The metalworking insight: Like the
phoenix of mythology, where the magical and spectacular bird rises out of the ashes to start a new long life, remarkable knives and metal objects arise out of the metalworking dust and debris that accumulates day to day in the shop. Each forging session, belt sanding session, or bandsaw visit results in grime on the floor, on hands, on machines, in the hair and on the clothes. You may remember the knifemaker's aunt's toggle upon arrival to the shop on the first day. Now, it looks like she's been a worker! Routinely, she makes a mid-day visit to the bathroom to wash her hands. It takes 3 passes with soap and washing to get to a point where the water in the sink runs clear.
The knifemaker's hands shows evidence of the work he does, complete with cuts. The line on the second finger of the left hand was a cut this week when a drill press offered more resistance than anticipated. You can see his clothes. YET, the floor in the background is swept! The dust and debris is emptied into the trash can with the thought that any dust and grindings swept up is dust that cannot be blown around when a breeze blows through!
The metalworking insight: Like the phoenix of mythology, where the magical and spectacular bird rises out of the ashes to start a new long life, remarkable knives and metal objects arise out of the metalworking dust and debris that accumulates day to day in the shop. Each forging session, belt sanding session, or bandsaw visit results in grime on the floor, on hands, on machines, in the hair and on the clothes. You may remember the knifemaker's aunt's toggle upon arrival to the shop on the first day. Now, it looks like she's been a worker! Routinely, she makes a mid-day visit to the bathroom to wash her hands. It takes 3 passes with soap and washing to get to a point where the water in the sink runs clear. 
The knifemaker's hands shows evidence of the work he does, complete with cuts. The line on the second finger of the left hand was a cut this week when a drill press offered more resistance than anticipated. You can see his clothes. YET, the floor in the background is swept! The dust and debris is emptied into the trash can with the thought that any dust and grindings swept up is dust that cannot be blown around when a breeze blows through!