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Women knife makers and bladesmiths

A KNIFE MAKER'S WIFE WHO MAKES MINIATURE KNIVES

by Linda Ferguson

Being a knifemaker’s wife is what got me started making knives. I have always
been a craftsperson—needlework of all kinds, beadwork, woodwork, etc. When I
married Lee Ferguson in 1999, I wasn’t even interested in knives. As watched him
work and attended shows and shop tours with him, I found myself challenged by a
new craft. I saw him throwing away tiny bits and pieces of beautiful materials
left over from his work, and my imagination kicked in. I prefer to make
miniatures because that is what takes my eye and challenges me the most. It also
makes use of a lot of the scrap from my husband’s knives. I like wearable
knives. I want them to look like jewelry. As I learn the techniques, my knives
get better. Since 2004 I have been a member of The Knifemakers’ Guild. My
husband has been a voting member since 1983. All the knifemakers I have ever
met are all very willing to help anyone who wants to make knives. They all want
to share the craft in any way they can. Women especially are encouraged to
learn, and there are more and more doing so. Children are also learning at very
young ages. Having done a lot of woodworking, I was familiar with power
equipment. Most women haven’t had the opportunity to use power equipment and
are rightly afraid of it, which is probably why most are hesitant to try
knifemaking. Learning to handle the equipment safely is always the first step.
One of my biggest challenges in making miniatures has been finding the right
equipment. Everyone says miniatures are harder to make than the bigger knives. I
made some larger ones (5-6 inches) to have for my first Guild inspection, and I
have to agree that in a lot of ways they are easier to make—more room for
mistakes. However, I found that most of the problem is having appropriately
sized equipment. My husband built me a grinder that will take from an 8” to a ½”
diameter wheel and also gives room for my hands VERY near the wheels. I got a
combination micro-mini mill-drill-lathe for Christmas. Now, if I could just find
some very small, very strong clamps! Some women would definitely be more
comfortable with the smaller equipment. I have very small hands, and I can’t
even change some of the settings on some of my husband’s large machines. I know
how, I am just not strong enough. Most knifemaker’s wives find that they enjoy
the shows more if they can help at the knifemaker’s table. If they will learn
about the knives their husbands make—how they are made, what materials are used,
what is special about each knife—then they can answer questions about the
knives. This will not only increase sales, but will allow their husbands to
leave the table long enough to see what others are making and what supplies are
available. Sharing the craft with your husband also strengthens the bond of
marriage.

5 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 22, 2011 at 19:30

Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on December 22, 2011 at 21:30

Very nice knife. Looking forward to more examples.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 23, 2011 at 18:57

Dellana was encouraging her to stop by and show us some of her knives. Sure hopes she makes it. We would love it!!!

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on December 23, 2011 at 20:03

That is so sweet even and old swamp rat like me could appreciate a work like that.,tell her we await her artistry. Please don't be afraid to post.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 24, 2011 at 18:01

Robert, I would send her an invite but her site is in french

Permalink Reply by Clint Thompson on December 24, 2011 at 21:47

Jan...

Use Google Translate.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on December 24, 2011 at 21:53

I could get someone in my family to write her in Cajun French after the holidays. We can talk it up and see what happens, might be fun.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 25, 2011 at 16:24

Robert,

That sounds like a great plan and a lot of fun

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on December 26, 2011 at 16:57

Miss Jan, tell me what you want to say and I'll try get it translated for you.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 27, 2011 at 19:35

Dellana has shared with us a little about you and your wonderful knives. We would love to have you join us at http://www.iknifecollector.com/group/knifechicks2

Thank you Robert, your a gem

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on February 15, 2012 at 19:08

I have found another young lady making custom knives. Dont know alot about her but I sure like her knives.

Kelly McGee