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Full Time Knifemaker

Two of my employees called in sick today. They are good folks and it happens. I feel lucky to have them. Ken, my VP, and David and I had to do our job and theirs today. My day was 4:30 am to just now. I don't even have the energy to pack up the laptop.

Its not my intention to complain, but just to highlight that it is not an easy job. We put out 42 knives per week. It takes a lot of dedication to accomplish this from all 5 of us. If we are lucky and the knives get made, then its on me to sell them. That, once again is no feat, and the ebbs are frightening when others depend on you.

I never get asked to teach folks to make knives anymore. The question is always the same. "Can you teach me to be a full time knifemaker?" I don't automatically say no. Actually, I can. I've had two apprentices that are full time and succeeding. I have two now that work full time for me too and have the potential. Two critical things have to happen though. You have to make sexy knives, and you have to know how to manage a brand. Then you have to have the final critical component, a wife with a good career that provides insurance.

Without my wife, none of this would have happened.

Stay sharp.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 1, 2014 at 20:21

Well said Andrew. Nothing is worthwhile is easy! But it looks like you have some great knives and a tremendous work ethic which I like. No question it will be a success!

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Terry Ray on April 1, 2014 at 20:34

Andrew , wow That is intense, and straight point of view , thanks you for sharing this.

Mr Bose once said, you have to want to make knives, I mean really want to make knife."

I would love to see some of yours.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on April 1, 2014 at 20:41

Andy,

I like when an employer appreciates a good worker! Teaching the art of knife making is a gift and it is fantastic that you are willing to do that. We say the same thing about full time fishing guides in FL, first question is what does your wife do?

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Roy on April 2, 2014 at 5:12

My wife is a property manager for office buildings. I went the college route, and spent 44K (still owe 32K) getting an engineering degree. She went straight to work out of high school. She was the receptionist at her company and worked her way up to manager. She worked there for 12 years before moving last year after a takeover. I'm very proud of her.

Well, back at it this morning. I have 15 left over from yesterday's sharpening pile. Then downstairs to grind 50 blanks. That includes the curley cue ones you saw me forge Jan. Then I have to do the hollowing out of ~20 tangs so they can bee tapered tomorrow. After lunch, I have to shape 14 handles. I can't work till 9 tonight because Hannah has softball practice, so I hope to finish by 6.

I'm praying that yesterday's rest was enough and my folks are back in the saddle today. Just in case though, I called in some re-enforcements for tomorrow's sanding day. Then Friday is once again Fiddleback Friday! Woot!

Knifemaking is the hardest work I've ever done. BUT, I wouldn't change a thing. (It helps a lot that I HATED being an electrical engineer.) I'm going to do this till I die. Maybe I'll just keel over right in front of my KMG some day. Hopefully its on the last step of the best knife I've ever made.

Jan, we talked at Trackrock about teaching the trade. I teach it full time to two apprentices in the shop. Not just the technical, but also the business, and marketing. Adam is 18 and at Bladeshow he will have been with me a year. He was the youngest knifemaker to be juried into the GA Guild. We actually had to vote as a board to remove the age barrier for him. Judy is 23 and has been here a few months. She was the first lady to be juried into the GA guild as a knifemaker. Both of these two will be better makers than me before long. I wish they'd have come to Trackrock with me so I could have introduced you to them. I'm very proud of them.

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Carl Rechsteiner on April 2, 2014 at 5:39

That KMG will leave a nasty scar! Might have to be a closed coffin if anything's left.

Come on Andy....you'd be making knives regardless. It's a "gotta do" thing for us addicts. Might be living in a cardboard box with an old tarp over your tools, but you'd still be doing. Having a good understanding wife and kids is a bonus from God.

Tell Judy and Adam that they wouldn't have gotten sick if they'd had some of Anthony's anointed coleslaw.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Roy on April 2, 2014 at 5:49

I recently watched Bob Lovelesses video. In it he says he is proud to be a knifemaker because it is an honorable profession. And he said he'd do it till he couldn't anymore. Thats how I feel too.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Roy on April 2, 2014 at 16:09

OK. I'm done. 5 - 5 today. I got all the day's goals done, and have 43 knives ready for the sanding crew in the morning.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Roy on April 3, 2014 at 7:38

Today I am going to have to fit in a Dr's apointment. Atlanta pollen season is upon us...

BUT, I came in early and finished the guard area on all 43. Then I tapered 17 tangs. This afternoon when I get back, I have to put the last two belts on all 43.

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Zane Blackwell on April 3, 2014 at 8:35

Whew!! Seventeen tangs would be enough for a lot of folks! You've mentioned several of the many reasons that there aren't more full time makers.It is very rewarding work, yet stressfull. One my mentors once said, "you do this a little while and you find out knives are a lot easier to make than to sell".

Andrew Roy said:

Today I am going to have to fit in a Dr's apointment. Atlanta pollen season is upon us...

BUT, I came in early and finished the guard area on all 43. Then I tapered 17 tangs. This afternoon when I get back, I have to put the last two belts on all 43.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Scheuerman (Manx) on April 3, 2014 at 10:22

I wish I had the chance to learn knifemaking! I just can't seem to find anyone close by that will teach! Maybe I'll find some info at the Kamloops Show next month.

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Zane Blackwell on April 3, 2014 at 10:37

Where are you located?

Steve Scheuerman (Manx) said:

I wish I had the chance to learn knifemaking! I just can't seem to find anyone close by that will teach! Maybe I'll find some info at the Kamloops Show next month.