"Alone at my forge".

Fred.Rowe

Fred.Rowe

Joined
May 2, 2004
Messages
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" Alone at My Forge "

Most everyone is welcome here. Some, are just passing through; They have no great passion for what happens here. Some people come for the day, exchanging ideas, telling jokes, catching up on events.
I invite the local Boy Scouts, to come to the forge and see how a knife is made. I don't figure they learn a whole lot. It's taken me years! Can I explain that in an hour?
On days when I can not accomplish something on my own, I invite a fellow maker or friend to stop by and help out. Sometimes two hands and every jig in the shop will not get it done. I need another hand.

But, in a years span, I spend most of my time, at the forge, alone.
Just me, the forge, my hammer and anvil. The place has a buzz to it, on those days. The forge comes to life! The fire getting hot, while I lay out my work. My mind, content in its surroundings. I am in my element. I am a bladesmith. This is what it's all about, forging steel into blades.


I hope you enjoy your time at the forge as much as I, Fred
 
Thanks Fred, that just made me go "ahhhhhhhhhhh", like a good cup of jo.:thumbup:
 
Fred!!! I can understand why you are alone at your forge.:confused: :confused: You scare everyone away with your face.HEHEHEHEHEHEHE!!!;)
 
Fred.Rowe said:
" Alone at My Forge "
But, in a years span, I spend most of my time, at the forge, alone.
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That was sad Fred: and I know what you are talking about. Some days in my shop I will be working on something and I get that same feeling that you are. Would like to see you one day just to shake your hand. You are a amazing person to chat with. Thanks for being one of the good guys.
 
Barkes Knife Shop said:
That was sad Fred: and I know what you are talking about. Some days in my shop I will be working on something and I get that same feeling that you are. Would like to see you one day just to shake your hand. You are a amazing person to chat with. Thanks for being one of the good guys.
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Terry,

Sorry about that. Didn't mean to hit a sad note. I feel fortunate, that I am able, to spend so much time at the forge.


Fred
 
My stresses are long and worries are deep. The world often does'nt 'run' according to my beliefs. We spend so much time chasing technology and the next 'BIG DISCOVERY' to make us lazier and our lives simpler [anybody remember GETTING UP to change the TV channel??]. On my way to the forge and anvil,I walk by the welders and plasma-cutter,the multi-testers and Snap-on Diagnostic equipment and several tool chests full of the latest high tech tools and needs for automotive repair. None of it matters. I pay no mind to any of it. In my mind,all I see is a blade,every trip is a different vision,a different shape for a different purpose. But,in a way,every trip serves the same purpose, an escape! My own little world! Nothing else exists! The radiant heat from the forge,my hands tingle from hammer blows and a firm grip on the tongs. The ring of the anvil and the glow of the steel. I soon become engulfed in a feeling of pride,a sense of self-accomplishment,a state of inner peace. I become whole again. I become ME!!

Thanks for your thoughts,Fred. I think we drink from the same pool of tranquility!! Perhaps,someday,our paths will cross there!:cool: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
Deweyknives said:
My stresses are long and worries are deep. The world often does'nt 'run' according to my beliefs. We spend so much time chasing technology and the next 'BIG DISCOVERY' to make us lazier and our lives simpler [anybody remember GETTING UP to change the TV channel??]. On my way to the forge and anvil,I walk by the welders and plasma-cutter,the multi-testers and Snap-on Diagnostic equipment and several tool chests full of the latest high tech tools and needs for automotive repair. None of it matters. I pay no mind to any of it. In my mind,all I see is a blade,every trip is a different vision,a different shape for a different purpose. But,in a way,every trip serves the same purpose, an escape! My own little world! Nothing else exists! The radiant heat from the forge,my hands tingle from hammer blows and a firm grip on the tongs. The ring of the anvil and the glow of the steel. I soon become engulfed in a feeling of pride,a sense of self-accomplishment,a state of inner peace. I become whole again. I become ME!!

Thanks for your thoughts,Fred. I think we drink from the same pool of tranquility!! Perhaps,someday,our paths will cross there!:cool: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
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Randy,
Our paths have crossed! Drink deeply.
Fred
 
On the flip side, technology saved my honey's life and allow's us all to gather here and share little pieces of ourselves. It's not all bad. We just need to decide what pieces to pick up and use to continue on our individual journeys. Carry on......and have a safe trip!!! ;) :)
 
You are not alone. That fire, the hammer and anvil are a connection for all of us. Even though you are by your self....You are not alone.

Larry
 
Though I would like to perform it better, forging to shape is definately my favorite part of making a knife. I've made a couple by stock removal, but without a doubt forging is the most gratifying part of the knife making process to me,,,,especially when nobody is with me in the smithy. :cool:

As you say Fred, every now and then you do need an extra hand, that's when it's nice to have somebody around.
 
Fred - Randy

Thanks for writing down what is so difficult to explain when people ask why.I usually say that I'd rather make it then shop for it. They usually shake there head and say I'm weird. Maybe so, but the thought of picking up an old car spring on the side of the road and turning it into something with function and beauty is something a computer driven world finds hard to get there hearts around.

Reading what you said gets me thinking of all the people that have walked into my shop and said show me! all excited to create a work of art by the end of the day. It also reminds me of the few who come into my shop who do understand that, beyond the mechanics of the art and even the given ability to create in our chosen endeavors is an understanding of the heart that most find difficult to explain.

I think I'll print out and frame what you've said and hang it in my shop. Then I can just point to a spot on the wall when someone asks me to explain why.

Thank you,
Aldo Bruno
 
Cripes Fred, I didn't know you're a bard too! Thanks for the head trip brother. I spend a lot of time alone in my shop too and I know that's my most productive and - I admit it - happiest time.
 
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