skuld
September 19, 2005, 13:47
My dad and I got to visit Bob Dozier's shop lsat Saturday. We were picking up a grinder dad bought from Mr. Dozier. He had us bring some steel with scribed knife shapes on it, and we used the new grinder to grind a knife! Also got to use his machines. Very cool! Worked on two knives, and right there learned more than we had piddling around ourselves. Nothing like hands on experience, with a master of the craft right there. Learned a _lot_.
Got to fondle several knives, finshed as well as ones in every state of production.
Also ended up trading for, with some cash, too, a Landis-American sewing machine for sewing leather sheaths (and I hope it'll work on holsters, too). Got to play with it a bit in his shop, too.
The neatest part though was touring through his folder shop, inside a refriderated semi trailer outside the shop. Wow. Packed full of tools, but not so crowded you can't get around. Not much larger than the room I have available in my garage, so it gave me hope. He had a knife in there that was just gorgeous. I don't recall what the blade was made of, but the rest of the folder was all titanium, with beautiful stag inlays. Traditional lockback, not a liner lock. Had a thumb stud for easy opening and a clip. Everything I like, all on one folder. Felt great in my hand, good balance, the handle and blade were just right. Didn't ask him how much it went for.
Filled up several pages with notes. Little tricks of the trade. Very nice guy. He really went out of his way to be nice. He called us on our drive back to see how we were doing, and again today. He's even offered to stop by next time he's in town and help us out on the machines if we need any help. Just a good guy.
-skuld
Got to fondle several knives, finshed as well as ones in every state of production.
Also ended up trading for, with some cash, too, a Landis-American sewing machine for sewing leather sheaths (and I hope it'll work on holsters, too). Got to play with it a bit in his shop, too.
The neatest part though was touring through his folder shop, inside a refriderated semi trailer outside the shop. Wow. Packed full of tools, but not so crowded you can't get around. Not much larger than the room I have available in my garage, so it gave me hope. He had a knife in there that was just gorgeous. I don't recall what the blade was made of, but the rest of the folder was all titanium, with beautiful stag inlays. Traditional lockback, not a liner lock. Had a thumb stud for easy opening and a clip. Everything I like, all on one folder. Felt great in my hand, good balance, the handle and blade were just right. Didn't ask him how much it went for.
Filled up several pages with notes. Little tricks of the trade. Very nice guy. He really went out of his way to be nice. He called us on our drive back to see how we were doing, and again today. He's even offered to stop by next time he's in town and help us out on the machines if we need any help. Just a good guy.
-skuld