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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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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Carl Rechsteiner on August 7, 2014 at 7:03

Don't let Andy fool you. Lot of other knifemakers like his knives. Actually, it's good that he's getting feedback on his work that will help him improve. The Guild has been kind of slack on that in the past. Yeah, growing pains aren't always fun (I say ouch quite a bit myself).

It was a slow show for most of us there, but the GA contingency had a lot of fun moments over the weekend inspite of it. Maybe the move to Kansas City next year will turn things for the better next year.

Always a good time with the fellas I'm fortunate to affiliate with......including Andy.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Roy on September 4, 2014 at 7:31

Ken has talked me into doing the NC show next weekend in Winston Salem. Is anyone from here going to be there? If so, please stop by the table to say hello. Or, if you see me waalking around in a Fiddleback Forge (spider) shirt, be sure to stop me to say Hi. I'd love to meet y'all in person.

At the end of the month is Carl's Hammerin at the Trackrock Campground in Blairsville. Its a pretty excellent event, and I try to make all of them. The campground is gorgeous as well. Carl has made two knives (ulu's) he is going to raffle off to support Super Ben, and I really appreciate that.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 5, 2014 at 18:33

Way to Go Carl! I sure wish we could be at this one but we will certainly be at the spring hammer in

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Roy on September 8, 2014 at 12:04

Man, the fall one is the good one...

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Carl Rechsteiner on September 9, 2014 at 7:01

I think they are all good-uns (bit biased though).

Here are pics of the two ulus that will be up for grabs. Both are hand forged from an edger blade (yepper recycled steel) as a secondary test for the steel. The first series of test indicated the steel to has characteristics of CruV, but the spark color was a little brighter. The test blades were very tough and held their edges quite well. Been using one for leather work all year and it's preformed very well.