Seattle-ish resources for fit/finish

R

Rick Powell

Joined
Dec 5, 2018
Messages
7
So I've been making knives for about a year and a half. I learned how to make them entirely from YouTube videos and surfing the posts here. I've reached a point where I'm making stuff I'm comfortable putting out into the world and selling but I'm still trying to improve. Between seeing knives more beautiful than anything I could do and stronger than my heat treating process could accomplish I'm wondering if there are any resources in the Seattle area where I can pursue my education further. Any tips would be most appreciated.

You can see pics of my work here, for anyone interested: https://www.anathemaartisanship.com/gallery/
 
There are quite a few guys out that way...

JT is in Spokane-ish, Bruce bump is a bit down river from him and nick wheeer is down in battle ground or somewhere around there.

Search a bit on here and then try to touch base with some of the makers who’s work you admire...
 
Is that something people are generally open to? Apprentices? Like if I offered to do some shop cleaning in exchange for knowledge?
 
I don't know of anyone that can afford to have an actual apprentice, but the knife making community tends to be a pretty open bunch. Just email some folks and say "hey I live in your area, and I was wondering if you could give me some pointers some time". show 'em pics of your work and tell them what you are interested in learning, specifically. Not "I want to learn to make knives" but "I'm having trouble with getting my plunges even" or whatever your current frustration is.
 
Rick, I'd suggest checking out the NorthWest Blacksmith Association (NWBA.org). There are quite a number of smiths in the Seattle area. Have you checked out Pratt Arts Center?

Also, Dave Lisch just moved from Seattle to the Yelm area a couple of years ago and he offers classes.
 
Some of the best things I’ve done to learn have been:
-Save some money and take a class from a maker who offers classes.
-Go to hammer ins.
-Join a local knifemaking organization and attend meetings.
-Shop visits with makers willing to share their time and expeirence(s).

That last one was often a result of meeting great guys at some of the other things I attended. They were gracious enough to invite me to their shops for some time together and I always learned a lot. But don’t be afraid to pay for some knowledge.

I’m definitely not saying this is you or your circumstance, just an observation. Many times guys don’t want to put any money out-they just want to find people willing to take their time to help a newer guy. That absolutely can happen and is great when it does. The fact that you have put so much effort in already and have a website tells me you’re a little serious about all this. Look at any paid course (like MS Dave Lisch who offers just those kinds of classes) as an investment. I’ve found that time spent with such experienced makers GREATLY brings down the learning curve. And it’s something I’m willing to pay for. You’ll likely find the more you plug into some of the events and classes, you’ll build relationships that will likely last the rest of time and many shop visits will result.

Hope you find what you’re looking for-take advantage of each opportunity. And have fun :).

Jeremy
 
Thanks for the info. While free is certainly apealing, I'm certainly will to pay if there were classes available for what i'd like to learn. I'll look into those resources for sure.
 
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