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Lonely knifemakers

but she wonders why I'm compelled to make things that could kill people.
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I know what you mean. Why do furniture makers make end tables that can be picked up and swung to kill someone? Why do car manufacturers make cars that kill thousands more than knives? Why do plastic utensil makers make disposable dinnerware than can be sharpened to stab and kill someone? Why do pillow makers make fluffy soft pillows that can be used to smother someone? Why do builders make houses whos roofs are so far off the ground that people die each year while hanging Christmas lights? Why did God make sticks and stones that can break bones?

I HATE that argument about, "oh...well, it's a weapon." It's a tool. Pure and simple. If I made inquisition torture devices in my shop, then you may have a point. But I don't spend my time building guillotines and quartering racks. I make beautiful knives with a high quality finish that can be carried and used by enthusiests, hunters, and Joe Blows.

See the quote in my sig. I told that to a police officer once who was questioning me about my pocket knife asking if I knew that I was carrying a weapon?!?! I told her it was a tool that was perfectly legal according to Texas state penal code and followed with that line.

--nathan
 
Nick I still like your line from the handmade vs homemade thread about people thinking your knives would be reground butter knives with duct tape handles. Most of the general population just won't get what we do, I really get confused looks when I say just cause it is the easy way doesn't mean it is the only way or even the best way. I have ran into this my whole life. why would you want to hunt with black powder , why a flintlock, why a bow, why a stick bow, why would I rather get my 1929 model A back on the road and drive it everyday instead of a new KIA. the same people that will spend hundreds or thousands on wine or name brand clothes and say they do it because they appreciate quality would miss the point that most of us are looking for quality and are striving for the best functionally and artistically while challenging ourselves to the same in our work.
chris
NickWheeler said:
Then I put my portfolio in front of him. He quickly changed gears. It's interesting that even other people who build things with their hands, can be so hesitant to appreciate what we do.
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I actually get a good deal of positive response from people, but I usually say it as "hobby blacksmith/knifemaker". It helps that I have Butch down the road to chat with, and I hit a few hammer-ins each year. I also try to visit with J. Neilson a couple times a year since he's sort of close by, and take what opportunities I have to teach people who are interested. The Internet and the telephone are great for getting to chat with likeminded folks too. That reminds me, I should call Delbert soon, it's been DAYS since we chatted :)

-d
 
Well I sure don't feel alone anymore, Good to know I aint the only weirdo mad scientist type. Hehehe...
 
Being very new to this I love the replies when people ask what I like to do or what my hobby is. I gladly tell them I make knives and practice martial arts... Apparently putting those two together isn't good. Usually the first question is "Why would you want to make them? Is there even a market for them? Do you hammer them out?" Apparently if you don't hammer them out they aren't real. Then the next question is always "why would you want to learn something that has no real use?"... It's like they think sitting on their asses watching tv is better. Though the friends I have are all fascinated by what I do, some have even asked me to fix knives or sharpen/polish them. I'm still waiting for someone to ask me to make one. Any excuse is good enough to make another one.
 
I've started telling people that I'm training to be a VSO Tech. They sort of glaze over and go away... I do have friends who know, but they're all accustomed to me doing odd things so making knives was just yet another eccentricity.

Honestly, I've never had a hobby that involved other people. Nor really wanted one.
 
Justin made an EXCELLENT point that it's more uncomfortable to talk about this stuff with the guys who know "just enough to be dangerous."

They're the ones who clearly feel like they know more about this than you do as soon as you answer something like, "Oh.... no, I don't use old files or saw blades to make my blades. I did that early on, but I prefer to use known steels now with very specific alloy content so that I can get it to do exactly what I want it to do."

You probably have all had the various conversations that follow!!! :rolleyes: :D

Phillip, good point about the "bladesmith" answer. Most folks do just hear, "blacksmith" and either drop it or tell you they knew a blacksmith from XYZ back in the day. ;)

It's amazing, that it sounds like even down in Texas there are so many artsy fartsy sheeple. I really wouldn't have thought that!!!
 
silver_pilate said:
When I mention that I'm a hobby knifemaker, I usually get the skeptical looks and immediate disinterest. However, when people see my work, they're suddenly more interested.
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Sometimes I think that Nathan and I must be related somehow. Every time I think about posting something in a thread, he has beat me to it. If he's incredibly good looking, then there is no doubt that we have common DNA. :D

I really don't like telling folks about my knifemaking... like most have said, it's uncomfortable. I DO enjoy showing folks what I make. THAT makes all the difference. I always have quick access to nice photos on my iphone or flickr account. I have also started EDC'ing my most recent knife. If I can show people what I make, they won't walk away from an awkward conversation thinking I grind shivs in my basement and handle them with electrician's tape. :eek:

Concerning "weapons"... sometimes I think the distinction between art/tool/weapon is ridiculous. Can a knife be considered art?... yeah definitely. Is a knife a tool?... certainly can be. Is a knife a weapon? - and this is where people get freaked out for some reason... you bet a knife can be a weapon. I don't think any knifemaker should be ashamed of that either. Evil is not found in objects, it's found in people.

Concerning "loneliness"... yup, nobody 'round here really understands. My wife and family support me, but they don't understand.

Erin
 
No doubt Erin. And yes, yes, I am incredibly good looking. Well, at least my Bassett hound thinks so. :D. Whatup cuz?

I know this has been covered in other threads, but it also seems that there are tons of people who's aunt's cousin's friend was a knifemaker who made magical knives from horseshoes that could cut your arm off if you accidentally fumbled it and that have dressed 75 deer without ever being sharpened.

--Nathan
 
I have been making slipjoint knives for over two years now and I still haven't met another knife maker; which is my fault. I live in Indianapolis and there are some superb makers here in Indiana like Tony and Reese Bose, Kerry Hampton, Brent Cramer... the list goes on and on. But I have just been absorbing so much here at BladeForums and haven't had the nerve to reach out yet.

I enjoy making knives and having time alone to focus on one thing and lose track of time because I'm so absorbed in it. It's a hobby that I enjoy and I am a friendlier, happier person after spending a few hours in the shop.

I am sad to hear stories about knives not being viewed as art but i'm not surprised. Things like knives, pottery, furniture, quilts, knitted clothing etc. have real use in our lives and therefore are at the fringe of art. However, you can find fine examples from hundreds of years ago of all these crafts in museums all around the world. Knifemaking is a craft that takes hours of patience, dedication and knowledge. Anyone who makes knives sees the work involved when they see another persons blade but someone who has never made anything just won't understand.
 
Here in Jersey, people seem to have a fear of knives when they leave 10 ft from the kitchen. Therefore, whenever I procure materials like leather, handle material, and other things neccessary for knife making, I always have to lie about their true purpose :o It's kind of embarassing actually, I bought some leather the other week from a guy and had to tell him it was for belts...
 
Being relatively new to the craft, I don't know of anyone around my area that makes knives. Most people/friends don't have much of an interest when I tell them what I make until they see a finished product. Then, they just can't believe I made it and it wasn't purchased from a store. But they can never understand the price I ask either.The biggest problem I've encountered is friends, and some that are only acquaintances, want one made for free.

But back to part of the original post of this thread; I'll spend hours in the shop and never see a soul. Other than a neighbor who enjoys having me sharpen his lawnmower blades from time to time. Now its hunting season, friends are starting to surface. All wanting their knives sharpened.

My shop is my Man Cave and I enjoy the solitude.
 
I live out in the sticks, by choice. Another maker, Mike Turner, moved in a couple of miles down the road a few years back, so we can talk whenever. Pete Pruyn, a fairly new maker who moved to Grants Pass, comes out regularly, too. I think he's going to do well as a maker.

There is a coiffee klatch down at the General Store that meets in the morning and about 4pm, too. I go down once in a while. It's composed of a world class gunstock maker, a dairy farmer, a ranch manager, a carpenter, a retired mechanic and the occasional drop in. Two are retired Hell's Angels, one of the drop ins is a retired mill worker and dope grower.

We talk guns, knives, hunting, farming, politics and look at the hippie gals. It gives me a fix of the world outside my shop. I've also learned a tremendous amount about wood working tricks from the stock maker. He called today and said to come to coffee. He gives me his scraps from stock making. Today it was a bunch of really nice curly walnut.

This town is more a state of mind than a real town and gets really interesting. The stock maker loves to stir up trouble, so that can be fun, too.

Mostly I have coffee breaks with my wife, who does mosaic pins. She likes the knives and related things and we can also talk guns. I seldom have drop ins, except close friends, because I don't encourage it.

Gene
 
Hello! My name id Mike. And I make WEAPONS!

I should be ashamed!

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I do get what you are talking about. But, my girlfriend us actually very supportive -- she is a semi-pro jewelry maker and glass worker AND a philosophy grad student (like me). She's great...
 
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