Jay Fisher - Fine Custom Knives

I thought about what i must write in this letter for 7 last years.
Mr. Fisher, you have been my teacher, inspired and role models at all that time. For anyone who wants to learn how to make a finest knives, just need to read read and again read your web site. Encyclopedia of knives! 8 years have passed since as I started studying and learning on your web site. Thanks for your titanic work! Thank you for your web site, a place where you disperse many myths about the knife making reality! I look forward for date of publication your book, your book for me is the most cherished dream.
I wish you a long life, God bless you for your work.
Best regards

--Igor Pozdniakov

Hi Jay,
I'm writing merely to thank you for the vast amount of information you've put up on your website.
I am an engineer professionally, and make knives in my free time. I learned everything I know about knifemaking from the internet, and a significant portion of that knowledge came from studiously reading your site (many times over.) The technical knowledge you've published was extremely helpful, and your work itself is a huge inspiration.
I also took a page from your book and decided to "give back" - I wrote an extensive report on a telescope I built, in the hope that it would help others in the same way that your website helped me.

Thank you again!
--R. S.

Dear Mr. Fisher,
I hope my e-mail finds you in good health. I have recently read on your webpage that you are recovering from a surgical operation; I wish you a fast and successful recovery.

I am writing to you to thank you for your work, and for the works of art that you are creating, and for all the great knowledge on your webpage and all the inspiration you have given me. There are many beautiful, decorous knives with great fit and finish, but many of them are impractical and only decorous. Your works are beautiful, "clean" (not overfilled with details) and intended to be used. In my opinion they are just the best.

I am a young knifemaker and your works give me inspiration to make possibly the best knives. I will need many many years to achieve the quality anywhere near to that which you are making, but I will try my best. The problem with making better quality knives is that I don’t have anyone to talk to about them, to learn from or to find solutions of some the problems. Most of the other knifemakers in my country stopped their development at bushcrafts and somehow excluded me from their "community." The few that are making anything better just don’t want to share any knowledge.  I wish I could visit you one day to talk about knives and learn something from you (I really have many questions), but I know that it is rather impossible. Neither have you have the time nor I money to travel to USA. I will be glad if you find time to at least read my e-mail.

Today, after several hours of hand-finishing very hard hypereutectoid stainless steel and trying to achieve mirror finish, it came to my mind that you would understand the pain of this laborious process and that and I should write to you and thank you. Without you I probably wouldn’t be putting so much work into every knife and wouldn’t be making them as well as I am right now (compared to what I did several years ago).  

You don’t know me, but you are my mentor and teacher and the most important thing that I learned from you is to constantly develop and strive for the best. I wish I could learn directly from you, but I am glad that I can at least read your words, watch your videos and see photos of your works.

Thank you Mr. Fisher! I wish you and your family all the best!

With best regards, B. G.

Hi Jay From South Australia

THANK YOU! Your website is a rare treasure. I have learnt more in one evening from your website in one than a month of scouring the web on blade technology.

I am and have been a part-time hobby jeweler for years who had aspirations of making a knife for myself as a display of my "talents". That is the problem with finding the best out there. It can make you feel like an infant who has just shat in his nappies! I'm confident in my design skills as a jeweler but when it comes to blades I am a noob and WAY out of my league. 

I'm going to use your site as a study reference as this art is something I am determined to learn. Was trying to find someone to do a blade on commission to fit my handle but was not satisfied with what is available to me here. When reading the manufacturers (Damasteel, Sandvik, Crucible) instructions on hardening and tempering their premium martensite alloys many recommend cryo treatment for optimum tempering but have yet to find one commercial small volume heat treater here in Australia who does it. When I queried this they (the heat treating firms I made inquiries with) dismissed it as not important! HUH? So I dismissed them! Mediocrity is not inspiring. AT ALL!

That made me both frustrated and angry and also determined to find an answer. Then I come across your website and literally in one evening a lifetime of myth and bullshit on blade craft was wiped from my mind. Ahhhhhh! It was a cleansing experience I assure you!

I have a LONG journey ahead of me. Absorbing everything on your website is but the first step. THANK YOU for your honesty, your professional attitude and the dedication to your craft that inspired you to give so much. It is very and mandatory reading at a time in history when but a precious few in their given art. I wish you all the best and I am sure that better is yet to come.

Kindest regards,
Mark Gessner

Jay,
I know you're swamped with more important emails, so not expecting anything in return. I just wanted to let you know that I recently binge watched all your YouTube videos and then poured through your heat treating/cryo discussion on your website, and enjoyed it all.
I was encouraged by your line about an "advanced book" in which you implied a further dissertation on a cryo processor that could be built. All I could say is that I'll keep an eye out for it! A cursory search for building one has not produced any viable sources, but I'll keep digging.
Thanks for the fantastic information!

Sincerely,
D. H.
(A knife maker with far less experience as you, but nonetheless the same aspirations)

Thank you for everything you have taught me via your website. I try to follow your philosophy and guidance on every one that I make. I'm no Jay Fisher, but I'm getting better everyday. Thank you. No need to reply. I know you are busy.

--Kevin Zito

Hello Jay,
My name is Donnie Owens; I am a disabled US Marine and served in combat in Iraq. I have been a x-ray combo pipewelder and bench hand for the better part of my life. I am a HUGE knife guy and i just was reading your article on knife testing: very, very well done. I have been doing some blacksmith work at my house recently (2-3 months). I just wanted to say I really, really love your knives. I don't want anything from you, just wanted to let you know that everything that I have read has been 100% true; I like that. I would one day like to purchase one of your blades. Anyway, that's really all, if you have any pointers or information that you would like to have had when you first started, I will listen. That is all. I hope you have a good day and i will get back to your website.

Thanks again,
Donnie Owens 

Hi, Donnie.
Thanks for writing and thanks most for your service and sacrifice for our country.

If there were one piece of advice I could give that I wish someone had told me when I started 40 years ago would be don’t set limits. There is no limit to what can be done when we truly love the craft. As a young man and beginning maker, I thought that what could be done with knives and what I could do would be limited, and that I could only go so far. I was amazed by what happened when, day after day, I worked in the field I love. I’ll also admit that I didn’t realize how important it was for me to create these pieces, and consequently, how important they would be to their owners.

Thanks again,
Jay

Hello Jay,
...I only e-mail to say thank you for your straight forward, understandable language used to clarify all your personal ideas, visions and aspects around Knife-creating.
I found and visited your website by pure chance, in the exact right place and time whilst finishing my own process in fine-tuning my visions, loose ends and fascinations as a visual-artist. Your clear voiced experience, and insight was helpful in a more universal way than merely the building of quality Knives. Maybe I could relate to the subject, because I have a fascination for Knives since my youth, and I believe I can grasp the mystical aspect of the Knife.
Anywho...  The devil is in the details, so Thanks again.
May your knife business flourish like all other D.I.Y. quality knife businesses, and all other businesses for that matter.
Cheers,

DLMS

Mr. Fisher,
I have been learning to make knives for three years and the detailed information you provide, for free, on your website is extremely helpful.  The volume of information is almost overwhelming, so I am constantly revisiting your website to see what I missed from the last time.  I am grateful that you take the time to maintain a huge website in addition to the works of art you create.
It was exhausting and hilarious to read the emails you have received in the past.  I can't believe you get these by the hundreds and thousands.  By you posting those emails and your comments, I am able to learn from other people's mistakes and they show me what I can expect if I ever endeavor to turn knife making into more than just a hobby.  In those emails, I am also able to learn the characteristics of a high quality knife and what I should strive for in my own efforts.
Again, thank you for sharing so much information.

Respectfully,
Robert
San Antonio, TX

Jay,
I just wanted to share a note. I am in awe of your work. I've spent many hours combing your website. As a craftsman and hobbyist myself, I am in complete awe to what you do. The sheer perfection and flawlessness of your work would be impressive so much on its own, but the prolific extent to all you do nearly overwhelms me.
I've made my own knife designs, featuring my own lapidary work.  Nothing on the spectrum of what you do,....but I treasure what I've made.
I'd like to get a fixed blade, with a gemstone handle from you someday. In the mean time, I wanted to thank you for your art and inspiration. I enjoy just spending evenings looking at your work, admiring the file work, seeing your artwork in so many mediums (metals, lapidary, leather, etc.)
You should write a book, or consider a coffee table book with your wonderful photography. I've never come across anyone like you or the work you do. I will be so sad if ever your website goes away. I hope there is a way your legacy will go on. Your work is singular.
Thanks for your art and inspiration.

Best,
M. M.

Hi Jay,
Just had to say thanks a ton for all the great info on heat treating and cryogenic treating of knives. I'm a novice to knives but an analyst by trade, so I appreciate that level of detail to learn more about the process. The more I learn, the more I appreciate all that goes into the art and science of knifemaking.

--E. B.

Hello Mr. Fisher,
As the title of this email already says, each time I am visiting your website (daily :) ) I become even more and more impressed.
You are for sure the best knifemaker alive and not only for your gorgeous work but also for your vast knowledge.
Any visitor, no matter of his profession will definitely find in your website a reason to go further, to learn more and to improve reaching for perfection. I never tried to find a fault in your work as I am sure it would be a waste of time, the way you are judging things, the sack of knowledge behind each and every thing you make is enough to know that you are facing a very fine educated man and craftsman.

I simply adore your courage to face and combat the lies promoted by the huge "sharks" on the market, never seen this before and maybe I will never see it again; it requires arguments, self trust and motivation for the good of the customers. Once again thank you very much for all your efforts to share your vast knowledge with us! May God bless you for long and peaceful years in the Sharp Instinct Studio! :) All the best,

--A. (apprentice knifemaker)

Mr. Fisher.
Thank you for your wonderful and well informed site about knives.
So far I have spent quite a few hours reading fascinating info way beyond of what I was looking for.
I have masters degree from mechanical engineering. In the course of my study I have also studied some [steel] metallurgy subjects. I work as an IT contractor for a large steelmaking corporation. I *very* much appreciate your very sensible, balanced and pragmatic info on the topic.
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the info and wonderful advertisements on site - the pictures of your fantastic work.

Best regards
--Stanislav
from Slovakia

Since ordering the knife I have spent an average of an hour per day going through your website,  but I still have quite a ways to go. For me that is saying a lot because I usually have no free time for such recreational things. I have willingly shirked some responsibilities over the past week simply to keep reading your website! Your writing style is incredibly informative and clear. I look forward to reading your books. And I see there is a documentary coming out on you. Looking forward to it. 

--B. H.

Jay,
I can’t thank you enough for the abundance of knowledge that you have made available for folks to read. I’m old enough and wise enough to recognize wisdom in others.

Thanks again,
M. B.

Hello,
This is the first contact I have ever attempted to any manufacturer, company, or individual creator of anything ever. I'm 54 years old. I came across this website and your amazing knives quite by accident, web surfing for a good quality survival,/combat, quality knife that I could trust with not only my life but my families if I ever was in a situation that required it. I have looked at hundreds, finally bought a Gerber hunter/ survival knife; its seems to be a quality blade, too short, but I believe it wouldn't break, I'm not happy with the edge or length or overall profile/ geometry its got @1 3/4 serration near the grip which kinda makes the straight blade edge too far from the grip to control but its the best I've found save an old Kabar bayonet my dad( ex ranger) had from Korea. Both just aren't quite right and seem crude to me, I have not abused either and wouldn't anymore than I would abuse any other tool I own. They just lack the right feel. Any knife, any good knife should be an extension of your intent....balance, weight, visually, and most importantly it needs to cut anything you intend to every time without fail: no chipping, no breaking, hold an edge. Just as you mention in your incredible explanations it needs to be a perfect combination of hardness, flexibility, balance, perfect blend of form and function. That's just not going to happen with a mass produced knife.
I have some experience In engineering, heat treat and metal fabrication, over 30 years, my dad for over 40 years before me. I live to create, anything really, but to me form has to meld with function, or its just not complete. It's not enough for it to work, it has to look and feel right as well.
I don't have the words to express the respect I have for your creations, not just what they are but especially what went into it. Someday I will ask you to create one for me. It will have to be the perfect size, shape and I have absolutely no doubt if you make it it will function as well. I hope to send you a drawing and a idea of what I'm envisioning and let you mold it, tweak it , whatever into the perfect blade .its going to be one of the most difficult things for me to do because ideally I would be there watching you do it. The things I have that I value the most are things i have made or modified myself. Because of the demand and your exacting methodology I'm sure that's not possible for me to do.
What you do and how you do it is truly unique, especially in this age of mass produced disposable crap that passes for quality. The value of what you represent in your pursuit of perfection in your art is really priceless. That being said I hope you have taken an apprentice who could perhaps continue in your craft, it would truly be a great loss to have the skill and knowledge you have worked so hard to achieve be lost. Every once in a great while someone emerges who has transcended those before , as I believe you have. Please don't let it be lost. I would jump at an opportunity to see you ply your craft in person; would you ever consider having someone visit for a while to maybe watch and learn something about how you go about you trade? Hopefully you will he able to complete my knife and probably a fighting type sword if I can scrape up the cash for both, they will undoubtedly become heirloom blades for my future family.
I had to write, obviously you don't need my approval, or my compliments, I'm sure you get many from professionals who use your knives in real, meaningful situations. I just never felt strongly enough about anything to take the time to write before.
Thank you for being who you are, the world needs more like you, not just blademasters but any who would put the time and effort into their chosen passion as you have. That lack of passion is lost on our youth today and its a tragedy. I just felt compelled to say something, sorry for taking up your time. I really would love to have an opportunity to talk with you and see how you make these incredible blades on your website, as I'm sure many many others would as well.

Thank you,
Dennis

Hi Mr. Fisher,
My name is David S. I live here in Albuquerque NM. I'll start by saying I love your work. I don't wish to waste much of your time, but I am looking for an apprenticeship or at least some guidance. I'm willing to work for free. I'm dedicated and reliable. I have zero experience, but I'm intelligent and learn quickly. I'm sure you're much to busy and have no interest in someone like myself, but perhaps you could point me in the right direction. Everyone has to start somewhere. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. If you choose not to respond, I fully understand. Thank you and God Bless.

--D.

Hi Jay,
I emailed you a few months ago and we exchanged a few emails. Still absorbing a lot of info on the subject. Also ordered the book you recommended on your site for sharpening knives by John Juranitch and am very pleased with the results I am getting. He also explains how to sharpen hand plane blades and that has come in particularly handy as I used to make furniture for a living and still do a fair amount to supplement my income. I thought my hand planers were sharp, but they are now on another level. Your website is quite a resource!

--M. R.

Hello Mr. Fisher.
I just wanted to say how wonderful and valuable your site has been to me. Your works of art are true inspirations-not just as knives but as sculptures, beauty and functionality combined into one elegant piece, not just once but countless times over. It is as if your canvas on which you work is as plentiful as your imagination-which seems to be endless; blending every aspect of a project together and creating a uniform and whole piece of art. Your site has been the most educational site I have come across. In my opinion, without the detailed instruction of every process allows you to work on the philosophy behind the work-the dedication, reasoning, science and the means to creating something beautiful and timeless. And what is a learning experience if someone hands you all the information and solves your problems for you? So far as "instruction" goes, your site can not be beat... I am sixteen years old and have my own, and even successful business- thanks to you. I have learned a great deal, such as proper grinds, heat treating, sole authorship, the use of materials and even working with customers, just from the methodology behind every skillfully crafted knife and valuable insight on the many pages of your website. Your work has kept me going on pieces which I did not think I could finish, when I'm in the dumps because something has gone wrong-a quick browse on your site gives me the fervor and dedication to keep going. Not that I am even close to your skills or knowledge, but I hope someday I might be half as good. One day, If I am lucky enough I will own a Jay Fisher knife- and treasure it forever. I thought that if I never wrote this I would feel guilty... just thank you.
Please keep up the amazing and inspiring work.

-Josh Miller

Jay,
I just spent the last hour looking at your website. I was drooling the whole time.
I am a 59 year old retired tool and die maker with 40 years experience. I have worked with CNC milling centers, CNC sink EDM, & CMM. Done programing on all of the above plus worked on the actual machining processes with these tools. I did complete an apprenticeship in tool and die making when I was a young man. I am also a certified professional photographer. I ran a wedding and portrait business for 12 years while I worked at GM as a tool and die maker.
Do you need an apprentice in your knife shop?
Great looking shop.

Sincerely,
Mike Cunning
Ajax, ON

Dear Mr. Fisher,
I just finished reading your new article about heat treating and cryogenic process. WOW, thank you very much for sharing such lots of information and knowledge. Reading it sure does brings back old memories of college times, as metallurgy is one thing I studied back in college. The way you describe it amazes me; you do it as like you are a lecturer. Very clear explanation, so easy to understand.
Thank you for sharing, and keep up the good work.

--Hendrik Rinaldi

Hello Mr. Fisher,
I just want to start off by saying that your knives are truly pieces of art. I happened upon your site while searching the web for tips on knife design, and I'm very glad I did. Your designs are very inspiring (as are a lot of the words of wisdom that you have filled the site with).
Anyway, I'm a computer and web graphic designer / photographer who has become very interested in knives over the past couple of years. Once I purchased my first quality knife, I couldn't believe how much of a difference it made over the poorly made knives I'd owned before. I have really enjoyed working on small woodcarving and leather projects, and now I would like to try my hand at knife making. While I enjoy graphic design, designing something that has a physical function and beauty is far more interesting.
My question for you is how does one get started? I have been doing as much research as I can, but I don't really know the quality of the sources I'm finding. At this point, I feel I could stumble my way through making a knife, but I want to work at it until I can make art. Is this something that is simply done through trial and error or are there some reliable sources that could help give me a strong foundation. Ultimately, I'm sure that apprenticing under someone is probably the best way to do it, but, seeing as I don't know anyone who I could apprentice under, I'm hoping there are some equally viable options.
I hope I haven't bothered you too much as I know you are a very busy person, but if you could help me a bit with this, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you again for your time. I hope to hear from you if you get a chance.

-M.

Dear Mr. Fisher,
I want to say thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of knife making. I've been reading your website on and off for the past couple of months and I really appreciate you putting the information out there. It has been extremely helpful for a beginner such as myself and I am sure it will continue to be a valuable resource as I hone my skills at this wonderful craft. Again, thank you.

--Bruce Eisele

Titled: Knife Heat Treating Article

"Nice article. A college course in itself.
I have learned more about knives from your web site than anywhere else.
Those TV shows like 'Forged in Fire' are somewhat amusing now."

--R. S.

Your Web Site-

Dear Sir,
I am impressed; you are the epitome of a professional.

--Alan

Hello Mr. Fisher,
I just want to thank you a lot for writing your long detailed page on heat treating. After about 4 days of scrolling internet forums and such, your post laid it out the best. So relieved...!
Thank so much for your time... otherwise all the best!!

Sincerely,
Marc Stanton

Thank you again- like finding the holy grail of treating that cut through all the floating opinionated stuff.

Hello Jay,
I am just delving into knife making as a hobby. Your website is a treasure trove of valuable information that has been a great reference for me. Thank you for investing the time to share your expertise.

Regards,
Charlie Ward Wright IV

Hello Jay,
I was in the early stages of searching for a quality SRK and, eventually, I ended up on jayfisher.com.
Although I spent some of my younger years as a USAF forward controller, I have to admit that I've never been much of a knife enthusiast. I really enjoyed the video on your homepage, however, so I thought I'd type a few words of appreciation. Knife enthusiast or not, the underlying message of self-sufficiency in your story really resonates with me. Please keep up the good work and, even more importantly, keep spreading the word about old-world skills, problem-solving and craftsmanship -- they're all dying concepts.
By the way, I was very pleased to see that you've dedicated some of your talent and vision to military units like the USAF PJs. I trained and worked with some of them: and they clearly deserve the recognition.
Have a good one,

--B.

Dear Mr. Fisher,
I'm 19 years old, and I've just arrived back in the states after working on a mission in Western Africa for the last six months. I've been forging knives out of carbon steel since I was 15, but after returning from a place on the equator line where they all rust, your site has been most helpful in helping me understand that quality stainless steels are not only a corrosion resistant alternative, but also more than durable comparisons (if carbon is worthy of comparison at all, which I'll soon find out).
In addition, your latest page, 'funny emails' and your cleverly placed comments between the lines is simply hysterical! The woman building her relationship with a man that was begun with a sue-worthy design on a paper napkin is a winner. I'll be reading some of these aloud to my family around the dinner table tonight, and have no doubt they choke with laughter the way I did.
All in all, I would like to personally include my thanks among the many others who have also done so, for your site is very informative and inspiring to both aspiring craftsmen and adventurers alike, not to mention the new element of clean, tear drowning entertainment. Stay sharp!

Joseph

P.S. Please forgive me for any ignorance on my part in case I've missed something that already exists, but if you ever have a subscription option, even a paid subscription, I'd definitely be interested, as I am positive countless others would be as well. It's rare to find a site that is bursting with legitimate information and good humor.

Hi Jay,
I just wanted to take a moment to compliment you on your site.  You make some very beautiful knives.  I have recently started making my own, and I am learning from many sources.  I have used some of your knives as inspiration in some of my designs.
I am not anywhere near the level were I could start selling them, but would like to be someday.  My primary hobby is woodworking, but I am a knife lover and recently started.
I am active duty military (US), and currently stationed in Germany.  I have been in 21 years, so I will be looking to retire soon.  I would love to be able to do woodworking/knifemaking to put food on the table, but I am still a long way from that!
Anyway, just wanted to drop you a line to say I like your work.  I have it bookmarked as a 'favorite' so I can see if you do any updates.

Take care,
--B.

Dear Jay,
Your knife site is frankly dangerous. I have lost myself for countless hours reading and ogling your website and learned more about knives and knife making in the process than I thought possible. I especially love your simple, clean and extremely verbose technical style.
In the world of knife making your site should be listed as a cultural treasure.
Regardless, thank you from the bottom of my heart for one of the best websites on the internet.

Sincerely,
Aaron Young

...I enjoy your writing, colorfully injected with humor. I appreciate the work and knowledge base required to produce the works of fully functioning art you've pictured. I understand the research and diligence required on your behalf to have become top notch in so many fields (lapidary, leather tooling, computer knowledge/website design/script writing, and many more) makes you and your product one of a kind. The hours and dedication required to accomplish these feats is staggering.  You have accomplished and mastered multiple specialties.  Most will attain one, if that.  Further, I appreciate your ability to articulate your thoughts utilizing proper English, grammar, and punctuation. That ability, pride in end product, and respect for the reader is rare these days; more and more people are using text lingo/slang in business writing.  Thank you for taking this reader through the steps and equipment used and needed to offer such fine knives; a journey through your history as a craftsman, who clearly loves what he does to the point of learning other crafts in order to further his ability to offer the world a fine knife/work of art/investment opportunity/legacy item for generations to come.  You are an amazing man and one who has every right to be proud of his accomplishments.  I am truly amazed and inspired.

Thank you for your time if you have the opportunity to read my email, and in advance regarding an answer if you are kind enough to send a reply. Should my email not reach you, I am thankful still for having found such a valuable source of information in many fields.  I hope to one day be able to own a custom piece made by you.  Finally, a purchase my husband not only won't fight me on, but will happily help me with the decision making.

Best Regards,
Christina Coffman, GJG