Knife Burnout

Most knifemakers at one time or another approach what I call knife burnout. This was my experience with it.

When I began my knifemaking in 1987–88, I definitely jumped in with both feet. I read all that I could on the subject, attended shows, asked many questions and spent as much time as I could spare learning to create knives.

My goals in the beginning were set high: make the best knives I possibly could, and someday test for the ABS Mastersmith rating. But upon obtaining my Journeyman stamp with the Bladesmith Society, I found that I had no desire to set foot in my shop. I did not want to make, discuss or even look at knives. I call this knife burnout.

The cure

My solution was simple: stay out of the shop, go to the gym, and not read anything related to knives or knifemaking - which was fine with me. This went on for around five months. Slowly but surely, the desire came back. I found myself tinkering in the shop, selling and buying a few knives, and eventually I got fully back into the swing of things.

I am not sure how or why this burnout came to pass. I do know that stepping back away from knives was very therapeutic - not only for my well-being, but it helped my work in the long run.

I have seen many knifemakers go through similar experiences. Some come out of their funk; some no longer make knives. My advice is to follow your heart: do what makes you happy, and find something besides knives to occupy your time. In the long run, it will lend to longevity in this business.