Along with all the other great suggestions, I would recommend exposing yourself to those makers that inspire you. One of the reasons that a number of us in the Northwest got better quickly was that we "fed off each other", meaning that one would make or do something, and then would call the others and tell them about it, then someone would take it one step further, etc.
Another method of exposing yourself is to attend some of the MAJOR knife shows, Hammer-Ins, or anywhere else where you can find a gathering of the makers you admire. Finally, theres the option of taking classes (if they offer them) from one of those makers.
Often times you hear the phrase "paying your dues" within the knife world. That is just not about time. Over my career as a Bladesmith I would estimate that I have spent $15,000+ going to various events that exposed me to the makers/knives that inspired me....and every penny of it was money well spent. Even at the level I'm at today, I still get fired up with new directions and ideas whenever I attend a major show or Hammer-in. The trick is to NEVER say "thats good enough" about any knife you make. Always strive for the next level, and sooner or later you will achieve it.
I will concede that your equipment can be a help or a hindrance, but, all of the equipment in the world will not make up for drive and determination. As I always tell my students.... I can do anything by hand that the equipment does....it just takes me a lot longer. If you feel your equipment needs upgrading, make that one of your goals, and use the money you make from selling knives to finance it. I spent the first 5 years of my knifemaking career, putting everything I made right back into the shop. Unless something breaks down, all I have to worry about now are the consumables.
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