Handcrafted Connections & New Beginnings
As the world around us transforms with a new season, I'm finding myself in a moment of profound change and possibility.
By 5:00 pm, darkness settles in. Nearly all the leaves on the trees outside my shop have drifted to the ground, leaving only bare branches tracing delicate lines against the twilight sky.
I am reminded of the beauty in growth and renewal.
I’m standing at a pivotal moment—diving into projects that will redefine my path and ignite a whole new chapter in my journey.
This season has been a transformative whirlwind.
I am currently shedding old expectations, plunging into the depths of my knifemaking craft, unleashing new creativity, and boldly steering Primeaux and Phillips Forged into uncharted, authentic territory.
And yet, there’s still an entire horizon left to conquer.
My to-do list is more than ten pages long!
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
– Arthur Ashe
It’s an exciting, challenging, and fulfilling season, and I’m so grateful to have you along for the ride.
Here’s a short list of where you can find me in the next few weeks:
Things in my business and life are shifting, and while I’m not ready to share all the details just yet, I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes from Viktor Frankl: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
I find a quiet call to surrender and adapt, to rise with the tides rather than be swept beneath them.
We are not powerless; the power is within us, a flickering flame urging us to reach deeper, to reimagine ourselves from the inside out.
To change is not simply to let go but to open the door to a new version of ourselves, one forged through resilience and softened by acceptance.
I’m gearing up for a big change, and there’s so much to plan, organize, and decide. Each step feels like laying the groundwork for an exciting new beginning.
In the quiet hours of a late night, when hunger insists but the pantry remains humble, there lies a hidden art in transforming the simplest ingredients.
Potatoes, a handful of cheese, peas, and yesterday’s meatloaf—humble elements waiting to be seen anew. With a bit of warmth and imagination, they come together, the familiar becoming something comforting and whole.
There’s a strange magic in using what’s there, a small triumph in shaping sustenance from simplicity. These are the moments that remind us of life’s quiet wisdom, that abundance isn’t always about what you have but how you use it. A leftover feast becomes more than a meal—it becomes a testament to resilience, a savory story of making do, and finding beauty in what’s right in front of us.ome leftover meatloaf.
So I made Shepherd’s Pie.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
Knife Man’s Leftover Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
Leftover HOT meatloaf, crumbled
Leftover HOT mashed potatoes
Leftover FROZEN peas (or mixed veggies)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Assemble the Layers:
Spread the crumbled meatloaf evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.
Layer the peas (or mixed veggies) on top of the meatloaf.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the veggies, smoothing the top.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
Bake: Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Oh, and here's a quick and easy meatloaf recipe:
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined—avoid overmixing to keep it tender.
Shape and Add Topping: Place the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of ketchup on top for extra flavor.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the top is nicely browned.
Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In both my art and my daily life, I’m driven by a commitment to efficiency and sustainability—a philosophy of making the most out of every resource, every moment, and every piece of raw material.
I find purpose in transforming what’s already at hand into something beautiful, functional, and lasting.
This approach is woven into every knife I craft and every recipe I create, with an eye for minimizing waste and respecting the materials. When I make something, I want it to carry a story of intention, of carefully chosen resources, and of thoughtful, deliberate craftsmanship. Sustainability isn’t just a practice—it’s a way of honoring the work, the time, and the energy that goes into each piece, bringing a sense of balance and respect to everything I create.
In my personal life, this translates into routines that focus on simplicity and purpose, on mindful choices that align with the life I want to live.
Whether it’s repurposing leftovers for a comforting meal or reusing materials in the forge, these small choices help keep my work true to what I value most: art that’s not only crafted with care but also deeply connected to the world around it.
Since May 2024, I’ve posted a letter here every week—for a total of 231,840 minutes, or 161 days.
It’s been tricky keeping consistent and coming up with new ideas, but I love a challenge.
I don’t write these words without purpose; I write them with a deep commitment to what I share with the world.
I believe that each of us holds the power to inspire positive change, and every piece I create is crafted with that in mind.
Stay tuned for more updates from me here and all of my usual places.
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Delicious recipe. I can't wait to try it. I also can't wait to see what's next for you...