The Big Shots

James Clarke

James Clarke

Joined
Nov 22, 2010
Messages
21
Hi guys,

I've got a bit of a strange question and I figured it best to post it here: Since I've been renovating my workshop, I've taken a great interest in seeing other makers shop pics/tours. Some shops I've really liked the look of are Stefan Steigerwald's and Nick Wheeler's. (I got some great tips from yours Nick - thanks!). It's become a bit of an interest of mine in seeing how other makers work. The question is, why can't I find any pics of makers workshops like Ron Lake, Michael Walker, Buster Warenski (his later workshop, not the '76 one). Are some people uncomfortable with showing their workplace? Or is it a mere matter of no one having ever taken such pictures? It just seems since they're all such legends in knifemaking one would expect their to be more on the subject.

So what's the deal folks?

Thanks,
James
 
I think I might have bit of a newbie and posted this in the wrong place - if yes, please could one of the mods move it to where it should go. :D
 
Who wants to see a photo of 100 Chinese workers in a factory?


Just kidding.

I think it is mainly due to those people being very busy, and often very humble. That, and the fact that taking pictures of their shop might be OK for a book or magazine article on them ( and the photo would probably be done by someone else) , but they feel no need to boost their ego online by saying, " Look at my shop, isn't it great."

If the truth be known, I bet many part time and hobbyist makers have much nicer shops than some of the old masters. Bill Moran's shop was anything but fancy....or neat.

BTW, welcome to the forums.
This is probably a good place for this thread.
 
That reasoning makes sense to me! Thanks for the response.

I do know what you mean. One of my mentors, an SA Knifemaker Fanie La Grange, is one of those guys. He's made beautiful knives for years, but isn't comfortable showing people his shop. He says his tools are humble. Drill press, belt grinder, buff and bandsaw. That's as far as the power tools go. Everything else is done with innovation and a little sweat. In a way, I find seeing these simpler workshops intriguing. Things aren't so obvious and often one has to really imagine to be able to figure out how things were done. I think I should buzz David Darom and ask him what he thinks about the issue too. It seems he's got photos of plenty makers shops.
 
I love seeing other makers' shops too!!!

Back when Bud Lang was editor of Knives Illustrated, they did knife maker shop tours, and it was hands-down, one of my favorite features in any magazine. Of course I realize that showing a pile of machines and hand tools doesn't SELL magazines to the masses... but I still think it sucks that the mags don't fit that in anywhere.
 
Loving shop pics... although mine not so much... its a wreck at the moment..

have plans to dress it up enough to make it more functional but that will have to wait as I have many other non-knife related matters pressing..

I intend to show where my knives are made and the view in which I look at when grinding "once" I start selling here.. :D
 
Nick - couldn't agree more! Great pity they're not doing those shop tours any more. I'm going to try and dig up some back issues, digital or otherwise. I guess it's a thing knifemakers are more interested in.

Rob - Know what you mean. Mine was a wreck until a while ago. Still very humble in terms of machines but I'm happy to be in there. I find I get distracted when if the place is messy and I can't find things.

I'm going to post something on SAblade and see if David has some stuff...

Thanks again guys.
 
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