Christopher Price 22 Posted March 9, 2012 (edited) So I saw this last night, and it's still up today on CBS news. News Story Now, I don't mind the guy getting publicity, but I resent that the public will take from this the notion that cutting out sheet steel and putting an edge on it is all we as knifemakers do. How do we get someone to film such a high-quality documentary on the more involved experience of forging, let alone smelting, to get a piece of steel to the point Mr. Bukiewicz starts with? I know there have been a few excellent videos here, maybe someone should send the links to the reporter. (edit, I went ahead and added the John Neeman videos to the comments, hope you don't mind sir.) Edited March 9, 2012 by Christopher Price Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ben Potter 2 Posted March 9, 2012 I agree with you Chris BUT, many people don't even realized that anyone makes knives by hand any more at all. The fact that the national news is talking about knife-makers (and not production knife companies) is a huge plus. Any interest in the craft is always welcome. Someone watching this will get interested and come to realizes quickly that there is a whole world of bladesmithing/knifemaking to explore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richard Furrer 50 Posted March 9, 2012 MOST knife makers do a version of just that. I'd rather see this type of thing where a local guy is filling a local need with smart production methods which are well adapted to the product made. The video was extremely well done and captures the guy's mood..why he does what he does. The comment on the four-five guys doing custom kitchen knives..well...maybe he does not get out much or maybe he draws a line at full time just kitchen knives...so..I'll let that slide. What burns my muffins is when I see a "smith" bang a round bar flat, grind the rest to shape, dunk it in old motor oil and place a turd of a handle on the end and say he is one of the best in the business....seen that on TV twice too many. Think of it..he is meeting and working with his clients (apparently chef's who use knives on the job)...and hosting classes on knife use and care...seems like a good business plan to me. I'd like to have more like this Joe Bukiewcz working in high rent areas (major cities) filling a local need and slowly bring him into the hot work end where he may be able to express himself better....he took the risk and went full time and is making a go of it...I applaud that even if I do not share the same aesthetic he does. Ric Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Christopher Price 22 Posted March 9, 2012 Excellent point, Ric. I find myself in agreement with you and admit not having thought it through all the way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geoff Keyes 381 Posted March 9, 2012 Bill Burke got some TV time here in the Great North Wet a month or so back, about 10 minutes worth, but good stuff. Not too much hyperbole about the magical properties of forged steel. I'd rather see him get the air time than some others I won't name. Geoff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richard Furrer 50 Posted March 9, 2012 Bill Burke got some TV time here in the Great North Wet a month or so back, about 10 minutes worth, but good stuff. Not too much hyperbole about the magical properties of forged steel. I'd rather see him get the air time than some others I won't name. Geoff Quit picking on me. Ric Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HSJackson 12 Posted March 12, 2012 CBS did a story on Bob Kramer a few years ago for their Sunday Morning magazine show. Video is still on their site: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5738120n Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deker 31 Posted March 12, 2012 CBS did a story on Bob Kramer a few years ago for their Sunday Morning magazine show. Video is still on their site: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5738120n Bob was also featured on a Modern Marvels episode IIRC. They've covered blade forging a few times. I just recently saw the one on swords and axes with Paul Champagne.... -d Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Sheffield 3 Posted March 13, 2012 The one most memorable to me was Howard Clark was on and more recently twice for Owen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Blue 1 Posted March 14, 2012 There was one with Louis Mills that was pretty good too. Ric, the problem with getting you on TV is that most producers want a script, not stream of consciousness. They can't handle your multi-thought entrainment... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eric Leonard 0 Posted March 16, 2012 Oh man, I remember a group of guys I went to high school with said they made "the best knives in the world, hands down" By being, and pardon my slander here, a buncha leaf spring grinder jockeys. buuuuttttt The cost of a stock removal blade and one that was forged to shape and filed/sanded to final finish, will be quite a substantial difference. Unfortunately for us, most people just arent willing to pay what wrought knives are really worth. Its a shame really, but im certain most are like me. I do it not for the money nor the fortune, but for the love of the craft. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JMJones 0 Posted March 16, 2012 A rising tide floats all boats. I am happy to see each and every positive exposure that our craft gets. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
