C J Powell - Apprentice

Jarrett Knives

Jarrett Knives

Joined
Oct 5, 2006
Messages
937
Hi Gang -

I wanted to introduce you to my 18 year old apprentice - Calvin Powell. He's been working with me since May '09, so just a few short months. He is an extremely quick learner and his grinding is pretty amazing considering his time at the craft. His fit and finish is right up there as well.

I'm trying to talk him into setting up his own "knifemaker" subscription to see if he can sell some of his pieces so he can start buying his own darn steel! ;):D

Take a look at his most recent piece - his "Diamondback Hunter".

OAL - 9 1/2"
Blade - 4 3/8" Flat Grind
Blade Material - 1095 High Carbon; Differentially heat treated with hamon
Bolsters - Linen Micarta
Spacer - Stainless steel .020
Handle - Cocobolo
Pins - 416 Stainless Steel

CJDiamondbackComp2.jpg


CJDiamondbackLeftBladeAdj.jpg


CJDiamondbackLeftHandle.jpg


CJDiamondbackRightBlade.jpg


CJDiamondbackRightHandle.jpg


We would love to hear from the "knife aficionados" on the forums and get your comments. I'm a little biased since we work together daily. Whatcha think fellas? :confused:
 
Thanks for the note Stabber. I'm sure CJ is going to be busting at the seams in the morning when he shows up wanting to know what the consensus was on "his posting". :confused::eek::D

He's a very unique young man. Coming from corporate America as I do, I know all too well that it's tough to get full grown adults to show up on time and to put in a full days work let alone do it with a smile. This young man has a passion for learning and an amazing artistic streak in him. I think the good Lord put me in his path to throw fuel on the fire so to speak.

I dedicated a page to his apprenticeship on my website and you can see more of his work there if anyone is interested ... CJ's Page

I often wonder if there are any other makers on the forums that have apprentices. I'd love to hear from them as well. It would be very cool to exchange ideas and experiences.

Take care and God Bless.
 
wow that is very nice work.he is lucky to have a chance to be an apprentice in knife making.
 
That's some very nice work. I like the simplicity of the lines and it looks like (with that nice belly) it would actually make a great user as well. F/F on the handle is really nice, too.

Good for him.

Good on you too, Wayne. I started in construction almost 40 years ago, and none of the older fellas would take the time to show me much of anything. They had a lot more fun making fun of my age, my appearance, my manner of speaking, etc.

When I found a guy that was willing to take me on as his helper as a finish carpenter/cabinet maker, I stayed with him as long as he felt like he could teach me things (about two years) doing whatever he told me to do. Then he cut me loose, and we became actual friends, not just master/apprentice.

That one guy literally shaped the way I think about my carpentry work in such a strong fashion I think about him often to this day, especially when I turn out a project for a client that turns out extra nice. I think in my now middle aged mind 'I wonder what Frank would think...".

He is lucky. And you are too. The energy young guys can bring to the crafts can be pretty invigorating, especially after you have been in the same craft for many years. They help you remember the excitement and joy you had when you started up your career in your chosen craft.

I think it is fantastic that you are taking him on, and it sure sounds like he appreciates the opportunity you are giving him. I hope you get him to post more of his work.

Robert
 
Good work there, CJ. You have got a fantastic teacher / mentor. Very clean workmanship with a great combination of materials. I'll be keeping my eye on you, my young friend! I also like your snake motif. Very nice!!!

Wayne, looks like you've got one heck of an apprentice! I think what you are doing is extremely honorable. You are keeping the art alive, my friend!
 
Wayne,

Thank you for the time you have invested in me. I am now officially a paid member of Blade Forums. I look forward to interacting with everyone.
 
Welcome CJ! Great to see you here, my friend! I sent you a friend request and an email! I look forward to seeing more of your work here and hearing from you!
 
Congratulations, CJ on a very successful hunt! I told you I would keep my fingers crossed! PM sent!
 
Hi Wayne,

Of course I want to give Calvin BIG props for learning and succeeding so quickly. (I work and inspire youth every day, so I understand your pride.)

The construction is really tight, and he is already experimenting on embellishing. He will find a style all his own, soon enough.

I am going to offer improvements now. As mentors try to do.

Calvin: Filework is a fancy embellishment that usually is reserved for dressiest pieces, and the successful versions are carried out with a lot of precision. Unrefined filework adds little to a knife. If a little is good, a lot isn't always better. I would go easy here.

The backspine is dead straight. That's OK for now. In time, you will see how a curve on the upper knife will make the piece visually rewarding without disrupting usability. Probably even add to it. Do a search on MS Don Hanson III and study--and I am serious--STUDY his sense of flow in curves. So subtle, but the visual impact kicks you in the head like a mule.

I wish you all the best! :thumbup:

Coop
 
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