As many of you know Ed & Angie Fowler do read the Forums. It was only natural that Ed would want to comment and he did in an E-mail to me, I asked if he minded if I post it here?
____________________________________________
Hi Phil:
I noted you mentioned a critic toward my knives. I am fully aware some don't like my knives. Bill Moran told me that I would have to make art knives if I were to be successful in the world of knives. I told him that if a could develop a totally functional using knife I would be the only one in that arena as no one was making one at that time. He looked at me like I was crazy, then smiled and said "good luck".
Yes my knives are different. Yes my thoughts on steel are different, and my grinds are different. There is a functions reason for every tiny corner in my knives. All thought out by simply using them. The handles are ugly, when you compare them to the "classic" designs as seen by the human eye. Most of the handles are made the way they are because the makers don't know any better. They are designed to fit the eye of the conformist. Most of the knives that are presently made have handles that would be quickly modified by a man who knew what the hand wants to work with.
Handles "should be proportional to the blade" is an old adage. I see it this way, handles should be proportional to the hand that holds the knife. All of my handles will not fit all hands, each is an individual. Just figure what life would be like if all shoes were the same size?
The beauty in my handles comes from the natural aspect of the horn itself. I spend a lot of time blending the natural qualities to fit the hand I see holding the knife. There are also qualities of texture and color and intricate design. Very few ever see all I dream as I match up a handle, some see more, some less, all see them differently. That is OK.
I know that no one has ever lost money on one of my knives, unless he does something stupid.. My guarantee is that I will buy back any knife at any time for the original purchase price. I wish I could buy back all the knives I ever sold and sell them for what they are worth today. Like I have said all along, the knives on my table are cheaper now than they will be at any time in the future. Not many knife makers can say that. Why? because my knives are not only unique, in that you can see them across the room as "Fowler Knives". But also due to the fact that they are not easily copied. When it comes to the knives I am now making, very few have the insight to see what is there, even less have the ability to successfully copy one of them. There is more to them than they can see.
I have not even touched on the aspects of blade performance. The blade you purchased will cut with the best cutting steel out there, and sharpen easily. It can easily withstand 4 1/2 180 degree flexes with out cracking. The spine is probably around 40 RC or less, the cutting edge is 60. Photo micro graphs reveal a grain structure that exceeds the old theoretical limit for grain refinement of 52100. (recent metallurgical report). The tip will engrave mild steel and is very strong and tough.
I believe that the high performance blade is not a thing to be captured, but forever sought, I have many thoughts on how to make them better and continue to improve them.
I did not do it all by myself.. It is good friends and supporters like you who have made it all possible, and I owe it all to them and Angie who does all she can to keep me in the shop, brings me lunch and has the first welcome opportunity to criticize all I make.
The many hours of testing and evaluation have been supported totally by those who have had faith in what I stand for and I owe all I am to them. The critics mostly cause me to smile, for they have no idea what they address. Some have pushed me to higher levels and I thank them. Any time you hear a criticism of my knives, I don't care who speaks, let me know what they say and if you feel it is worthy of comment, let me know and I will be more than honored to discuss it with you.
Thanks for the support and friendship.
Ed
_____________________________________________
Thanks Ed, is it just me or does this guy show some potential as a writer?
</A>
