My JS - 5

Bill,
Congratulations!! I'm with Mr Wesner, you're already a MS in a lot of our books!:thumbup: Can't wait to see that first blade with your new stamp!
Thanks for the inspiration,
Matt
 
HUGE CONGRATS Mr. Buxton!!!

It was great to finally get to shake your hand.

Your very pretty wife seemed awfully patient with our stuffy 'ol knife conversations! :) It was neat that she came along with you for some moral support. I'm glad I got to meet her too! :)

I can't believe how stressful this was. It makes it mean even more when you hear about people saying, "Oh, so and so already does Js or Ms level work." Well... they might be dang good, but there is sure a lot to be said for putting 5 knives down in that testing room and then walking away for them to be judged. I know we both appreciate the process even MORE NOW.

Your knives were all top drawer and I was sure glad to get to see them and handle them. Every one was a super fine example of bladesmithing.

Just think, all those years back talking on here and in Pal-Talk, and then all of a sudden we're setting those 5 knives down in that room. CRAZY I tell ya! :D

Congrats my friend! :thumbup: :cool:
 
WOW, thank you all very much for your very kind words. It is very humbling to have such nice things said about the work we do.

dlpierson, The problem is in the reducing the pictures to meet the size required by the forum. If you would like I will send you an enlarged picture of the knives via e-mail, but it might take a little while for it to load, just let me know.

Like Nick posted, it is a very stressful situation when your being judged by others that are looked upon as some of the best at what we do. I never in my wildest dreams would have ever figured it would affect me like it did, but after talking to those that were both going for the JS and the MS stamps I realized it was affecting everyone the same way. That did make me feel better. I'm just glad Nick was going for his judging at this time also, and when J. Neilson showed up for support it was like I was around people I had known for years, that helped a bunch.
Nick, my wife has been my biggest supporter since I started this profession, there's been several times when I was ready to throw the towel in and get a real job again, but she always convinced me to stay with it a little longer. She wasn't at all bored with our stuffy ol knife conversations, she enjoyed the show and meeting everyone very much and suggested we go back next year. When we arrived home she told me to get my butt busy, for the Chicago show would be here before we knew it. Damn slave driver. :D

Thanks again everyone,

Bill
 
Bill,

Five great looking knives!! Congrats!!
Don't know how I missed you. Maybe we can get together sometime. I still need to learn to make a hawk. Bill
 
Da gone it Bill, I didn't know you were there or I would have looked you up for sure. I seen and talked to Bowie a couple times but he never mentioned you being there. I bet I walked past you several times, I'm sorry I missed you.

Bill
 
Beautifully executed Bill. I know that test has got to be rough, especially mentally. I really have a lot of admiration for those that can get through it. I feel that the exams just may be getting a little tougher as the years go by, but I have nothing to base that on. I'll be trying for JS next year, and I'm already nervous!
 
Bill, these knives were fantastic, hell, I feel that way about just about every Buxton marked knife! I thought you had it in the bag but, the "nerve" thing before testing can test you. I know it did to me. When folks asked what I was doing there this weekend I told 'em I wanted to know what it felt like to stand out there and not sweat like a rabbit in a cage trap.

You were in great company testing (at least until I came around the corner) and I had all the faith in the world in you.

Old Bill here (who thinks I look like a little kid) has been a great help to me and it was so cool to finally meet him in person. It was an extra bonus to met his lovely wife Prudence. She was a wonderful and funny lady and she told me all the stuff Bill wouldn't. ;) It always great to see a maker who has the support of his family, it really helps.

Thanks again and congrats my friend. Also, let me know when you get ready to start selling those babies.
 
Congrats, Mr. B!!!! The funny part is that I thought you already had your JS stamp and were going for MS soon....lol:D
 
Thank you J. you durn young pup. O no, the wife wasn't suppose to say anything, no wonder everyone was pointiing at me and laughing, I wondered what that was about, now I know. :eek:
I think we will make that trip next year just so I can watch you sweat a little. :D :D

Robert, thank you, good luck and be sure to wear lots of deodorant, you'll do fine.

jdm61- thank you, I wish that were the case, from what I've heard about the MS judging its super tough. When you get guys like Don Hanson shaking in his boots about the judging you know its tough.

Bill
 
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