My knifemaking mentor

Bailey Knives

Bailey Knives

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2004
Messages
3,772
I met Grant Fraser in Ontario when my family went on vacation there one year about 6 years ago. I saw his business card posted in a local tavern. I wanted a knife and went to visit him at his house later that week. He got me started in knifemaking. Until then, I didnt even realize that individuals could make knives, I thought they were all factory made. Every year since then, I take to him some knives that I have been working on, and he critiques them. He has always been forthcoming in all his information, and never had any secrets that he was not willing to divulge.

I just arrived home from Ontario this Saturday. I tried to get in contact with Mr. Fraser, and found out that he has lymphoma. The man that was not large to begin with has lost over 40 pounds. Hands that were once burly from swinging a hammer have become thin and frail. The cancer is curable, and he had just had the first of 5 chemo treatments. My father and I prayed for him while we were visiting on Friday.

I would appreciate it if you could also keep him in your prayers. He has a long road ahead of him.
 
incoming :thumbup: Sorry to hear about your friend. I hope everything turns out well. Keep us posted eh?
 
Someday we'll be able to take a pill each day and not have to worry about cancer but till then we have to go through the awful treatment it takes to defeat it. May God Bless your friend Matthew and you take care too!!!!!!!!
 
You got it bro. Prayers from Atlanta.
 
Matthew: I will remember him in our prayers as well. My son has lymphoma that is A,L,L, He is being treated here in Indiana. His treatments are for 3 years. One down and 2 years to go. Its a bad thing to have. Sorry to hear that.
 
Sorry to hear that Matthew. Thoughts and wishes are incoming from the PA contingent. Tell him to get it licked and get back into the shop! He's got more to teach, I'm sure of it.

-d
 
Thanks everyone, I have limited connections with him thoughout the year. I will be placing some calls every month or so and see how he is doing.
 
it's sad to see a good man down
Prayers from Maine sent out... and I wish him the best..
 
I would like to hear about you, and who your mentor is. Who got you started in this odd career-hobby of knifemaking?
 
My Prayers for Grant, though I've not yet had the pleasure of meeting him.

I have SO MANY knife makers to thank as 'mentors', but the guy who got me started was R.B. Jenkins - and he doesn't even know he got me started. Anyone got a contact for him?

Rob!
 
I have many mentors to thank. Some I have met in person and others I know just from the forums.

Stacy Apelt
Indian George
Don Morrow
Johnny Stout
Luke Swenson (sp?)
Kevin Davey
Terry Barkes
etc etc etc

Their knowledge and skills helped me learn how to make knives and taught me many things and showed me a lot and also helped me make my first knife. Without them and BladeForums.com, I wouldn't have known where to start or where to look.
 
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