I have to pump the brakes.

[just_a_hunter]

Hello all,

I just posted this in the knife forum but I better post it here as well. I will continue to be a sponsor here and sell a few knives in the sponsored classifieds.

This is a statement I just released on my facebook page. This came to a head within the last couple days and I really do need to devote more time to my family.


First off, I would like to thank each and every one of my past, current and future customers. I am honored to be apart of so many heirloom keepsakes that make it into your lives and I never dreamed Thayn Custom Knives would have taken off like it has.

That being said, I really have to pump the brakes on this project. I have gotten in over my head and I am a Father first, a Gas Plant Operator 2nd, and a knife maker 3rd. I have gotten so busy and have taken on so many orders, being a knife maker has really cut into me being a dad. I have missed several occasions with my family I shouldn't have and I am way too new at this to be burning myself out already. All shop time is devoted to filling orders and I don't have any time for the creative or growth aspect of being an artist.

I know I am going to loose business but I would rather loose that then my family. So as of now, if I owe you a knife you will get one. I don't take deposits on orders in case something comes up I don't want you to be out of any funds and that "something" has come up. It involves a beautiful batch of girls I'm surrounded by.

So I hope you understand as of now, all orders are cancelled and I will not be taking on any more. When the girls are grown and life slows down I will revisit this but until then I am sticking to building with artistic freedom.

The good news is I am still going to make plenty of knives and you'll be seeing a lot more pop up here for sale. This page will still remain very active and once again I cannot thank you all enough for all the support you have shown me.

I'm very sorry for any inconvenience,

Todd

 

[4dogs]

[Hermon]

Sounds like you have your priorities in the correct order!

[kennym]

Good job man! Family always should come first!!  

[KyStickbow]

     Family should always come first! Kudos to u brother!

[Pine]

       

[Muttly]

You don,t HAVE to to do a damn thing. The fact that you,re CHOOSING to slow down and spend some time with your kids speaks volumes.
You hear it before they,re born, no way to comprehend it in the first year, but kids grow up so, so fast.
I,ll say this, and this coming from a guy that used to be a long haul trucker, you don,t get the time back that you missed. I,ve never regretted time spent with my kids.And the fact that i get to be a granddad, and the grandkids actually like me is truly a gift.
But knowing I was,nt around a lot of the time while my son was younger, that can gnaw at a guy.

Good call!..

[Chain2]

You can and will get do over's with knives and work. You don't with family. I salute you and your courage to bring this out in the open. I'm sure all of the fathers here respect you for it. I do.

[Keith Zimmerman]

I know what u mean.  I just took a 50% cut in pay taking another job working daylight with weekends off to see my family more.  I missed too many things with my family.  Good Luck!

[tippit]

Todd,
I found when I took an order, I hated that knife and would do anything to keep from finishing it.  Now when I pound out a knife it's just for fun.  If I don't give it to charity, a friend, or keep it myself, then just post a picture and it will sell really fast.  Enjoy your family and have fun when you decide to make a knife.

[Chad Orde]

A man with his prioritys straight hats off to you brother.

[Carpdaddy]

Well done brother, glad you didn't wait until it was too late!

[Eric Krewson]

I quit carving duck decoys for about the same reason; too many orders, too much time spent carving when I should have been enjoying life.

When I took a week of vacation from work I couldn't enjoy my time off because I had duck orders to fill and spent the week carving.

I put my tools down in 86 and never picked them up again.

[Anointed Archer]

God bless you and your family    

[just_a_hunter]

Thank you all so much.

Todd

[GRAYBEARD]

For once I agree with every post on a subject!
TG has the value system just about right.

[mangonboat]

 Putting down your tools and picking up your kids is a lot harder than it sounds.

[azhunter]

You will never regret spending more time with your family and going to your kids activities but you sure will regret it if you work more hours and miss out on what is really important in life. You made a wise choice and your priorities are where they should be, with your family. Best wishes!

[K.S.TRAPPER]

As always buddy proud to call you my friend and the knives can wait for another day.

   

[MCNSC]

You are doing the right thing.  Those kids are at the right age to be making memories.  As the father of two girls, trust me, you will not regret this decision.