Batching.....

Horsewright

Horsewright

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 4, 2011
Messages
13,853
I often get asked questions regarding my process and working in batches. I found this old thread to help someone regarding rehabbing an old kitchen knife. While thats its primary purpose, this thread does outline quite a bit of my process in working on a batch of knives.
Giver er a peek:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/rehab-for-an-old-gal.1478542/
 
Good thread. Do you re-etch the spines and tangs of your damascus knives or leave then shiny?
 
That thread is golden. Love your process. The fully epoxy one scale on; drill; fully epoxy the other scale on; drill; epoxy in pins method I haven't seen used often.

One thing about batching is that it greatly delays gratification. I find this challenging sometimes to stay motivated and focused though a batch. Something I need to work on.

I think success and maturity in most endeavors can be measured by how much someone is willing to delay gratification. Speaks to self control, focus, and patience.
 
J. Keeton said:
One thing about batching is that it greatly delays gratification. I find this challenging sometimes to stay motivated and focused though a batch. Something I need to work on.

I think success and maturity in most endeavors can be measured by how much someone is willing to delay gratification. Speaks to self control, focus, and patience.
Click to expand...

I always have a bunch of things in progress, but seldom work in actual batches. However the last few weeks I've been doing that, more or less, and the drudgery is brutal (there was hand-sanding of very hard 154CM involved...). On the other hand, I'll end up finishing 6 pieces this week. Not sure this is the best pattern for me from a motivation point of view, but it's WAY more efficient for my standard kiridashi patterns.
 
jdm61 said:
Good thread. Do you re-etch the spines and tangs of your damascus knives or leave then shiny?
Click to expand...

Thanks I leave them polished. I use to etch Horsewright on the spine of the handle but stamp nowadays.
 
J. Keeton said:
That thread is golden. Love your process. The fully epoxy one scale on; drill; fully epoxy the other scale on; drill; epoxy in pins method I haven't seen used often.

One thing about batching is that it greatly delays gratification. I find this challenging sometimes to stay motivated and focused though a batch. Something I need to work on.

I think success and maturity in most endeavors can be measured by how much someone is willing to delay gratification. Speaks to self control, focus, and patience.
Click to expand...

It helps not to get paid till their done!
 
Right now... I’m finding good personal efficiency with working in pairs. I did a batch four recently and it bogged me down some. Thanks again for sharing your process.

Not getting paid till the end is for sure a motivator!
 
The first 3 years of my welding career was on production lines. I kinda love batches. I just gotta get some standardized patterns for waterjeting. For guys who work and do a bit of stress relief work its nice to be able to spend 2 hours and have it be productive.

Great thread. Your work is always fantastic.
 
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Horsewright Horsewright you mentioned waxing and buffing the entire blade and handle as a last step in your process.

I am very interested in more information on your process for that. I've seen dribs and drabs, but nothing comprehensive. I appreciate all that you share, you have had a great influence on my workflow processes.

Michael
 
daizee said:
x5

There has to be some incentive throughout the process if it's not for your own personal creative gratification.
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When ya make your living at it, payday can be a motivator. We take what we call "pending orders". So usually when the knife is finished and I'm ready to start the sheath we'll call the customer and get CC info. Works out well that way as many of the sheaths have customizations such as brands, initials etc. There's no obligation at that point, kinda a first right of refusal. If somebody doesn't come through (seldom) the knife will go on the website, don't take long for em to sell.

J. Keeton said:
Right now... I’m finding good personal efficiency with working in pairs. I did a batch four recently and it bogged me down some. Thanks again for sharing your process.

Not getting paid till the end is for sure a motivator!
Click to expand...

Ya bet, glad to help.

Michael.Drinkwine said:
Horsewright Horsewright you mentioned waxing and buffing the entire blade and handle as a last step in your process.

I am very interested in more information on your process for that. I've seen dribs and drabs, but nothing comprehensive. I appreciate all that you share, you have had a great influence on my workflow processes.

Michael
Click to expand...


Thanks for the kind words Michael. Nothing particularly special on the wax. I just use Mother's car wax with carnuba. Cover the whole knife with a cotton ball, let sit and then buff off. I do use a buffer that is dedicated to that so the wheels don't have anything else on em. On light color woods like olive and osage I'll hand buff the wax off.
 
Ahhh, stop your batching!!!!:p But seriously, good info.
 
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