Aubrey Groover Graduation and My Apologies

Fiddleback

Fiddleback

Knifemaker
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Oct 19, 2005
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First off I'd like to say that I am proud to announce that Aubrey Groover has graduated my apprentice program. Aubrey's knives started out much like my own, they needed a lot of work, and he needed a lot of practice. Maybe not many of you know, but IMO my first 200 or so knives were so bad that they are embarrassing. My progress was more about dogged determination than about any naturally inborn skill. I'm proud to say that Aubrey has shown the same dogged determination, and his knives have overcome their initial issues. I've had apprentices that were naturals, and I've had them like myself where they just couldn't see the writing on the wall, or maybe refused to accept it. Allen, and myself come to mind. We had to work very hard to draw, and execute anything professional looking. Generally I think this is due to some kind of stubborn insistance on being a knifemaker. Aubrey has this same mental disease, and has overcome the ugly knife bug. The knives he is turning out today are quite good. He presented the below knife to me at Blade Show, and I was very impressed. During his time at Goat and Hammer, he worked out the flaws and this knife is a winner.

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I was very impressed Mr. Redhammer. Great knife.


Secondly, I need to apologize to Aubrey for dropping the ball on writing this thread since Blade Show. This wasn't done intentionally, but it was an oversight by me. I hope he can forgive me for the slack.
 
Congratulations Aubrey! That knife has a simple elegance to the design. I like the subtle flowing curves of the handle and the guardless transition into the smooth curve of the blade. The overall effect is that of a svelte gentleman's EDC to me. Very well done.

It was great to see Aubrey back working the Fiddleback team tables at the Blade Show this year. I enjoyed hanging out with him in the "Pit" to catch up on stories too. I am glad he stuck with it and wish him lots of success going forward.

Phil
 
Love the flow of the handle and the just-barely-visible hidden pins. Nice piece.
 
Nicely done Aubrey! I like the complex simplicity. We will have to talk more next time I am down. Something of this style will be very useful for me in the near future.
 
Thanks for the praise ya'll. I'm proud that the first apprenticeship I have completed was with Andy Roy, he is a good teacher; methodical, has good instincts for showing how to shape comfortable handles, and exceptionally Cajun. Look forward to seeing you all at the next Blade! Thanks Andy!
 
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