- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Messages
- 2
I am a beginner who needs to find a journeyman to train under in kansas. Any suggestions would be very helpful!!
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Journeyman in Kansas
- Thread starter RazorKnives
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2002
- Messages
- 2,088
Not many would invite an anonymous person of unknown
background into their home/shop.
I'd suggest a couple of things....Say who you are, what part of Kansas you're in,
and a bit more about yourself.
Also, you could buy a Knives Anual book, and check the listings in the back
for a smith in your area.
background into their home/shop.
I'd suggest a couple of things....Say who you are, what part of Kansas you're in,
and a bit more about yourself.
Also, you could buy a Knives Anual book, and check the listings in the back
for a smith in your area.
Dawkind
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2000
- Messages
- 13,249
There a a couple of MS in the NE part of the state......
What Russ said is excellent advice as most of these folks are the salt of the earth and would be more than happy to help out someone that is really serious about learning how to forge.....good luck with your endeavor.
What Russ said is excellent advice as most of these folks are the salt of the earth and would be more than happy to help out someone that is really serious about learning how to forge.....good luck with your endeavor.
- Joined
- Jul 23, 1999
- Messages
- 1,409
To piggyback on Russ's comments: There was a time when I swore I would allow anyone who was interested in learning, into my shop. I quickly learned that very few of those individuals were at all serious about Bladesmithing. Most had no idea of what they were getting into, and within an hour of so the comments such as.... "Will we be done today?"....."This takes too long!", "Its too hot!"......"This is too dirty!".....and my favorite..."This is far too complicated!" would come out.
Eventually I had to find a way to seperate the wheat from the chaff.... and thats when I started charging for classes. Most of those who have paid for classes in my shop have become good friends, and have continued in the craft. Many have gone on to achieve their ABS JS rating, and a few have made it to the MS level.
I would recommend that when you locate someone, don't do it solely based on proximity. Start by contacting the individual(s), and asking if you could visit. Most Makers are busy people, so be willing to come at the time of the Maker's choosing. Take the time to visit, and get a feel for the individual, and decide if your compatible. Its about building a relationship FIRST. Unless your willing to plunk down the cash for a paid class, not many makers of higher skill levels are willing to stop production to teach someone. Finally, keep in mind that not all Makers are willing to be teachers, or may be great Makers, but not good teachers. Thats not a fault, its just a fact. If you choose the right mentor, it will often turn into a lifelong friendship, and be very enjoyable for both parties.
Eventually I had to find a way to seperate the wheat from the chaff.... and thats when I started charging for classes. Most of those who have paid for classes in my shop have become good friends, and have continued in the craft. Many have gone on to achieve their ABS JS rating, and a few have made it to the MS level.
I would recommend that when you locate someone, don't do it solely based on proximity. Start by contacting the individual(s), and asking if you could visit. Most Makers are busy people, so be willing to come at the time of the Maker's choosing. Take the time to visit, and get a feel for the individual, and decide if your compatible. Its about building a relationship FIRST. Unless your willing to plunk down the cash for a paid class, not many makers of higher skill levels are willing to stop production to teach someone. Finally, keep in mind that not all Makers are willing to be teachers, or may be great Makers, but not good teachers. Thats not a fault, its just a fact. If you choose the right mentor, it will often turn into a lifelong friendship, and be very enjoyable for both parties.
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You can first try www.kansasknives.org It is the newly formed group of Kansas knifemakers . as Ed said contact them to see if they would be able to help you in what you want to do and foremost make sure it is on their time table and convience. Mike