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I just finished my 100th commissioned chef's knife, a milestone I never thought I'd reach when I started with railroad spikes.

Some smiths argue that high-volume production means you've perfected your craft, while others say chasing numbers can make your work feel less personal and special.
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the_sam
the_sam19d ago
Well, my 100th anything would probably be a burnt grilled cheese. But seriously, from spikes to chef's knives is a wild ride. I'd be more worried about my hands falling off than the work getting less personal.
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linda45
linda4519d ago
Read a cool interview with a potter who said making the same thing 100 times teaches you what to change for the 101st. The_sam has a point about the hands, but that repetition is how you find your own style. It's not about the number, it's what you learn along the way.
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mason.sam
mason.sam9d ago
Yeah, the "hands falling off" part is what got me. After the 50th mug my wrists would just quit and file for divorce. I can see it now... a pile of lopsided bowls and a note that says "we're going to live with your mother, the keyboard.
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