In another thread here just the other day we were discussing the gradual evolution in judging standards over the past few decades. Anyone who knows Sam and is familiar with his work knows that the knives he presented for judging this year were exceptional pieces, and probably a solid notch or two above what might have passed just ten or twenty years ago. The photos don't show every detail, and the judges obviously saw some things they didn't like, but I can say unequivocally that this doesn't take anything away from Sam's skill and accomplishment as a knifemaker. Honestly at the MS level sometimes it can be something as simple as a natural handle material developing a slight warp or twist during the plane ride over. And I know I'm in very good company when I say that Sam Lurquin is among the top makers of forged knives today, and, stamp or no stamp, I consider him a true master of the craft.
Fear of failure is something that keeps a great many makers from ever even setting foot into that room. So while hearty congratulations are most definitely in order for those who passed, I also want to tip my hat to those who didn't. It takes hard work and an awful lot of courage to submit knives for judging, and by placing those five knives on the table you've already done what a great many of your peers in the knifemaking world haven't bothered or dared to do themselves. You all have my sincere respect for coming this far.
So here's to those who didn't pass their test this year. I know what it feels like. I also know that you won't be defeated - you've demonstrated that already.
