Thank you guys

D

DavidHoback

If you see me posting, remind me to STFU & leave.
Joined
Dec 10, 2014
Messages
326
Quick background. I've been a hobby knife maker for a little over 2 years. But I have had some time off. On June 4th I was thrown off my bike, hit and run over by a large SUV. I was in a coma for a week. I suffered very serious injuries to my head, left arm and torso. Brain bleeding and swelling, the worst. With a complete spiral fracture to my humerus bone, 2 broken ribs, broken scapula & clavicle and sternum. The doctors could not tell my wife for 4 days if I would live. I came to, and as transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. There, I was walking just a couple weeks later. Thing is, I have no memory for those few weeks. I woke up on June 20th and did not know what was going on. I had suffered brain damage, and had not been myself for those weeks. I returned home July 20th....2 days before my birthday(the happiest I have had). But it would not last. I sustained a very bad brachial plexus injury. My entire left arm and hand is completely paralyzed. All I could think was how much I lost. Including my love for knife making and sharpening. Now I have been reading this forum, without registering, in silence for the last year. In my depression, I was still visiting this site. And after about 4 months, I decided this injury will not take this from me. I will continue this passion. With the use of but one arm, I will continue. So I want to thank everyone here. Thank you for the stories. Thank you for the information. Now I am small time. I mostly have made knives for family and friends. But I have some new ideas. I use cpm 3v and 20cv only. So thank you again friends. And to anyone new to knife making like me, don't let anything stand in your way. All the info is here if you just read and learn.
 
Hard times make heroes. Never give up. That you've made it so far is a testament to your determination.

I'm glad you decided to stick around!
 
I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune. But you have your life and that is a gift that keeps on giving. I'm sure your family and friends will agree. I hope you find a way to continue making knives. Merry Christmas.
 
David,
Glad you are healing...both physically and mentally. It takes a long time to pull back from such an abyss. Almost fifty years ago I had a horrific parachute accident that left me bed ridden for nearly a year. Besides having a bit of a list to the right, I do pretty well now. During that recovery period I built fancy ship models.

Talk to your PT and tell him/her what you want to do. They may be able to help you with some ideas on how to use your body and paralyzed arm as a brace when doing certain tasks. Also, fill out your profile. That will tell us where you live and some things about you. This may allow a local knifemaker to offer a visit.

Finally, think about enlisting friends, family, and other knifemakers as helpers - Two people with three arms can do a lot of knifemaking....even if only one knows what he is doing.
 
Just a marvelous approach and attitude !!! Yes, you are one of those we need to call a "hero". You fight the battle every day and have come so far as to be able to "give" through what you have managed to achieve by helping yourself. It sounds like your life is at least as good as mine is and that is pretty fine. Continued success in your life. Sincerely and with respect. Frank
 
Thank you everyone for the kind words. And I apologize for posting in the wrong area. I just noticed. Moderators, please feel free to move this thread. I will put up some pics as soon as I can get this batch done. The only pics I could post now would be a few of my first knives, some current steel shapes(non heat treated), and some sketches of my newest designs. I hope to have several done come spring(one handed knife makers are a bit slower I have found!). I do have help though, from my son. I am fortunate to have a 15 year old who is approaching 6'4" and weighs about 230lbs, so I have good help! Seriously, I'm so happy I get to spend this time teaching my son what I know of knife making. I'm very lucky and very blessed to be here with my family.
 
Very happy you can pass your knowledge to your son. And get excited to see what's you're working on. Stay strong
 
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