Best Piece of Advice You've Received From A Knife Maker

The only advice I've received is here on the bladeforums. The counts reply, nicks wips, and many other useful threads have helped with specific tasks. Other than that, just looking at everyone's knives. Having pictures right in front of me inspires different techniques and makes me try new things. One day I'll build a knife I am truly happy with.
 
Use slow setting epoxy, study Nick's sanding videos. Use epoxy to fasten antler or other odd shaped objects to a piece of lumber in order to slice it effectively and safely on chop saw.
The most valuable advice I got was acctually from a holster make but it applies here very well. Take pride in what you do and let your work speak for you.
 
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"You can be wet and miserable, or you can just be wet."

This advice changed my life. I have an awful habit of letting mistakes in the shop ruin my day. We've all had those days where so many things go wrong that it just crushes you. So now instead of cussing up a storm and throwing things I just try to keep it positive and be happy. It makes a huge difference.
 
What about the best piece of advice you would give a new new knife maker??
 
I learned it from another business but it really seems to apply to knife making too.

If you want to make a small fortune in knife making start with a large one!

All the other advice has been great also.
 
No one told me this, I learned it the hard way. Knocks, knocks and some more knocks. I have shared it with others and it seems to help. "You have to see what you did caused, then adjust, or not."
 
Never believe you are at the peak of your skill, no matter how good you think you are.
 
Make every effort to see what you are doing. I.e., direct strong light at your processes, not just diffuse light from several feet away. You should know exactly where and how much material is being removed at any given time.
 
PaMtnBkr said:
I was struggling with deep grind marks near my plunge and I asked a local maker what he does to clean them up? He said "I don't put them in" and left it at that. I thought maybe some kind of secret knife makers code prevented him from explaining what he meant? A month or so later, I figured it out! Now I don't put them in either!
Click to expand...

That line is beautiful, true knifemaking zen!
 
Ouch! That's a brutal one Count! And SO very true!

So this doesn't come from a knife maker, but I think it applies to everything.

"Sho-Dan (1st degree black belt) means 'beginner's grade'."

Just when you think you've achieved something, it just means you're ready to start the REAL work!
 
A good editor for the book: "There are still some lines at the ricaso" is Penguin Books :D


Pablo
 
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