Knifemaker's Block

NDallyn

NDallyn

Joined
Jun 22, 2006
Messages
814
For the last couple of months, I've been stuck in a rut where I just can't seem to finish anything. I've got no orders on the go, but I've got about 10-15 unfinished blades on the bench that I just can't seem to finish. I've been trying to do different patterns and styles to get myself going again, but as soon as I get a blank rough ground I just lose interest and make something else. I'm just not feeling very challenged by anything I'm making right now and it's hard to keep my head in it.

I don't have a clue what to do about this. I feel like I need some type of knifemaker's viagra (to get me up and at em again). Any of the old guys have any suggestions?

Thanks a lot,

Nathan
 
try somthing over the top, like compound grinds or a double edged hollow grind like on a loveless big bear... just trying to keep everything straight will make you happy to go back to your normal grinds :)
 
Get to a hammer in! This is the season for them. Get out, chat with people, bring some pieces you'd like to finish but are blocked on and get ideas from people, etc. If not a hammer in, try to get a visit in at another maker's shop and just shoot the breeze for a while.

I often find that when I'm stuck on a thing by myself, that hanging out with other people interested in the same thing can really re-spark my interest and get me going again.

-d
 
I like Dredd's suggestion, maybe I should apply it too. I've been in a non-knifemaking funk for over a year. Just started an order for six knives - and I don't want to do em!!!

There's plenty of stuff I do want to make though. Just not orders. I tried to shift this customer to projects that had some interest for me, but the price scared em off. :D

So, once I start grinding I know I'll get the inspiration back, and their order will be delayed while I make some kick-ass knives I'd like to own... That'll show em!

Man, go buy a crappy production knife, use it in the yard or field for a while. You'll be back to making in no time! :D
 
Maybe work out a collaboration project. Sometimes working off someone elses work, and vice-versa is helpful.

Maybe get out and use a knife. That might help.
 
My mentor says, "If you get bored making knives, add more blades." In other words he is saying make a folder, and he is talking about traditional folders.

I find having many projects going makes it easy to not focus on one thing and get it finished. Maybe if you just set everything else out of view and work on one blade to completion, would that help? I know what you're talking about though. It is a production skill that you have to develop.
 
I am also having the same problem finishing my first knife. I have tempered it I just need to finish sanding it and work on the scales. Thought I cant wait to start my next one because I am unhappy with this one. Nathan the only suggestion I can offer is to put away those knifes and start a new one and finish that one. Then move on to the ones you put away.
 
I read this thread right after Dave posted and I thought he was onto something or, at least, I figured, he was ready to impart some, sage advice; So I clicked off, thinking I would come back and read, later.

I'm glad I waited to post. It just "popped" into my head, what I do, when knife

makers funk comes around. I make a knife for someone I love.

Easy to make and they come with the greatest pleasure.

Getting back to the grind of production work comes a little easier after one of those.

Fred
 
Fred.Rowe said:
I read this thread right after Dave posted and I thought he was onto something or, at least, I figured, he was ready to impart some, sage advice; So I clicked off, thinking I would come back and read, later.

I'm glad I waited to post. It just "popped" into my head, what I do, when knife

makers funk comes around. I make a knife for someone I love.

Easy to make and they come with the greatest pleasure.

Getting back to the grind of production work comes a little easier after one of those.

Fred
Click to expand...

I'm eagerly volunteering to be one of your loved ones! I love the style of knives that you make.
 
Looks like the pirates are helping keep you interested :thumbup:

Don't forget all the happy customers you've served in the past. It's ok to take some pride in that!
 
I just woke up a little bit ago so this is kinda off base. I spent last weekend in Regina, Sk. teaching the knifemakers guild there what I know about hand forging not to mention the better part of 4 days on the road coming and going. On the way back home we spent the night in a budget hotel in Missoula, Mt.. The young man working the desk was missing his right arm and had a brand new artificial one. I kind of felt like asking him his story but felt I already knew the answer and didn't want to take a chance with a sore subject. Anyway last night I was dreaming about that trying to figure what I would do if I were missing both arms and couldn't come up with an answer. Since I have been back home I've been in a bit of a funk with making knives. Not a total shutdown but more a lack of drive. Maybe this dream may get me going.
 
Ive had the same problem and finally figured out what it is for me at least. I was trying to make knives as good as other people do and just couldnt do it. I was very discouraged and had to do some soul searching. I decided to make something that was in my own mind. We are artists and should make the things that satisfy our natural calling. God gave us this gift and we are wasting it following somebody else. The reason why their knives come out so good are because it was their dream. We have our own dreams so lets fulfill them.

If we make something nobody else makes no one can say it isnt correctly done.
 
Mr. Richard, if I'd known you were in Regina, I probably would have drove the 6 hours to come meet you. I really like that post Mr. Bump. As far as I can figure, I don't make much that resembles anyone else's work. I think that the problem for me right now is stress (health problems in the family, slowdowns and layoffs at work). I can't seem to concentrate on blades, I've always got something else running around in my head.

Thank you all for the advice, I'm actually starting a couple blades that aren't typical for me and have different lines and grinds than I'm used to making. I've also pulled out the calendar and set myself some deadlines for finishing the blades that I've started. Should be interesting.

have a good one,

Nathan
 
Bruce Bump said:
Ive had the same problem and finally figured out what it is for me at least. I was trying to make knives as good as other people do and just couldnt do it.
Click to expand...

Have you been hanging around Vulcan's forge or something Bruce? :)

NDallyn said:
I think that the problem for me right now is stress (health problems in the family, slowdowns and layoffs at work). I can't seem to concentrate on blades, I've always got something else running around in my head.
Click to expand...

I know how you feel. It seems like I've always got some family or work crisis or another going on. What happens with me is that I end up with my shop time being limited. When I DO get some time in the workshop, I use it as a complete escape from the stresses of life. It's a lot easier said than done, but if you can find that tiny piece of Zen inside and use it to focus wholly on the task at hand, you'll feel a lot better in general when you come back out of the shop. At least, that's how it works for me.

Good luck on your plan to rejuvinate! I hope it works out for you.


-d
 
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