- Joined
- Nov 6, 1999
- Messages
- 2,639
I collect handmade, single-maker, handforged fixed blade knives. I like forged knives because I think there is something mystical about a blade made by melting a lump of steel and pounding it out with a hammer on an anvil to near the final shape and profile. I think such a blade carries with it something of the heart, soul and Intent of the maker.
I am curious what knife makers and collectors think about this. I am a scientist, but also a student of the ancient art of Alchemy and various other arcana. I find myself curiously straddling two worlds. The Ancient and the Modern. The world of Science and the world of Art. Knowledge compared to Understanding. The difference between what is understood intellectually, and what is Felt.
I think both of these viewpoints are right and correct. One can think like a scientist And like a mystic. In fact, I think to be a whole person, one needs to embrace Both viewpoints. In fact modern psychologists often talk about the Mind being composed of two parts: the conscious and unconscious. I think the truest expression of Art bridges the gap between these worlds.
As a scientist I would argue that there is nothing at all mystical about the metallurgy of knife making. But I am increasingly aware that Man's understanding and control over the complex molecular rearrangements that occur during forging, hardening, and tempering is not an exact science. The books and manuals don't cover everything. The optimal materials and conditions for blade making must still be discovered by trial and error by each knife maker. And as in Art, there is no end to this process. A knife maker's skill will improve with each blade he makes.
I will end with what some find an irritating observation about learning. Knowledge only increases ignorance. The more one knows about anything, the more one understands what he does Not Know. As a collector, I think it is important to appreciate both the Art and the Science of knife making. Comments?
I have also posted a sort of companion topic here in the custom forum: What little I know about blade making metallurgy. These comments are more directed towards the science of blade smithing but I think might be of more general interest as well. I didn't really know which forum was most appropriate for these two topics. So I'm putting them both here where collectors and makers exchange ideas. Thanks to all who take the time to read and reply.
Paracelsus
(Edited for clarity)
[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 08-13-2000).]
I am curious what knife makers and collectors think about this. I am a scientist, but also a student of the ancient art of Alchemy and various other arcana. I find myself curiously straddling two worlds. The Ancient and the Modern. The world of Science and the world of Art. Knowledge compared to Understanding. The difference between what is understood intellectually, and what is Felt.
I think both of these viewpoints are right and correct. One can think like a scientist And like a mystic. In fact, I think to be a whole person, one needs to embrace Both viewpoints. In fact modern psychologists often talk about the Mind being composed of two parts: the conscious and unconscious. I think the truest expression of Art bridges the gap between these worlds.
As a scientist I would argue that there is nothing at all mystical about the metallurgy of knife making. But I am increasingly aware that Man's understanding and control over the complex molecular rearrangements that occur during forging, hardening, and tempering is not an exact science. The books and manuals don't cover everything. The optimal materials and conditions for blade making must still be discovered by trial and error by each knife maker. And as in Art, there is no end to this process. A knife maker's skill will improve with each blade he makes.
I will end with what some find an irritating observation about learning. Knowledge only increases ignorance. The more one knows about anything, the more one understands what he does Not Know. As a collector, I think it is important to appreciate both the Art and the Science of knife making. Comments?
I have also posted a sort of companion topic here in the custom forum: What little I know about blade making metallurgy. These comments are more directed towards the science of blade smithing but I think might be of more general interest as well. I didn't really know which forum was most appropriate for these two topics. So I'm putting them both here where collectors and makers exchange ideas. Thanks to all who take the time to read and reply.
Paracelsus
(Edited for clarity)
[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 08-13-2000).]
