Frenchy's

Although I have long been interested in knives, it's only since late 2005 that I actually started making proper ones. What started out as a 'one off' turned out to be a blessing in disguise and something from which I derive lots of personal fulfilment and satisfaction through exercising the freedom of latent creativity within me. Moreover, the therapeutic benefits have been considerable as I am never calmer or more at peace with the world than when I'm working away at knife or stick making.

I have no pretensions of being a genius or an exceptionally gifted craftsman, but I put plenty of heart and soul into this hobby of mine. I'm self taught and if 'experience' is another name for 'lots of mistakes', then I'm becoming reasonably experienced with the passage of time! The learning process is ongoing and the prospect of discovering new and exciting things is a tonic in itself. If I get an idea or someone suggests something, I'll have a go anyhow as that's the best way to learn and, if it all turns out fine, then it's bonus.

I've always been able to 'make and fix things', but work commitments etc., limited the sort of activities I could get involved in. Now my situation is such, albeit on account of some health issues, I'm at least able to involve myself in something that I really enjoy doing.

Although primarily this is more of a therapeutic type hobby/activity for me, I do get rather immersed in it and at times I find it hard to put my tools away! I can't plan ahead too much, but as long as I feel up to it and the availability of materials to turn my ideas into finished objects are to hand, I could be fairly productive on a good day. A bad day for me is when I'm not too well and unable to potter about in the shed. On such days I'm even grumpier than normal! However, it's during such times that I get some of my best ideas.

There are only so many knives and sticks one can make and keep for oneself. Then there is the cost of materials, which aren't exactly cheap. So, what normally happens is that once I finish a knife or a stick it joins my collection where I enjoy it for an indefinite period. Eventually I have to turn over my collection so I can buy more new materials to make new knives with because that's the main part and what I really enjoy the most. This cycle repeats itself at irregular intervals and in the long run things seem to balance out. As a bonus I'm able to pursue my interest at a higher level and experiment more than if I were to fund everything out of my meagre 'pocket money'.

I don't have a fancy workshop with all the latest hi-tech tools. Not at all, just a couple of little sheds with barely somewhere to sit is my domain! I make good use of the little space I have and the few tools I managed to put together. I've recently added a cheap all-in-one music thingy so I can listen to a bit of radio and my favourite Opera singers, which can often make me quite emotional! Anyway, mainly it's down to a lot of ingenuity, elbow grease, infinite patience and practical common sense. While perfection is open to personal interpretation, I set myself high standards and would have no qualms about re-working and even dumping anything that I'm not happy with. It seems that my way of doing things is bearing fruit as can be seen from the Test Review on British Blades.

Next to making my stuff, the opportunity of sharing them with like-minded fellow enthusiasts who appreciate such handiwork, gives me a lot of satisfaction. I get a heck of a buzz and find the experience highly fulfilling when someone who sees or gets a knife off me says "Wow - I love it!"

I'm very grateful for all my blessings and the opportunity to share with you the content of this website, which I hope you find as pleasurable an experience as I have intended it to be...

Last updated

23 Nov.

2008

DEDICATION

I dedicate this website in memory of my best friend Dave (Geordie) Lisle, with whom I shared so much and had planned to share much more, were it not for his early and sudden demise on

15th July 2005, at the age of 54.

A true and steadfast very best friend of all time like Davey

only comes along once in a lifetime...

Faith, Hope and Charity

Have faith in yourself and do right by yourself and others.

Never give up hope in the face of adversity, remain steadfast and

you will win through in the end.

Be charitable and kind in thought and deed, for you shall receive

both many times over.