- Joined
- Sep 23, 1999
- Messages
- 5,855
I figure Blade Forums main scheme is to promote knives in general, therefore knife makers, therefore new knife makers. From my own experience, I know how hard it is to get started in the craft, and the biggest bump in the road being coming up with the $1,000-$1,200 to buy a new belt grinder. Well, I have an idea. It might have been done already, but I think it would still be a great thing to do.
We, the Forumites, being either knife collectors, knife makers, or flat out knifenuts, could each throw in a couple dollars towards the purchase(hopefully at a discount} of a belt grinder or grinders. Which one to get would be debatable, although I would choose a Wilton Square Wheel, partially because I love mine and have not had one single problem with it for three years, but mostly becuase they cost a bit less than other brands I've seen. Then we could have new makers, who absolutely do not already own a commercial belt grinder, post a short letter stating what knives and knife making mean to them, and why they would deserve this gift. All Forumites would then vote, IMPARTIALLY I hope, for who they feel would most deserve the grinder.To avoid any hard feelings, votes could be kept private by those who decided to cast a vote emailing them to someone who would be willing to keep a tally. I know this is alot to ask, but just think how many new makers, especially young folks, would never be able to seriously get into knife making due to lack of funds and the inability to buy their first belt grinder. I would hope that along with the grinder, we could have someone with experience deliver it and show the winner how to SAFELY operate it, or have the winner visit someone with a similar grinder for instruction. If the winner lives within a couple hundered miles of me, I would be more than happy to show off my skills, no, I mean show them how to use the grinder.
Well, just thought I would bounce this off the forums and see where it landed. With as many members as we have, $5 from each member should raise more than enough to give away a couple belt grinders. Think it over and vote for the idea in this thread. Comments are welcome, but please leave a vote also. A simple YES or NO will be ok. Take care Forumites and fellow knife makers (wannabes included)!! Michael
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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
[This message has been edited by L6STEEL (edited 15 November 1999).]
We, the Forumites, being either knife collectors, knife makers, or flat out knifenuts, could each throw in a couple dollars towards the purchase(hopefully at a discount} of a belt grinder or grinders. Which one to get would be debatable, although I would choose a Wilton Square Wheel, partially because I love mine and have not had one single problem with it for three years, but mostly becuase they cost a bit less than other brands I've seen. Then we could have new makers, who absolutely do not already own a commercial belt grinder, post a short letter stating what knives and knife making mean to them, and why they would deserve this gift. All Forumites would then vote, IMPARTIALLY I hope, for who they feel would most deserve the grinder.To avoid any hard feelings, votes could be kept private by those who decided to cast a vote emailing them to someone who would be willing to keep a tally. I know this is alot to ask, but just think how many new makers, especially young folks, would never be able to seriously get into knife making due to lack of funds and the inability to buy their first belt grinder. I would hope that along with the grinder, we could have someone with experience deliver it and show the winner how to SAFELY operate it, or have the winner visit someone with a similar grinder for instruction. If the winner lives within a couple hundered miles of me, I would be more than happy to show off my skills, no, I mean show them how to use the grinder.
Well, just thought I would bounce this off the forums and see where it landed. With as many members as we have, $5 from each member should raise more than enough to give away a couple belt grinders. Think it over and vote for the idea in this thread. Comments are welcome, but please leave a vote also. A simple YES or NO will be ok. Take care Forumites and fellow knife makers (wannabes included)!! Michael
------------------
"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
[This message has been edited by L6STEEL (edited 15 November 1999).]
