My first post, in retrospect.

Fred.Rowe

Fred.Rowe

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
May 2, 2004
Messages
6,848
Knife making is one of those things you learn by doing. Read all you can until your eyes get tired, watch others until your butt gets sore; but most of all making knives is about experiment, effort and attitude.
How ever you start, start. Make something knife shaped. You will learn something. Get yourself a grinder and grind something. You will learn something. Don't make the mistake of following someone else around, hoping to absorb their knowledge. It won't happen and if it does you may be but a clone.
I worked four years, trying, failing, experimenting, failing and trying again before I asked my first question here on Shop Talk.

This is my first post back in 2004.

I'd like to get some feed back and critique on these two knives.
Both are my own design and my own damascus.
Please be truthful. :)

Fred

acq.jpg


brf005.jpg
 
Your study and hard work show well in those knives........ it still does eight years later.
 
Great point Fred. You can only learn so much by watching others do it. Eventually you've got to get your hands dirty to know how to do it.

Oh, and... Is that the best you can do? I'd be afraid to show those knives in public. You should just box them up and send them to Texas so no one ever sees them again. I'll properly dispose of them ;)
 
This is a great post I can identify with your experience but still have not made a knife as handsome as those after all the knives I have made:)
 
Fred, you did your homework, everything seemed to be in order, THEN, you run across guys like me at Bowie's in Knoxville. That seemingly innocent gathering and sharing info between the two of us probably set knife making back at least 100 years....:)

Just kidding my friend. It only set it back 50 years.

We both know that everyone has to start somewhere. People learn in different ways. Some can watch somebody do something and get it right the first time they try it. Other folks do research, try what they have read, and maybe have to ask more questions.

The main thing is to never post a response that intentionally makes their question sound "Stupid".

I won't get on a rant here. You done good Bubba.

Robert
 
Great blades, Fred. They were great when you first posted them and they still are!:thumbup:
 
All the theory in the world and watching people do stuff won't get you anywhere. That's why I'd really encourage all makers to get together to work with their peers and especially consider the ABS hands-on classes.

I took the handles and guards class with Jim Rodebaugh M.S. this year at Haywood, and it progressed me years. Especially since perfect guard fit-up is something many advanced makers still struggle or fail at.

That being said, like Fred mentions, the most important thing is to do it on your own first. You can't appreciate the right way to do things often until you do them the wrong way first.
 
Glad you posted this since I really got discouraged this morning after trying to put an edge on a knife and really screwed it up. Then I remembered something Ban has told me on numerous occassions, a characteristic of a good knifemaker is how he can overcome his mistakes and make something good come out of it. Well the knife looks better now but it will still never find its way onto the exchange. :D
 
Getting out and getting your hands dirty is the best way to learn. I have a bucket full of knives that are forged. I am not sure how many I guess I lost count. I still have a lot to learn about moving hot metal around but those practice knives helped me along. Hammer-ins are fantastic gatherings even if you are not a forger as there are many things to learn. Local ABS hammer-in in Troy, Ohio next weekend and I am looking forward to it.

Nice knives Freddie. Maybe see you next weekend if they will let you off the ridge :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top