I'll chime in too..... I've been a full time Bladesmith for the past 6+ years. Prior to that I spent 22+ years in the US Air Force. I started there working in Security, then got picked up by Special Ops, where I worked in what the civilian world would call SWAT, as a Team Member, Team Leader, and a Sniper. At the ripe old age of 28, body parts started giving out/breaking, and I had to leave that behind. While healing, I worked in Human Resources/Personnel. From there I became an HVAC tech/installer, then went into Heavy Equipment, where I became certified on just about every piece of heavy equipment available. During that time frame I also became a Nationally Certified Crane Operator, and also Trained/Lead that Demolitions Team (thats where I discovered that there are very few problems, that cannot be solved with the proper application of high explosives!
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During that whole time Bladesmithing was always there, it was just that it had to be on Uncle Sam's schedule. Most days I would get home from the Base, grab a sandwich, and head straight to the Knife Shop, where I would be until 10-11pm every night. Upon retiring, I literally took off my uniform one day, and walked into my shop the next morning as a full time Bladesmith. Its been that way for over 6 years now, and I honestly can't imagine doing anything else. Although I do love Bladesmithing/Knifemaking, I think my favorite part of what I do now is when I have a student in the shop. I enjoy the interaction, and nothing is more satisfying to me than when someone is stuggling with a method or concept, and all of a sudden you can see "the light come on." Its not something I will ever get rich at doing, but where is it written that a man should not enjoy what he does for a living? I'd rather "get by" doing something that I truly enjoy, than be rich and doing something that makes me miserable......and even after all these years, the joy of Bladesmithing/Knifemaking has never deminished.
