a knifesmith
From the earliest years of our lives, we begin to think as to what we might like to be in the future and commonly use the phrase “when I grow up”. Some of us like Richard, have always thought of nothing other than being what he wanted to be when he grew up, a Marine. As soon as he was able, at the age of 15 years and nine months in his case, he joined up and started a career in the Marines.
Richard’s journey is somewhat of an accomplished one throughout his time in the Marines.
He completed his training and as the years went by, he began to rise though the ranks from Marine, to Lance Corporal, to Corporal, to Sergeant and finally to the rank of Colour Sergeant. A period of service that saw him deployed on two tours of Northern Ireland, one in Iraq, four in Afghanistan and two more in Africa.
“from Colour Sergeant to Knifesmith”
Outside of his active duties and overseas deployments, there were of course elements of down time, home time and free time, so Richard looked towards other interests which could help him acquire employment or self employment once he decided to leave the Marines, when the time was right of course. We reference certain ideas and interests on line these days via the like’s of those web based video platform sites and other mediums and that was where Richard came across knife making or “knifesmithing” as we refer to it. He slowly began to develop his interests in this and eventually taught himself the skills and practices of a knifesmith. He’s been doing that now for the last seven years or so whilst he was still in the Marines and more recently at home since leaving military service after 24 years this January. All that planning in the past has now worked out nicely for Richard as he now is a full time Knifesmith.
For those of you like myself who have never seen or witnessed or experienced how knives are crafted and created, I watched over Richard as he transformed a piece of stainless steel into a thing of beauty. The time it takes to design and make a knife in Richards case can be as quick as a day or so. A rather interesting method he uses on some of his creations are called Damascus blades. The steels used are stacked and welded together, then heated at high temperatures to form a solid block. The block is forged multiple times, folding and stretching it to create layers of overlapping metal. This creates a very unique and unusual patterned blade. Big skills are required for this lengthy process, something Richard has clearly mastered.
His choice of materials when he makes his knives are mixed and varied. Stainless steel for the blades and grip with the addition of a selection of epoxy resins for the handles, varying in colours and some varieties of woods too, not one of Richard’s favourites. All hand crafted by Richard in his full functional garage. A furniss in one corner plus a selection of dangerous looking devices scattered around the edges and tools everywhere, all with a purpose.
The medals in the case that sits on his bench (see gallery) all have a history to them and form part of Richard’s deployments over the years. From left to right they are, Northern Ireland medal, Iraq medal, 2 tours, Afganistan medal, 4 tours, Diamond Jubilee medal. Platinum medal and the final one being the illustrious Long Service Good Conduct medal. Below those sits his cap badge and the small collection below that, his formal dress medals. What a collection! I felt very humble in Richard’s presence bearing in mind his past and the long military service to his Queen and country. Cheers Richard. RD
