- Joined
- Jun 23, 2006
- Messages
- 1
Let me begin by saying I survived Hurricaine Katrina & for the three days I spent on my roof, my spirits were kept alive by "dreaming" of the day I would forge steel/knives, as this has been a lifelong goal. But who knew that a devastating Hurricaine, one in which my family & I lost everthing, would provide that opportunity.
I had long ago read about Master Shiva Ki & how beautiful & functional his creations are. As a matter of fact, the first article I ever read about Shiva said, "his knives are so sharp they REACH out & cut you". Now that's a pretty heavy duty statement for a magazine to make(Blade/Tacticl Knives). I thought, who better to learn from, since the objective with a knife IS to CUT.
Unfortunately over the years, I never had the opportunity to travel to Baton Rouge, La. However, along came a Cat 5 Hurricaine; & with nothing left to loose, I was on my way to Baton Rouge.
I called Shiva almost immediately upon arrival & he was so cool. He said, "What are you waiting for, come on over". Wow!!!
However, I was side-tracked when I heard L.S.U. had established a shelter for owned animals. It seems human beings have an intrinsic need to help, to be productive, to give back to the community(well most humans anyway); and I was no exception. If my auto hadn't "drowned", I'd have gone back to New Orleans to rescue animals. So L.S.U.'s emergency pet shelter proved to be a viable alternative.
After the closing of the emergency shelter, I called Shiva once again. And again he was most gracious & asked, "Why aren't you here?" My response, "I'm on my way!" And thus began a new journey.
I arrived @ Shiva's place & he welcomed me with open arms, taking me "under his wing". I don't think anyone could have been any more generous, giving, & forgiving(I broke the arm on his power hammer & he didn't toss me out on my...behind). His patience never waned. He provided me with instruction, stock, handle materials, & the use of his equipment; without asking for ANYTHING in return. He has been generous not only with his time, but knowldge as well. AMAZING!!!
During the course of his tutalege, he sent 50 combat knives to Lt. Paul Chenevert's Commando Unit of Night Stalkers stationed in Iraq(who has since been promoted to Captain, receiving the Bronze Star, & returning safely to the U.S.). Shiva will also be sending 20 combat knives to Spec Op troops in Afghanistan. This, of course, is coming out of Shiva's pocket.
I understand there has been some negative discourse regarding Shiva. I can only say that my own personal experience with Shiva tells me something totally different. I look forward to many more hours learning from Shiva.
For the record; Sgt. Sanders post(7 days w/ Shiva Ki)left out much. Shiva incurred ALL expenses, save one steak dinner, since Sgt. Sanders had promised Shiva a steak dinner. Mardi-Gras week, Shiva took Sgt. Sanders to New Orleans; subsequently they lost their way & ended up in the devastated 9th Ward. They were then able to find their way to the French Market where Shiva purchased a fully feathered Mardi Gras mask for Sgt. Sanders wife. I saw a photo of this mask & it is truly beautiful.
It is most unfortunate that some people make judgements about others based on a lack of information, misinformation, & just plain ignorance. I sincerly hope this post helps correct a deformed & skewed concept some may have regarding Shiva Ki.
I had long ago read about Master Shiva Ki & how beautiful & functional his creations are. As a matter of fact, the first article I ever read about Shiva said, "his knives are so sharp they REACH out & cut you". Now that's a pretty heavy duty statement for a magazine to make(Blade/Tacticl Knives). I thought, who better to learn from, since the objective with a knife IS to CUT.
Unfortunately over the years, I never had the opportunity to travel to Baton Rouge, La. However, along came a Cat 5 Hurricaine; & with nothing left to loose, I was on my way to Baton Rouge.
I called Shiva almost immediately upon arrival & he was so cool. He said, "What are you waiting for, come on over". Wow!!!
However, I was side-tracked when I heard L.S.U. had established a shelter for owned animals. It seems human beings have an intrinsic need to help, to be productive, to give back to the community(well most humans anyway); and I was no exception. If my auto hadn't "drowned", I'd have gone back to New Orleans to rescue animals. So L.S.U.'s emergency pet shelter proved to be a viable alternative.
After the closing of the emergency shelter, I called Shiva once again. And again he was most gracious & asked, "Why aren't you here?" My response, "I'm on my way!" And thus began a new journey.
I arrived @ Shiva's place & he welcomed me with open arms, taking me "under his wing". I don't think anyone could have been any more generous, giving, & forgiving(I broke the arm on his power hammer & he didn't toss me out on my...behind). His patience never waned. He provided me with instruction, stock, handle materials, & the use of his equipment; without asking for ANYTHING in return. He has been generous not only with his time, but knowldge as well. AMAZING!!!
During the course of his tutalege, he sent 50 combat knives to Lt. Paul Chenevert's Commando Unit of Night Stalkers stationed in Iraq(who has since been promoted to Captain, receiving the Bronze Star, & returning safely to the U.S.). Shiva will also be sending 20 combat knives to Spec Op troops in Afghanistan. This, of course, is coming out of Shiva's pocket.
I understand there has been some negative discourse regarding Shiva. I can only say that my own personal experience with Shiva tells me something totally different. I look forward to many more hours learning from Shiva.
For the record; Sgt. Sanders post(7 days w/ Shiva Ki)left out much. Shiva incurred ALL expenses, save one steak dinner, since Sgt. Sanders had promised Shiva a steak dinner. Mardi-Gras week, Shiva took Sgt. Sanders to New Orleans; subsequently they lost their way & ended up in the devastated 9th Ward. They were then able to find their way to the French Market where Shiva purchased a fully feathered Mardi Gras mask for Sgt. Sanders wife. I saw a photo of this mask & it is truly beautiful.
It is most unfortunate that some people make judgements about others based on a lack of information, misinformation, & just plain ignorance. I sincerly hope this post helps correct a deformed & skewed concept some may have regarding Shiva Ki.
