Not going to make it to Blade

NickWheeler

NickWheeler

Joined
Dec 3, 1999
Messages
9,437
Well, with great disappointment and frustration, I have decided not to go to Blade this year.

I have been working like mad trying to get my 5 Js test knives done, and it just didn't happen.

With only 2 knives completely finished, I simply cannot afford to make the trip without the chance of getting my stamp while there. I have gotten about 10 hours of sleep in the last week, and was starting to make mistakes on my knives rather than make them better. On one bowie knife, I made 3 guards, 3 ferrules, and 2 handles before getting it near where I wanted it. Quite simply, I ran out of time.

As unhappy as some collectors are with me right now... I can guarantee no one is as unhappy as I am. This was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to come to.

To all of you that were hoping to see me get my stamp, I am sorry. There are many of you I had hoped to meet. I guess it will have to be at another show down the road.

For now it's just back to the shop to get back on my orders.

I hope everyone that goes has a great time!!! :D

-Nick-
 
Nick,

Sorry to hear about your news, but have confidence that you will get the JS stamp before long.

Looking forward to working with you on our project, when my place in line comes up.
 
The stamps mean something of course, but to many, guys like you and Don Hanson are already turning out what is easily top MS quality stuff, you'll get it next year, in the meantime, if I could afford to, I'd buy every knife you make. :)

I suppose I'll have to settle for just this one for now. :) (Which should arrive tomorrow, I'm very excited.)

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Megalobyte said:
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Nick, you made this? You've got nothing to worry about, man, in reference to the Journeyman Smith stamp. I'm no expert, but I think that is a beautiful bowie!
 
Nick,
Sorry to hear that things didn't come together for you - I was looking forward to seeing you again. That said, this just shows once again how diligent, thorough, and demanding you are of your own work. You certainly deserve recognition for doing things right, even if it does take a little longer than you would have liked. It's kind of ironic that the very qualities that make you worthy of earning your JS stamp are now keeping you from being able to do so. That said, for customers like me, it's much more about the quality and attention you put into each knife then the stamp you mark it with. Knowing this makes me want your knives that much more.

Now go get some rest, you freakin insomniac!
 
Nick - it takes balls to take this decision. In the long run, I'm sure your smart decision will turn out for the better. I realize this is small consolation - or not at all - but that's what I think.
 
Sorry to hear you won't be going. I guess you'll have to sell your wares to the rest of us homebodies. :)
 
Thanks guys! :)

While I'm still a little upset about the whole thing... I don't have any worries. I know to allow more time next year.

I will get to start on the Foster/Pinnock camp hunter project soon now, and that will all unfold here on the forum... And I am REALLY excited about that!

Everything is looking good :D

-Nick-
 
Hate to hear it, Nick........I know you are more than ready skills-wise........Danbo has let me take a look at some of your work and I must say it is quite exceptional. :cool:

It will all come to pass.......;)
 
I know how obsessive you can be about your work buddy. I understand your decision to postpone the presentation for the JS stamp if you were not ready. Suggestion buddy - have those knives all completed at least three months before this time next year. It is not worth all the sleepless nights and obsessively going over them looking for the mistake that no one else could find with a microscope. Nick your fit and finish excels most all of the MS knives I have seen. You just need to relax and let it come naturally bud. Come see us and lets play some.
 
Plain ol Bill said:
I know how obsessive you can be about your work buddy. I understand your decision to postpone the presentation for the JS stamp if you were not ready. Suggestion buddy - have those knives all completed at least three months before this time next year. It is not worth all the sleepless nights and obsessively going over them looking for the mistake that no one else could find with a microscope. Nick your fit and finish excels most all of the MS knives I have seen. You just need to relax and let it come naturally bud. Come see us and lets play some.
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What he said! ;)

Your knives are fantastic. Next year they will be even better. :D
 
I sense--no, understand--the cloud of pressure that just lifted and floated away... It just feels good to acknowledge what can and can't be done.

Rest easy. I'm not at Blade either, for many outside conflicts, and my world will continue just fine. Patience is tough.

Coop
 
FWIW, I'm impressed that you choose to wait rather than compromise your work. Hope to see you make it next year.
 
I've only been in the world of custom knives about 5 years and I've seen this happen a few times...most folks understand. Your work already appears to be in high demand, so don't sweat it.
 
Nick, my friend----I can almost feel your frustration and certainly understand your reasoning! I also feel a little sorry for myself---in that I will not have the privelege of again spending some time with you. Visiting you at Blade was high on my list. Maybe next year? ---Sandy---
 
Hey Nick,Patience is a Virtue-Sometimes.You shouldn't have any problem making your stamp next year.You're Young,you have time :cool:
 
NIck,

You have a lot of support on your decision as well as your work.

Don't even be concerned about things. It will come in time and at the right time. I know from many that making those test knives is a very stressfull task and that in the majority of cases many of them are made more than once. You are a fine person as well as a very talented maker, we will be celebrating in the future when the time is right.
 
Thanks again for all the support everyone :D

Gus... look at it this way... one more extra year to save up for your ridiculously expensive Wheeler Mastersmith dagger :D :p :eek:

-Nick-
 
Sorry you couldn't make it Nick - I was looking forward to meeting you. No doubt you'll blow them away next year!

Roger
 
Nick, this show was great, but it would have been even better with you there. Having said that, however, I must totally support your decision. This is one main reason why you are on my(and, many other people's) list of bladesmiths to covet. The fact that you decided to stay home, rather than hurry and compromise your typical awesome work says huge volumes about your integrity and character.
 
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