I done did it.. I hope it is right.

[Fsawyer]

Well.. I as many of you reading this, am a part time.. amateur.. home shop.. knife maker.

I work a real job as a computer operator on weekends.. full time.. 12 hour night shifts.. Fri, Sat, Sun. (4 hrs on Thurs. night.)

I don't know if you all know about a place called Angel Sword.. but he makes some GREAT swords..and some very nice knives.

I saw that his shop is about a 30 min. drive from my home... AND he was looking for help.

So.. I went to him.. showed him my work.. told him I an amateur.. and that I wanted a part time job during the week.... and he hired me.

Now I will be making knives and swords.. and making a wage for it.... PLUS I will be learning and doing what I love best.. making blades.

He isn't paying a lot but it is an ok amount... BUT I will be learning from a pro and using real good equipment.. he has power hammers, nice forges, Cryo units, nice kilns, CNC machine... nice pro type grinders, buffers, etc.. It will be a dream come true in many ways. The owner.. Daniel Watson showed me around his shop.. and it is fabulous.. dirty.. gritty.. wonderful.. (IF you knew how much I really have been burned out by working in the sterile atmosphere of a computer room.. you'd know how much I love seeing a dirty shop)

The question I want to ask all of you .. IS.. that working for someone else.. means that the knives and swords I make won't have my name on them.. plus... I really won't have time.. with both jobs.. to make knives on my own... Do you feel it is worth it?

I personally will love it.. and hope to learn and build my knowledge to the point that I can be a full time maker of my own some day... but I am not young.. at 42.. this is a new twist in my life.

[SharpByCoop]

From what you told us, I think this is an ideal opportunity. The lessons you will learn and the ability to do MORE than you might have on your own will simply make you good at what you enjoy.

There are millions of people who work for someone else and provide a great, unacknowledged job. Take pride in your work--no matter whether you have a signature on it or not. In the end there is SOMEONE who is admiring and appreciating it.

I think it's the best of both worlds, especially at this point for you.

Coop

[cactusforge]

That is a great opportunity to learn, wish I had a chance like that. Gib

[hammerdownnow]

Some big names started out working for custom/production companies. D'Holder worked for Ralph Bone ect.. Diamond G got to work a summer for Jimmy Lyle. He is proud and fond of that time he spent there. Mike said he got a couple tips on ethics from Jimmy that he adheres to to this day.(hope he don't mind me tellin that) He even saw some after market knives for sale that he had polished at the shop. So, good things can come from the experience.
If Daniel ever makes a mark it will be a feather in your cap. Still, practice makes perfect and doing it everyday just gotta make you better. Sounds like a win-win situation. Good for you!

[TexasJack]

I don't think you know how envious many of us are at your situation! What a great opportunity! Most people are stuck in that stale computer room (or its equivalent) for the rest of their lives. You won the lottery in my book, amigo!

[Fsawyer]

I want to thank everyone for the support in this move.

My dream with this move.. is to hopefully someday.. become a full time knife and sword maker and never see a computer room ever again.

[John T Wylie Jr]

I wish I could find a maker in the Vegas Valley that I could just watch , let alone work with. Great chance you have there to both learn , gain experience and almost as important get inspired by someone who feels as passionate about making as you do.

you got my envy !

[Drac]

I've met the owner several times. He's very enjoyable to talk to and is generous with sharing knowledge. I'd enjoy this if I were you. Even if it doesn't last long, anytime in a professional shop can make a marked differance in your skills.


Jim

[Johnny Stout]

James, you made a good decision to work with Daniel. I've been to his shop and was as impressed as you were. He definitely knows his business. I know several that have apprenticed with him and the quality of their work has continued to improve, even after going out on their own.

You're not that far from me, my wife's mother lives in Wimberly, and we're in New Braunfels. If you are ever over this way stop by for a visit and tour of my shop.

[rhrocker]

It's a great idea James. Nothing ventured, nothing earned.