Gentleman, thank you for the kind, generous compliments.
It seems, though, that there are those things in life which we have a real talent for, and those we don't. I am honest enough with myself to recognize being in the latter category when it comes to engraving. I truly enjoy scratching around in metal, and pursue it purely for that joy. That said, I also realize I don't have whatever that "it" is which can elevate playing around into true skill.
I don't know if "it" is the "vision of the artist", or "artistic creativity", or just what, but I know that when it comes to engraving it just really isn't there in me. I am not good at drawing and think a good understanding of design and drawing prinicples and shading is really important to good skill. Nick, the counter-example I would use is Tom Ferry. He hasn't been engraving that long, and yet already his work elevates every knife he puts it on. Some people have "it" and some don't.
That doesn't mean I'll stop, though, or quit enjoying trying to improve. Engraving has certainly taught me that some pursuits are worthwhile despite running up against limited ability. There is no longer any despair that I will not reach the level of competence I had once aspired to. There is joy in simply continuing to try. There is a special sense of freedom and peace in that realization.
So, again, folks, thanks for the kind words. If I can get to the point of engraving one of my knives some day, I will be more than fulfilled.
PS...Robert, that chat was on "Paltalk". Those were many fun hours that group spent chatting away and making friends all over this country and indeed all over the world. On this single thread, we see that 7 people spent time on Paltalk...you, Nick, Karl, Tracy, Dan (Shakudo), Cap (Acridsaint),and me. McAhron, were you on there a couple times, too? While everything changes, and the room has gone silent these past couple years, there will always be memories of those fond friendships I will carry with me the remainder of my life.
