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- Aug 30, 2008
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A story, of course inspired by Jack knife.
Happy 4th of July everyone.
It was a great day for the drive, Simi Valley to Bakersfield in the early throes of summer. Lake Pyramid has some boats with white trails behind them that are larger than the vessels. They travel at random, yet they remain poetic in their lines of direction. I still have fond memories of my first and only pig-o-rama about 4 yrs. back as I crest the summit. It was a party of 10, 6 of which came home with pigs. I was one of the six. The hills are brown now, except for some of the valley bottoms around Fort Tejon, and the majestic oak trees that are sprinkled across the rolling hills. If one pays attention, the trees are more condensed toward the north facing slopes. I often ponder if people actually notice this tree distribution pattern is due to soil moisture being more prevalent longer into summer because the solar radiation is less. This gives the shallow rooted sapling some grace time for establishment with the winter snow thawing and watering them prior to the long hot summers of dryness. I get it, because my work is in landscape irrigation.
I truly am a blessed man, because I always look forward to my days work. The tasks are diverse and at various destinations. My job takes me to all counties that border Los Angeles and beyond to Santa Barbara, and even Kern county. I was especially looking forward to the work in front of me, for it will be with a man I admire. He is 20+ yrs. my senior, a colorful semi-retired character that actually used to be chief editor of a popular motorcycle magazine that has nation wide circulation. He now partners with a landscape construction company who my company contracts with to do the installation work of our irrigation controllers. I have probably been on almost 7 sites with him. His job is to install the controller, and mine is to confirm the install is done to specifications. His proficiency makes it easy work for me. Every hour I spend with him, I get a little wiser. I always request him if my dispatcher asks me who should do the install. We have struck a friendship, a trust, and a partnership.
If you had to categorize him on first appearance, it would be hippie outlaw biker. His skin is like leather with tattoos on his arm that have faded over time. He has a Van Dyke style moustache and beard, that some would say is a goatee. His white beard cascades at least 4 inches below his chin. He has eyes that show wisdom through his life experiences. He wears glasses that an old fashioned Santa would wear, thin horizontal lenses not round. Ok, a funky Santa style of glasses. He tells me stories of how some perceive him as dangerous. They are always entertaining. I asked him early on very politely to please refrain from taking the Lord’s name in vain. I told him I could care less if he used the f word in every sentence, but please just respect this one wish. On occasion he slips and he always apologizes. It almost makes me embarrassed I requested that he edits his speech in my presence. He jokingly stated many times that I am the only Jesus Freak he can stomach. I am certain this man is tough as nails, and even though he is up there in age, I am sure his ability to put a hurt on someone is still there. He was a swift boat man in Vietnam. Even though his exterior is tough, I would bet dollars to donuts that he keeps humming bird feeders filled with nectar all year round in his yard close to the 101 Fwy. I also would bet that he feeds feral cats, if they are wily enough to survive hawks, owls and coyotes. A man like this would be fond of a domesticated animal that could keep themselves alive against various predators. That is what makes the man so interesting.
He appreciates high quality tools and does not skimp on his gadgetry. I have a Tom Tom, he has a device that not only navigates, but shows traffic congestion in real time. I carry a cordless drill. He carries a hammer drill. I have to remember where the speed traps are, he has a radar detector.
This man has a love for pocket knives as well. He edc’s some of the more modern designs of Benchmade and Kershaw. I prefer the traditional slip joints. He hand sharpens and his blades are razor sharp. I believe it was our 3rd job site working together that I once attempted to gain his acceptance at my sharpening ability, by showing him my 70’s era Case small stockman with CV blade steel, which I thought of as very sharp. I had over 2 hrs invested in re-profiling and gradual steps to polished edge, micro bevel and then even a stropping session. He took a feel across the edge, and said, “When are you gonna sharpen that knife?” He stared right through my skull fully analyzing my posture, and facial expression, awaiting my response in a matter of fact fashion. Of course, I refrained from blurting out, “I just did, last week.” In my defense, I had been rough on that little knife with some thick Costco cardboard boxes the day before, which did take the edge down a little. I mentioned I had a better edge on it last week, and that it was due for another round of honing. I knew I deserved that response, what kind of a knife nut does not have scary sharp blades? Suburban daily warfare can take a toll on an edge, however, my excuse was lame and I knew it. During this particular visit, he showed me how he uses the box the unit was shipped in to create a mounting template. He pulled out a Sharpie, no wait, it was some other type of marker better than a Sharpie, and he traced the outline of the controller onto the box, and then marked the mounting holes. He then proceeded to slice through the cardboard with a Benchmade assisted opener that he one handedly flipped open in a fluid motion. I observed how the cardboard yielded to that blade. It was as if he was running it through a pool of water. I was amazed, frustrated, envious, and determined all at the same time. “I will get that sharp,” I thought to myself.
OK, back to Bakersfield about 8 months later, our job site was at a fast food restaurant chain right off I-5. It should be an easy day. One controller dry wall mount, eight stations with a wireless rain sensor. Mount it, activate it by linking it to satellite, set program, gather field data, and snap photo and drive home, perfect Friday agenda. My partner was donning his predictable tie dye t shirt. He mentioned that it was against the law to ride motorcycles in a tie dye. He said it so matter of fact, I caught myself just prior to him finishing that false statement, for I knew he was analyzing my looks, and waiting my response. “OK, you almost got me on that one,” but not quite. I reminded him to wear riding leather instead of cotton so he does not erase his tattoos the hard way. I had brought the controller to this job site, so I opened the box, and he and I both pulled out our knives, he had a Benchmade titanium frame levitator that was small but an incredibly beautiful design, and I had my Bulldog Brand wharncliffe whittler with stag scales and blade etch. We both cut through the Styrofoam packing material and to my joy, my knife performed as well as his! I think he was even impressed at my learning curve. He did not mention anything, but I know he saw that my skills have improved. I have to say that possibly my sharpening skills have not improved, but my gadgetry has. I now use the Razor Sharp Paper Wheel kit to put a scary sharp polished edge on my slip joints, and I can do it in under a minute. I know my friend probably enjoys free hand and will not change. I may one day try my hand at some bench stone sharpening, but for now, I will stick to the wheels. I look forward to the next job site with my friend to compare knives, learn a new trick from an old dog, share stories, and catch up on life in general.
Happy 4th of July everyone.
It was a great day for the drive, Simi Valley to Bakersfield in the early throes of summer. Lake Pyramid has some boats with white trails behind them that are larger than the vessels. They travel at random, yet they remain poetic in their lines of direction. I still have fond memories of my first and only pig-o-rama about 4 yrs. back as I crest the summit. It was a party of 10, 6 of which came home with pigs. I was one of the six. The hills are brown now, except for some of the valley bottoms around Fort Tejon, and the majestic oak trees that are sprinkled across the rolling hills. If one pays attention, the trees are more condensed toward the north facing slopes. I often ponder if people actually notice this tree distribution pattern is due to soil moisture being more prevalent longer into summer because the solar radiation is less. This gives the shallow rooted sapling some grace time for establishment with the winter snow thawing and watering them prior to the long hot summers of dryness. I get it, because my work is in landscape irrigation.
I truly am a blessed man, because I always look forward to my days work. The tasks are diverse and at various destinations. My job takes me to all counties that border Los Angeles and beyond to Santa Barbara, and even Kern county. I was especially looking forward to the work in front of me, for it will be with a man I admire. He is 20+ yrs. my senior, a colorful semi-retired character that actually used to be chief editor of a popular motorcycle magazine that has nation wide circulation. He now partners with a landscape construction company who my company contracts with to do the installation work of our irrigation controllers. I have probably been on almost 7 sites with him. His job is to install the controller, and mine is to confirm the install is done to specifications. His proficiency makes it easy work for me. Every hour I spend with him, I get a little wiser. I always request him if my dispatcher asks me who should do the install. We have struck a friendship, a trust, and a partnership.
If you had to categorize him on first appearance, it would be hippie outlaw biker. His skin is like leather with tattoos on his arm that have faded over time. He has a Van Dyke style moustache and beard, that some would say is a goatee. His white beard cascades at least 4 inches below his chin. He has eyes that show wisdom through his life experiences. He wears glasses that an old fashioned Santa would wear, thin horizontal lenses not round. Ok, a funky Santa style of glasses. He tells me stories of how some perceive him as dangerous. They are always entertaining. I asked him early on very politely to please refrain from taking the Lord’s name in vain. I told him I could care less if he used the f word in every sentence, but please just respect this one wish. On occasion he slips and he always apologizes. It almost makes me embarrassed I requested that he edits his speech in my presence. He jokingly stated many times that I am the only Jesus Freak he can stomach. I am certain this man is tough as nails, and even though he is up there in age, I am sure his ability to put a hurt on someone is still there. He was a swift boat man in Vietnam. Even though his exterior is tough, I would bet dollars to donuts that he keeps humming bird feeders filled with nectar all year round in his yard close to the 101 Fwy. I also would bet that he feeds feral cats, if they are wily enough to survive hawks, owls and coyotes. A man like this would be fond of a domesticated animal that could keep themselves alive against various predators. That is what makes the man so interesting.
He appreciates high quality tools and does not skimp on his gadgetry. I have a Tom Tom, he has a device that not only navigates, but shows traffic congestion in real time. I carry a cordless drill. He carries a hammer drill. I have to remember where the speed traps are, he has a radar detector.
This man has a love for pocket knives as well. He edc’s some of the more modern designs of Benchmade and Kershaw. I prefer the traditional slip joints. He hand sharpens and his blades are razor sharp. I believe it was our 3rd job site working together that I once attempted to gain his acceptance at my sharpening ability, by showing him my 70’s era Case small stockman with CV blade steel, which I thought of as very sharp. I had over 2 hrs invested in re-profiling and gradual steps to polished edge, micro bevel and then even a stropping session. He took a feel across the edge, and said, “When are you gonna sharpen that knife?” He stared right through my skull fully analyzing my posture, and facial expression, awaiting my response in a matter of fact fashion. Of course, I refrained from blurting out, “I just did, last week.” In my defense, I had been rough on that little knife with some thick Costco cardboard boxes the day before, which did take the edge down a little. I mentioned I had a better edge on it last week, and that it was due for another round of honing. I knew I deserved that response, what kind of a knife nut does not have scary sharp blades? Suburban daily warfare can take a toll on an edge, however, my excuse was lame and I knew it. During this particular visit, he showed me how he uses the box the unit was shipped in to create a mounting template. He pulled out a Sharpie, no wait, it was some other type of marker better than a Sharpie, and he traced the outline of the controller onto the box, and then marked the mounting holes. He then proceeded to slice through the cardboard with a Benchmade assisted opener that he one handedly flipped open in a fluid motion. I observed how the cardboard yielded to that blade. It was as if he was running it through a pool of water. I was amazed, frustrated, envious, and determined all at the same time. “I will get that sharp,” I thought to myself.
OK, back to Bakersfield about 8 months later, our job site was at a fast food restaurant chain right off I-5. It should be an easy day. One controller dry wall mount, eight stations with a wireless rain sensor. Mount it, activate it by linking it to satellite, set program, gather field data, and snap photo and drive home, perfect Friday agenda. My partner was donning his predictable tie dye t shirt. He mentioned that it was against the law to ride motorcycles in a tie dye. He said it so matter of fact, I caught myself just prior to him finishing that false statement, for I knew he was analyzing my looks, and waiting my response. “OK, you almost got me on that one,” but not quite. I reminded him to wear riding leather instead of cotton so he does not erase his tattoos the hard way. I had brought the controller to this job site, so I opened the box, and he and I both pulled out our knives, he had a Benchmade titanium frame levitator that was small but an incredibly beautiful design, and I had my Bulldog Brand wharncliffe whittler with stag scales and blade etch. We both cut through the Styrofoam packing material and to my joy, my knife performed as well as his! I think he was even impressed at my learning curve. He did not mention anything, but I know he saw that my skills have improved. I have to say that possibly my sharpening skills have not improved, but my gadgetry has. I now use the Razor Sharp Paper Wheel kit to put a scary sharp polished edge on my slip joints, and I can do it in under a minute. I know my friend probably enjoys free hand and will not change. I may one day try my hand at some bench stone sharpening, but for now, I will stick to the wheels. I look forward to the next job site with my friend to compare knives, learn a new trick from an old dog, share stories, and catch up on life in general.
