Bladesmithing has so many different approaches to different problems. Different techniques for the same problems. Everyone has there own way of doing things. Aslong as the end result works without compromise then there is no wrong way to do something. It doesn't matter if your a rated bladesmith or not, a journeyman or mastersmith, be a master of your techniques and your style. Fully understand your methods and how you use them to your desired effect. You don't have to be a mastersmith to be a master of your knowledge that you have gained thus far. I may not be a mastersmith, but I am a Master of my methods and my techniques. I know when to use certain methods and when not to. I know how to fix the problems that I cause. I don't know everything, but I've done my best to learn everything about what I already know. I'm not mastersmith, but I am a Master of what I have learned so far.
Well said and remember
"We do this not because it is easy"
"But because we thought it would be easy"
Bob Bryenton
Solar Storm Group Ltd.
Phone: (780) 953-0016
Email: [email protected]
https://www.solarstorm.ca
“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible" -- Arthur C. Clarke
I am only asking inquisitively, so please don't misread my intentions. My question is simple: are you sure?
The one big take away I have received from my short time speaking to Master Smiths is that they are almost always open to a better way for their own skills to advance. Not to say that they are superior humble beings; but moreover to suggest that they seek to improve constantly and that anything being "good enough" or the only way seems to be concepts that could keep them from their own pursuit of being a MS. I believe the reason I am asking is one of amazement. I am absolutely learning something new with each hammer strike, cut, twist, etc. I hope to become I a Master Smith, but I think if in 20 years someone new came up to me and said in an earnest way: "Sir, maybe try holding the steel this way, or strike this way to be easier on your joints". I would give it a shot. Maybe what you are saying is: Be the best or Mastered version of yourself at each moment you can, until you improve. I would just be shocked if today was the best I was ever going to be.
Respectfully
Michael
My journey in knifemaking has taught me that most days, I know just enough to stay out of trouble. What I do know, however, is that there's still much to learn. That's why I not only aim to acquire the necessary knowledge, but also to put it into practice—over and over again. Practice doesn’t lead to perfection, as they say, but it does lead to greater proficiency in the craft.
Here's my two cents worth.
"Mastery" is an ever-elusive goal. You can achieve it, but only in small incremental levels. If you ever think you have learned everything there is to know about something, it's time to choose another occupation.
I think that what Nick refers to as
, what he really means is control over your process. In my book on craftsmanship, that translates to "doing what you intend to do." For me, life is all about focusing your intent. In knifemaking (or any other art or tradecraft) this means design first, build second. This is the foundation of Journeyman level in any tradecraft. Can you focus your intent on a specific design and then execute that design in physical form?a master of your techniques and your style
Looking at the ABS guide to Journeyman testing, you find these words:
exhibit a level of fit, finish and design that is among the best in the world.
Failure to focus on design leads to organic development, and it shows in the final product. Focus on design leads to intentional processes and that also shows in the finished product.
Mastery is not an endpoint. It is a process of continual growth and experimentation. Achieving the ranks of Journeyman and Master are the recognition by a group of peers that you have achieved a level of growth that exhibits a certain level of skill, but that is not, and should not be, the end of the journey. Unless that is "good enough" for you.
“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.”
