Next Generation

We have had a very fortunate experience of becoming friends with a FL Knife Guild maker, Tom Enos. He has invited us to learn the trade with him at his shop. My son & I have made several trips but last Friday was my daughters first work session with Tom. He is very patient with us Rookies!

Here's 4 of the 6 that are in process! The top boot knife is my son's & finished. Ebony handle. handle in order going down walnut, walnut, cocobola. Daughters is in the vice and another one of mine is still at the shop. Hey... ya gotta start somewhere!

Another great work session w/ Tom Enos in his 40 plus year old shop! Last Picture is of our 1st four we've completed!

They're kinda like Kids.... you always think that yours are pretty good!

Think you had a great time!! And I think it´s very special to hold the "own" knife in your hands!!

User error on not adding knife shot.

Oh well, now it came back from 1st post. Happy Easter everybody!

Steve,

Great photos of a great activity (Nice family by the way)! I'm sure you know that Tom worked in the Randall shop for a year or so in the early 70's before he went out on his own. You see some of Tom's early knives come up on e-bay from time to time. Here's an example:





As you can see, he went to Maurice Johnson for sheaths after Maurice moved to Castleberry (As did Ralph Bone).

Best,

Yes Ron, I do know most of his history. He has many treasure's just hanging around. Ironically, thru some relatively new friends, met some other sheath makers. His machine... a 30 year plus or minus... is broken. It is a "Randall" Lock Stitch, and I found a guy that can fix it. So hopefully next 3 weeks will be learning basics of sheath making!!! He redid handles on several of my fire knives and some sheaths before the machine broke. I keep bringing supplies to the shop and he keeps coming up w/steel, hilts, handles. as genuine as they come.

I am so blessed that a 20 and 16 year old want to spend time with an out of date dad and a 79 year old knife geek..

I have so much to learn from all the people that have impacted this lifestyle and industry and am fortunate that Tom and I crossed paths! And you as well!

Wow!
Great stuff Steve. Quit an experience.
Thanks for sharing.
Tony

Yes Sir! It is I who is awe struck. The expeience is great and to involve my kids!!! Should be a Master Card moment.. However... We like cash!!

all I can say is that I'm impressed, Steve. Carry on, Sir...

Very nice Steve, It's good to see your kids starting young and taking interest. I wish somebody would of pointed me in this direction 30 years ago or so. It's never to late to get started. Great work and keep the pics coming.

Thanks and will do!

Way to go Steve! Seems a lot of time our kids just need OUR time, finding something to do together with it like this is great!
Keep 'em rolling

Hey Steve, I just found this old thread and thoroughly enjoyed reading it! I just contacted Tom myself. I have a few of his knives included with my Randall collection and wanted to show them off to Tom again. The first one from his first year in business, 1973 and the second, a Bowie from 1995.