Up front and to the point

Anyone that knows this subforum knows that I'm up front about my process and any changes that go on. I wanted to bring up a few things that I'm looking forward to and open up a discussion. Please chime in.

First is that as you guys know I've invested in a leather sewing machine, by far the most expensive investment in my shop. That opens me up to some non-knife projects that I'll be displaying here in the sub. It also means that some sheaths will be machine stitched, some hand stitched, and some possibly a combination of the two. I'll be upfront about which is which. Not because I think there is a quality difference between the two but because as the buyer, I think you should know.

The second thing is that I am having our Cowbell pocket blades waterjet cut by our steel supplier (New Jersey Steel Baron). I got the tracking number for the first batch today, they should be here by Christmas Eve.

The third thing is that I'm going to be increasing the amount of Cowbells I do at one time. I have 8 dibs left on our list and will be doing them in two sets of 4, then we'll open up new a new call for Dibs.

In regards to the changes to the Cowbells mentioned above, my goal is to improve the consistency and workflow.

If anyone has any concerns whatsoever bring them up in this thread. If you have an opinion on waterjet, sewing machines, or anything at all, let's air that out.

There's something coming in the Ether, or is that just Ether?

 

Ohhhh then you're gonna like what's comin Jared, I got you covered and then some.

 

Thanks for mentioning that Phil. On the Cowbell Dibs they'll absolutely be hand stitched as originally promised, no worries there.

My goal is to work two "lines" if you will. The sewing machine purchase was not made to completely replace handstitching but as a supplement.

First would be models that are waterjet, machine stitched, and kept at a minimum cost. Entry level priced handmades with a few custom options for those that see high end custom prices and thinks all handmade knives are out of reach.

Second would basically be everything else, wild builds, stacked leather, actual Custom orders, creative type of work.

 

@Melvin-Purvis I know exactly what you mean Shel, my mind wanders constantly. As far as consistency though I think all of the decisions and investments I've made still focus on the goal, which is to build Redmeadow Knives, not "Mercantile" or "Knife and Tool" but knives.

Side projects can be self gratification absolutely, but in the case of the leather work, it was Christmas presents and good practice running the new machine before I destroy some sheaths with it The blacksmithing is a byproduct of learning to forge knives. Distractions are things like the set of drumsticks I made out of walnut for my nephew yesterday morning and shiny objects are the leather gift tags for the journal cover and belt I made for Melissa lol. Those are the kind of things that take me away from knifemaking, along with the normal duties of work and family which is always a struggle to balance, but such is life.

I agree 100 percent and have been working on not discussing my plans until they come to fruition, I'm bad about that. That's why I didn't bring up the work I've been doing on waterjet plans until I had everything worked out and received shipping confirmation. I've been working on that for a while and I think you'll find the result interesting. This thread exists for a couple of reasons but the main reason was that I wanted to get any concerns aired out before revealing waterjet blanks. I expected some folks would think it was a move towards automation, shortcuts, midtech goals, etc. Its not at all. It's a move towards consistency, improved workflow and the freeing up time to allow me to work on the higher quality, creative work that are the real shiny objects that I'd like to chase.

Another reason I started this thread is because I see and get asked about a lot of smoke being blown around by makers on other platforms (IG & FB). I don't get in other peoples business but I try to make sure I'm not guilty of actions that I don't approve of. I've seen makers act elusive and hide the fact that they outsource heat treat, leather work, waterjet service and parts of their process. I want to be up front, I have nothing to hide.

That touches on some of your concerns Shel and I hope it made sense. You're a smart cookie and know me better than anyone, just know that my main focus will always be knives.

 

We're in agreement there Ron, I'm currently rollin out leather for your sheaths by the way. Two Right Pocket clips, correct?

Hey I only pick my belly button lint when I'm hungry or its about to rain! The Faros will be worth the wait, definitely.

 

Christmas came early, 2 days ahead of the tracking estimate....

I'll update our pocket blade thread with more info.

 

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