The 'power of inspiration' or 'lessons learned by the new makers in Atlanta'

[Patrice Lemée]

For me it's 'SLOW DOWN! especially when approaching the finish line' and then 'Treat each individual component of a blade as it's own stand-alone work of art'.

Very good advice Scott. The weird thing is that seing your work one would think that you already do this.

 

[Todd Miller]

Good thoughts to try and articulate and to reflect on. I really enjoyed meeting lots of folks. Every knifemaker, masters, journeymen and the rest of us mere mortals were more than gracious in sharing knowledge, encouragement and critiques. I am slowly re-entering the real world. Most of my high school seniors officially checked out of school today, many of them had unofficially checked out last November but that is another story. But it has been hard for me to focus much on knives right now. It is still sort of a blur. But thanks again to everyone I met.

Todd

 

[bbingenheimer]

If any of the other new makers who went to Blade Show are like me... then they are now are buzzing with a strange mix of inspiration, awe, humility and some regret. Every time I go to an event that has the work of the top tier.. I come home with a new purpose driven by an overriding message that I received at the show.

For me it's 'SLOW DOWN! especially when approaching the finish line' and then 'Treat each individual component of a blade as it's own stand-alone work of art'. Thanks to David Lisch, John White and Rodrigo Sfreddo for helping deliver these messages...whether they realized they were or not.

Anyway... I was curious about the messages that some of the other new folks learned.

Scott, Great post and very sound advice. It was a pleasure to meet and talk to you. I know we were both very busy. Hope to catch up with you next year.

Bing
2013 Blade Show Table 18O

 

[D lisch]

Scott I really enjoyed hanging out with you and am looking forward to seeing what you come up with next I also learned a lot this year the power of friendship and community so many great folks all with one things that ties them together a love for fine blades and good folks. this was my best blade to date.

 

[Paul Brach]

The blade show has always been a lesson in humility for me, and certainly a challenge to up my game. There are now a lot of makers who have good technique and can make a decent knife. Then, there are a handfull who have this illusive quality that can't be taught or learned. Their work is simply at a higher level than the rest of us. It is hard to define but you know it when you see it. It is like the difference between two singers who sing the same song. They both hit the notes but one of them moves you somewhere inside. Beyond technique there is talent. You either have it or you don't I am afraid.

Every year, I go look at what Julie Warenski brings. I look each piece up and down and try to comprehend every detail. Then I just smile at Julie, shake my head and walk away.