- Joined
- Feb 28, 2006
- Messages
- 3,494
Hello Friends,
It is always interesting to me to try and sort out the discussions about “how to make knives.” There are often two basic paradigms behind the various methods presented. It seems the dominant “stream” of thought leans toward the technological and measurable, complete with well ordered recipes and equations. Sometimes it seems this “scientific” approach is at odds with seemingly more primitive methodologies.
It is fairly easy to understand and agree with the techno-paradigm. After all, known steels with known alloy constituents and known heat treat temperatures and cycles, along with computer controlled ovens and engineered quenchents make for pretty predictable results. What’s to argue with? Not a thing!
On-the-other-hand, what about the “primitive” paradigm? It might involve magnets and color charts, files and brass rods, vegetable and mineral oils, vermiculite and dry ice. Naturally this approach is not typically recommended for the beginner. In fact it seems to be repeatedly, if not frowned upon or even denigrated, questioned or challenged. This certainly seems understandable; as it does not seem likely makers will inherently have the skill-sets to succeed in such a manner. Indeed, it is often implied that it is not possible to even develop such skills to succeed with the unaided eye, hand and mind.
Thankfully there are, of course, the exceptions to the “rule.” There are knifemakers that are extraordinarily successful in the marketplace and acknowledged as masters of the forged blade; that do not use computers and digital assistance. Of course these guys are likely to have decades of experience under their belts, if not even generations of blacksmithing or artisanship of one sort or another in their heritage.
I’m reminded of mechanics, who can at a glance know exactly what size socket or box wrench is needed to undo a series of nuts or bolt (without having to take out a set of calipers to measure said nuts.) These same mechanics over time are likely to not even have to take that quick glance to know which wrench is needed. They will have learned such and such a make and model’s heads (etc) need such and such a wrench. Is this modest example enough to extrapolate the believe that it might truly be possible to develop one’s mind, body and eye to know steel, fire, air and water (and oil) in a similar manner; enough to succeed as a Bladesmith unaided by calculators and equations?
I like to believe it is, certainly not with the first knife, nor would it be likely with the hundredth. Perhaps it would even take a thousand or more, but eventually the experience, wisdom and finely honed observational skills of the human body, senses and mind would develop.
I’m reminded of my journey as a jeweler, silversmith and goldsmith. After fabricating literally thousands of pieces of jewelry I could read the colors (under various conditions and lighting) of the silver or gold being soldered by torch. I could touch the solder as the piece heated up and the flux transformed at just the right moment. A second earlier and the piece(s) would not be hot enough and the solder wouldn’t flow properly. A second later would be too late and a portion of the piece would melt, not just the solder.
I suspect many of us have in our backgrounds similar experiences of developing marvelous capacities and skill-sets of the most amazing instrument of all; that of the human being! Comments welcome.
All the best, Phil
PS - I am not anti technology. I am also learning to use a new Evenheat oven (with controller) and bonafide quenchents. On-the-other-hand, I am pro humanity, in all it splendor, even that of a by-the-seat-of-ones-pants artisan!
It is always interesting to me to try and sort out the discussions about “how to make knives.” There are often two basic paradigms behind the various methods presented. It seems the dominant “stream” of thought leans toward the technological and measurable, complete with well ordered recipes and equations. Sometimes it seems this “scientific” approach is at odds with seemingly more primitive methodologies.
It is fairly easy to understand and agree with the techno-paradigm. After all, known steels with known alloy constituents and known heat treat temperatures and cycles, along with computer controlled ovens and engineered quenchents make for pretty predictable results. What’s to argue with? Not a thing!
On-the-other-hand, what about the “primitive” paradigm? It might involve magnets and color charts, files and brass rods, vegetable and mineral oils, vermiculite and dry ice. Naturally this approach is not typically recommended for the beginner. In fact it seems to be repeatedly, if not frowned upon or even denigrated, questioned or challenged. This certainly seems understandable; as it does not seem likely makers will inherently have the skill-sets to succeed in such a manner. Indeed, it is often implied that it is not possible to even develop such skills to succeed with the unaided eye, hand and mind.
Thankfully there are, of course, the exceptions to the “rule.” There are knifemakers that are extraordinarily successful in the marketplace and acknowledged as masters of the forged blade; that do not use computers and digital assistance. Of course these guys are likely to have decades of experience under their belts, if not even generations of blacksmithing or artisanship of one sort or another in their heritage.
I’m reminded of mechanics, who can at a glance know exactly what size socket or box wrench is needed to undo a series of nuts or bolt (without having to take out a set of calipers to measure said nuts.) These same mechanics over time are likely to not even have to take that quick glance to know which wrench is needed. They will have learned such and such a make and model’s heads (etc) need such and such a wrench. Is this modest example enough to extrapolate the believe that it might truly be possible to develop one’s mind, body and eye to know steel, fire, air and water (and oil) in a similar manner; enough to succeed as a Bladesmith unaided by calculators and equations?
I like to believe it is, certainly not with the first knife, nor would it be likely with the hundredth. Perhaps it would even take a thousand or more, but eventually the experience, wisdom and finely honed observational skills of the human body, senses and mind would develop.
I’m reminded of my journey as a jeweler, silversmith and goldsmith. After fabricating literally thousands of pieces of jewelry I could read the colors (under various conditions and lighting) of the silver or gold being soldered by torch. I could touch the solder as the piece heated up and the flux transformed at just the right moment. A second earlier and the piece(s) would not be hot enough and the solder wouldn’t flow properly. A second later would be too late and a portion of the piece would melt, not just the solder.
I suspect many of us have in our backgrounds similar experiences of developing marvelous capacities and skill-sets of the most amazing instrument of all; that of the human being! Comments welcome.
All the best, Phil
PS - I am not anti technology. I am also learning to use a new Evenheat oven (with controller) and bonafide quenchents. On-the-other-hand, I am pro humanity, in all it splendor, even that of a by-the-seat-of-ones-pants artisan!
