Bob Rankin, wow just 3 years!

<p>A custom knife maker only 3 years he has the skill set of a man who has been making for far longer. We discuss his transition from new maker to a highly respected damascus maker. “We are all trying to get the same spot and if we get there different ways that’s fine”.  </p> <p>See the full blog at <a href= "http://www.tobyfireandsteel.com">www.tobyfireandsteel.com</a></p> <p><strong>What we spoke about.</strong></p> <ul> <li>He has been a welder for 25 years before getting into Damascus and knife making.</li> <li>Started knife making after watching forged in fire.</li> <li>One day at work he told a friend that he was going to build a forge and it all came from there.</li> <li>He went on to build many of his tools including his forging press.</li> <li>The first big purchase he made was an Even Heat kiln.</li> <li>His real love is the damascas and he makes knives to warrant the time so he can sell knives to pay for the materials.</li> <li>Part of the reason he sells his damascas is that he loves to see what other people will do with it.</li> <li>Feels that technology is partly responsible for newer makers skills growing so fast.</li> <li>People often don’t know they want a custom knife until they have used one.</li> <li>A knife can be a funny thing they can often carry memories like being handed down from father to son etc.</li> <li>His own son is in the navy and he made him and himself matching knives out of the same billet of damascus.</li> <li>He called his company after himself because he stands behind his quality.</li> <li>Talks about the transition from someone asking for advice to someone that people ask him for advice.</li> <li>Likes doing a collaboration with other makers.</li> <li>Knife making is about learning how to fix your mistakes. If you’re not struggling a little on every knife you may be stagnant.</li> <li>We are all trying to get the same spot and if we get there different ways that’s fine.</li> <li>Guys like Kyle Royer his attention to detail and precision is just next level.</li> <li>When hea