[TheForge] Newby knifemaker

[Kevin donahoe]

Paul (13years old) was dropped off yesterday afternoon by his mom at the
appointed time, even brought his own safety glasses, and after I fashioned a
sweat band, was able to keep them on :)  Made him do some old fart warmups
with a 3 lb hammer, curls and tricep extensions, pointing out that it will
matter more in 30 years.

Somehow I thought I could demo a technique and let him go at it a bit, but
he pretty much took steady direction.  Even after burning up a piece in the
coal, I had to tell him when to check the iron every heat.  Drawing a point
was the first challenge, just made sure to let him know that when he missed
and hit the anvil to not let the hammer smack him in the face.  He promised
to practice hammer control on a 2x4 at home.  We ended up making a letter
opener out of 1/2" square in about 3 hours.  Had to make him drink water
regularly, as he got to feeling a bit nauseous.  What a challenge to explain
things that have become reflex over time... make brain hurt!  He was
thrilled with the results (it ended up being 75% his effort, 25% mine), and
I stamped his name and date in the blade.

He went home with my QuadState flyer, and his dad intrigued at the prospect.
At least I didn't scare him off :)

Kevin Donahoe
Flying Pig Forge
Morrow, OH
flyinpig@go-concepts.com