I am one of the people that bring up using a hacksaw and file when starting to make knives. Let me ask you this, how many people after they post an "I want to make knives, what do I need" do you see post after a week? Of those people who post after a week, how many post a picture of any sort of knife?
It's a kindler, gentler version of a short speech I heard from a Ranger recruiter at Jump School. He put his black beret (back when the berets meant something) on a scrawny guy in the front. "Feels good doesn't it?" young troop was all enthused, Sargeant Ranger says "that's the only time you'll wear one of these: and put it back on his head." Some people hear about using a file and sandpaper and they turn tail and run, some people hear about using a file and sandpaper and they make a knife. Not too long ago I ran into an older maker that tried to show me the ropes early on, first thing he asked was "do you finally have any tools?" then he turned to the engraver at the next table and proceeded to talk about my hand tools and how I made knives back then with them. They both agreed I was insane.
I made several knives when the most expensive tool I owned was a Nicholson file. Do I plan on doing that again? NO!!!! But I do drag a file or a rasp out on almost every knife I make.
I realized that the original post was in humor. I found it very funny.
Edited to add:
I'm mean cause it's funny
Don't you know that after you make 30 knives there's a secret subforum where we all meet and discuss our next plan for torturing wannabe makers?
You'll know when you're a member because a ninja monkey will be in your shop rafters and give you the secret password and handshake.
