I think I have finally recovered from an exhausting week at Matherton Forge that involved lights, cameras, microphones and a whole crew of dedicated professionals squeezing into my little shop. I have had my share of experiences with television productions, and seldom has it been what I would describe as entirely positive. Bladesmithing is just one of those topics that is real easy to push over the top into a circus like atmosphere that can make entertaining television but still not elevate the craft. I am happy to say that this week I think I encountered a television crew that truly respected my craft and was interested in bringing it to the public in a dignified and educational way.
It was great to be surrounded by professionals who seemed to be as dedicated to doing their best work as I am, and have no problem doing it again until it is just right. So much so that by the second day of shooting, I was actually able to let my guard down and even have fun for the first time when dealing with a film crew.
I know this is probably a tease, and those reading this will ask some obvious questions that I have not answered, but I do not yet feel free to give details about the project. I just wanted to say that while I have been critical of television that I have been involved with in the past, this time around I am optimistic that what will air later this year will bring our craft to the public in a positive and educational way. I think that can be good news to all of us, and I will keep you updated.
"One test is worth 1000 'expert' opinions" Riehle Testing Machines Co.
Kevin, this is truly great news to me. There are people who I feel like I can count on what they say as true reliable information, some like yourself I have yet to meet. I am looking forward to seeing what this program is and plan to make every effort to see it. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Chris
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Kevin, this is truly great news to me. There are people who I feel like I can count on what they say as true reliable information, some like yourself I have yet to meet. I am looking forward to seeing what this program is and plan to make every effort to see it. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Chris
well, since the folks at "A Craftsman's Legacy" invited the local paper I think it is safe to link to that article:
Chris, I have yet to see the final cut (this fall sometime) but you can rest assured that I tried my best to put the best information regarding our craft in front of the camera.
I am somewhat protective of our craft and always want to put the best information out there that I can.
"One test is worth 1000 'expert' opinions" Riehle Testing Machines Co.
Kevin,
I'm glad that all went well. I've had enough negative experiences with film crews in the past that I am always very hesitant to repeat them.
We all appreciate you spending the time to promote our craft. Well done! I look forward to viewing it.
Gary
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Kevin,
I'm glad that all went well. I've had enough negative experiences with film crews in the past that I am always very hesitant to repeat them.
We all appreciate you spending the time to promote our craft. Well done! I look forward to viewing it.
Gary
Gary, I hear what you are saying, I have certainly been there and done that. Bladesmithing is one of the oldest and most prestigious crafts in all of human history; empires rose and fell by our skills. My main reason for being in the ABS is to honor it by keeping it alive and bring it to the public as accurately as possible.
"One test is worth 1000 'expert' opinions" Riehle Testing Machines Co.
So when are you going to be on Forged in Fire? <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//blink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' />
Seriously though, this is wonderful news. I even can get PBS on the telly here, so I will be able to watch it.
With your permission, I would like to share this link to the story on my fb page and a couple of forums. It's about time somebody did this, and you are the "somebody" I would have picked.
Thank you for saying "yes" when they approached you.
Joshua States
www.dosgatosforge.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg
https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71
Also on Instagram and Facebook as J.States Bladesmith
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.â€
Very nice Kevin. This is the kind of approach I would have preferred. Not that FiF is not a good thing for the hand made knife industry, but This approach covers both sets of viewers. Those interested in the "science" of knife making will definitely be interested.
|quoted:
Very nice Kevin. This is the kind of approach I would have preferred. Not that FiF is not a good thing for the hand made knife industry, but This approach covers both sets of viewers. Those interested in the "science" of knife making will definitely be interested.
FIF has probably been a very good thing for our art and for all of the smiths who have competed.
But this, well this is a 9th level swordsmith making a +3 Vorpal blade!
(a little D&D humor there for Kevin)
Joshua States
www.dosgatosforge.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJMFMqnbLYqv965xd64vYg
https://www.facebook.com/dos.gatos.71
Also on Instagram and Facebook as J.States Bladesmith
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.â€
