We All Stand on the Shoulders of Those Who Came Before

In any craft or art we all "stand on the shoulders" of those who came before us.  In particular, Ellen and I are very grateful for the unselfish sharing of their time, art, knowlege, and insight to some very talented bladesmiths.

• Tim and Marian Lively from whom we gained an appreciation for and insight into the use of traditional methods

• Ed Caffrey from whom we learned much about the proper heat treatment of 5160 and 52100 and who probably knows more about steel, thoughtful design and "The Total Package" than most ever will.  Ed hosts a discussion forum in Ed Caffrey's Workshop at the Custom Knife Directory Forums.

• Don Fogg does beautiful work and has provided a wealth of very useful information on his website.  Don hosts discussions in the Bladesmith's Forum.

• Daniel O'Connor who thought up just about the niftiest charcoal-making retort design ever.

• Many of the folks we've met online in the forums mentioned above.

• Those who came before us all.  The smiths of the past who made things of timeless function and elegance using everything from rocks and campfire to tools not unlike the ones we use today.  Without their skill and vision mankind would, quite literally, still be in the stone age.

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