Awesome Saturday at Dark Custom Knives

TooQuiet

TooQuiet

Joined
May 5, 2011
Messages
306
Got up early Saturday morning and made the 2 1/2 hour drive over to Dark Custom Knives. I was taking Robert Dark up on his offer to show me a few things. I was able to spend almost 12 hours with Robert talking about all aspects of knife making.

I brought along a knife blank I designed to get his thoughts. Robert then ground a beautiful full flat grind on the blade, stopping to answer everyone of my (stupid) beginner questions. He was patient and very knowledgable. I even began to grind my first knife on Robert's KMG. I am in the process of painting my Kmg and then it will be assembled.

Lastly, both Robert and his wife could not have been more hospitable to me. I want to thank them both so much. I will definately be going back to learn all that he will impart upon me.

Thanks Robert!!
 
For those who know Robert , this comes as no surprise ! He is a fine gentleman as well as a great knifemaker !

Joe Sangster
 
That's awesome. Robert is good people. I'm not surprised by his generosity here either.

And good on you for posting about it and thanking Robert! I have had about two dozen guys that met me through the forum, come to my shop over the years... and there's only been a few that have ever posted about it or mentioned it in their own knife threads. It's not like a guy wants a brownie badge or anything, but I grew up in a "please and thank you home" so a simple post saying thank you goes a long way (ESPECIALLY if you want to get invited back! ;) ). :D

Robert cuts himself short when it comes to his skills, but his humility just adds to his likability. :) You have a great mentor there!!! :) :thumbup: :cool:
 
Are you guys talking about the same Robert that my wife knows? :)

When I started out, I was not fortunate enough to be invited to a maker's shop. I did attend several hammer-ins and picked up lots of info, but it sure would have been nice to spend some one-on-one time with someone who had more experience than I.

I always told myself that if I could be of help to an aspiring maker, that I would open my shop and my feeble mind and help in any way possible.

Josh (TooQuiet) came to my shop with an open mind, and his eagerness to learn was inspiring. Although he said that he had never stood in front of a belt grinder before, he took to it like a duck to water.

I told him to bring a note pad and write down everything I told him. That way, he would have a written record of what not to do. I think that in spite of all the mass confusion that I shoveled in his direction, we will be seeing some great looking blades from him in the not too distant future.

Nick and Joe, I appreciate your kind comments. You two are examples of true gentlemen.

Josh, come on back across the border when you are ready. My shop is always open to you.

Robert
 
Robert Dark said:
Are you guys talking about the same Robert that my wife knows? :)

When I started out, I was not fortunate enough to be invited to a maker's shop. I did attend several hammer-ins and picked up lots of info, but it sure would have been nice to spend some one-on-one time with someone who had more experience than I.

I always told myself that if I could be of help to an aspiring maker, that I would open my shop and my feeble mind and help in any way possible.

Josh (TooQuiet) came to my shop with an open mind, and his eagerness to learn was inspiring. Although he said that he had never stood in front of a belt grinder before, he took to it like a duck to water.

I told him to bring a note pad and write down everything I told him. That way, he would have a written record of what not to do. I think that in spite of all the mass confusion that I shoveled in his direction, we will be seeing some great looking blades from him in the not too distant future.

Nick and Joe, I appreciate your kind comments. You two are examples of true gentlemen.

Josh, come on back across the border when you are ready. My shop is always open to you.

Robert
Click to expand...

That's awesome of you.
 
Robert, that's really great on you. In the very beginning, I looked around and found some makers who were in my general neighborhood and thought about reaching out to them, but ultimately I felt like a mooch and never did. So instead I muddled through it and self taught myself mistakes that I continue to muddle through. It's all just a vicious circle really. :D

You just gave Josh such a great head start with your generosity. Good karma is coming your way!
 
you know I have had the same luck with a very nice person as well his name is Richard Duff he makes knife's in Louisville KY, we work different shifts so it is hard to meet up with him but he does very good work and offered to teach me all he can. very nice person and really nice shop
 
I hate to reopen a long dead thread, but does anyone know if Robert is still around or what blade steel he used? I just found one of his knives at a consignment shop in Georgia and LOVE IT. They had one more and if I can get the money before it's gone I'm buying it as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top