My journey into knife-making began with a simple, almost primal joy – the joy of creation. I still remember the particular satisfaction of making my first Bowie knife. Hunched over, in my small workspace using from an old cleaver, a worn chopping board, using single file, a cooking torch and a clamp, I gradually shaped a blade into existence. The rough metal taking shape under my hands sparked something within me, a tangible connection to the act of making. This initial spark ignited a passion, but it also masked a hidden battle brewing beneath the surface—a battle rooted in old wounds and unaddressed pain. Unresolved childhood trauma, the scars of loosing the person i consider my worlds became the unwelcome fuel for a growing fire of self-destruction. What started as experimentation with crafting became an escape. Making knives was a way to get my mind off other things. Post-college, and unburdened by the expectations of a traditional job, I channeled everything into my workshop. Yet, as the business grew, so did the darkness within. The trauma I carried led to substance abuse and procrastination, which became my refuge. I pushed away loved ones, the weight of my actions creating a distance that felt impossible to breach. The workshop, once a symbol of my passion, became a reflection of my stagnation and despair. Then came the breaking point. With the rent due and the debt piling higher, I'm on the verge of losing my workshop. In the depths of that despair, something shifted. It wasn't a sudden epiphany, but a slow, smoldering ember of resolve that refused to be extinguished. It was a voice whispering, "Enough." A choice to pick myself up. The months that followed were a blur of intense effort, a complete turnaround fueled by the hunger to reclaim my life. The workshop transformed from a place of neglect into a sanctuary of creation. I focused on mastering new techniques, experimenting with designs, study new skill to help it grow, and pouring every ounce of my being into the craft that had once been my escape, now my salvation. Within months, I surpassed years of stagnation, reshaping myself into a stronger, wiser individual. I mended broken connections, seeking forgiveness and offering amends. Now, my craft serves as a beacon, illuminating the path for those lost in darkness. Each knife I create is a testament to the possibility of change, a symbol of resilience forged in the fires of adversity. When I share my story, when I offer my experience, it's with a simple, powerful message: "You can do it."