I hate to say it but.......

[#goldpan]

I really hate to say it.... but I am hanging up my hammers. As far as doing work on knives for other folks, I hope to still build a knife for my store on occasion. The problem is all of the surgical repairs that I have done to my neck and hands cant stand up to the rigors of working on knives on a daily basis. The problem with my hands is that the bones connecting my thumb ( trapezium ) at the wrist have been removed from both hands. The end of my thumb bones ( metacarpals ) float around even though they are tethered by wires that are supposed to be my thumb pivots. At time gripping a hammer or other hand tool causes the end of the long bone ( metacarpal ) to pop up and them my hand locks up... If that's not enough my neck issue causes sever pain in the neck and shoulders and pinches the nerves that go to my hands. Even typing this is painful. Here are the pics of my neck showing the repairs. The disk at c5 has been removed and the vertebrae are bolted together and fused. The rest of my neck is junk but I hope to avoid any more procedures.

I had some pics of the hand repairs but cant find them. I will still be working on knives. Its a passion that I cant ignore. I am doing a couple of knives for a forum member right now, but those are the last ones, I have a fixed blade to do for Stagman but that one is going to be easy. I plan on trying out knife repair techniques and sharing the results here. I guess its the mad scientist in me. One thing that I am going to work on is a way to do bolster pins that wont make my hands and neck hurt. No ideas at the moment. Bolster pins and such cause me the most discomfort due to the smallness of the components. This December marks two years after my neck surgery, and if I keep going, and they say even if I don't, I may need more surgery. That is something I don't want! I'm not saying goodby to knife repair, just taking a big break so I can figure out another way to do what I love. But as long as I have these issues its going to affect the way I repair knives. Its getting increasingly more difficult to do the work. I have some ideas that I want to work on. One of which is to give something back to this wonderful group of knife collectors and mechanics who taught me about the history and repair of the knives that I love! More about that idea in later post.

[FRJ]

Randy, you have to take care of yourself.
All the best.

[bestgear]

Randy - I have always enjoyed your "works-in-progress" commentary and pictures and while I'll miss them, I think listening to your body (and doctors) is wise at this juncture. I suspect that you'll sneak in a project or two from time to time but take it slow man, life on Earth is already short! Peace.

[Jeffinn]

Take care of yourself Randy.

[XX Case XX]

That's bad news for all of us Randy. As was posted before me, your work-in-progress photos were quite interesting. In the end though, you have to do what's best for you. At the very least, I hope you can still post and join in on the various discussions here. Your knowledge is something we can all learn from. The good thing for me? I know where to find you...

___________
Mike

[stagman]

Randy..you never said anything in all our talks that you were having this much serious
problems going on bud...we both had our health complaints but...I can either wait a long time, (don't bother me) or you can send me
that blank and scales back...1st point is: do not hurt yourself one bit over my project, just scrap it !!!
So sorry to hear this as I enjoyed your work in progress posts immensely

Will
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/stagman

[just bob]

I sure hate to hear that. I really enjoyed your posts and have learned from them. I wish you all of the best and appreciate the contribution you have made here.

[#goldpan]

Thanks for the kind words guys! And Will your project is next! I am still going to finish everything that I have agreed to do. Besides, your project is a little easier than a slip joint and I am looking forward to getting it done! Its going to be cool! I guess I hate to complain about my problems but I might as well toss in the the last physical complaint. Congestive heart failure and type 2 diabetes. I have had the heart failure for 40 years. And yet it never slowed me down. The problems with my spine and stuff is a different story. The diabetes is the result of many years of high blood pressure along with the heart disease. I'm not stopping like I said, just slowing things way down!

[jerryd6818]

Just don't let that train wreck kill ya. For what ever it may be worth, you have my support whatever you decide or need to do. Don't want to lose ya.

[#goldpan]

Thanks Jerry! You are one of the many reasons that I call AAPK HOME! There will be more works in progress posts guys, just a lot less of them!

[gsmith7158]

Hey Randy you know I'm your #1 fan, but I'd much rather have you around just to talk knives on here with us . Do not hurt yourself my friend .I know you're passionate about your ideas but you gotta put your health first, so just take it easy buddy. And as always anything I can do to help I'm here for you bud.

[Quick Steel]

I'd like to associate myself with the remarks Greg made. I will add that I find you and several other members inspiring in that despite having heavy physical burdens you keep on, not being overwhelmed. It's humbling really. To the extent possible, peace and health my friend.

[americanedgetech]

Here is something to consider...
I know an older gentleman that lives up in Liberty County, Florida.
He worked in the lumber industry as a kid, went to Vietnam, got blown up in a "fire pit" by an enemy mortar, and came home to learn outboard mechanics with the one arm he had left.
He learned, and worked on outboard engines for 43 years before he finally went blind, and could barely walk.

Now we have a one armed blind man that can barely walk, and only knows one thing to do to support himself, his wife, their son, his wife, and their three kids.

What he does today is he has his 75 year old wife do the work while he listens to the sounds.
He tells her exactly what to do, and she does it. The two of them have teamed up to become one mechanic, and one darn good mechanic at that.

I am sorry to hear your issues Goldpan. Life is hard enough in perfect health (at least mine is) so all I am saying is there is always a way to do what you love even IF you are not the one swinging the hammer.
You are obviously well respected, and appreciated for what you love to do, and I am certain you will find a way to continue doing what you love. There is ALWAYS a way.
God bless sir.

[ea42]

Randy I'm sorry to hear that, I've really enjoyed seeing how you've progressed through each job. It sure would have been nice if we had gotten a heads up about this hobby when we were much younger!

Eric

[TripleF]

So sad bro....so sad.
Do what you have to to enjoy life......

[royal0014]

Hate to read of your many issues. You do have a very upbeat attitude, considering.

There is this thing called the quality of life.
It seems as though working on knives gave you a joy that added to your q.o.l.
It's a shame to give that up.

[btrwtr]

Randy, As others have said take care and take it easy on yourself. You do great work!

[Landersknives]

Randy always enjoyed your work and it along with our other mechanics inspired me to start doing knife mechanic work. I understand the limits of the body. I was paralyzed in 2002 which has lead to several health complications through the years. Keep on keep’en on as we used to say. I look forward to your posts in the future. Take care of yourself and if there is anything I can do do hesitate to drop me a line, Ed.

[glennbad]

Sorry to read about this, Randy.

I know how much you have been enjoying doing this kind of work, hopefully you will be able to continue, even in a limited capacity. I personally have enjoyed seeing your creations. It's good to see new mechanic's work, and the kinds of ideas they come up with.

Hope this doesn't keep you down.

Glenn

[#goldpan]

Thanks everyone for the kind words and encouragement! Until I figure out a work around for these issues I'll still be here! I have a bunch off stuff I have been waiting to do. I going to stick to those projects for a while, with posts of course ! Just going at it slower.

[orvet]

I'm sorry to hear this Randy. Although I've been down the same road myself but been able to start working on knives again, at least for a while. There are no promises when it comes to our health.

I know you enjoy working on knives just like I do, so my hope and prayers for you are that you will be able to return to the hobby you love so much.

[bladeguy58]

Randy,
I am so sorry to hear about your neck issues, I feel for you man! I have had my share of both lower back and neck issues and so far the only semi invasive issues I've had to have is an Epidural a couple of years ago but there it is a rare day that I don't have back pain. That said that is some serious hardware you got going there, take care my friend and I know everyone here understands.
Sincerely,
Richard