Bubble "Jig" [SR] what's in the name?

Fred.Rowe

Fred.Rowe

Joined
May 2, 2004
Messages
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Many knife makers have asked me over the years: "why did you call this tool a Bubble Jig Fred.” After many discussions about what constitutes a "jig" I had to admit I did a poor job of naming this tool, for this is not a jig at all; it's a sight reference. It allows the grinder to make use of his eyes to produce accurate grinds. It doesn't really hold a blade in a fixed position when grinding as jigs are meant to do.
So you'll notice in future threads we've added an [SR], sight reference, to indicate this is a visual aid and not a jig.

In retrospect I wish I had spent more time choosing a name, but like many things in life, it just happens as we are trying to do our best to make it a productive day.

Regards and happy grinding, Fred
 
No, it's not a jig. But "Bubble Jig" is pithy. It is a guide. Does "Bubble Guide" roll off the tongue as well? No. Who cares? It's a great product that helps a lot of people and it's easy to say. Good enough for me. As you were.
:thumbsup:
 
I agree with Marc's sentiment. If I can be so bold as to feel have something to offer, but don't overthink this, Fred.

I mean, how good of a jig would a bubble make, anyway?
 
I don't really care what you decide to call it. What I know is it worked really well for me as a learner and when I get my house built and the shop set up again it is going to get used a bit more before I begin to learn to grind free hand. I don't expect the jump to free hand to be that much because of the the way that the bubble jig is a reference that still requires me to hold the piece in the right position and make the right motions.

I never questioned the name til today!
 
The very best part of the Bubble Jig is the thousands of friends and acquaintances I've made thru the marketing of the product and thru the many questions I have answered over the 11 plus years we have been in business. The very first post about the BJ was here on Shop Talk; matter of fact the only ad we have is here on the forums. I thought from the beginning if it's as good a product as I think it is then advertising is not necessary; other knife makers if they approve will sell the product. When we were wholesaling with Jantz Supply and with Tracey at Knife Dogs; we were overwhelmed with the work needed to keep up so after a couple of years of that we went back to retail sales only. I never went into this to get rich, like knife making. I did it to share a good idea and to help knife makers production easier. I've done that and it pleases me no end.
There is no real thought of changing the name; as mentioned above, "it rolls off the tongue"
I love the knife making world and the experiences I've had will stay with me forever. The friends I've made, the same.
Thanks for the good natured replies; you made me smile.

Happy grinding, Fred
 
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