Hey fellas. The other day I received a very rare and special opportunity. I learned that Shiva Ki plans to retire "not completely" in about 3 years when his son gets out of the military. His son is currently serving in the Middle East and Shiva has generously given a total of 86 combat knives to Special Operations Troops over the past 3 years.
I asked him if he would consider letting me spend some time with him and learn all that he would be willing to share with me.
This was his reply,
" When you get healed up and are equiped to forge, I would be happy to give you some hands on experience, so you can start off on the right foot rather than having to learn the hard way like most of us did. Once you get the basics from me, you will find it easy going after that. Then you will know enough to learn more, and develope your own style. One always ends up developing their own style. Thats what makes knifemaking so interesting, there's so many ways to design and make knives and execute that process.
I will give you the basics, it's up to you to take those basics and make them your own, your own style, your own sence of what you "feel" about edged tools. You make what you love, and their will be others who "feel", love, as you do. Thats been my philosophy and that is what has been my guide over the years. It will become your guide as well, at my spirit forge, in the searing heat of the dragon's breath, as you make your first pc. of steel by your own hands.
You will be one of a privilaged few as I am not gregarious and only a rare few have had the opportunity to work at my side over the past 30 years. I am a recluse and do not welcome very many visitors. Damn few as a matter of fact. You will be one of those rare few.
Good luck on your healing and your dream.
Master Shiva Ki Om Ah O " end quote
I've been gearing up for a while now and had a nasty accident earlier this year which has set me back physically and financially. Hoping either next spring or fall to make the trip down to Baton Rouge.
He also wrote in another e-mail
" A week would be an excellent period of time for you to come for. You should be able to laminate and finish two knives in that period of time. Then you will have a good sence of what you are doing. To include making your own sheaths."
I feel very privelaged that Shiva Ki is willing to take me under his wing. I know he is not liked by many here at Blade Forums, but there are just as many if not more that do like him and his work. I can personally say that even an old warrior such as Shiva Ki has feelings and they were hurt. With that behind him he is very happy with the new popularity and recognition his work is achieving.
I cannot condemn or deny anyone for what they may or may not have said in the past, but Shiva Ki has been nothing less then a gentleman and a scholar to me.
I very much look forward to this opportunity and cant wait to share my experiences with you all.
Take Care, Art
I asked him if he would consider letting me spend some time with him and learn all that he would be willing to share with me.
This was his reply,
" When you get healed up and are equiped to forge, I would be happy to give you some hands on experience, so you can start off on the right foot rather than having to learn the hard way like most of us did. Once you get the basics from me, you will find it easy going after that. Then you will know enough to learn more, and develope your own style. One always ends up developing their own style. Thats what makes knifemaking so interesting, there's so many ways to design and make knives and execute that process.
I will give you the basics, it's up to you to take those basics and make them your own, your own style, your own sence of what you "feel" about edged tools. You make what you love, and their will be others who "feel", love, as you do. Thats been my philosophy and that is what has been my guide over the years. It will become your guide as well, at my spirit forge, in the searing heat of the dragon's breath, as you make your first pc. of steel by your own hands.
You will be one of a privilaged few as I am not gregarious and only a rare few have had the opportunity to work at my side over the past 30 years. I am a recluse and do not welcome very many visitors. Damn few as a matter of fact. You will be one of those rare few.
Good luck on your healing and your dream.
Master Shiva Ki Om Ah O " end quote
I've been gearing up for a while now and had a nasty accident earlier this year which has set me back physically and financially. Hoping either next spring or fall to make the trip down to Baton Rouge.
He also wrote in another e-mail
" A week would be an excellent period of time for you to come for. You should be able to laminate and finish two knives in that period of time. Then you will have a good sence of what you are doing. To include making your own sheaths."
I feel very privelaged that Shiva Ki is willing to take me under his wing. I know he is not liked by many here at Blade Forums, but there are just as many if not more that do like him and his work. I can personally say that even an old warrior such as Shiva Ki has feelings and they were hurt. With that behind him he is very happy with the new popularity and recognition his work is achieving.
I cannot condemn or deny anyone for what they may or may not have said in the past, but Shiva Ki has been nothing less then a gentleman and a scholar to me.
I very much look forward to this opportunity and cant wait to share my experiences with you all.
Take Care, Art
