Looking for Mentor if anyone is interested

tsavickas36

tsavickas36

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2025
Messages
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Hello all,

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the amazing feedback I have received on this forum. I was wondering if anyone is in Michigan that I could schedule a day to come watch a seasoned veteran work their craft. I have learned so much through trial and error, watching videos, and reading books but I am a sponge and would love to watch someone else work too.

The next phase I would like to observe a master craftsman in the shop. Maybe this is a strange ask but I would really love to have someone I can visit with and just pick their brain or have them watch me to give me tips and pointers on taking my skills to the next level.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions if interested please reach out. If no one is in Michigan then a trip or two is not out of the question either.
 
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If you didn't live waaay off up in the frozen north, I'd offer for you to come by and play with some of my equip. Not sure how much I could teach you, but we could sure have a nice visit...
 
I have had a lot of visitors to my shop and am always glad to help someone. Along these lines I have a few suggestions.
1. Realize that your visit is costing the bladesmith time and $. Don't take advantage of this.
2. I don't expect it, but it is nice to bring the shop owner some nice handle material, etc.
3. Don't bring a couple of friends unless they are also invited.
4. Don't criticize the makers work.
5. Don't try to impress the maker with how smart you are. Don't try to teach the maker, you are there to learn not to teach. Leave your ego at the door.
6. Don't laugh at how the maker does a process.
7. Don't ask to look at the makers inventory and put your finger prints all over his blades unless you are really interested in buying one.
8. After the first visit, make an appointment for future visits, don't just show up unannounced.
I have tried to help a lot of people and most of the time the visit is mutually enjoyable. But I have also experienced #1-8 listed above.
 
Tom Lewis said:
I have had a lot of visitors to my shop and am always glad to help someone. Along these lines I have a few suggestions.
1. Realize that your visit is costing the bladesmith time and $. Don't take advantage of this.
2. I don't expect it, but it is nice to bring the shop owner some nice handle material, etc.
3. Don't bring a couple of friends unless they are also invited.
4. Don't criticize the makers work.
5. Don't try to impress the maker with how smart you are. Don't try to teach the maker, you are there to learn not to teach. Leave your ego at the door.
6. Don't laugh at how the maker does a process.
7. Don't ask to look at the makers inventory and put your finger prints all over his blades unless you are really interested in buying one.
8. After the first visit, make an appointment for future visits, don't just show up unannounced.
I have tried to help a lot of people and most of the time the visit is mutually enjoyable. But I have also experienced #1-8 listed above.
Click to expand...
Thank you Tom noted and would not be a problem for me to follow this advice.
 
Smart man....😉. An Excellent idea...Best of luck with this and all your endeavors👍.......
 
tsavickas36 said:
Hello all,

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the amazing feedback I have received on this forum. I was wondering if anyone is in Michigan that I could schedule a day to come watch a seasoned veteran work their craft. I have learned so much through trial and error, watching videos, and reading books but I am a sponge and would love to watch someone else work too.

The next phase I would like to observe a master craftsman in the shop. Maybe this is a strange ask but I would really love to have someone I can visit with and just pick their brain or have them watch me to give me tips and pointers on taking my skills to the next level.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions if interested please reach out. If no one is in Michigan then a trip or two is not out of the question either.
Click to expand...
Please note maybe my request of once a month is too much for anyone. A single visit would be an amazing gift as well. Thanks everyone.
 
www.americanbladesmith.org

Rated ABS Smiths by Location

A list to help members locate rated smiths by country or state Note- this list was compiled to help members find active smiths, Retired Masters are not listed out of respect for their wishes to be retired. International Argentina Facundo Montenegro - Master Bladesmith Matias Funes - Journeyman...
www.americanbladesmith.org www.americanbladesmith.org


Some makers do paid lessons, some perform at hammer-ins.
If you want to do it as a freebie, it would be good to meet in person and establish some kind of cordial relationship.

Lots of times folks suggest a host gift like booze, but there's nothing like cash.

Kyle Royer does a web based text/video subscription lesson service.

Kevin Cashen is in Michigan, but that might be a step to fast too far, or may be a really good foundational step.
 
Last person I had was Jess Hoffman, last winter. It would be good to know the person ahead of time. The Janesville show will happen late
in March. After 2 days Jess left with a finished slip joint----- its what I make. 715-544-0115.
Ken.
 
I once had a guy email berfore his visti and ask what my favorite caliber was. He brought two boxes of .45 Colt.

Price of that stuff anymore be cheaper to pay for a lesson! Had many a guy stop by with a bottle or a thrity pack.
 
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