Master knife bladesmith

Fascinating article about a dying breed.  Master bladesmiths who produce the highest end of handmade knives.
http://fxcuisine.com/default.asp?language=2&Display=241&resolution=low
 
With a wonderful quote in there.  Said to Japanese society, but it applies at a very human level.
 
"His work is his life. There is no alienation here. The promise our society makes to young people that they can define who they are by choosing their work is vapid babble for most. How many of us become who they are through their work? Precious few. Most just sell their time to their employer and start living come 5 PM"
 
 
 

A friend of mine is a knifemaker (hobby business) and I didn't realize how labor-intensive the process is until he described what he might do to produce just one knife.  He had his sample case the last time I saw him and the designs and work were quite impressive.

Brad

I had a friend in Boulder Co who was a knife maker.  In the late 70's he started specializng in damascus steel.  E BEAUTIFAL.  a SAS SAID ITS EXTREMELY WORK INTENSIVE.  i REMEMBER HE SOLD A FULL SIZED BOWIE KNIFE FOR CLOSE TO 10k

Damascus steel chef's knife

Brittneal, I grew up in Boulder, from late sixties to the nineties.  Now live 10 miles east of there.  Where was your friend located?

There was an excellent article on blade makers in a recent issue of The New Yorker magazine - a November issue, I think. The article centered around the meetings these artisans hold periodically.

Cheers, John 

War Toad, that is art in the form of a knife. Amazing.