The Trail Taken to Reach the Pinnacle

I am often asked how I got started in the knifemaking field.

I have been collecting knives for over 20 years. As a collector I attended the various knife shows throughout the country. Around 1977, I decided to learn to make knives - the only decision left was the process I would use to produce them. The choices were simple:

1. The stock-removal method: sketch a knife design onto a piece of steel, grind away the excess, send the knife off for heat treating, and finish it.

2. The method bladesmiths through the ages have used: forge the blade to shape with forge, anvil and hammer, do my own heat treating, and finish the piece.

I obviously selected the latter of the two.

Apprenticeship

I read of a teacher giving beginning blacksmithing courses and immediately signed up. My first class consisted of learning to start a coal fire, basic hammering skills, and the like. After class I spoke with the teacher - the late Martin Kruse - and asked him about forging knives. Martin explained that his full-time business was bladesmithing, and I convinced him to let me apprentice in his shop, unpaid. I worked primarily on Martin's work and occasionally made a knife or two of my own; whenever Martin needed supplies, I picked them up. There are "teachers" who charge up to $200 per day for one-on-one instruction, but by apprenticing under Mr. Kruse I was able to learn for very little cash outlay.

After a couple of years under Martin's tutelage, I took the ABS (American Bladesmith Society) beginning bladesmithing course to refine my techniques, as well as the Damascus course provided by the ABS. After relocating from L.A. to San Diego, I met ABS Mastersmith Al Barton. When we first met, Al was a full-time farrier and part-time bladesmith; Al helped develop me into the smith I became. Gordon Haight - another farrier - was also of great help in working the forge.

I eventually opened my first knife shop, graduated one bladesmith, and went on to work with others.

How to behave in a maker's shop

Proper conduct while learning from a maker in his or her shop is critical - courtesy and safety are foremost. In Martin Kruse's shop I swept the floor, cleaned up, and did whatever he needed me to do. I replaced belts and other supplies when needed. Always remember that you are in someone else's shop: you are using their tools and their time, not to mention their knowledge - and the maker assumes all liability while you are there. Unsolicited gifts go a long way; show up with a six-pack of their favorite beer or a couple of their favorite cigars. Small gifts speak loudly of your appreciation.

Thinking of learning the craft yourself? See Learning Bladesmithing.