Unlike most of you here, with immense knowledge and experience, I only came across Bruce’s work in Feb through a picture some one posted online.
His books were majorly closed but I thought just reach out, who knows?
His replies were always friendly and helpful, not one of those “I have a two year waitlist so shove off” type of maker.
He went so far as to explain he would be attending the Arkansas knife show and that should be return with any knives, he would contact me. Needlessly to say, everything sold.
It wasn’t actually if or not he would take an order (he did specify he would be able to make something in Sept) but the way he took the time to explain to me his prices, and how he would choose and sand his mammoth, what type of Damascus he intended to use etc.
I’m not even like most of you guys, established, knowledgeable. But he was gentlemanly enough to even thank me for reaching out. Some makers won’t even give you time of day.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t the least bit sad about being able to commission a knife from Bruce. That being said, I was more saddened that a person (maker or not) whom I had the privilege of having a very pleasant ongoing conversation with, just passed.
My contact with Bruce was limited to just a few weeks, but I somehow I think I won’t delete that chat for a long long time.
I apologize, I realize this is a photo thread but I don’t have any. Just wanted to share an experience if that’s ok.