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What makes YOU happy? After years of reflection, I finally came to the realization that creating great food
and meeting fellow "foodies" made me happiest inside. I also realized that from within the culinary world
there were specific things that made me happiest as well - a really sharp knife for
instance. Actually, as I worked my way through two culinary schools and a brief stint in the industry itself, I found
that a common source of happiness was "that" sharp knife. The ease of preparation is often the foundation of a successful meal - hence happy people. Once
I became comfortable sharpening my knives on a tri-stone, students would ask me to
sharpen their knives. And while I loved seeing them smile at my finished work,
I knew it was too much time on my end and too little effort on theirs. I decided I needed to find a more time effective
method of sharpening knives that also maintained a great edge. Enter Bob Kramer. My schools
head chef showed my his most prized knife before I left for my internship - a Bob Kramer Chefs knife. In short - $600
to $2000 dollars apiece, a full two year waiting list (and he's not taking any more names for awhile) but OMG, what a
beautiful knife. The balance, the handle and most amazing... the BLADE! I interned at New England Culinary in
Vermont and found myself right back in my sharpening comfort zone with the students I met there. I decided to call Bob
and ask his advice about sharpening systems. Thinking I'd get his receptionist or some complicated phone mail system,
I was thrown off when he answered his own phone. Not only that, but he let me waste at least two hours of his time.
We talked about a million things that day, but what most impressed me was his sincerity and dedication to his craft.
When I returned to Portland, I worked in a couple of restaurants and was eventually asked to come back to Oregon Culinary
Institute to work as a kitchen TA. One of my greatest culinary desires was recognized at that time. To teach that
which I loved. Needless to say one of my favorite subjects was knife skills and sharpening. Yet there I was, stuck
once again with a time deficit! I remembered Bob, but forgot what he had recommended in the end. I called him
up and was elated to have him ask me if I'd like to learn his technique. In fact, he made it clear that he planned
on teaching a small few people his technique (ideally in different regions) and then move on from sharpening and focus on
making his knives. He suggested I take it mobile making it more available to those who would appreciate it most and
keep it cheap so more people could enjoy the edge (and education) I could provide them. I jumped at the chance - and
hundreds of knives later, here I am. I put allot of time and spirit into my "mobile shop"
and enjoy showing it to people who are passionate about their knives and the Zen spirit a truly sharp knife brings them.
If you care about your knives, you will appreciate the care and attention I give them. There you have it... Zen
Blades.
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