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Eric Kidwell

Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
385
Hey everyone,
I'm sure I shouldn't be posting this here but this is where I have been spending all of my time for the last 2 months.
I just wanted to thank all of you for all of the great info that you provide.
A little about me,

I'm 42years old, husband to a awesome wife and father to the greatest little girl on this or any other planet.
I have always liked anything with a sharp edge. In 2000 I started thinking and learning about the making of knives. I did a search on line, found a Bladesmith not to far from home and gave him a call. After explaining who I was and what I wanted, he gave me the phone number of another maker who I should go watch. I called the number and spoke with a not overly nice man who said "I guess you could come watch for a little while this weekend". Well, I didn't go and I will forever regret it, as that person was Bill Moran.
It's now 2012 and even though I don't have any "extra" time I am going to give knife making a honest go.
I traveled to NC and had the pleasure of making my first knife with Chris from Willmount Grinders. Chris is a awesome guy and was very helpful. His shop has everything a team of makers could want and we were able to make a really cool fighter in a little over eight hours.
Now I am working with a local farrier/blade smith who has agreed to give me forging lessons.

Thanks again for all of your help and if anyone lives in my area I would really like to meet.
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Welcome. That farrier/knifemaker wouldn't happen to be an ex-marine who lives in White Plains, would he? I won't name him cuz he'll beat me up, but be careful. He'll make you clean his whole shop! Lol.
 
Yes David, that would be the one.
I have been over once so far and had a great time.
Suggestions/warnings?
 
I really like and admire the way you are going about it. Seeing the process up close and personal and being able to ask questions on the fly must be invaluable. It also shows a level of maturity and opens your eyes to realistic expectations.

I am also 42 with a wife and two daughters so I know that time is the hardest part. But have a go at it and you'll be addicted. Welcome and enjoy.
 
Eric Kidwell said:
Yes David, that would be the one.
I have been over once so far and had a great time.
Suggestions/warnings?
Click to expand...

Listen to all of his stories. If he wants to teach you how to make a blade on his coal forge, don't drop red hot metal on your foot and dance around like a girl, it's kind'a hard to regain his respect. Be kindly to his dogs, a treat won't hurt. Say hi for me. Seriously, I've long urged him to post here, but I don't think he ever has. I taugh him how to post pictures, etc., but computers aren't his best friend. You couldn't find a better mentor.
 
Thanks for the suggestions David. I'm going to try to go twice a month at least. I'm working on getting a small shop together, anvil, Ellis forge and a Tw-90 grinder. I'm also working on getting enough funds together to take the ABS intro class sometime this year.
 
Eric Kidwell said:
Thanks for the suggestions David. I'm going to try to go twice a month at least. I'm working on getting a small shop together, anvil, Ellis forge and a Tw-90 grinder. I'm also working on getting enough funds together to take the ABS intro class sometime this year.
Click to expand...
The ABS intro course is well worth the time and money spent:thumbup:
Sincerely,
Dave
 
Eric,

All I can say is........ "YOU GO BOY"..........

This place has been lacking folks with the right attitude. Spend time looking around. Spend time reading (especially the stickies). Ask questions. With time comes the ability to filter through the garbage.

As far as "Having Extra Time".......... Do any of us have any extra time? With knifemaking, you learn to create that extra few minutes, hours, and days in order to learn and create.

Welcome sir, and if I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Robert
 
Wow, thanks Patrice.
Can't begin to tell you how many times I have re-read your Wip's. please keep them coming.
 
Welcome to Shop talk, Eric.:thumbup:

You and I have at least two things is common. We both love knives....and we both have awesome wives!:D
 
Welcome Eric!
Dont tell Chris your shopping a TW! :D
Nothing beats shop experience, and WOW an oppurtunity to hang out with Mr. Moran!!
Greg
 
Thanks for the warm welcome Robert. I just left your site. Thanks for the Bowie Wip, I like the use of the spring to keep the guard tight during set up of the JBWeld.
 
Eric,

You never know where you will pick up a little time saving tip. I didn't invent it, but I shared it. That's just how true knifemakers roll.

Robert
 
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