I Failed My Master Bladesmith Test...

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ม.ค. 2025
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ความคิดเห็น • 715

  • @WillStelterbladesmith
    @WillStelterbladesmith  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

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    • @johnmoeller8318
      @johnmoeller8318 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Are you considering scheduling a session after this?

    • @CobraJeans
      @CobraJeans 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +60

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    • @smartgorilla
      @smartgorilla 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Exactly not fun. More American scam qualified my ass
      ​@@CobraJeans

    • @matthewnett
      @matthewnett 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +61

      Please don't support better help or take them as a sponsor. They do not vet their therapists and have been caught and were sued by the FTC for selling users data to social media and targeted advertiser's. Also they make it almost impossible to quit their service once started. Please take a better look at your sponsors before accepting deals from them.

    • @Volti-Vagra
      @Volti-Vagra 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

      1:28 ontop of supporting -BetterHelp- ScammerDen, that part lost me

  • @BlackHoleForge
    @BlackHoleForge 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +220

    I congratulate you on having the courage to share your mistakes. Mistakes are how we learn.

    • @matthewshevlin9825
      @matthewshevlin9825 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Man I’m so glad you said it, it shows humility, and an extremely high degree of integrity! He’s doing it, so someone else doesn’t make the same mistake! I respect it immensely. Great job Will, you will get it next time!

    • @Variable-2-actual
      @Variable-2-actual 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yes, we all know now not to move the power hammer with a pallet jack.😊

    • @MrGoesBoom
      @MrGoesBoom 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Absolutely...too bad current culture has made it so people are both afraid and ashamed of making mistakes to the point of doing everything to hide them instead of learning from them

    • @KhanggiTanka
      @KhanggiTanka 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      its not even a mistake the judges had crap in their eyeballs

  • @apexjiujitsu1
    @apexjiujitsu1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +180

    14k gold advice from a professional goldsmith. We coat anything we’re going to stick the torch on with a boric acid & denatured alcohol solution. Dip it in the solution, burn off the alcohol, & the boric acid coats the piece. That keeps the damned oxygen away from the damned copper in the 14k gold. That’ll save you from getting a fire scale in the first place. In case it ever comes up, silver behaves similarly. Fine silver anneals very easily and becomes extremely malleable whereas sterling silver with all that damned copper in it doesn’t get nearly as soft and work hardens very quickly. For best annealing results with either gold or silver use a slightly reducing flame to help mitigate copper/oxygen interaction.

    • @Wiseman501
      @Wiseman501 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      I'm a jeweler and watchmaker. Came down here to say just that. These boys could use a few weeks in a good jewelry shop to learn some critical techniques and resources that they'd probably go wild with. Oss.

    • @jessehemphill9406
      @jessehemphill9406 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Why you keep having to say damned?

    • @Wiseman501
      @Wiseman501 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@jessehemphill9406 He's a jeweler. All jewelers tend to be somewhat angry and pessimistic.

    • @Cheddar555
      @Cheddar555 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      @@jessehemphill9406 Why not?

    • @Bob_Adkins
      @Bob_Adkins 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@jessehemphill9406 He hates oxygen. All jewelers do.

  • @twostroke350
    @twostroke350 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +129

    Make the next handle so fluted, you could use it as a ream.

    • @tildessmoo
      @tildessmoo 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Or make it out of a ream or a mill bit or something?

    • @thenakinavy
      @thenakinavy 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      or as an instrument....

    • @Wiseman501
      @Wiseman501 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@thenakinavy Yes. 🗿

    • @coreymorse1347
      @coreymorse1347 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      "Your flutes are too pronounced and therefore not flutes. Now get off my lawn!" -A judge probably.

  • @69Buddha
    @69Buddha 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +82

    By my count you've got about 11 months to get the next set ready, so chin up and hammer down. You'll get it.

    • @Fatespinner
      @Fatespinner 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Lmao, no he won't. He doesn't know the chairman.

    • @KrakenCasting
      @KrakenCasting 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Chin up and hammer down. I like that!

    • @JackNormalMemes
      @JackNormalMemes 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Even the old masterwork he cites as straight flues was clearly rounded and had more flutes closer together to accentuate the rounding. Anyone would have been DQd these days for what will submitted its stupid but its how far the bar has moved.

  • @robertzarfas9556
    @robertzarfas9556 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +200

    You’re not bad at making knives. You’re bad at having foreknowledge of the way a loosely defined word would be interpreted by specific people.
    And have so much fun in Seaside! It’s a wonderful little tourist spot.

    • @MrHahaJayuman
      @MrHahaJayuman 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +34

      His issue is not knife making, his issue is time management and planning. He did the same thing on his Journeyman set and, although very skillful, he was "lucky". I say this as someone who has procrastinated in the past and needs the pressure of a massive deadline to actually start working. If Will learns from this and truly wants to be a master he will start his next knife set now...not ~12 weeks out again.

    • @ThatOneBlacksmithGuy
      @ThatOneBlacksmithGuy 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      ​@@MrHahaJayumanthat was what I thought to- I'm nowhere near his level and it amazed me he was starting 5 knives 3 months before they were due.. what he accomplished is impressive as hell but if he had given himself more time he def woulda been able to correct this

    • @spudpud-T67
      @spudpud-T67 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      You must have failed 'mind reading 101', just like I did.

    • @foldionepapyrus3441
      @foldionepapyrus3441 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      @@MrHahaJayuman Time management and organisation is good to have as a skill, but he did actually get all the blades done to automatically fail for no reason beyond interpretation of exactly what a word means... If you can do good quality work in a short time still it doesn't actually matter if you look chaotic in the process, and at least on camera those blades look very good.

    • @Marss13z
      @Marss13z 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@spudpud-T67 I took that course...University of Hard Knocks.

  • @hulkthedane7542
    @hulkthedane7542 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +21

    Not passing a test due to lack of strict/clear guidelines SUCKS. Not passing a test, you prepared hard for, sucks.
    I hope for you, that you find a relevant mental shelf to put your disappointment on and then go forward (in better time, perhaps..) and smash that test. You FOR SURE have the skills to become a Master Smith, and even if it takes another year to get there, you will be a young Master.
    Keep up the good work. 👍👍

  • @__w__o__w__
    @__w__o__w__ 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +25

    That dagger still looks insanely nice. The damascus pattern is amazing, the way the swirls darken in towards the hard lines

  • @SummitFourtyOne
    @SummitFourtyOne 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +39

    So sorry to hear that Will, hang in there, we believe in you! Thankful for your positive outlook!

  • @anglerseawolf9919
    @anglerseawolf9919 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +46

    I have to give you respect Will. Your magnanimous attitude after being failed for that reason was better than how I would have reacted. With zero definitions standardized, they should have never been allowed to give it their own off-the-cuff definition. Especially after other(s) have been passed under the same rule-set. Or has it changed? I talked to a master-smith around here a few years ago and he didn't tell me about having to go through all that when he was tested back in the 90's.

    • @r0llinguphill483
      @r0llinguphill483 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

      Chances are that gatekeepers have started flooding in and are trying to keep everything to themselves, like gatekeepers do. It doesn't sound like the behavior of someone with actual passion about something. People with a passion share passion. Will has a passion, he shares, he doesn't gate keep.

    • @Fatespinner
      @Fatespinner 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

      ABS isn't the same group it used to be. The chairman and vice chair aren't even good smiths, and there's a lot of pay-2-play with them. Kind of an open secret in the smithing world at this point. If you're not Kevin's personal pocketbook or a friend of someone on the board, Master Smith isn't just a lofty goal, it's an impossible one.
      ABS used to be a marketing tool for any bladesmiths. Now it's a marketing tool for very specific bladesmiths, paid for by the hopeful masses.
      The chairman, Kevin, he didn't even test for Master. He just had it awarded basically on the anniversary of becoming a Journeyman. He doesn't even make blades anymore, his business is, again, fleecing up-and-comers. Charging a grand for a "two week" workshop, come to find out, it's a total of 4 hours (two days a week, 1 hour a day), and he has a habit of missing it entirely anyway. Hell, his user page has two blades made by SOMEONE ELSE.

    • @brunovandooren3762
      @brunovandooren3762 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      @@Fatespinner I have been told by multiple ABS masters that the purpose of the ABS is not what it once was, and one of them flat out said it had outlived its original purpose and that there was a great deal of 'pulling up the ladder behind you' going on.

  • @doorknocker7958
    @doorknocker7958 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +212

    Hopefully the ABS can clear up some of those definitions…

    • @alextopfer1068
      @alextopfer1068 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +54

      yeah. "it has to be fluted, we don't define flue is" is not a good test design. I hope someone submits a handle that is a literal flute

    • @twatmunro
      @twatmunro 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      They don't need to clear them up because everybody knows what a flute is. If you don't, you can Google it. Will's handle wasn't fluted. Consequently, he didn't pass.

    • @MrCoyoteculler
      @MrCoyoteculler 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

      A drill is a good example of fluting. But...that example that passed 10 yrs previously doesn't seem to meet that criteria either so ya that's screwy.
      Keep up young man! Your work is fantastic and I'm positive you will be a Mastersmith.

    • @alextopfer1068
      @alextopfer1068 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

      @@twatmunro "a flute is a member of a family of musical instruments in the woodwind group"?

    • @betaich
      @betaich 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +29

      @@twatmunro for a proper designed test on specifications of a thing every word should have a definition of its meaning attached, I just looked up my countries master smith stuff and everything is defined in there from he hours you have to finish a thing up to dimensions and stuff.

  • @Marss13z
    @Marss13z 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    A friend of mine was dating a gal whose dad was a Marine general, retired. My friend asked how he'd gotten to be a general and the guy said, "I always did what the mission required. Nothing more, nothing less." I've thought about that a lot over the years.

  • @Seelenschmiede
    @Seelenschmiede 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +134

    "Your flutes are not fluty enough so we do not call you flutes flutes. Disqual!"
    Let's talk about gatekeeping...

    • @MrGc6asl
      @MrGc6asl 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

      Just look at bladeforums and the direction that has gone too over the years. Doesn't help Will is young as well. It is very similar in a lot of these "master" tests. A ton of these old masters wouldn't even come close to passing the standards they set for others.

    • @Aaron_Ada
      @Aaron_Ada 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +22

      @@MrGc6asl They absolutely DQd him because he is young, and a popular TH-camr. There is a lot of gatekeeping in the trades in general. Artisan trades/craftsmen even more so. They bemoan how no young people don't want to get into physical labor but pull this crap. I am also sure part of it is gate keeping their own sales. The VERY least they could have done was look at the other knives and given feedback.

    • @Culvey
      @Culvey 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      am i not fluty enough for the fluty club... (in reference to Master of Disguise)

    • @Fatespinner
      @Fatespinner 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      @@Aaron_Ada ABS is all about promoting friends of the chairman/vice chair. They decide who qualifies for journeymen and master bladesmith. And they absolutely do not use the same criteria each time, or even anywhere close. To put it another way, the chairman and vice chair, each of them have ONE master-worthy blade on their user profile by the supposed "standards". In neither case is the blade their own work.

    • @mementomori4972
      @mementomori4972 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      @@Aaron_Ada To be honest, that's not what I would consider to be fluting either. With fluted handles, the space inbetween the wire is usually scalloped and the wire is Inlaied on the high edge of the grove. What he made is a reeded handle, not a flutet handle. That said, Rodrigo Sfreggos handle was not fluted either, and even though Rodrigos dagger was all around obviously a lot more complex, which I believe the judges took into account, If they allow it in one case, they should allow it for everyone else or delete the requirement from the rule book. Let's be a bit more realistic here. Will wouldn't have passed in any case. Another requirement is that the wire must be firmly attached to the handle, which it wasn't. The judges don't wan't to trash a blade and won't point out every single thing that is wrong with it. A master piece is not something you rush on a road trip.

  • @lkdenve
    @lkdenve 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +76

    I’m sorry, Will. But, build from this and kill it next time. Your work is fantastic and inspires a lot of us.

  • @hamijoh
    @hamijoh 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Your attitude is always so encouraging. What a remarkable person you are. I imagine your friends value your friendship. Keep up the great work. God bless.

  • @R_C_Parker_
    @R_C_Parker_ 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +30

    Damn that sucks Will, and its a shame that you couldn't even get some constructive critiques on the rest of the set because of the technicality. We all fully believe that you can smash the test next time, hope you're able to carve out a bit more time next time round to nail your set. Love seeing your vids, can't wait to see what you create next; it'd be cool to see you explore that amazing pierced bowie design again one day.

  • @superblahman
    @superblahman 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Okay... so lesson here is do the most important one first, because hey... if the others have looser rules, you don't have that pressure on, you are relaxed, and that way, you are more likely to get them done in a way you like.

  • @bradleetaylor4055
    @bradleetaylor4055 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Will, your knives are amazing! But what’s even more amazing is seeing you being bold about your faith! Love it bro!!! Keep grindin!!

  • @nairolf8144
    @nairolf8144 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Keep your head up Will, it wasn't the time yet, I can't wait to see what your actual MS set will look like.

  • @hetconaviation2624
    @hetconaviation2624 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    You're an awesome role model for people of any age. This world needs many more like you!

  • @Sokattash678
    @Sokattash678 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You got this, Will. That's a gorgeous dagger.
    Not that you asked for it, but this is some encouragement that always helps me is that experience is not always success. You learn more from failures than an easy win.

  • @2kanchoo
    @2kanchoo 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +36

    Sorry you got knocked out on a petty technicality. Pretty ridiculous they wouldn't even look at the rest. A guy that came so far and has everything right there on the table in front of them, the least they could do is take a look and offer comments/criticisms. Obviously you put yourself in too much of a time crunch. Hopefully next time you can leave yourself much more time to get everything right and be able to fix any possible errors well ahead of time, not to mention not be so tired as to make mistakes and forget things. Love your work, good luck next time.

    • @nickhadfield3192
      @nickhadfield3192 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

      Regarding the lack of comments on the set - it's seven (I believe) judges, they all have to look at five knives from every single candidate, and really, really, REALLY get into the details. It's a long process, and it may have just not been practical to do those hours of work for a candidate that has been disqualified. I've helped a friend who also went for their masters by doing a very rough look over his blades (well before final finish, I'm not that good) to get an idea of any mistakes before going too far. Even that took half an hour per blade, and I was looking for stuff that was pretty "big" in comparison to what the final examination is chasing.
      Not defending either side here (I think the MS rules are overly strict and limiting in terms of design and cater to the old school Seppo aesthetic and designs more than modern and even international styling), just adding clarification.

    • @soonerfrac4611
      @soonerfrac4611 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

      Anything that can give an automatic DQ should have very clear definitions.

    • @dearcastiel4667
      @dearcastiel4667 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Funny part is, the juges don't even know what fluting is.
      Rodrigo Sfreddo's dagger doesn't feature fluting either, the handle has reeding, which is the exact opposite of fluting (if you carved fluting in a foam bloc with a hot wire in one cut, you'd get two halves of your foam sheet, one with fluting and the other with reeding, reeding is the motif that fills the gaps of fluting).

    • @morlath4767
      @morlath4767 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I winced when he was talking about finishing the handle on the drive down, but I understand why they didn't look at the other knives. Regardless of whether the fluting was a legit DQ reason, if the judges thought it was, then why would they look at everything else? I imagine some people have passed their exams even after a technical DQ because of the sheer quality of everything else, but that would be a one in a million shot. From a purely time/judging perspective, unless everything else about the knife screamed master quality, I don't see why they should look at everything else when the knife doesn't qualify. In creative writing terms, it would be like being told to write a poem in one meter system but you did it in another.
      It sucks for Will (and other applicants), but it's a logical decision.

  • @Lolloolollool
    @Lolloolollool 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +50

    I realize my opinion holds absolutely no weight in this forum, but an immediate DQ for such a ridiculous reason makes the whole master bladesmith organization look silly and like they don't have their act together. Next year should go smoothly for you now that you know the exact (and arguably incorrect) ways they are anal retentive. You are already creating at a master bladesmith level. I realize that stamp is important to you, but keep in mind that your top notch work speaks for itself, and anyone with a critical eye will tell you the same. Keep it up man.

    • @andyshriner5443
      @andyshriner5443 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Exactly this. I don't think some arbitrary nitpicking stands in the way of a professional at work, we can all see the skill Will has. Having that stamp would be really helpful I imagine, but he's a master in my mind.

    • @ciarangale4738
      @ciarangale4738 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      To play devil's advocate, would a master screw up the wire like that? would a master be mistaken about fluting? I am not for a moment disregarding the quality of the work, but in the context of claiming masterhood? I understand being brutal

    • @Lolloolollool
      @Lolloolollool 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@ciarangale4738 Those are great points. I suppose I hadn't considered it that way. Masters do still make mistakes being human and all, but in a testing situation like this one, it's understandable that they would be held to a higher standard. Didn't he say something about the rules regarding the fluting being vague though? It's been a while since I watched and can't remember exactly. Either way, I appreciate your insight!

    • @ciarangale4738
      @ciarangale4738 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Lolloolollool Apparently the rules were vague, which I fully agree is bullshit. However, I have seen others say that not even the thing he was using as a reference was considered fluting, so it's a rather complex issue.

  • @goretoothrender
    @goretoothrender 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +23

    Bad luck Will. As they didn’t even inspect your submissions, would you be able to submit the same ones for the next show?

    • @dearcastiel4667
      @dearcastiel4667 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      If the juges are smart (or as smart as people who ask for fluting but don't actualy know what fluting is because Rodrigo Sfreddo's dagger dodesn't have fluting either, it has reeding) they'll change 1 specification for each knife each year so new knives have to be made.

  • @thetalantonx
    @thetalantonx 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for a truly therapeutic video. Honesty on the whole process of why you failed, what you can do later, and then how to recover and enjoy the rest of a very fruitful and connected life.

  • @CakesFlushing
    @CakesFlushing 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    What do you call a lawyer that failed thr bar exam 8 times? A layer. You'll get there.

  • @epmunson75
    @epmunson75 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for the update! Looks like you’re handling it all with class.

  • @gruntingtucan4894
    @gruntingtucan4894 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Awesome to see the constructive view from a failure. I really appreciate the breakdown and candor of your recap. Thanks for this. My kiddos and I watched, and I got to have a great conversation about not hitting a mark and later over coming that obstacles. Keep it up man

  • @elterga6224
    @elterga6224 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Tough break, I’m no blade smith, but I would also consider straight flutes to still be flutes. Regardless, those pieces look superb and you should be really proud!

  • @timothybeloved6307
    @timothybeloved6307 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Videos like this are incredibly important. Thanks man

  • @trevorhall5075
    @trevorhall5075 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Man I’m sorry that happened to you.
    I was at blade show Friday stopped by your table a few time hoping to meet you but you weren’t there the times I stop by. I saw your knives and the dagger they were all absolutely Amazing.

  • @Arkie80
    @Arkie80 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Tough break about your Master Smith stamp Will. And it's a shame too, because that dagger is gorgeous. But stick with it. You'll get there. As they say 'To stumble is not to fall but to go forward.' Sounds like you had an incredible experience and made a lot of memories.

  • @nunyabusiness3612
    @nunyabusiness3612 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You got this Will. Failure is just a stepping stone to deeper and more nuanced learning. Stay in the fight, you absolutely got this 💟

  • @braylon3233
    @braylon3233 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Sad to hear you not pass... keep workin at it! You'll get there. Also it was awesome to meet you at Blade! And Thanks for critiquing my work I brang!

  • @carolbuzelim
    @carolbuzelim 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sorry for that Will, you will pass your master next time
    Good to hear you have so many friends to trust when you need

  • @Sgt_Potato_1
    @Sgt_Potato_1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +22

    You've got this in the bag as soon as the judges actually see your knives. The disqualification sounds like they were being nitpicky, to be honest. No offense against them but most people would consider those flutes, so they need to clear that up if they are going to use it as a disqualifier.

    • @dearcastiel4667
      @dearcastiel4667 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      If you look at woodworking definitions, that was indeed not fluting at all, at best it's reeding. But Rodrigo Sfreddo's dagger is also not fluted, it is textbook exemple of reeding. Reeding is the opposite motif of fluting.
      Fluting is semi-circular carvings with narrow ridges.
      Reeding is semi-circular ridges with narrow carvings.
      They are like a positive and negative of a carving.

  • @patriclark2480
    @patriclark2480 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Respect to you Will, for the effort and trip, and for sharing the experience with us.
    Keep up the great work, and being a great guy.

  • @jamesbarisitz4794
    @jamesbarisitz4794 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Tough break. Flute the heck out of the new handle! I've always been a fan of your work, Will.👍

  • @lolh4x
    @lolh4x 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    The fact you even managed to get 5 finished blades even remotely close to the level required is amazing regardless dude. You shot yourself in the foot with time mismanagement and I think you know that. I'm sure there were some small mistakes here and there but overall, you definitely got this. Just need to set yourself up better beforehand!

  • @Tincad4
    @Tincad4 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Congratulations bro. Glad you learned so much. Have a great time preparing your next master Smith set

  • @snorkherder
    @snorkherder 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You Rock Will, your work is excellent and will always be. Maintain focus, keep the faith, that Master-smith title is just sat there waiting for you. God Bless.

  • @redrover1565
    @redrover1565 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Sounds like the judges work for the government, ie: "You are required to know what is expected of you without us telling you. And if you don't, you will be penalized." And, yes; as far as time management goes, you are culpable.

  • @matthewavery8756
    @matthewavery8756 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love your work Will, your my favorite out of the bladesmith and smithing youtube! Keep up your determination, it will happen and life is about the journey!
    The knife is beautiful and I believe you are capable of doing the work. One thing I have learned in my industry is that there are many many skilled people who struggle or meet with adversity as they climb the ranks. It does not make them unskilled, and this does not make you unskilled. You are great, stick with it as you always have. I will keep watching

  • @redhedkev1
    @redhedkev1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Your right hand banging on the desk...like two inches from the tip of your dagger was freaking me out.
    Gorgeous dagger BTW!

  • @scurrybilly15
    @scurrybilly15 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    All your knives were amazing, did an amazing job and put in 110%! Pressure forms diamonds and your shining man so don't let this get you down! You have the rest of your life to get your mastersmith and now you know what to improve on and fine tune your set you'll smash it!

  • @jamessissem7319
    @jamessissem7319 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for sharing your "not win" with us all. Shows your humility, thanks for that!!!

  • @Tishers
    @Tishers 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Master Bladesmith sounds like many other highly exclusive guilds. There is always a little bit more than just your technical proficiency in to earning your stripes.

  • @thepatientartisan
    @thepatientartisan 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Head up Will! You're a true artist and an amazing craftsman. Let that experience become fuel to propel you on to your goal of earning your Master Smith stamp. Don't let it be anything other than a waypoint on your journey. A point that you can look back on and see how far you have come on the path to your success. Be well.

  • @timothycurvin7670
    @timothycurvin7670 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It was great to see you at Blade, Will! I hate that you didn't pass, but those knives are a major accomplishment regardless. Keep up the awesome work! God Bless!

  • @JamesBrowne-o9k
    @JamesBrowne-o9k 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Will,
    I've been watching you since you were at Alex's place and have always liked the way you are so open and honest. I'm gutted for you that you didn't achieve your Master Blade smith. However, the way you've accepted it has been amazing. I know you must be broken on the inside, but mistakes make us stronger, stay positive, you will get there.

  • @ozijak
    @ozijak 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Will you're one of the best knife makers I've seen on this platform. Crap happens, you will 100% get this, can't wait to see what you make for them next time. Keep your chin up

  • @williammorrin7933
    @williammorrin7933 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You did great on that Will. Even with some of the "imperfections" it looks great. Keep it up and work for next year man. God bless brother.

  • @heideknight9122
    @heideknight9122 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hell yeah dude thanks for the shopping tips. Best wishes for your next mastersmith test!

  • @markoconnell804
    @markoconnell804 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That means we get to see you pore your heart into making more efforts. Your loss is our win!

  • @Ismael.biegelmeier
    @Ismael.biegelmeier 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It was a great pleasure to be your table neighbor at Bladeshow!! Next year I'm sure MS will come!

  • @HDBrown-wc9xt
    @HDBrown-wc9xt 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Will, you kick butt! It’s awesome you still went out for it. Personally I think those are flutes. And darn good ones too.
    When can you start to knock out those knives for next years test?

  • @brosius85
    @brosius85 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A few things. Your work is an inspiration and i love almost all of what you do Will, i love how open you are and how giving and sharing you are with your knowledge experience and energy. it really is a gift. The ABS are incredibly ancient in their thinking and want traditional work above all else. Being someone who does non traditional work (pizza cutter, marshmallow fork etc) is going to put a bad taste in their mouth from the start. I'd suggest having voices like kyle royer's out there is not their favorite thing. Having an MS badge means to the general public you are speaking for the ABS and what you say is now authoratative, if you are already a star, they are basically having to "marry" you to their brand which they probably are quite anxious about.

  • @justinbanks2380
    @justinbanks2380 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That is rough Will that you got an immediate disqualification and didn't even get your knives critiqued to let you know what you need to work on or are doing right.
    But that being said, thank you for sharing your experience and even the errors or down parts along the way, with us.
    Keep your head up Will! You got the right attitude and are taking as a learning experience.

  • @LordStarbeard
    @LordStarbeard 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You did an amazing job, Will, you'll get it next year!

  • @scottyj10200
    @scottyj10200 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Those dagger requirements make me feel like Neels had a hand in writing them. The man is a dagger master!

  • @garychillingworth
    @garychillingworth 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I think your examiners were Sans cervelle. Dagger looks amazing and is definitely fluted, it's just not a spiral flute.

  • @CloneUnit-sq2vs
    @CloneUnit-sq2vs 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You got this Will keep it up chase those passions ur work is valuable to me at least makes me wanna blacksmith and continue with my stuff. I appreciate ur effort!!

  • @AndyKeppel
    @AndyKeppel 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Aw dang. I'm sorry, that was a huge investment to be DQ'd so quickly. Your work is stunning and I can't wait to see footage over the next year after you find some rest from this and set out creating a new test set with a renewed joy! You've got this! He's got you!

  • @josephd.harris6954
    @josephd.harris6954 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You are a great guy and I am a long time fan. Keep at it!

  • @MadRS
    @MadRS 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hey Will. Chin up bro from what we have all seen you are a fantastic knife maker. Your going to absolutely kill it next year. I'm not sure if they set out different criteria each year but start as early as possible and show those judges the exquisite skills your have and present them the best 5 knives they have ever seen.

  • @stylin40s
    @stylin40s 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    I had the luxury of growing up in a family of entrepreneurs. My life motto is "Failure is easy, you can learn from it, never be afraid to fail, success is much harder and very much harder to learn from." You have the character and patience, you will succeed.

  • @maxmaxwell4774
    @maxmaxwell4774 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Truly sorry to hear your troubles will, but beautiful work as always!

  • @firebird8600
    @firebird8600 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You got this Will! You'll get your stamp. Absolutely beautiful work, even if it didn't meet their definition.

  • @AgryptNos
    @AgryptNos 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    The words "arbitrary & capricious" come to mind.

  • @s1gne
    @s1gne 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Finishing a knife just before Bladeshow is maybe cutting it short too much.
    But you learn, you adapt and come out stronger, next year on Bladeshow you wil present 5 flaweless knives that you will be proud of

  • @tetsumai2
    @tetsumai2 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Keep up the hard work, I think you defiantly have what it takes to get your stamp.

  • @blueknightknives5130
    @blueknightknives5130 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hey, your class was great! Thanks for all the new ideas! Ya, i got sick after blade show too... the place was a petri dish! If you're in Idaho Falls, stop in at my forge and say hi! I got some Golden Gate Bridge cable coming in for a build next week!

  • @maximus_knives
    @maximus_knives 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I amongst many, werent happy about that. Glad to see you just pushing forward. Also hope you enjoyed that stogey.

  • @CookinWithSquirrl
    @CookinWithSquirrl 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thank you for sharing even the bummer stuff when it happens.

  • @keithpreston1841
    @keithpreston1841 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Failure is a cruel, but highly effective teacher. You seem to be an excellent student who will learn from this. I enjoy your channel very much and believe you to be a genuine artisan. Hang tuff. You'll get there. Thanks for sharing the journey.

  • @DtWolfwood
    @DtWolfwood 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What I've learned from this, make the thing with the most stringent requirements first, and make a checklist of all the stuff I need to bring to an event. Thanks will. 👍

  • @bukofezra
    @bukofezra 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    You are a true artist Will. Obviously it sold, it was a work of art. You go above and beyond in the patterns you create in the way you layer your steel, it is just a shame that the definition and true qualifications are not clearly defined for the final judging. Oh well, now you know, and I have no doubt that it is in the bag, especially with a full year of more experience. You got this...and you know you do.

  • @Rouverius
    @Rouverius 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Bummer about the test. But. really encouraged about your outlook on all of it.
    Pray that things go well for you. Lord bless you, Will

  • @DanBowkley
    @DanBowkley 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Could you have a former judge have a look at this set, or next year's, well before the next event to get their feedback in time to rectify any problems that they see? I'm willing to bet most of them would be happy to provide a critique.

  • @cornonjacobdotcom
    @cornonjacobdotcom 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You made me expect this result with your previous uploads, but the random technicality caught me off guard. I can’t wait to see the next set that you’ll hopefully give yourself more time for! I’m hopeful that all of your artistic ideas can be actualized in the next set

  • @RileyCoyote
    @RileyCoyote 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ugh. So gutted for you. I watched those knives come together on your insta and I was rooting for you to get your MS so hard. Missed you at your table unfortunately, but my spouse and i came to your pattern welding panel and we could tell you were knackered 😩
    Think of it this way - you get another year to further hone your craft before you present again!

  • @Little_River_Forge
    @Little_River_Forge 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Now you can absolutely kill it next time. You have been producing master level work for a while now. I’ve seen it in person multiple times. You got this homie.
    🤘🇺🇸🤘🇺🇸

  • @thechronicgeneralist
    @thechronicgeneralist 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Congratulations on finishing all 5 knives that's already quite a feat. If you were disqualified on a technicality you just know next year it'll be a breeze. You got this and we'll be here cheering you on until it's official! 🎉

  • @billhatcher2984
    @billhatcher2984 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I find it hard to believe Salem hasn't done his qualifications but I guess not if he hasn't been to a blade show his work is extraordinary I don't think there is anyone better if he doesn't want them to be

    • @PrometheanBlade
      @PrometheanBlade 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      I appreciate the kind words. I’m not ABS affiliated though, and won’t be…

  • @wanderingthewilderness
    @wanderingthewilderness 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Awesome of you to start this vid off mentioning out Lord. Doing my first blacksmithing demo in a traditional shop tomorrow for an Independence Day Celebration

  • @Variable-2-actual
    @Variable-2-actual 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I haven't laughed that hard in a while.😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 You describing the wire problems was gold. (See what I did there) Should probably start on next year's entries now so you might be ready for it then. Good luck man.

  • @stokermeister3
    @stokermeister3 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sorry to hear that you had a rough time with the testing 😨😭 hope you will do better next time and take more time to plan and get your pieces completed to the standard that you are happy with 😁

  • @iqognito7726
    @iqognito7726 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hey man listen! There are many paths to the top of the mountain but the view is always the same. Seems to me that you had an amazing trip and also learnt a lot during all this time.
    I have also done some stupid last minute things and all things considered it went pretty good? Worst that can happen when you "burn the candle in both ends" and stress while working stuff is that you get hurt.
    So keep going and enjoy the trip. The view will be there later on!

  • @rickdworsky6457
    @rickdworsky6457 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Failure is just another step on the trail of success. The path itself is your success, just continue.

  • @ivanheffner2587
    @ivanheffner2587 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Dude. That’s harsh. It’s a tough lesson. I hope you take a bit of time to regroup and come back in a year giving yourself some more time to do your master smith test set.

    • @Bob_Adkins
      @Bob_Adkins 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      He will be a year older, so the judges may be friendlier next year.

  • @alexparadi522
    @alexparadi522 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    1. Huge hug for you.
    2. Love the positivity you show even in the face of difficulties (that's kinda jerky of the panel to not assess your other knives - are you supposed to just keep on fixing one element at a time and trying again?)
    3. Why not keep the knives, fix the one problem and re-apply? Seems like you are gearing up to make a whole new set?

  • @dearcastiel4667
    @dearcastiel4667 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    For the oxyde on gold: baking soda, hot water, aluminium foil. Won't be 2000 grit perfect polish, but it will get the oxyde gone and the gold shiny.

  • @Epikification
    @Epikification 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The overlay for "passed his test" was well placed. First thought was that you were talking about a dead guy.

  • @codyology
    @codyology 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I remember years back, there was one guy that failed his 2 or 3 times for having a dagger that was too futuristic. Wish i could remember his name to see if he ever passed.

  • @9volt965
    @9volt965 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    So excited to see what you have coming down the pipeline. It’s incredible powerful to see you fail with such a positive attitude and really speaks to your faith and walk with god. Keep the content coming.

  • @nicholasrossi3656
    @nicholasrossi3656 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The best Knifemakers I know have had to do it twice.

  • @mcseforsale
    @mcseforsale 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Many years ago, a man told me that "failure" is just practice.

  • @izralyahya8411
    @izralyahya8411 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Your amazing Will....never give up...

  • @Donorcyclist
    @Donorcyclist 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You’re a trooper, Will! You’ll get it next time!

  • @BrianLTanner
    @BrianLTanner 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Seems to me like some may be jealous of you brother. You are young and one of the best in this country. Haters gonna hate. Keep up being inspiration for me and my hobby-level smithing.