Shared Sentiments

It sounds like the title of a romance blog, doesn’t it? (Lol) Of course, it’s not about that—it’s about artisans. There are things in this world that you should and shouldn’t say to people. Sometimes, not saying something can feel just as uncomfortable as saying it. You might think, ‘Oh, it would be better if they did it this way,’ but normally, you wouldn’t say that to someone. Maybe it’s more common to say it when asked, ‘What do you think?’ But I tend to speak my mind, even if it’s seen as ‘meddling.’ I’ve been told that before. It’s uncomfortable for me not to say something when I know it might be helpful to the other person. Bladesmiths, for example, don’t readily reveal their techniques. Of course, because doing so would mean giving away their experience and skills for free. It’s like if a chef shared their secret recipe. But I met a craftsman who did just that. They said, ‘Because it’s SUISIN…’ and then proceeded to share even the parts they thought they shouldn’t. After returning from SUISIN and entering their own workshop, they called me to express their unease. They started the conversation with ‘This might be unnecessary, but…’ and left the decision up to SUISIN. Finally, they quietly added, ‘It’s because it’s SUISIN… If it were anyone else, I’d leave it be.’ That made me really happy. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such great artisans. That’s why I want to continue offering honest, high-quality knives for craftsmen like them.

• 2009-04-08