Talent and Progression

[Steve Nuckels]

This forum is a very good place gain information and tecniques, as well as showcase talent and progression of knife makers with a commond bond, that being Traditional archery.

I enjoy watching people's talent and progression grow before our very eye's here.  

As an example one person stands out to me, that would be Kevin Evans.  I remember when Kevin started posting with questions and his work, how he evolved, and continues to evolve.

With that said, in the past year, let's say from June 2011 to 2012 which non rated (JS/MS) bladesmiths stand out to you showing progression in quality work and design here on the forum.

This is a chance to prop some folks up, there are many!

What say you!  This is not a competion, it's  just for fun!

I will start.  

I think Dana Holman and Ben Tendick (srtben) qualify!

Steve
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Potomac Forge

[4est trekker]

I would agree with both Dana and Ben Tendick!  Very quick and quality progression.  I've notices this rapidity particularly in Ben's work.  He's developed a recognizable style in a hurry.  And, I've always been impressed with how Dana takes nearly all of his blades to a mirror finish.  That's patience and devotion for ya!  

[DANA HOLMAN]

Steve and Curt, I Thanks you for putting me in this, But I have alot to learn, and even though I'm  been doing this for over 3 1/2 yrs and could test in less then a yr. I dont think I'm ready, if it wasn't for Lin,Karl,Doug,Kevin and everyone else, i would not be where I'm at today. I would put you guys in this as well, we ALL have come a long way.Thanks again. Dana

[Lin Rhea]

I get a little uncomfortable singling out anyone here when so many have done very well.

Chris Montgomery has made some great strides to get better but he's done it mostly with hand tools. That's an accomplishment in my book.

I've notice so many have made the leap into knife making right here on the forum. That's encouraging to me.

You mentioned non rated makers. I will respectfully point out that the rated makers have made progress too. They werent born that way.   :D  Except maybe Karl. I'm not asking to steer this towards the rated makers, but it's something to note that, to make improvements, a person has to always view themselves as a student and to view their mind as there best tool. That is where most of the rated makers set a good example.

Whether or not you choose to try for a rating makes no difference in your worth as a maker. You are in control and should keep knife making in control.

I agree with your assessments of the above mentioned makers. Some wonderful improvements have been made.

[2treks]

I like that Lin,well said.

From a guy that hasn't much of a clue about HOW to build a knife, I enjoy all the work posted here and the style that each guy brings to bare.

Lots of talent here.

[akaboomer]

I have seen improvement across the board. From Lin refining the way he does things with his jigs and gadgets to Karl and his San Mai and Damacus and Kevin with his folders all the way down to the last maker on here.

We have a great community here that shares knowledge and techniques. This place makes improvement much easier. I am glad that I am associated with the fine fellows here.

Like minded people sharing, that rocks.

Chris

[4est trekker]

I second Chris wholeheartedly...and hand tools to boot!     Also, I think Kevin Evans (JS) deserves recognition for the development of some VERY fine folders.    

[Kevin Evans]

Hey Thanks Guys.
I am like Lin on this subject ,I can't really single out one person I think has done well this period,(including myself)
There are many that are making great progress !!Including the guy who started the thread.
Its all about a learning curve thats not equall for everyone.
I am lucky at certain times of the year I have an abundance of time that I can concentrate on knifes and other times I don't .All I really try to do is make each knife a little better than the last.
There some guys starting out that have great potional(and doing a great job) and other guys that have been doing this awhile that continue
 to improve.Including the rated guys on this forum ,all they do is push themselves to get better.
I think Chris said something very important this winter when he was starting ,He doesn't want to turn this into a job,he wants to have fun.(or something along those lines)For me thats what its all about having fun and trying as hard as I can to get better,at something I like to do.
This forum has been great for me ,I check it daily ,whether I'm having a good day or a bad day it seems to make me smile!