All this talk about Ed Fowler....Meet the man

Nathan the Machinist said:
I've met the man several times. He is an okay person in my book. I don't always agree with everything he says, but as I get older I've realized there is frequently wisdom in the things that old folks say that I dismissed when I was younger. Sometimes those old folks lack the formal education to frame what they're saying in the "correct" terminology, but it isn't necessarily "hype".

It is easy, with a lot of theoretical (and frequently largely un-experienced) knowledge to dismiss someone based upon minutia that they don't appear to understand. Don't discount real world hard earned knowledge.

"How do you test your knives" is an important message.

I agree with Stacy that it is unwise to discuss metallurgy when one doesn't really know much metallurgy. But Ed has earned the right to discuss high performance knives (as he defines it) and I'm glad he at least tries to disseminate what he has learned over a long time in the industry.

I do wish he would drop some of the romantic hyperbole and he certainly opens himself to criticism with some of his BS, but I think there is a lot more to the man than just his shortcomings.
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Right on man... If I could have worded it so well from the get go, I'm sure I wouldn't be on Ed's naughty list, today.
 
I am posting this on the appropriate threads:

One thing clear is that pretty much everyone has an opinion on this.
Some will say that there are holes in the procedures as presented, and there is a very understandable caution not to step on any toes.
One person will talk about the poetry of the man, and another about his years of experience.
Others will go "Tish-Tish", you should not talk ill of the man.
Most of the discussion is good debate, and well intended.
There have been several spin-off threads on the topics discussed. To the most, all comments have been civil and on topic. I commend all who have posted on their behavior and restraint.

I'll post my final comments, as I think this subject has had all the good discussion that can be said...leaving room for only degradation.

FINAL COMMENTS:
Contrary to some peoples belief, I do not dislike Ed Fowler. I respect him as a man and a bladesmith. I don't think he is a liar or a fake.

I never doubted he has great ability, fame, and makes a good knife.

I am not a shill for Kevin Cashen....he can, and has, used his own voice when he feels speaking up is needed.

This is not a "My Way" vs "His Way" subject. It is about the articles in Blade magazine.

I believe that some real good will come out of this discussion. Maybe I won't be invited to the next BBQ at the ranch, but those there will certainly be discussing the metallurgy of HT in more depth.
Those attending many other BBQ's, in many places on this planet, will also discuss HT methods....This is all a good thing.

Many new smiths will take some good info from both sides of this issue and do additional studies...resulting in better blades, and better understanding of how they got that way.

I wish Ed Fowler well, and a long and happy life. The best way that this could end is for both of us to come away with some things learned, and pass those things on to others. In not too many years, both of us will be gone, but hopefully, people will still be learning new things.

I am going to stop here. I hope Ed reads this, or someone sends it to him. Happy New year , Ed - Stacy
 
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