turned my night, and my mood around.

Sorry, I don't mean to sound corny. The forums are pretty quiet this time of night, and there isn't much to read, so I figured I'd write this up and post a picture of my friend's new knife.

Thanks,
Scott

huntera.jpg
 
Thanks Guys.
I was really happy with the way it feels in hand myself. The finger grips were actually an after thought, and I was a little worried he wouldn't like them. Turns out he was very happy with the whole package, including the finger grips. It killed me to not put thumb notches on this one, but that was one point he was clear on.
Scott
 
Honestly, it could be one of your best :thumbup:

:) great edc design and elegant looking knife, well done.
 
I don't know about you, but I'm finding that some of my simpler designs are the harder ones to make (because I have trouble knowing when to quit). Whenever I look at someone else's work, I want to see a simple useable piece before I look at a safe queen. Knowing how to keep things simple is always a challenge (in life and knives) and there is a fine line between art and "overdone". You've made a well-executed, quality blade that your customer is happy with - that's one of my major reasons for making anything (let's face it, most guys aren't going to get rich knifemaking).

As for the other thread, anyone can learn how to talk - very few people learn how to listen. Keep a lookout for the few people who are ready to learn (like the newbie in your post) and invest your time and energy where you'll see the biggest return on it. I know for a fact that I have benefitted tremendously from people who were willing to put the time in to teach a young dog a few tricks. Who knows, maybe this new guy might like to make a blade of his own and need a mentor.

If things start getting to be too much, strip down to the basics and start over.

Have a good one,

Nathan

*I know what you mean about shift switching - I've been back on days for 5 months after over a year on nights and I'm still having trouble sleeping*
 
Scott: I absolutely LOVE that knife!! I would LOVE to own one exactly like it, when I CAN affords it!!

That is really cool that the new guy REALLY liked the knife! I wish you could have seen MY face when I saw that knife!! It would have made you happy.
 
Why the hell wouldn't he be happy?! That is one great looking knife! Simple enough that you aren't afraid to use it everyday, yet has nice lines and an elegant shape. I have to say though that I'm not a big fan of bright orange handles, but to each his own, won't be very easy to lose at least. Great knife and I'm glad that it's owner was greatfull for it.
 
I am glad your knife is appreciated as much as it should be. Nice simple design I happen to like it. It sounds like your co-worker is a great person you are fortunate to work with him. I personally am meeting fewer and fewer people like that so when I do I enjoy there company and try and forget the self absorbed people in my life.

Thanks for posting.
 
Thanks to all who took the time to post. I've been fortunate to have a few really good young men work for me in the past few years. Those are the type we hold on to!

When time allots, I plan on making up a few more of these in orange, green, tan, black, and red micarta.

Scott
 
Put me on the list of people to notify if you ever get to those other knives.

Otherwise I'll have to ask the next two questions: How long does it take to learn to be a plant operator? and two: Is you plant hiring?

Great looking knife Scott. Seriously. Anyone that wouldn't be proud to own that one needs their head examined.
 
Nice knife and a nice post. We all are encouraged by those kinds of people.Thanks for sharing.
 
Wow...
i have to say that was one heck of a post.
i have known quite a few really good workers... and they are pricless. Quite a few go to our church and there's kind of a group of guys that when anyone needs something done. well it gets done no questions asked. You certanly know how to make them feel appreciated. its people like that that give me hope for the future, and people like you who make them better.
thanks
~Chris
 
Great looking knife Scott. Your styles keep getting better and better my friend.

Mark T.
 
Scott, sweet knife and I'm glad you posted a picture and a great story of it, it reminds me to be appreciative and supportive of others, good job!
 
sometimes the seemingly simple is the most difficult to achieve. I wish I could make something so beutiful.
 
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