Old timer said my file work was too perfect. What does that even mean?

Was at a hammer-in last Saturday outside Nashville. This guy, been smithing 40 years, picks up a knife I did with 40 lines per inch. He says "too perfect, looks machine made." Said I should leave more tool marks, show the hand. I get the appeal of that rustic look. But I spent hours on that file jig. Practice, measuring, checking angles. Seems like that should count for something. Other guy there said the opposite, said clean work shows respect for the steel. So which is it? Are we making art pieces or tools? Does perfection kill the soul of a blade or does sloppy work just look lazy? What do you all aim for in your finish work?

1 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

1 Comment

williams901mo ago

Yeah but what did that old timer actually do with his own knives, did he show you any of his work or just critique yours? I get the whole handmade soul thing, but every time I see sloppy tool marks I just wonder if the guy ran out of patience or was making a choice. That's the real question, is it a style decision or just a story people tell when they can't hit 40 lines per inch?

6