How to get a shop invite?

9

91wm6

Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Messages
398
I recently moved to the St. Louis, Mo area, and I'm wondering if there are any local makers, hammer ins, or other events where I could meet some knife makers/enthusiasts. I'd love to help out in a shop, even if it were just to sweep or clean up. Does anybody have knowledge or advice to help make this happen?
 
The first way to get a shop invite, help with a project, offers for free supplies, and how to become a member of any community is to be an open part of it. The best way to do that here is to fill out your profile. You have been a member for a year and a half and no one knows you location, age, occupation, hobbies, or knife interests. Help yourself out a little and give us something to go on.
( just on a guess I would say your name is Bill and you are about 23)


The St. Louis area is full of knifemakers, and there are several shows, hammer-ins, and other knife events nearby. The Moran School of Bladesmithing is also not far away.
 
Order a knife from someone and offer to pick it up in person. Build a relationship. If you want to learn how to make knives it would help to have tried to make a few first so you know what questions to ask.
 
Deliver a bottle of hand crafted bourbon and talk about paintball with them for an hour. Also, it helps to bring your son who played the same instrument in band as him. Sometimes it takes a couple years to get the invite, but it's worth it.
 
Well, as a guy that doesn't drink... the suggestions so far would not get you too far with me (although who doesn't like a good sammich??? ;))....

However, if the maker happens to have two ginormous dogs, an offer to clean up dog s$%! from his yard and/or bathing said beasts will get you in like flynn!!! ;) :D

This post is all in good fun! the suggestions above are good ones. :)


In all seriousness, it sure does help to make your presence known so that a maker has some idea who you are. Unfortunately, these days.... inviting a complete/total stranger into a shop full of hard earned tools is a big no-no (for most of us anyway).
 
Chuck Gedraitis Knives said:
Can you say Liability waiver! ;)
Click to expand...

Yeah... I know of quite a few makers who've hosted hammer/grind-ins for noobs at their home/shop, and even had clients over to help on their own knives. I'd be cringing the whole time.

I'm not terribly enthused about having visitors in my own shop, but that's really more of a personal thing. I'm a rather private person and (sorry to say it) have better things to do than show someone how to hold a blade against the platen, or whatever. Teaching in person is a unique skillset unto itself, and not one I've ever had much interest in. Besides, then I would feel compelled to clean up a bit and... yeah, forget that. :D

Of course, I do admire makers who teach and help new makers in that way, because it's extremely valuable to the person learning. But please remember, that dude could be working the whole time he's giving you tips. A six pack or lunch would surely be appreciated ;)
 
91wm6 said:
I recently moved to the St. Louis, Mo area, and I'm wondering if there are any local makers, hammer ins, or other events where I could meet some knife makers/enthusiasts. I'd love to help out in a shop, even if it were just to sweep or clean up. Does anybody have knowledge or advice to help make this happen?
Click to expand...

bladsmth said:
The St. Louis area is full of knifemakers, and there are several shows, hammer-ins, and other knife events nearby. The Moran School of Bladesmithing is also not far away.
Click to expand...

Shaw Blades said:
Order a knife from someone and offer to pick it up in person. Build a relationship.
If you want to learn how to make knives it would help tohave tried to make a few first so you know what questions to ask.
Click to expand...

NickWheeler said:
Well, as a guy that doesn't drink... the suggestions so far would not get you too far with me (although who doesn't like a good sammich??? ;))....

However, if the maker happens to have two ginormous dogs, an offer to clean up dog s$%! from his yard and/or bathing said beasts will get you in like flynn!!! ;) :D


In all seriousness, it sure does help to make your presence known so that a maker has some idea who you are. Unfortunately, these days.... inviting a complete/total stranger into a shop full of hard earned tools is a big no-no (for most of us anyway).
Click to expand...

james terrio said:
Yeah... I know of quite a few makers who've hosted hammer/grind-ins for noobs at their home/shop, and even had clients over to help on their own knives. I'd be cringing the whole time.

I'm not terribly enthused about having visitors in my own shop, but that's really more of a personal thing. I'm a rather private person and (sorry to say it) have better things to do than show someone how to hold a blade against the platen, or whatever. Teaching in person is a unique skillset unto itself, and not one I've ever had much interest in. Besides, then I would feel compelled to clean up a bit and... yeah, forget that. :D

Of course, I do admire makers who teach and help new makers in that way, because it's extremely valuable to the person learning.
But please remember, that dude could be working the whole time he's giving you tips. A six pack or lunch would surely be appreciated ;)
Click to expand...

How to get a shop invite?

This is a pretty popular question.


Look at it from the FT maker's perspective.

If a shop visit is offered by a maker, keep in mind this is a very lopsided transaction.
He is doing it more or less from the kindness of his heart and the love of the craft and community; maybe as goodwill advertising on future knife sales.

As mentioned, his time is valuable and it's how he earns his living.
Every minute he spends talking to or helping you , he is potentially losing money.


The offer of cleaning and sweeping offered often too.

First off, there isn't THAT much sweeping to do, secondly he can't trust you to do anything unsupervised because he doesn't know you, you don't know what he knows, and that pile of junk may be a weeks worth of his work.
you might hurt yourself, or break something he really can't do without.


I like Stacy and Shaw's comments
Pick up what you can on your own, scheduled hammer ins and classes so you make the most of the one on one time when you do get it.
Don't spend that precious time on stuff you could have picked up on your own.


At those events, shows, hammer in, blade schools you will meet many others, it's their impressions of your work ethic and you as a person that will get you invited.
You are being interviewed. Maybe you haven't met your maker, but referrals are powerful.

Bring your work, both sketches and knives along to show them and ask about one specific problem you are having.


Gifts are welcome, but money or barter is better.
You can't assume that anyone eats doughnuts, or drinks coffee, beer or liquor.
Maybe it's a preference or a health issue but not everyone does and you wouldn't expect to pay your dentist with a $6 six pack.



What do you have of value that you can offer to the maker?

Everyone can use cash, many makers have set prices on classes and lessons.

If you're a adult you can swap stuff, bass boat, A case of .22Rf ammo, a wheelbarrow full of antlers, some nice stag, a tree burl, or whatever you have,

Or maybe you can trade services time for some lessons, that's the best of both worlds:

springtime dog mine patrol/butcher/baker/firewood/coal/propane/lumber/machine shop work/cement work/backhoe/grocery's/flower shop/dry cleaning/auto repair/accounting/legal/painting/tailor/watchmaker/jeweller/advertising/marketing/computer repair/funeral services/carpenter/music lessons/grass cutting/horse boarding or riding lessons/leather work/upholstery/electrician/plumber/chainsaw/doctor/dentist/welder/vet/glazier/quilter
woodworking - nice presentaton boxes


whatever

As a show of good faith, do your side first and be generous.
I think the key is to think about and tell them what you could offer them, then ask them what they could use.


If I lived within driving distance I'd love to pickup a few hundred pounds of dog mines to learn some of Nick's tricks.
 
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There is a Gateway Area Knife Club here in St. Louis and you just missed the annual show at the end of January. You can also try some of the gun shows here. I've seen several custom makers at the big show held at the St. Charles Convention Center. You can at least talk to some custom makers. I've only had contact with a few local guys but all have been very cool to me.
 
I went to the same hammer-in for two years in a row. I didn't pick up much the first year, mainly because I was a little overwhelmed and was afraid to ask people for help. I didn't bring any of my finished knives, but just brought some that were in progress. I should have brought a couple that I had finished, even though I wasn't very proud of them. The second year I went to the hammer-in there was a professional maker there that I had long admired. I'm not sure if he saw the excitement in my eyes when he introduced himself, or if he saw something else in me. On Saturday afternoon another maker with more experience than me asked this professional maker if he could come by for a shop visit, and the pro quickly replied "no". I had planned on asking the pro if I could visit his shop, but didn't bother after he turned down the other maker. On Sunday as everyone was getting ready to leave, the pro pulled me aside and asked me to come to his shop. I was honored and quickly asked when. I have since gone there probably 5 times. He has helped me immensely with everything from grinding, heat treating, leather work and even damascus. As much as I hate it, he doesn't accomplish anything on the days I visit. He spends his entire day helping and teaching me. I always show up with something, and I always keep him updated on my progress. I think he has taken me under his wing to try and pass along his art. I'm honored to have been chosen.

My suggestion is to go to hammer-ins and knife shows. Also, join a local knife club and GO TO THE MEETINGS!! This will show to the other members that you are serious. I don't recommend asking a maker for shop visit, because it puts them in an awkward position if they are not comfortable with people in their shop. Make it clear that you are willing to learn and someone will invite you eventually.
 
Wow, I'm pleasantly surprised by all the great advice I just read, thanks guys. Just to clarify I wasn't fishing for an invite with my post, and I feel it's at the very least presumptuous for a guy to invite himself to a shop. I suppose I could have worded my post better. I'll definitely look into the local knife club mentioned, and see if I can find some local shows. In the mean time I'll continue hang out here and learn what I can.
 
91wm6 said:
Wow, I'm pleasantly surprised by all the great advice I just read, thanks guys. Just to clarify I wasn't fishing for an invite with my post, and I feel it's at the very least presumptuous for a guy to invite himself to a shop. I suppose I could have worded my post better. I'll definitely look into the local knife club mentioned, and see if I can find some local shows. In the mean time I'll continue hang out here and learn what I can.
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http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1165566-Getting-Started?p=13339490#post13339490


Also keep in mind some makers offer paid lessons and the knifemaking schools
 
When I was starting, I simply just called up asked if I could come by to "shadow" and pick the makers brain for a minute. Luckily, the two I asked said yes without hesitation, but I also happened to pick to great teachers. If your request is accepted, be sure to focus on learning, not asking if you can use tools, have supplies, and such. At one of the maker's shops, I was there one day and another fellow came by. Within the first 30mins of being there he was asking to use the tools and wanted some free supplies, that was his last visit. No 1 thing, but with all things, is show respect. One of the gents I called has become my mentor and great friend. This is a great community and most makers only keep one or two little things secret, but will teach you almost everything. I now let guys come by from time to time so that I can share the blessings that were given to me and help pave the way for another.
 
Some good suggestions here. I like to help new knifemakers, and have had both good and bad experiences doing that.
1. It's nice to give the knifemaker something. A nice piece of handle material, etc. to help pay them for their time.
2. Don't overstay your visit. When I was working, Saturday was when I got most of my knifemaking done. I once had someone come over and stay for hours. I didn't want to be rude, but I probably should have told him it was time for him to leave.
3. Don't try to teach the knifemaker. I had someone ask for help and had him in my shop many times, but his ego could not let him accept that I knew more than him. He made me sorry I had ever invited him over.
4. Don't be a pest. I had one fellow repeatedly call me up. I repeatedly told him to e-mail, not call. He also made me sorry I had ever invited him over.
5. Don't make a cold call. One day two strangers came to the door and wanted to see my shop. They didn't.
6. Don't take someone with you. I don't like two strangers in my shop at the same time.
7. Try to establish some sort of relationship with the knifemaker before asking to visit. When I first started out, I set up at a gun and knife show in Albuquerque NM. A few tables away was Joe Cordova. Joe has a Master rating in the ABS. I spent a lot of time getting aquainted with him. But when a customer came to his table, I stepped out of the way, so Joe could deal with the customer. Joe invited me over for a visit. When I went I took a nice piece of stabilized maple burl to give him.
 
John Lloyd lives In St. Louis. Been to his shop several times. Your welcome to come to mine you can have patterns or I'll help with whatever I can.
 
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