What does your family think of your knifemaking profession?

golok

golok

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
Messages
4,453
As it is with some of us, our parents want us to take up jobs which we really don't like. For example, before I left school, my dad suggested that I become a lawyer. I remember telling him that I knew I can become a lawyer but it was not my calling.

I told him I preferred to do something I like so that for the rest of my life I don't have to moan and groan everytime I go to work.

I am glad I followed my own advice. So I am curious how it is for some of you knifemaking folks. Some of your parents, I am sure would be less than happy about this knifemaking business. Probably no money in it, they would say. Or, long hours and low pay, they would add, just to rub salt onto the wound.

Sometimes, when your heart overrules your mind, you stick with knifemaking and hope at the end of a very long day, your parents would understand. And if your filial piety and mind dictate matters, you would be doing 9 to 5 in an aircon office somewhere deep in the heart of the city, and dream forlornly about what-might-have-been in the world of blades.

I guess such things happen. Do these things happen to you?
 
My wife and grown children think it is neat. My wife does find my shop areas in our home rather more cluttered than she cares for but she is a very tolerating spouse (put up with me for over 35 years).
I had a 30 year run at using my college education (BS in Business) in "corporate America" and really never had a hard time getting up early and going at it with enthusiasm. Maybe I was very fortunate. However when early retirement became available at 51, I became a full time knifemaker, and it is still very easy to get up early and get going with enthusiasm.
It really is an adrenalin rush to have someone like my work enough to actually pay me for the knives I so much enjoy making.... I don't think that feeling will ever go away.
I intend to make knives full time (full time is 60-80 hours per week) for as long as my health holds out....at least until I'm 75 or so...then might back off to 40 or so hours per week, average, in "part time" mode.
Life IS Good!
:D
 
My parents think there isn't any future in knifemaking...:(

They seem to consider it just a hobby. At the moment, I guess it is, but I could see myself making knives full time. Only time will tell if I will ever be able to go to full time.

BTW, wouldn't this make more sense in Shop Talk?
 
My family fully supports what I do. They knew when I started I had a good work ethic and could build the knives. For the first couple years Dad thought I built great knives, he was just concerned about being able to make a living at it ( as was I honestly ;) ). The last two years though I've been doing quite well, and things are just getting better. Having the support to follow my own path has been one of main keys in being succesful at this, I thank God every day for my family and the support they give. -- Charles
 
Hi guys,
John Perry here. I have worked in machine shops and toolrooms for 18 years and make knives on the side. I enjoy building tooling but I still dream about fixing my pot of coffee in the morning and walking out into the shop instead of fighting traffic on the interstate.
One day I will.
My wife knows thats where my heart is at, so we talk a lot about getting everything paid off so I don't have to depend on that regular paycheck. If you can feed yourself and your family and still have a good time, GO FOR IT!
JP
 
Golok,
My family supports it 100%. I've been full time for the last 10 years and had 21 years practice as a part time maker before that. My son in law, Mike Obenauf, has been in it 2 years full time and he has the same kind of support.
I'd also add that I'm lucky to have a retirement from the Army and a wife that works full time.
My Pop always told me, "Find something you like doing, and figure out a way to get paid for it" :)
 
If not for the support of my wife and family I wouldnt be a knifemaker...
I am blessed, and couldnt think of anything I would rather be doing.. Cept maybe lotion boy for Tropicana Swim Suit contests or something..;)
 
1990-1995, Everyone tolerated it and thought it would pass.
1995-2001, Everyone thought that it took too much of my time for a "hobby".
2001-2002, Wondered when I would grow out of this phase, and go back to a real job.
2002-2003, Thought that I might have something with this new metal glass stuff.
March 2003, Buying up copies of the May Blade like crazy and going on about how great it is for me to be doing something that I love.

Family can be fickle I guess.

Through all the years my wife is the only one who was fully supportive.
 
Congratulations on the cover Ron, I just got my copy today. I was gonna start a thread in about it, but saw your post and thought I would congratulate you here. It's always nice when a Bladeforums member gets some press.
Kyle Fuglesten
 
Kit, Your dad offered some great advice, and it sure looks like you have the good sense to follow it. I am a self taught maker and have the full backing of my family. What helped this is when I sold my first knife and was paid very well for it. of course, my wife saw a hobby suddenly = $ really helped. Rolling $ back into the shop wasn't a problem because my wife knows nothing about making. If I say I need a piece of equipment she is ok with it. Having a day job helps when getting started, too, of course. Even my witch mother-in-law is all for it, which is a real acid test!
 
I spent a 15 year career in the Nuclear industry as my kids were growing up. Sad thing is that they seldom saw me due to working reactor overhauls and piles of overtime at 4 different nuke sites. We had lots of money but lots of being gone from home and on the road took its toll on family life.

Seven years ago my wife and I agreed (after a lot of prayer) we would try to make a living with a full time knife profession. The first couple years were tough financially. We made lots of sacrifices so that I could spend more time with my family and makes knives. Success finally came around the corner and I had bonded special relationships with my wife and children that I wouldn't trade for any money.

My parents respect me for what I did. But most of all the letter from my oldest daughter that was left in my knife shop one day made me realize I had made the right decision 7 years ago. She thanked me for changing jobs and restoring our family relationships that were on the verge of shattering. I wouldn't trade full time knifemaking for any job. I don't make the same money I made in the Nuclear industry.....but my family and I are much happier. Money isn't everything.

God bless,
Ron Newton
 
I tend to agree with Ron. I've now spent 22 years in the military, and my family has indeed suffered. To their credit they have supported me throughout the whole process. Having just returned from a 6 month TDY (temporary duty) in the desert, I picked up my retirement paperwork two days ago. If all goes as planned, I will be going full time at knifemaking early this fall. Basically for the last 15+ years I've been working full time for Uncle Sam, and nearly full time at knifemaking.......my wife has been wonderful the whole time, and she has even suggested building a new shop before I retire. As she put it, if I'm going to do this the rest of my life, I should have a nice place to do it. As for my folks...Mom brags about what I do, and Dad keeps urging me on. All in all, I've been very blessed with the support my family provides.
 
It sure is great to get these perspectives.

Having the support of your family would be critical to making a go of it in a profession such as knife making. Without it a person would never be able to get through the lean times.

This summer I am going to a hammer-in/knife symposium to see if I can learn something about making knives. If I figure I have any talent for it, I am going to give it a try, part time. My wife thinks it would be a great idea. She figures I could start making my own knives and would not spend so much money buying them from others.
 
She figures I could start making my own knives and would not spend so much money buying them from others.
Click to expand...

Hehehehe, little does she know that it costs more to make them yourself. I won't tell if you don't:D.
 
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