How many of us started making knives because of Andy? Post pics here!

Fletcher Knives said:
J. O., Those knives are gorgeous bro! You really have some skill. Those look like they have some serious experience and practice behind them. Good stuff bro.

One thing I will say, and please don't take this the wrong way. I don't know how long you've been making knives. I'm still very much, in my mind, still new in knifemaking. Maybe still new enough not to be giving advice. Just be concious of how much you let your inspiration come out in your design and execution. That's one thing that I pay huge attention to in all of my designs. Since I learned from Andy and work with him every day, his design style and aesthetic have a tendancy to come out in my knives and I have to keep that in check. In my opinion, the main aim of any knifemaker should be to find something that makes him special and push that. That's the one thing I strive for, is to make my knives unique and make them recognizable as mine. I want people to look at my knives and say, "no doubt, that's a Fletcher Knife. Can't be anyone else's." Like I said, I don't want you to take that the wrong way. Your knives are awesome and you lack NOTHING in execution from what I can see. You have a great talent and skill. Just find that style all your own and push it further.

I have read this post a few times now, and I'm trying so hard to make this sound as good as my intentions. lol. I hope you take it in the positive way I mean it.
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Dylan, thank you so much for the compliments and kind words. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the positive feed back I have received. I first started thinking about making knives in June and ground my first blade sometime in July so I am the epitome of newb. I was really torn about starting to post pics on the forums because I knew the first thing people would say is "that looks like a Fiddleback." And as much of a compliment as that is, I want people to say that looks like a J. Oeser knife. And I think in the end that is what you are saying to me. I was persuaded by a friend to post and here we are. I will say that this is not something I plan to do full time. Between being a self-employed home builder and having 4 kids and a wife fighting for my attention, knife making takes a back seat.

I think about what I would do to "make it my own" but I feel like I would be changing what I want for the sake of change and I would not have something that I really want in the end. I am definitely conscious of creating my own style and am working on it but like I said I am an ultra newb still. I feel I have created something unique in my sheath design which has progressed over time and hopefully my knives will develop as well. I don't plan to stray to far from what I am doing now but maybe make some minor tweeks here and there. I do have other designs coming down the line that will be different and distinguishable.
 
Keep making knives Jared. They look great. I am very impressed especially hearing your June start date. Having a style is important, and very likely won't be a problem for long.
 
Thanks Andy, I feel I have found a creative outlet that I truly enjoy and will definitely continue.

I have been an artist (i.e. drawing, painting, sculpting, etc.) my whole life. I have had many a day with my art hanging on a wall during a critique session and having it just picked apart by other artists. So Dylan, if I didn't express it well in my earlier post, I take your post as a huge help from a more experienced knife maker. That push has already given me some inspiration. Thanks again brother!!
 
J. Oeser said:
Thanks Andy, I feel I have found a creative outlet that I truly enjoy and will definitely continue.

I have been an artist (i.e. drawing, painting, sculpting, etc.) my whole life. I have had many a day with my art hanging on a wall during a critique session and having it just picked apart by other artists. So Dylan, if I didn't express it well in my earlier post, I take your post as a huge help from a more experienced knife maker. That push has already given me some inspiration. Thanks again brother!!
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No problem at all bro. Your knives really are oustanding. To only have been working on them since July is just crazy. They look like the work of a well-seasoned maker. Keep on making them and make them the way you want. Execution always comes out better when the design is what YOU WANT. Great work. Keep it up.
 
@ Fletcher Knives,

Gotta say I LOVE the knife in your site pic.

@ everyone whos posted.... Daaamn.
You guys make some nice stuff, I dont know how you get away with calling yourselves Amateurs, but those look like pro knives to me.

@ J.O Being influenced by Andy cant be a bad thing right ? I mean his knives, handles, grinds and fit and finish have a look, and feel that just call out to dang near everyone.
As beautifully as you made those knives you posted, I bet your own style will start shining through in the designs and even just the little things about a knife that make its creator recognizable.

@ Andy I hope you appreciate that talent that you posses, because it is truly amazing, not just your craftsmanship, but your ability to inspire other makers and your willingness to help them learn.
Lots of guys out there make great knives, but not all of them are great knife makers, if that makes sense.
My hat is off to you sir.
 
Jared,

You know what I would change about those sheaths you made for your knives?




Nothing! - NICE!


TF
 
I know, his sheaths are beautiful! Everybody is so distracted by the fantastic entry into knife-making, that the sheaths aren't getting the coverage they deserve! I love the half round, half square ends...so very classy.
 
Jared,

If you want - why don't you do a tutorial too on making a sheath - we can combine them into one thread. It would be awesome. Your stuff it top notch.

TF
 
Thanks Jason, I don't really have a lot to add to what you have already put in yours. In fact, I am working on a couple sheaths now and plan to use your sueding technique on the inside. There are a few things I do differently that I could share in your thread if you'd like. LMK

And thanks for the kind words, that means a lot coming from you. Your sheaths are the standard I strive to attain.

J

Talfuchre said:
Jared,

If you want - why don't you do a tutorial too on making a sheath - we can combine them into one thread. It would be awesome. Your stuff it top notch.

TF
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Yeah Jared - when you get some time - take some pics of your methods and post up what you do differently. THat would add to the knowledge base for sure.

TF
 
Will do man. I am working on one right now so I will snap some pics of some of the things I do differently and add it to your thread.
 
I will be trying to make some knives because of Andy, Dylan, and Dan! You guys impress me so much with your creativity and passion. I just ordered a Grinder in a Box from Polarbear Forge! I can't wait to work some things up!
 
Great advice Dylan. J, just keep making and your style will come out. Both Dylan and Andy have their own style. You instantly know whose knives they are. Those are outstanding brother...Wish mine look that nice! I kinda came into it assbackwards. I had been drawing out knives for a long time just waiting until I could start making them. I already kind of had my style before even making my first knife. BUT, my designs sucked! They looked good on paper but where horrible as actual knives. I lean more to feel than looks and my first designs just didn't feel that great. After some help from Bill Akers with design characteristics I started coming up with better designs. They were a totally opposite style of Bills but his advice was used. Than I was able to hold and use a few of Andys knives. His texture and handle shaping had and still have a huge influence with what I come up with. Even his grinds. If it weren't for Andy, I would never have started using thicker liners or doing convex grinds. Here are a few of mine from the start to now. Its been a long 7 months! Thanks Andy!
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I have said it from the time Chris walked into my shop,He will be making knives in no time! And he took off like a wildfire! And hasnt stopped blazing!!
 
This is a really humbling thread guys. Thanks for posting it.
 
Mr Roy, can I start a new thread with my current project? I'd love to get some help from all of you guys.
 
You guys can start any thread y'all like in my forum showing your work, WIP's, asking questions, etc. The more pictures the better. I liked Oupa's idea, and loved reading his thread, and its kinda how I'd like my forum to be also.


I learned knifemaking for free, right here on the internet on Bladeforums, and at Ramanon. Before I started making knives, I feel like I was groping my way through life trying to find something I enjoyed doing. I did carpentry, painting, airport groundcrew, restaurant work, wood refinisher, drywall installing, sales, shipping, laid bricks, electrical engineering, and project management, and was completely lost and miserable. Knifemaking, obviously, is it for me, and finding it turned me from perpetual angst, and sadness to a much happier person. For this reason, I am glad to help other guys learn this stuff.

So post away guys. Make yourselves at home.
 
This is such a phenomenal place and a great thread. I'm inspired to continue refining my designs. Thanks to everyone here!
 
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