I wanna make a knife!

adammichael said:
The first thing you need to do is build yourself a forging press and then you.......
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Before you do that You need to mine some Iron ore, You will need to mine some copper to make brass and raise some deer for some antler. You can do all this in Michigan's Keewenaw penninsula BTW
 
I don't hesitate to admit I don't know squat :) And I didn't even know that I didn't know squat before ;)

But it sure seems like there's a lot of people lately wanting to ask blanket questions to cover everything in one fell swoop. Maybe in knifemaking it's one swell foop??? :footinmou

This is a great place to get some help, and share ideas... but the forum isn't going to make a knife for you. Guess that was my whole point :)

-Nick-
 
I dunno, I try to look at the posts as an opportunity to make friends. I've never answered a post and thought it was a waste a time to do so. Sometimes the new guy comes here real excited, has lots of questions and really doesn't know what to ask. I don't know much about knifemaking, but if I can give someone a little encouragement and a few directions, I am happy to do so. I know there is noway that a person can answer a blanket question, but If I see a post I don't like, I am just a click away from somewhere else. Keep in mind, I don't do this for a living, so I have no competitors. I do it strickly because I love it. Maybe that's the difference, I dunno. I hope no offense is taken by this post. Happy 4th everyone.
 
NickWheeler said:
I don't hesitate to admit I don't know squat :) And I didn't even know that I didn't know squat before ;)

But it sure seems like there's a lot of people lately wanting to ask blanket questions to cover everything in one fell swoop. Maybe in knifemaking it's one swell foop??? :footinmou

This is a great place to get some help, and share ideas... but the forum isn't going to make a knife for you. Guess that was my whole point :)

-Nick-
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Crap, then I'm leaving, Danged if I'm makin' em' myself. :mad:
 
Nick, I don't have my glassses so I'm not sure I read everything right, but did you say you were squatting down making a knife and something happened and your foop swelled? I couldn't be sure I was catching it all....

Man, I am sorry to hear that. Hope your foop shrinks back to normal soon. :)
 
Nick, you can use the forum to make a knife. Heat your steel in a kitchen oven and beat it with the computer monitor until it is shaped. It can be HTed with the "hot air" from W&C!!!!! :D :D
 
NickWheeler said:
I don't hesitate to admit I don't know squat :) And I didn't even know that I didn't know squat before ;)

But it sure seems like there's a lot of people lately wanting to ask blanket questions to cover everything in one fell swoop. Maybe in knifemaking it's one swell foop??? :footinmou

This is a great place to get some help, and share ideas... but the forum isn't going to make a knife for you. Guess that was my whole point :)

-Nick-
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So are you trying to be subtle in suggesting we really need the Noobie forum back? :)
 
Nick I get your point, and it is relevant. It seems that many questions are redundant. It takes alot of time to give comprehensive answers to questions that are repeated every week or two. I think on this forum in particular is for sharing of technical information; yes that information in intertwined with opinion and style approachs to the solution requested. It would be helpful for the forum to have the information indexed in the archives by topic. This way guys with basic questions could find an aray of answers.

One of the greatest rewards of making knives is solving problems. With those solutions comes confidence. With that confidence comes new rewarding challanges. Empirically derived information is expensive and it is freely delineated on this forum. I'm more than happy to chart a path of resolution to these problems, but I'm reluctant to give the exact formula. That information is best discovered by the persons asking the questions.

When I started making folders I had offers to make my first folder with several of the better folder makers in the country. I struggled through my first few pieces and then had pertinant questions derived from experience. When I got to this point I could call any of several friends and get the answer in one breath or less. My learning curve was very steep because of these efforts and the experience to ask good succinct questions. Instead of taking two days of one of my friends time, I'd only need 30 seconds at a pop.

I found that if I have replied to a good thread my answer is buried beyond some of the folks motivation to look through the complete thread. Now I watch and see what the questions are on the forum and occassionally will post a new thread with answers relating to many questions.

I have an expectation that the folks with the questions have done some homework; reading, testing, trying. Without this effort they will have difficulty understanding the answers.

I like helping people understand and make better knives. My life and time are limited. I have to make choices. I don't want to get burned out giving the same answers every month. I empathize with Nick's frustration.
 
Its good to help . I help all that I can. that not being much maybe but I thinks it important I.
Some of you cant remember when it was not like it is now ,help was not at your finger tips one would have to work at it with snips of information and that was few and sometimes far apart .
I have as others in here been working at this longer than some of you have been living .that don’t give the wright to deprive some one information, it affords me the privilege to help when I can .
I can still remember when I ask the im sure obvious questions to the knowing but to me it was the biggest in the world .
man I have had help and with out I would have never learned .
For some one to take the time to explain to this old dummy and help and lead me down a road to the best --hobby --craft–business --friendships in the world , im rich i have if nothing friends all over this country that i consider the real part of helping its great to see someone that you have taken the time to help and to see them surpass your efforts ,it’s a seance of pride that you had a small part of that . i have in the past taken the the love i have for knife making and the study of the craft to a point that want to learn every day and i do think one can ,.
i would hate to think that even the very new guy that knows nothing would miss out learning this craft just because he was afraid to ask
i think its time we remember from where we came and try as hard as it is to remember what a thrill it was to learn and to get that information from the very best .
It’s a new world information is at our finger tip s and its fun learning this great craft it never stops.
So you that think you’re their ,you will be forgotten about in a few years because learning keeps you on top . i know this is long and that i may come across as standing on a soap box but im standing on the people that took the time to help when i ask and they will forever be nearest my heart
as has been told in the past pay it forward it want hurt you . it nothing wrong in helping unless you don’t like life long friends that’s all you leave in this world .
I know they are those that take it for granted that you owe them something for those just don’t respond but each time you complain of helping you may be running off the next Nick Wheeler or Bill Moran
Bowie Steeping down from the soap box now
 
I see Ed's and Bowie's posts as very nicely complemetary.

People help because they WANT to, not because they have to. That is a good thing, and something I enjoy a great deal. Everyone who offers help here does it of their free will and kindness.

At the same time, we are often enough rewarded by someone who doesn't want it handed to them, but instead desire to learn enough to teach themselves more.

There was a recent post from a new seeker that came in and said the usual "I wanna make knives". The great thing was the next sentence asked, "What should I get to start teaching myself?" A short while later that person came back and said "I got these books like you suggested. I'll figure out enough to ask some decent questions." I personally thought that was absolutely wonderful and the type of person I would answer any question for that I possibly could.

The bottom line is that someone who makes an effort to learn and isn't looking for the easy way out is the person who will get the responses and head out to use a tidbit to milk everything they can out of it. They will be richly rewarded for their effort in both self-worth and in getting help whenever they really need it. My meager experience has said that is what breeds your best knifemakers, people who forever remain seekers and never fall into complacency. The ones who want it all easy eventually fall by the wayside.

I am grateful I had help along the way, but I'm also glad I learned a lot from the many cuts, burns, and pieces that went in the scrap as I tried to learn on my own. I always naturally gravitate to those who feel that same way.

Thanks, Bowie and Ed, your wisdom furthers our understanding and passion.

Bowie, try and step down from the box, not fall off..................... :D I'd really like to know where you found a spot flat enough to put a box on that mountainside in the first place? LOL As the commercial used to say, "I love you, man!"
 
The knife community is one or the finest places with the best people to engage. As no one here is paid I'd say that these folks are on the same page of helping the knife community. That fact is just more evidence about the quality of community that we interact.

I think Nicks post in part refers to manners and consideration for one another. In part the post is asking for a more efficient means of delineating information for all levels and all types of knifemakers.

I read alot of posts and find alot of answers available to almost any current question. Yes, you have to read the stuff to find the info you are looking. Along the way you learn alot of information that will help you in the future.

I've helped several on the path to becoming knife makers. I've had as many just want to come by and use my stuff for thier knives for free. I encourage these folks to get some basic stuff to be able to work at home. The folks who make no effort to support their hobby wear out their welcome in my shop. Some of these folks I've offered some of my old equipment to take home and use. Some don't want to use my old stuff they want to come into my shop and use my stuff. This is from my experience and not speculation. All the right answers to your questions will not make you a knife maker. Doing is the way you get it done, not just talking.

Some of the best knife makers in the world have quit helping because of lack of respect of thier knowledge; and people taking advantage of thier generousity; and worse yet, the misuse and misrepresentation of intellectual property.

I believe there exists a happy medium where the information is available to all and the resource folks don't get burned out. Part of this equation should be the respect to try and find the info before they ask the question. The knowledge gained in the search will help define the question; and reduce the effort donated to answer. I'm sure that guys like Bill Moran and Nick Wheeler aren't going to quit looking for answers, if they don't find them at Shop Talk. They are motivated, they will look in all directions and they will educate themselves. That is why we recognize their names today. The knife is a reflection of a mans values...Ed
 
Fitzo it some times is a tight rope walk . what im finding more and more is the guy that ask it here and then bitches about the answers he may get or goes to another forum (as though most don’t read them all )and ask and then discredits what advice he may have gotten from the other forum , i call these bouncing betties no telling where they will end up or when they may explode ,
i think the more we see the guy that really wants it all from every body is not working in his shop or he may never this is the one after a time i want even read the question if master jim dog did not tell it it ant worth doing --it cant be wright or better yet its its a wast of their time . if you want help don’t discredit it on another forum help is as Fitzo said a personal gift that someone is giving ;
i want to state here I personally cherish all that will help me and many do . i understand its hard to give advice that want be taken ask for the sake of asking to make as may post as possible i think the hardest thing i have to understand some will give no one credit for their help or to say a simple thanks for your time the rudeness is plan and the understanding is instant information .demands
some times its best to do like Ed just hint to the solution and ask for progress reports on a given subject I Read Every thing Ed post I know he has done it some time when I ready I hope to talk to him about rolling mills but I don’t have time now to build so no need in taking up his time but in the future I hope he will help


but then some want master Long Jimdog only to answer their questions and thats fine they should ask for Long to respond .and to have the good seance to thank him and give him the credit for his or her help
Bowie
 
Nick all you need to do is get lessons and advice from Shiva Ki and Cliff Stamp and you'll be the best maker on the planet. :p :D
Scott
 
Razorback - Knives said:
Nick all you need to do is get lessons and advice from Shiva Ki and Cliff Stamp and you'll be the best maker on the planet. :p :D
Scott
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AH HHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!

You guys sure get serious :)

I want to make it clear that I was not in any way trying to get newer guys than me to stop asking questions. In fact, I'd like to see them ask MORE questions. But it would be questions that show they've got some vested interest and REALLY want to learn.

I am one of those guys that's not been alive as long as many of you have been making (27) and I think sometimes a smart ass post like this makes me look like I'm ignoring that and being disrespectful. Not my intention at all.

I remember that post on swordforum well. I was frustrated as all get out about understanding steel. I still don't understand it like I'd like... but enough of you and various others helped get me on my way that I understand it much better.

I remember going in to pal-talk and begging Ron (Bowie) Claiborne for help with water quenching, because I kept blowing blades up. He helped me enough to get rolling in a better direction, I kept going back to the shop, and about a year later I could do it with pretty good consistency. I stopped doing it because it was making my life shorter, but that's another subject all together :)

So please new guys, don't take my smarty side as trying to dissuade questions. I got started at 14, and have been making knives full-time for just under 5 years now. Questions are part of the building blocks of success.


BUT (and it's a big BUT) so is taking the time to process the answers you get, respect those who gave them, AND go out and USE THAT ADVICE!!! :D

Okay, now I'm really worn out from being serious on my not serious, smart ass thread! :D :p :D

-Nick-
 
I agree with you 100% bud. Just ribbing you. ;) Since I came to shoptalk it has helped me emensely. This game of knifemaking is a never ending learning process. There is so much more I want to know and learn. It's a hunger never fulfilled. The knowledge from these veteran makers is priceless.
Scott
 
I think you're a very bad boy, Nick, and should go out and get one of those supermodels to spank you just a bit..... :D

You did a service with this thread. In the final analysis, anyone who doesn't realize that we all teach each other and that everyone else has something they can learn, is a fool.

I haven't met God's gift to knifemaking yet though some have thought they are. ;)
 
NickWheeler said:
Okay, now I'm really worn out from being serious on my not serious, smart ass thread! :D :p :D

-Nick-
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smart ass .......
thread :D
as I get time I like to add things the knife making site,
http://www.knivesby.com/knifemaking.html
I hope it helps..
If I could compile answers to questions it would be great.. but who
would be a definitive maker for the answer asked? there are many ways to do many of the same things.
it could be a nightmare trying to keep up with it..
but I'm open to suggestions.. :)
 
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