Bob Kramer
Kristan Vermeulen takes listeners on a journey to Bellingham, Washington, a town known for its beautiful outdoors and its vibrant community of makers. The host stays at the Hotel Bellwether, a luxury boutique hotel that showcases the work of local artists and makers in its lobby and guest rooms. The hotel's commitment to supporting local artisans demonstrates the town's dedication to its craft.
One of the artisans Kristan during her time in Bellingham was Bob Kramer, a renowned chef knife maker. The host discovered him through Anthony Bourdain's Raw Craft YouTube series and was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview him. Bob Kramer shares his journey from being a clown to becoming a master bladesmith. He explains that his passion for making knives stemmed from the need to make a living and support himself financially.
Dyslexia shaped career and perspective.
Dyslexia shaped the career and perspective of the individual in the podcast in profound ways. The individual, who remains unnamed in the transcript, grew up with a father who was a dental technician and had six children to support. This upbringing taught the individual the challenges of working for oneself and being a craftsman. The individual's family also believed that pursuing a career in medicine would lead to an easy and successful life.
However, the individual struggled with dyslexia, a learning disability that affected their reading, retention, grammar, and spelling. They did not initially understand that dyslexia was the impediment that made school challenging for them. Instead, they began to believe that they were lazy for not being able to apply themselves to reading and writing assignments.
It wasn't until the individual attended college at Wayne State University that they received a revelation about their learning disability. After receiving a paper back from a professor with a request to meet in their office, the individual was asked if they had ever been tested for learning disabilities. This question was shocking to the individual, as they had never considered that they might have any learning disabilities. The professor then suggested that the individual might be dyslexic, which was a word and concept that they were unfamiliar with.
This revelation provided the individual with context and understanding of why school had been a challenge for them. It reframed their perspective and gave them insight into what they needed to do to succeed in college. They realized that they needed to read things two or three times before the information would stick. This understanding allowed them to reevaluate their potential of going to medical school, which seemed daunting and overwhelming.
The individual also discovered that their note-taking skills were terrible, making it difficult for them to listen and take notes simultaneously. This realization further pushed them away from careers like becoming an accountant or a lawyer, which didn't captivate or thrill them. Instead, they were drawn to a different path.
After a year at Wayne State University, the individual decided to travel and pursue their passion for sailing. They had read a book called "Dove" about a 16-year-old boy who circumnavigated the world on a 23-foot sloop. This book captivated the individual and filled them with excitement and joy. They wanted to experience a life of adventure rather than the slog through college.
The individual embarked on a journey to sail from San Diego to Hawaii, but along the way, they ended up staying in Houston, Texas for a while. It was during this time that they got a job waiting tables at the Houston Country Club. This job allowed them to experience a different lifestyle and introduced them to the world of restaurants.
At the Houston Country Club, the individual encountered consummate professionals in the culinary and service industry. They were inspired by the older cooks, chefs, and waiters who exhibited a level of professionalism that is rare in today's restaurant industry. This experience showed the individual that there was another path besides the traditional doctor-lawyer-engineer route.
From there, the individual had a year in the circus, which is a story that is not elaborated on in the transcript. However, it further shaped their career and perspective, adding another unique element to their journey.
In conclusion, dyslexia shaped the career and perspective of the individual in the podcast in significant ways. It led them to reevaluate their potential career paths and pushed them towards a life of adventure and creativity. It taught them the value of perseverance and finding alternative paths to success. The individual's journey showcases the importance of understanding and accommodating learning disabilities, as well as the power of embracing one's unique strengths and passions.
Follow your exciting ideas.
Throughout the podcast, the individual shares their experiences and how they followed their exciting ideas, leading them to unexpected opportunities and a fulfilling career. One particular moment that stands out is when they decided to attend auditions for Ringling Brother, Barnum & Bailey's Clowns, even though they had no desire to become a clown. They simply wanted to witness the audition process and see what kind of people showed up. This decision was driven by their curiosity and a sense of adventure.
As they sat among the other participants, the individual was encouraged to participate in the auditions by the clowns. They improvised scenes and scenarios, and to their surprise, one of the professional clowns approached them afterward and suggested they apply for the position. At first, the individual dismissed the idea, but as they drove home, they reconsidered. They realized that their current life lacked focus and direction, and the idea of living on a train for a year and performing in big arenas sparked their curiosity and excitement.
This instance exemplifies the individual's willingness to follow their exciting ideas and explore new possibilities. They filled out the clown application with the mindset of owning a circus and imagining what the ideal candidate would be like. A few weeks later, they received the call that they had been accepted out of 4,000 applicants. This decision to embrace the opportunity led them to Clown College, where they received training from professional circus people, and eventually, they were hired as a professional clown for Ringling Brother.
The experience of being a clown for a year allowed the individual to reflect and reevaluate their life. They began to understand their learning differences, specifically their dyslexia, and how it influenced their learning style. They recognized that they excelled in kinesthetic learning, rather than traditional reading and writing methods. This realization was significant in shaping their perspective and understanding of themselves.
After the year with Ringling Brother, the individual returned to working in restaurants, feeling the pressure to figure out their future at the age of 22. They worked multiple jobs to save money and repair their car, experiencing the demanding and challenging nature of restaurant work. Through these experiences, they learned the value of perseverance and the importance of finding alternative paths to success.
In conclusion, the individual's journey in the podcast emphasizes the significance of following exciting ideas. Their decision to attend auditions for Ringling Brother, Barnum & Bailey's Clowns, despite not having a desire to be a clown, led them to a year of adventure and self-discovery. It highlights the importance of embracing curiosity and being open to unexpected opportunities. Additionally, their understanding of their dyslexia and learning style shaped their perspective and pushed them towards a career that suited their strengths and passions. Overall, their story showcases the power of following exciting ideas and embracing one's unique path to fulfillment and success.
Obscure skills can lead success.
The podcast also highlights the value of acquiring obscure skills. The individual's journey into knife sharpening started as a means to support themselves financially while studying oceanography. They noticed a need for knife sharpening in the restaurants they worked in and took it upon themselves to learn the skill. Despite the lack of available resources and guidance, they persevered and eventually became proficient in sharpening knives.
This obscure skill opened up opportunities for the individual. They started their own small business, sharpening knives for restaurants, and even bought an old mail truck to travel from place to place. By offering their services for free initially, they were able to showcase their expertise and attract potential customers. This entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to their craft eventually led to the success of their business.
The individual's decision to pursue an obscure skill instead of following the crowd is a testament to their unique perspective and determination. They recognized that if everyone else was moving in a particular direction, there might not be as many opportunities there. Instead, they sought out the more obscure and less explored path. This mindset allowed them to find a niche market and establish themselves as an expert in their field.
Moreover, the individual's journey into knife sharpening also highlights the importance of self-teaching and seeking knowledge independently. Despite the lack of available resources, they took it upon themselves to learn the skill of knife sharpening. They visited libraries, scoured books, and even traveled to different cities to seek out experts in the field. Their commitment to self-improvement and their willingness to go the extra mile to acquire knowledge played a significant role in their success.
In conclusion, the podcast illustrates how obscure skills can lead to success. The individual's journey into knife sharpening showcases the power of following exciting ideas, embracing curiosity, and being open to unexpected opportunities. It emphasizes the value of acquiring unique skills and pursuing unconventional paths. By taking the road less traveled and dedicating themselves to their craft, the individual was able to build a successful business and find fulfillment in their work. This story serves as an inspiration for individuals to explore their passions, embrace their uniqueness, and pursue their own path to success.
Transition from sharpening to crafting knives.
The podcast transcript tells the story of an individual who transitioned from sharpening knives to crafting knives. Initially, the individual found success as a knife sharpener, meeting the demand for driving from restaurant to restaurant and sharpening people's knives. They took on the role of the "sharpening guy" and sharpened various tools in the restaurant, even if they didn't know how to initially. However, after a few years, the job became monotonous and lacked challenge, leading the individual to seek something more fulfilling.
Curiosity sparked the individual's interest in the science behind knives. They were intrigued by questions from chefs about the differences between knives and why some held an edge better than others. This curiosity led them to delve into the chemistry of steel, the process of heat treating, and the history of steel and iron. The alchemical process of crafting knives and the historical significance of steel captivated the individual, prompting them to explore this new avenue.
To further their knowledge and skills, the individual enrolled in a school in Arkansas hosted by the American Bladesmith Society. The school offered a system where apprentices could work their way up to becoming journeyman bladesmiths and eventually master bladesmiths. The prospect of obtaining a certification as a master of the craft excited the individual and presented a challenge and opportunity for growth.
After completing the course in Arkansas, the individual returned to Washington and started their own business, focusing on crafting kitchen knives. Initially, they had dabbled in making hunting and fighting knives, but it didn't feel authentic to them as they had no personal experience in those areas. However, the individual's background in the restaurant industry and their understanding of what makes a great chef's knife led them to shift their focus.
Crafting chef's knives felt like the right path for the individual. They knew exactly what a chef's knife should feel like and had ideas for improvements and customization. This decision was met with skepticism from their peers in the custom knife world, who found the idea of making kitchen knives amusing. Despite this, the individual persisted because it felt right to them.
The transition from sharpening to crafting knives showcases the individual's willingness to follow their passion and explore new avenues. They were open to unexpected opportunities and embraced their curiosity. By acquiring unique skills and pursuing their own path, the individual was able to find success and fulfillment in their work.
In conclusion, the podcast illustrates how the transition from sharpening to crafting knives can lead to success. It highlights the importance of following exciting ideas, embracing curiosity, and being open to unexpected opportunities. The story serves as an inspiration for individuals to explore their passions, embrace their uniqueness, and pursue their own path to success.
Continuous improvement in knife making.
The podcast discusses the concept of continuous improvement in knife making. The host interviews a knife maker who shares his journey of constantly striving to improve his craft. The knife maker explains that he started by using readily available materials for his kitchen knives, but eventually decided to make his own steel in order to achieve excellence in his work.
The knife maker describes how he came across the concept of kaizen, a Japanese word that translates to "improvement." He was inspired by the idea of continually refining his skills and techniques, always striving to reach the next level of craftsmanship. He applied this mindset to various aspects of his work, including his sharpening process, business practices, and eventually, the creation of his own steel.
The knife maker recounts his experiences of attending hammer-ins, where he learned about tamahagane, a traditional Japanese steel. While the process of making tamahagane was exciting, it was also labor-intensive and yielded inconsistent results. This led him to explore other methods, and he eventually discovered the use of an induction forge to melt steel. This new technique allowed him to create steel in a more efficient and controlled manner.
The knife maker admits that the process of learning to make his own steel was not without its challenges. He had to experiment, discard failed attempts, and test different formulas. However, through perseverance and a commitment to continuous improvement, he was able to develop formulas that produced high-quality steel. He gradually incorporated this steel into his work, aiming to replicate the qualities of traditional Japanese steel.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of paying attention to detail in the knife making process. The knife maker explains that the look of the steel, its performance on a sharpening stone, and its response to heat treatment all provide clues about its quality. He acknowledges that capturing the look and qualities of traditional Japanese steel is a difficult task, as it represents the pinnacle of art and technology.
In conclusion, the podcast highlights the significance of continuous improvement in knife making. The knife maker's journey serves as an inspiration for individuals to embrace their curiosity, explore new ideas, and constantly strive to improve their craft. It demonstrates the value of being open to unexpected opportunities and the rewards that come from pursuing one's passion with dedication and perseverance.
Crafting Japanese-inspired steel tools
Crafting Japanese-inspired steel tools requires a deep appreciation for the traditional craftsmanship and dedication that goes into creating these masterpieces. The podcast transcript reveals the knife maker's humility and recognition that his work is not on par with the traditional Japanese craftsmen who have dedicated their entire lives to perfecting their craft. However, he still finds joy in experimenting with different materials and techniques to create unique and aesthetically pleasing tools.
One of the challenges the knife maker faces is understanding the intricacies of heat treatment in steel. While steel has been around for centuries, there are still aspects of its behavior that remain mysterious. The knife maker acknowledges that he does not have formal training in metallurgy but relies on trial and error to achieve the desired results. This highlights the importance of curiosity and a willingness to learn through hands-on experience.
The knife maker also emphasizes the importance of setting high standards for oneself. He recalls his father, who believed he was the best dental technician in the city of Detroit. This mindset of striving for excellence influences the knife maker's approach to his craft. He constantly asks himself if his work is the best he can do and is willing to discard pieces that do not meet his standards. This dedication to quality is essential in producing exceptional tools.
The podcast also touches on the challenges that come with creating narrative and custom pieces. These projects often require extensive planning and problem-solving. The knife maker mentions that much of the work happens in his head, where he envisions the steps and processes needed to bring a piece to life. Sometimes, this involves creating new tools or experimenting with different materials. The process is not without its failures, but each failure provides an opportunity to learn and improve. The knife maker's perseverance is evident in his willingness to go back to the drawing board and make modifications until he achieves the desired outcome.
In conclusion, the podcast highlights the significance of continuous improvement in knife making. The knife maker's journey serves as an inspiration for individuals to embrace their curiosity, explore new ideas, and constantly strive to improve their craft. It demonstrates the value of being open to unexpected opportunities and the rewards that come from pursuing one's passion with dedication and perseverance.
Custom knife making process explained.
The podcast transcript provides insight into the custom knife making process and the challenges and successes that come with it. The knife maker discusses the amount of time, effort, and money that goes into creating a single knife. He mentions that he has spent almost $4,000 on parts and fixtures alone in order to bring one piece together. This highlights the level of dedication and commitment required to produce high-quality custom knives.
The knife maker also mentions the importance of learning from failures and keeping reminders of them. He mentions that he has a pile of blades that are failures, which he keeps as a reminder of the lessons learned. This demonstrates the knife maker's commitment to continuous improvement and his willingness to learn from mistakes.
The podcast also touches on the knife maker's decision to no longer take custom orders. He explains that he was overwhelmed with orders for a specific type of knife and felt that he was losing the engagement with his work. This led him to partner with a company that specializes in producing large numbers of knives, allowing him to focus on creating custom pieces that align with his vision.
The knife maker emphasizes the importance of collaboration and having a team of skilled individuals to work with. He mentions that he has a team of two other people, one with a background in industrial design and another who is a master bladesmith and engraver. This collaborative environment allows for different perspectives and ideas, enhancing the creative process and leading to the creation of unique and innovative knives.
One of the highlights of the podcast is the discussion of the most recent knife sold, called "Transformation." This knife tells a story through its design, with a feather that is transformed into birds flying away. The knife maker explains that the initial attempt at creating this piece failed, but it served as a learning experience. He adjusted the chemistry of the material used for the birds and improved the design to achieve the desired result. This showcases the knife maker's dedication to creating exceptional pieces and his willingness to learn from setbacks.
In conclusion, the podcast highlights the significance of continuous improvement in knife making. The knife maker's journey serves as an inspiration for individuals to embrace their curiosity, explore new ideas, and constantly strive to improve their craft. It demonstrates the value of being open to unexpected opportunities and the rewards that come from pursuing one's passion with dedication and perseverance.
Make a decision and stick to it.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of making a decision and sticking to it. The knife maker discusses how he had to make the decision to create a blade, even though he wasn't sure if it would fit or match his initial vision. He explains that sometimes you have to see the thing in front of you, in reality, before deciding if it is what you had imagined. This highlights the need to take action and create something tangible in order to evaluate its fit and quality.
The knife maker also shares the challenges he faced during the crafting process, such as having to remake materials and welds. However, despite these difficulties, he was able to finish the blade and complete the project. This demonstrates the importance of perseverance and the willingness to overcome obstacles in order to achieve success.
Furthermore, the knife maker describes how each of his pieces tells a story. He believes that the energy and time spent on creating handmade objects can be felt and appreciated by viewers. This highlights the value of craftsmanship and the unique qualities that come from dedicating oneself to a creative endeavor.
In terms of advice for creatives, the knife maker suggests making a decision and sticking to it. He explains that making a decision means cutting away other possibilities and fully committing to a chosen path. He acknowledges that pursuing a creative endeavor can be challenging and that there will be times when things get tough. However, he emphasizes the importance of staying committed and figuring out solutions to problems as they arise. This advice encourages individuals to embrace their passion and persevere through the inevitable difficulties that come with pursuing a creative career.
Additionally, the knife maker emphasizes the need to study the field, learn from others who excel in the craft, and pay attention to the business side of things. He acknowledges that creativity alone is not enough and that understanding the business aspects of a creative endeavor is essential for success. He suggests finding allies, such as a business-minded bookkeeper, who can help navigate the business side of things if it is not one's strength. This highlights the importance of being well-rounded and understanding both the creative and business aspects of a chosen field.
In conclusion, the podcast highlights the significance of making a decision and sticking to it. It emphasizes the value of continuous improvement, perseverance, and dedication in pursuing a creative endeavor. The knife maker's journey serves as an inspiration for individuals to embrace their curiosity, explore new ideas, and constantly strive to improve their craft. It demonstrates the rewards that come from pursuing one's passion with dedication and perseverance, even in the face of challenges.
Craft revolution and sustainable lifestyle.
The podcast also touches on the importance of being critical of one's work. The knife maker encourages individuals to taste their own cheese, metaphorically speaking, in order to determine its quality. This highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-evaluation in the creative process. By being critical of their work, individuals can identify areas for improvement and strive to create the best possible product.
Furthermore, the podcast emphasizes the value of collaboration and external perspectives. The knife maker suggests that makers should consider how their work can relate to others and seek opportunities for collaboration. By partnering with others, such as wineries in the example given, makers can benefit from their expertise and support on the business side. This highlights the importance of networking, building relationships, and seeking external input to enhance one's craft.
The podcast also addresses the issue of criticism and the importance of standing behind one's work. The knife maker acknowledges that not everyone will love their work, and that there will always be critics. However, they encourage individuals to stick to their guns and give straightforward answers when faced with criticism. This demonstrates the importance of confidence in one's work and the ability to articulate its value and purpose.
In addition, the podcast explores the concept of a craft revolution and a more sustainable lifestyle. The knife maker observes a growing trend among younger people to simplify their lives and pursue crafts and handmade goods. They note that more individuals are choosing not to enter the corporate world and instead opt for a sustainable lifestyle that involves crafting, traveling, and seeking experiences. This shift in mindset is seen as a worldwide phenomenon, with people in Asia also desiring a change from the traditional workweek and materialistic lifestyle.
The podcast suggests that this craft revolution and sustainable lifestyle will have an impact on industry. It predicts that changes will need to be made to accommodate this shift in values and preferences. This aligns with the growing movement towards supporting local businesses and buying locally-made products. The podcast also highlights the efforts of the government in promoting the "made in America" movement, indicating a recognition of the value of supporting local craftsmanship.
Finally, the podcast touches on the knife maker's love for Washington state and how it has influenced their work. They express their appreciation for the natural beauty and outdoor activities that the state offers. Living in a progressive town has also made them feel comfortable and at home. While it is unclear whether being in Washington has directly helped their brand, the knife maker believes that their love for the state has influenced their work and made it feel authentic.
All photos were taken by Zach St. Ward.