Todd: I bet it'll be nice to not be grinding your teeth every morning. Best of luck, though you probably don't need it; you seem like the kind of person who makes their own.
Thats awfull nice of you to say, but if theres one thing I cant make is luck. I wont get into it but luck is one thing that has never been on my side. Hell, my own Dad even said to me a few weeks ago...."Damn man, you got shit luck son". The only difference is, I try not to dwell on it. Dont always succeed but I try. One thing my old man did teach me is there is pay off for hard work. I think he was only half right and its taken me this long to figure out. There is pay off in hard work. But only if your doing it for yourself and not for the man. Ive worked my ass off my whole life. But the only work that has been rewarding to my own soul, is the work I have done for myself. Knifemaking is a perfect example.
So, this Thursday will be my last day in this shithole. Honestly, my emotions are all over the place. been employed here for 18 years. have company matched 401k, insurance, untouchable seniority,and I'm saying to hell with all of that for nothing but uncertainty,and armed with nothing more than people that have faith in me and a family that loves and supports me. Gonna be a hell of a show I think. The cool thing is I get to be the star of this one.
I want to send a big thanks to all of you guys that have been supportive of me as well, either from buying knives, being my friend, or just having something nice to say. Its all really appreciated.
So,....The plan. Fortunately I will have some more time to devote to my knife making, while I have a list of new ideas longer than my driveway, I still wont be considered full time. I will be doing some sub-contracting work in the form of metal fabrication for my buddies business to help ease the transition of self employment. I just pulled the trigger on a brand new 45ton hydraulic ironworker and a plasma cutter to the tune of about 10k. but with those 2 pieces of equipment paired up with the welders, mill, lathe, and stuff I already have, shouldnt be much I cant do. Got at least 3 years worth of work already waiting on me so, I figured it was now or never. The two biggest driving factors:
1. Sure as hell dont want to have regrets later in life for not doing something.
2. I try to teach my children to follow there dreams and use the talents that God gave them to there fullest........... What kind of example do I set to them if I'm to chicken shit to do it myself?
I figure if nothing else good ever happens for the rest of my life. those two things will make me a success. I WILL NOT FAIL!
I think it was Bob Dylan that said,
"What is money? a man is a true success if he wakes up in the morning, and goes to bed at night... In between those times, he does whatever the hell he wants."
Cant despute that logic....... I'll get off of my soapbox now!
Please remember to spayed or neuture your pets!
But i get a little cut once a week or so. 
