What Forum Member Helped you in 2011?

RyanW

RyanW

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If you can’t tell by the title, I wanted to start a feel good thread. I am constantly running into dilemmas as I try new things or new materials. Most of my knowledge comes from right here within the walls of Blade Forums. Some of the members that have personally gone above and beyond the random thread post are Lorien, Mike Davis, Jonny Mac, Jason Magruder, Greg Davis (tryppyr), … The list is pretty long and I know I am leaving some out (Sorry!)

I attended the Boise, ID knife show this year and met some exceptional people; John Doyle, Mike Quesenberry, Bill Burke, Bruce Bump, Mark Farley (Burl Source), I realized just how willing the members of Blade Forums are to help when they can. Almost all of them said “If you ever have a question please don’t hesitate to call”. I have on more than one occasion taken John and Mike up on that offer!

I watched as Bill Burke M.S. critiqued an exceptional makers (award winning) knife. The knife was stunning! 10 minutes prior to the critique I had the knife in my hands and I was in awe of the makers abilities. To my surprise Mr. Burke proceeded to point out areas that could be improved upon, the maker took the advice very well. Bill said “There is always something that can be better. Some are functional and some are personal preferences” (Not an exact quote). I took away from that experience a new outlook on the way I make knives.

Blade Forums is alive and well with some of the best talent in the world. I have been inspired by makers of all levels be it “Old Timer” or “Newbie” - Bring on 2012


Lets hear your experiences!
 
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Don Hanson, Rick Menefee, Ken Erickson, Brent Cramer, and many others. Slipjoint makin is hard!!!
 
Keith Johnson. I don't know why he puts up with me. I call him about everything. He's one of the best custom slip joint makers in the business and I know he can't be too excited about the knives and style I'm into, but he always helps and answers my questions. He just sent me a box full of Aldo's 1084 and he even heat treated my last two blades that I couldn't afford to send out for heat treating. Keith is one of the nicest men in the business. I appreciate him.

Jonny Mac. I don't bug him for technical advice, yet, but he always seems to be around giving me motivation and props. I don't know if he even realizes it, but he does keep pushing me and I appreciate that.

Andy Roy. He's another guy I try not to bother too often but as soon as I hit him up with a question he always answers. He also simplifies things for me which has really helped me a lot.

Dylan Fletcher. In the very beginning of this, Dylan gave me a ton of advise.
 
Pretty much everyone who responded to one of my threads. Also those who posted their knowledge in the stickies. Some examples; Lonepine for offering advice and encouragement when I first started posting, Bladsmth for offering sound advice, and Kevin Cashen for making a lot of information understandable and available.
 
Nick Wheeler for showing me a new method of hand sanding.

Numerous others for giving me inspiration and support.
 
Shaughnessy for showing me I'm not the only one who thinks that.
Sam Salvati for keeping me cheered up with his light, carefree attitude.
RichardJ for giving me someone to rant to.
 
What forum members helped me in 2011?


I get kind of lost on the years, so take this as more of a generality.

When I asked a question, lots of members have helped with what they know.


This list kind of covers the names I remember.
Some very talented people hide behind funny names & I have trouble learning or remembering


Bruce Bump
His WIP threads have taught me more about Damascus making than all the books and video s I have combined.

Nick Wheeler
His WIP threads really show some details that work with my style of thinking and he has passed on some hard won lessons in those posts -and he's dreamy.

Stacy
He seems to know everything and has the desire and patience to pass it on.
Seriously, even when I think he may be stumped, he knows it.

Ed Caffrey
The very first posts I made were a systematic criticism of his videos to point out where I thought they could improve.

He took that for what it was and when I emailed, or posted with specific unrelated questions for him – he answered in a most helpful way.

Kevin Cashen
He knows his stuff and is quite willing to help those who want to learn.

Brian Fellhoelter
Answered some questions on grinder build specs.

Nathan the Machinist
answered some machine tool related questions




Having such open access to experts is incredible resource that we probably all underestimate because it's so easy to access.
 
Nick Wheeler - for his inspiration to keep a clean, organized shop.

Tryppyr - for just chuggin along, with a great attitude, doing his own thing.... with pics.

Page, Mete, Kevin - for keeping me grounded.

Tai - for letting me fly.

Stacy - for putting up with my humor.

Danbo - for his avatar.

Patrice - for reminding me how much I like a good poutine... ostie de tabarnac!
 
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Great examples of top notch members so far!

Rick the list of people that put up with you is much longer than that! :D I forgot to add you on my list for keeping the mood light!
 
Just joined the forum and already the list begins. I'll start with the Geek. He turned me on to 1084 and why its a good material to work with (after he saw my first was an old circular saw blade) and included a set of beautiful maple scales . He is an inspiring, enthusiastic young man.
And Trypper, he is very prompting and that discourages lazy ways.

There are so may guys with a depth of knowledge that seem so willing to help bring the less experienced up tospeed, each seem to have a nitch and learning those nitches is where you find the grail.
 
The generosity here is just amazing, talk about a great crew.

Thanks to all of those that have taken the time to answer my posts or PM me with helpful information. Thanks to those who take the time to post threads that help, links that help, I really found it useful.

Thanks to those who sent me materials, talk about cool!

I really like how we all get together to share information and to help each other out. I think custom knives will just get better and better with the wealth of knowledge here.

Thanks to all you guys in chat, I look forward to every week. I have learned a lot there and you guys motivate me.

Thanks to the moderators!

OK, I'll name names... you guys deserve it. I know I'm forgetting to list most of you so I apologize in advance!

Stacy Apelt
Johnathan Mitchell
Salem Straub
Nick Wheeler
Kevin Cashen
Pohan Leu
Bill Akers
Page - SunShadow
Andy Roy
Todd - Fod
Richard J
Carl First Timer

All of you guys in chat... Delbert Ealy, Mike Davis, RyanW, JonnyMac, PLemee, Paul, PFF, Dan, Shep, MJH, Butch... everyone!
 
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Rick Marchand - importance of a quality hammer for forging, scandi grinds, metallurgy and HT, and just making me laugh
RogerP - convinced me to take fit and finish a lot more seriously in ALL of my knives

Dan Fairly, Tai, Stacey, A.C.Richards, Justin King, James Terrio, Pete84, Johnny Mac, JBS, Mitchell Knives, Javand, 1234567890(whoever that may be;)), and a few others have helped me directly

Many many other have helped by just posting educational information.
 
Stacy for holding my hand and walking me through the process of building my digital controller

Dan Graves for helping me learn more about damascus and for giving me too many tips to remember

Jamie Boley for giving me the chance to make a killer grinder on a budget

Tracy at USAKnifemaker for offering a great selection of tools and supplies for us knifemakers
 
I only got started this year. I can't comprehend how long ago I would have just given up without all of you. You have all really helped me keep going, but here are some specific people

Stan Buzek: he sent me wood when I asked for some handle material. I asked for scraps, and I got beautiful blocks. that made my jaw drop.

Brian Ayres: he sold me steel and inswool at a very good price and was just the help that I needed to get started. He has also been a constant source of encouragement and is always willing to comment on my threads. Oh yeah, and then there was the pipe for my quench tank, and the chunk of forklift tine for an anvil, and the tongs, and the other stuff I have probably forgotten.

GTH11: He is always so helpful and encouraging. Also that little damascus necker. that was awesome. I have it hanging on my wall to remind me where I can go.

AC Richards: The mini Hammer-in at your place as well as the supplies and the opportunity to get the post vice have all been valuable and encouraging.

Stacy: Helping me through the Newbie KITH was a huge encouragment. Also, you have always been available to answer questions when I had them.

Burl Source: I asked for bolsters. He asked for money for shipping. I sent it to him and he sent me a box full of blocks. granted, they are not perfect, but they are amazing for the price.

All the participants in the Newbie KITH: You guys made it a great year. I am sad to see it go.

Tryppyr: that ivory that you sent is amazing. It will be going on a slipjoint soon.

I know there are a few people I am forgetting, and I apologize. I am having a great time.
 
Man that is a toughy. I too only started this year, and I can't begin to thank any of you enough.

Greg: You show some incredible craftsmanship with mostly hand tools, truly an inspiration.
Jonnymac: All around great guy who makes great knives. Also helpful, and always fun to talk to
Rick Marchand: Maker of rustic, and very functional tools. You do great work, do great research and always keep a level head through discussions
Nick Wheeler: I`m always trying to improve my finishing, and your hand-sanding technique videos have been VERY helpful
Micheal Hill (Core knife): I got into this hobby because I saw your thread on another forum, thanks so much :)
Jason Magruder: Your framelock WIP really got me inspired to start on my own folding knives
Mark at Burl Source: A VERY friendly Canadian supplier. I couldn`t be happier with your products, and you are always quick to get it out to us across the pond.

There are so many more, these are just the ones that stand out in my head right now. THANK YOU to everyone who contributes to this forum and keeping it a positive environment to learn and grow :thumbup:
 
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...Some very talented people hide behind funny names & I have trouble learning or remembering...
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That's a classic comment coming from you Count! ;)

This is a bit of a loaded question, as are most survey questions. I suspect sometimes folks help by not contributing. (How that for a mind bender?) Anyway, I'll venture a "stab" at offering my impressions (in no special order)...EVERYONE!!! (accept that spank monkey fella, I guess)
 
I don't participate in too many forums because, well, I just don't. Most of my time is spent in the custom/handmade forum, but I saw Ryan's post and this kind of thread is really what it is all about for me.

Since Ryan was kind enough to mention my name in this thread, I would like to participate as well, but from the perspective of a 'collector', (not that I would classify myself as one specifically, but it's probably more accurate than 'knife maker').

Ever since I joined Bladeforums, Dr. David Darom has been extremely generous to me, and helped to 'induct' me into the scene. His books have proven to be endlessly inspiring, and I have greatly enjoyed his phone calls from Israel, and correspondence via email.

David invited me to the Art Knife Invitational in San Diego this past October, and I can think of no other single experience carrying with it the capacity to open my eyes to the heights achievable in custom knives. He put me up in his room so we had a great deal of time to talk about all kinds of things, not just knives.

The other guy who I feel has helped me a very great deal, is Nick Wheeler. He sent me my first hunk of blade-worthy steel and a file. This ended up being my first knife, which he also heat treated for me. Our collaborative effort in bringing his WiP to life regarding the knife he made for me, helped me in a great many ways, some of which are probably not yet apparent. He also had my back when I was under attack and helped me keep my chin up when confronted by a particularly mean forumite.

Speaking of whom, I would like to give props to Steven Garsson. Yeah, you read that right. Here is a guy who I've had trouble with, from day one. His withering criticism and general nastiness when it came to my involvement in the forums was a huge challenge for me. I have since overcome this, and have really enjoyed watching him come to grips with himself. For a guy who I once disliked more than any other person I've encountered in any forum, seeing him confront his short comings and own up to them in front of everyone is actually quite inspiring. He most certainly can be a total and complete ass, but he seems to really be making an effort toward self improvement when it comes to the forum, and my respect for that is also my lesson.

Paul Long has been a great presence on the forum, and actually Paid it Forward to me by paying for my membership in the CKCA when it lapsed and I couldn't afford to pay for it myself at that time. It's gestures like this that build a strong community. In fact, threads like this accomplish the same.

Lastly, all the guys who participated in my 'Pay it Forward' thread helped me to find what I think might be my calling as a knife designer. I appreciate the selflessness and generosity shown by all in that thread, that was truly inspiring.

There are a lot of people who help each other out on Bladeforums, and certainly many more that I can think of who've helped me directly and indirectly.
 
I learn something here on BF everyday.

Even so called newbie questions bring up answers and responses that I may have never considered.

& Even Monkey Man posted a nice photo of is Scandi jig



Pay It Forward was a silly movie, but I like the sentiment.



I noticed Tryppyr would offer steel and wood to new makers & so when he mentioned wanting a knife-making vise for Christmas, I made one up and shipped it to him.

Its definitely a nice way that the Shop-Talk members demonstrate a level of community spirit.
 
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OK I need to jump in here again, Thanks for all those who have contributed thus far. and Count that was very generous of you, Greg was the first to step up when I needed material in a pinch. Shop talk has a lot of generous people.

Lorien has actually been the one that I have gone to for advice as I try to figure out how to handle the different personalities here on BF. Sometimes I find myself frustrated with the attitudes found in these walls. I was lucky enough to join in the PIF that Lorien spoke of, for those of you that don't know Lorien, he has a great grasp on what works in a knife design. I often find myself sending an email to him titled "HELP" when a design just isn't working and he is quick to respond. One of Lorien's designs is what helped me break through some walls that were holding me back.

To those new to BladeForums, Find a few makers that are approximately the same "Class" as you to group with. I have found some great forumites that I can go to for support or to bounce things off of when I might not feel comfortable putting it out there for the masses to judge.
 
Man.. where to start? Count, RichardJ, pretty much everyone in this thread and every other thread. Thanks to all of you for your help and guidance in getting a rookie up and running into another expensive and time consuming hobby. My wife loves you all (NOT!!). Cheers and happy new years to all!! Be safe.
 
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