What makes you feel good as a knifemaker?

[Karburized]

Aside from selling a knife..

I always get a kick out of someone's reaction as they slice into a tomato or food item. Then noticing their realization that your knife is the sharpest tool they have ever used.

It's even better when professionals/chefs has this same reaction.

 

[Overmountain]

Giving someone a knife they weren't expecting, and doing the legwork behind the scenes to make sure it has special meaning to them. Then seeing them carry and use it every single day.

Instant gratification.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Giving someone a knife they weren't expecting, and doing the legwork behind the scenes to make sure it has special meaning to them. Then seeing them carry and use it every single day.

Instant gratification.

Ahem I'm *cough* not expecting anything *cough*



Seriously though, just completing a knife at this point, is an amazing feat of pure awesomeness. At least to me.

 

[Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.]

Having a customer give you feedback and getting better/ developing more skills.

 

[Bootstrap Bill]

Getting a phone call over 30 years after making and selling a knife from the son of the original buyer telling me how much he loves the knife. It happened about three months ago and i'm still happy about it.

 

[SBuzek]

Just being in the shop, taking bits of this and that and having it come together.

Stan

 

[Overmountain]

Ahem I'm *cough* not expecting anything *cough*



Seriously though, just completing a knife at this point, is an amazing feat of pure awesomeness. At least to me.

Striggy buddy, PM me your address. Then start watching your mail in a couple of weeks...

 

[tryppyr]

Hmmm... I guess what makes me happiest is when I push myself farther than I think I am capable and come through the other end with something even better than I imagined at first.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Striggy buddy, PM me your address. Then start watching your mail in a couple of weeks...

Hell brother, that's incredibly tempting, but I can't accept that. I really was just kidding. Tell ya what though, if I ever get to your level I'd be more than happy to make a friendly swap.

 

[james terrio]

Making fewer mistakes on each blade. Striving for perfection while knowing it can never be achieved. The sound a well-honed edge makes gliding through newsprint. Someone saying their new THK is not only the sharpest, but most comfortable knife they have. Stuff like that. What can I say, I'm a simple man

 

[Overmountain]

Hell brother, that's incredibly tempting, but I can't accept that. I really was just kidding. Tell ya what though, if I ever get to your level I'd be more than happy to make a friendly swap.

Any time. And that right there was why I was gonna send you somethin'.

You always have a positive word and attitude for us on the forum here, and we (well at least I) appreciate it.

And 'my level' isn't that far up the ladder, but thanks for the compliments.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Getting the best seats at shows, restaurant's, the hot babes, limo rides, free drinks and comped gear!

...and making people happy! Making each knife better than the last to the point that even I feel they are pretty good.

 

[P. McKinley]

Achieving that one final, perfect, 1000 grit pimp stroke. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...... :thumbup:

-Peter

 

[Drew Riley]

Seeing an idea become a reality.

Hearing that one of my knives have performed above expectations.

And of course, I never get tired of hearing "This is the sharpest knife I've ever had!"

 

[cufnij]

.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

Sharing my knowledge with others.

 

[bronyblacksmith]

Getting the best seats at shows, restaurant's, the hot babes, limo rides, free drinks and comped gear!

...and making people happy! Making each knife better than the last to the point that even I feel they are pretty good.

we cant all be world famous knife makers like you Daniel.
And what makes me happy is when I show my knives to another maker and the like it.

 

[flatblackcapo]

Being lucky enough to have a Wife that loves me enough to realize that all I wanted to do is make knives and that is crazy enough to tell me " You should quit your job and make knives if that is what makes you happy" So I took her up on that offer and I have never been happier! There are many other things about being a knife maker that are wonderful , like the kindness and generosity of other knife makers. Many knife makers right here on this forum have taken the time to help me along the way. I have never been in any other profession that so many people are so willing to take the time to share their knowledge that they may have had to learn the hard way ,so I can be spared the hardships of wasted time , materials and money. It also amazes me at the lack of jealousy and the true enjoyment that these same knifemakers have for other knife makers successes. I do not want to try to name everyone that has extended this kind of remarkable kindness because I would not want to run the risk of forgetting someone. So I will just say THANK YOU to all the knifemakers out there who are so willing to help others!

 

[Overmountain]

Being lucky enough to have a Wife that loves me enough to realize that all I wanted to do is make knives and that is crazy enough to tell me " You should quit your job and make knives if that is what makes you happy" So I took her up on that offer and I have never been happier! There are many other things about being a knife maker that are wonderful , like the kindness and generosity of other knife makers. Many knife makers right here on this forum have taken the time to help me along the way. I have never been in any other profession that so many people are so willing to take the time to share their knowledge that they may have had to learn the hard way ,so I can be spared the hardships of wasted time , materials and money. It also amazes me at the lack of jealousy and the true enjoyment that these same knifemakers have for other knife makers successes. I do not want to try to name everyone that has extended this kind of remarkable kindness because I would not want to run the risk of forgetting someone. So I will just say THANK YOU to all the knifemakers out there who are so willing to help others!

I will second that. Other than the being full-time stuff.

I have several hobbies/professions/interests. Of them all, this is by far the least pretentious, selfless, supportive and willing to help community I have ever had the pleasure of being a member of. That alone is a 'feel good moment.'

 

[Omega Leather Works]

That's freakin cool flatblack. How neat to have such a fearless wife. Takes guts to turn full time I'd reckon.

I'm the same way Eric. You'd think the biking community would be pretty tight, and they are, but not like the knife buyers and makers. Sometimes I really wish I could buy you all a coffee.