iKnife Collector
The online community of knife collectors, A Knife Family Forged in Steel
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.
Replies to This Discussion
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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Carl Rechsteiner on -
I like teaching kids. They are easier to convince that making a sword is a little ambitious for their first attempt at forging. I think the best part is seeing them realize that they can actually do something with their own hands besides gaming and computing.
Andy gets some real talent through his shop which is very fortunate. It's always interesting to see who'll be working in there each time I visit. Most of these guys reflect just how much they appreciate Andy's willingness to let them learn and work at the same time. Not blowing smoke here, Andy is a pretty alright guy for a cajun.
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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on -
I'm a Cajun from South Louisiana. I did not know Andy was a Cajun. He's from Cumming Ga. I guess he moved or something. Well he seems to be a nice guy no matter. The teaching of the young about almost anything that can help them is a great virtue. I find that if someone is willing to spend time with them, they are eager to learn.
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Permalink Reply by Andrew Roy on
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Mey, I'm from Rayne yea shea. My momo (a Boudreaux) and pawpaw lived in Eunice dey whole life. I was raised around music and good food. Festivals in each town and lots of parades. In Louisianna, they throw a parade for everything. Every holiday, and some high school events like homecoming too. Cajuns love a good parade. They don't do that in GA, and I miss it. Good to know you're a Cajun too Robert.
I learned to make knives for free on the internet through the generosity of craftsman with unbelievable skill. It was a pivotal turnaround for me in a time of depression. I followed every how to on sheathmaking and knifemaking I could find. Each project I finished was like taking a step out of the darkness. When I started making knives, 4 knives in, I made a batch of 6 Nessmuks and they all sold for $100 each. I showed Carl one of those ugly first 6 Nessmuks at the first Blade Show I ever attended in 2007. He was very polite and encouraging. Everyone was and I was getting happier and happier. So I teach knifemaking to almost anyone that asks me to. I'm paying back. I have done a Boy Scout merit badge class, and had several apprentices and and also invite folks in for tours and if they bring a mask, to watch. I can't believe folks want to do this, but it happens a few times a year. Its been a blessing in my life.
Bob Loveless said it was good honest work, and he loved it. Me too.
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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Carl Rechsteiner on -
>>I showed Carl one of those ugly first 6 Nessmuks at the first Blade Show I ever attended in 2007. He was very polite and encouraging. /p>
Man, you can't go round saying stuff like that! I got a rep.
You've come a long way in a short time just through swamp stump stubborn meaness. I feel privileged to know you, but not gonna let up on pushing the creative end of the game.
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No. Keep pushing. Right now I'm still struggling with the basics. Once I really get them right I'll add more creative time. The mundane stuff, I feel like, is eluding me.
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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on -
Mey, Andrew, I live between Opelousas and Port Barre. My Cajun heritage names are Robins and Duplechains. My mother is full Cajun and my Father was 1/2 Cajun and 1/2 Scottish. Thus my last name of Burris, but I'm 3/4 Cajun. I married a full blooded Cajun, a Deblanc. We live in the country and raise a lot of our own food. We also hunt and fish. We try practice all the old Cajun traditions. I raise two Grand daughters and they are almost pure Cajun. Just that little bit of Scottish from me.
Good luck with your knife building, we would love to see them. I'm sure there Cest Bon.
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Thats excellent. We fished and crabbed the whole time I lived there. Nice to meet you.
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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on -
Same here, We would love to see some of your knives or a picture of your shop.
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OK. Its official. We sharpened 120 knives today. My fingertips are raw. QC detailing and packing are left. And we need a banner too. And I have to grind two Scandi's. Soon its Bladeshow!
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Just a few teaser pics. We're bringing 69 pieces to sell. Everything is packed up! Headed down this AM to set up the table.
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Check out this cool pic I got of a burr during the sharpening hellday. The pic is taken through a magnifying lamp, so the quality is baaaaaaaad. But you can really see that burr.
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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on
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Nice shot!
White River Knives
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