Independence Project- Knifemaker

My name is Randy Summers and I was born on January 8, 1977.

As I said in the video, I grew up around knives and knife makers. I have attended knife shows, forging demonstrations, knife making classes, and read countless books and articles on knife making. After all of that I felt it was time for me to start making some of my own knives.
Like a lot of people I have very little money left over for hobbies, but over the years I have managed to collect enough tools, equipment, and materials to get started in knife making. I was given a grinder and I built my own forge from directions I found online. The rest I have just picked up here or there. It is enough to get my "feet wet" so to speak but not enough to really make a go of turning this into a money making venture. I'm hoping that winning the Independence Project will afford me to opportunity to turn this passion for knife making into at least a part time business.
Winning the $25,000 would allow me to purchase equipment such as a forging press for pressing out the steel. I also need a heat treating oven for hardening and tempering the steel. The money would also be used for starting the business side of knifemaking, such as purchasing business cards, business licenses, advertising, and creation of a website to display and sell my wares. It would also allow me to continue my knifemaking education by paying for more advanced knifemaking classes and instruction, as well as allowing me to learn knife making embellishments such as engraving.
I thank you for your time and consideration

Randy

*This video is in no way an endorsement of, or offer to sell prison "shanks".