Fred Rowe
Well-Known Member
Most everyone is welcome; some are just passing through, they have no great passion for what happens here. Some people come for the day, exchanging ideas, telling jokes, catching up on events.
I invite the local Boy Scouts, to come to the forge and see how a knife is made. I don't figure they learn a whole lot. It's taken me years! Can I explain that in an hour?
On days when I can not accomplish something on my own, I invite a fellow maker or friend to stop by and help out. Sometimes two hands and every jig in the shop will not get it done. I need another hand. Those are good days.
In the span of a year, I spend most of my time at the forge, alone.
Just me, the forge, my hammer and anvil. The place has a buzz to it, on those days. The forge comes to life! The fire getting hot, while I lay out my work. My mind, content in its surroundings. I am in my element. I'm a bladesmith.
I posted this in 06; in 2013, on my 69th birthday it seemed right to post it again, Fred
I invite the local Boy Scouts, to come to the forge and see how a knife is made. I don't figure they learn a whole lot. It's taken me years! Can I explain that in an hour?
On days when I can not accomplish something on my own, I invite a fellow maker or friend to stop by and help out. Sometimes two hands and every jig in the shop will not get it done. I need another hand. Those are good days.
In the span of a year, I spend most of my time at the forge, alone.
Just me, the forge, my hammer and anvil. The place has a buzz to it, on those days. The forge comes to life! The fire getting hot, while I lay out my work. My mind, content in its surroundings. I am in my element. I'm a bladesmith.
I posted this in 06; in 2013, on my 69th birthday it seemed right to post it again, Fred