Willing to give Knifemaking Lessons

Joined
Dec 10, 1998
Messages
4,860
It donned on me that there is nothing in the way of formal knifemaking instruction being given here in the northeast so I am willing to teach lessons. I am formerly trained as a machinist, I have been making sheath knives for as long as I can remember and folders for a year and a half. I have experience in heat treating, forging, metalurgy and machine shop pratices. I will be willing to travel to your shop, use your equipment and teach you what you would like to learn either how to make folders of fixed blades. Beginners will start with fixed blades. I am willing to travel the distance of 150 miles from where I live in central mass so I can travel to Ct, Ri, VT, NH,possibly ME and NY. Lessons will cost $10 per hr including traveling time. Please email me if anyone is interested.
Thanks,
Chuck
 
Most makers allow learners to come to their shop and teach there. I think if U wanted to pass on the knowledge that would be the best way. $10/hour...I would not pay. Help U paint your house, landscape your yard or something like that I would gladly do. I guess I got lucky cause I foulnd a maker willing to teach me for nothing. When offered $$ for materials I got, "Dont sweat it I got plenty and tomarrow we cut the grass." or "Im going out of town I need U to feed the dog while im gone." and even got " time to paint the house, get up the ladder."....

I understand U are willing to travel "150 mile" which is a great distance but for what most people who want to learn dont have a shop or have a clue as to what they need in a shop...

Just my .02.


Otha
 
That seems like a bargain to me. There ain't knifemaker one around here, I'd give alot to run into someone to share some shop time with. Too bad it's something more than a hundred fifty miles between us! :(

Dave
 
A friend of mine tought me for free but he also teams up to run a weekend course for strangers, it include rough accommodation meals etc every one goes home with a knife or forged billet. He charges a couple of hundred.

You may also concider high tech make a dvd with a set of lessons.

I have seen a number of editing programs for computers.
 
$10 per hr. you bet I would pay it. For the knowledge and hands on teaching from an experienced maker, thats a bargin, not to mention that chuck is an experienced machinist. Sure there are several hammer ins and such that will give you a vast amount of info for free, but for a maker to take time away from his business and give a 1 on 1 class, would do away with all the guess work and assumptions one has when he first starts out. You"ll learn about the little things that one needs to know that is over looked at these 1 day hammer ins, I wish I would have had that kind of opportunity when I first got started.

Good luck Chuck, with some of the people I've had come to my shop and ask questions $10 wouldn't be near enough. :D

Bill
 
Chuck,

If I lived closer to you I would be all over your offer. It is very generous of you to offer your time and experience to others. I know a few makers who find that teaching others is not as rewarding as making on their own and just won't do it. Now if I could only find someone closer to me :)

-Jeff
 
Over here nobody would show you anything for less than 20$ an hour. I guess the money spent would be money earned on mistakes not made, but personally I don't like having money mixed up in everything - I'm with Otha on this one - have them paint your house instead. :D
 
Very good of you Chuck
like Bruce said it's the little things
that could save a lot of time for guys.
I thought of a video for the little tricks
of the trade.
if you travel too far gas,tolls,motels,food ect
you'll be doing it for nothing it may cost you even,
be careful.
 
Dan
I would love to see a video put out by you and all your little tricks we have talked about.I would also like to see your goat path to your shop.:D
 
I am glad to see that most of you support Chuck(Striper28)in this.
It seems, since cutlery related forums got popular, there are some who think that all information is owed to them, free. Makers participating here(including Chuck), do so out of the goodness of their hearts, and the love of the craft/art. But when you stop to teach someone how to make knives, that is above and beyond. It takes a large amount of time, and the maker still has to provide for "his/her" family. I would say, if a maker is willing to let you into their shop to learn, fine, then you can "paint their house, etc. When a person is travelling to you, it's a different story. :eek:
 
I say go for it, but I still think you`re a
little low on your fee.
Kelgin gets $800 for three days if he brings
the shop to you. I think
 
10$ Hr is a damn good deal !, I would do it in a second. There are a lot of things I don't know yet but need to. I may havet o take you up. It wouldn't be real soon but when I have the chance you may be hearing from me. Thanks.....RDT
 
I can't help but think about the free tips and information
that has been given out in the many years
that custom knives have been made.
I've only been on the Internet for about 4-5 years but made my first knives in 1974
and many since. many of the tips I've given out have been mine
unless someone else was doing the same thing I was and I'm sure many were.
if someone passes down what I have passed along great I would just ask or hope
My name would be mentioned.
if it's going to be done for money for trade or free.
. that should be a fair trade
I think, for me anyway..
If I charge for my information I have in my head well that would be up to me.
I see a lot of stuff young makers are doing that_
I've been doing before some of them were born. are they my tips, the makers
before I_
because it was done first by someone else even though
one may not know it's been done before? .it's just interesting
what people think what should be free and what not.
think about it The phone was invented by a man named Gray first, Bell
just got to the patent office first, who should have gotten the credit for for it?
I love knife making over the back stabbing of my auto, marine and small engine shop.
everyone wants your business, well after the last few
years they can have it.
Knife makers,
to you all,
we have a most unique business here. and the free stuff
that gets a young maker started
this is just great I love it.
I've help a few along the way and if it has changed
someone's life and I can be remembered because of it, well
it makes_me feel good just for that alone.
BUT
..of course if you give over and above costing you time
and money then I say charge your worth if you'd like but give back what's been given you.
_just my 2 cents plus a few more.

edited because something screwed up and I can't spell
:confused:
 
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