Ashokan,Burt Foster,and what He said

Deweyknives

Deweyknives

Joined
Nov 29, 2006
Messages
1,097
I'm a little late, been 'under the weather' this past week. I just wanted to thank Burt for his time at Ashokan to critique some of my work. However, I must appolagize for doing it during 'show-n-tell'. I underestimated the excitement and atmosphere that awaited! [did a tour bus come in?? :D] If you tried to get to Burt or his knives but someone was parked right in the way, I appolagize to you as well. On the bright side, Jason Knight was set up beside Burt, so I druled on his stuff too!

Anyhow, first trip to Ashokan. Good time, great people, great food and just all around 'knifey' atmosphere. Look forward to attending again!

I had a few knives with me that I was feeling kinda proud of, so after I got a few replies and compliments, I was ready for some SERIOUS feedback!

I handed Burt a hunter. Clip point, Aldo's 1084, 304 hardware, Bloodwood/Blackwood handle. Needed some finish work, so we discussed that. He checked for straitness, edge center, grind lines, guard fit [:barf:], all the things we first check on others knives. He commented on the side profile of the handle. Then, turning it up for a spine view. Knife in left hand, right hand open, palm up and shoulders slightly hunched, he says........

"It's......it's......it's like a plank!'

"LIKE A PLANK!!!!" :eek: ..............OUCH!!! :D

I still chuckle thinking about it! It's pretty safe to say, with that simple statement, Burt Foster changed the shape of any handle I make from here on!! :cool::D Said plank is back in the vise, gettin' a serious file-wippin!!

Thanks for your time, Burt!! :thumbup: I'll post some pics once the 'revision' is complete.
 
Burt and Jason are two guys that one can learn a whole lot from, particularly handle design and ergonomics. "Planks" and "broom handles" are best left to brooms and the lumber yard. Looking forward to seeing the revised design.

Roger
 
Randy,

My comments are not as valuable as you may think. What's rare is that you asked for my honest opinion and made it clear that you wanted to improve your work. 99% of the guys who ask me what I think don't want to hear what I think. They want me to tell them that they did a great job, so that's what I tell them. If a guy really wants to know, he'll say, "No, really, tell me what you think I need to work on." The fact that you asked puts you in the top 1% of guys out there as far as I'm concerned.

The best advice I ever got was the advice I begged for.

A part of you needs to always think your work sucks. Don't beat yourself up about it, but the moment you get the idea that you've arrived, you have. And where ever it is that you have arrived at that point is the point you'll stay.

Keep up the good work.
 
Burt Foster said:
The best advice I ever got was the advice I begged for.
Click to expand...

What about the advice that got foisted upon you like a burden?:D

What about advice from people who feel as passionate and driven about your work as you do, even "modifying" it to make it "better"?

Is that not advice made into a physical manifestation?;)

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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