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My Father

Jan 16
Love5

Today

By My Father
Today is the first day I’ve been back in my workshop this week, and I’m trying to catch up with communication as well as shipping out orders that were placed.
 
My dad had a complication last week that was very unfortunate to his overall recovery, and I had to be by him because his future was uncertain since then. However, in the last few days we’re seeing his remarkably strength, fighting through this complication and has a pathway to greater health.
 
Thank you for understanding, and know that I’m working actively to catch up, while spending as much time as possible with my father.
 
Best,
 
-Christopher
Jan 08
Love7

The next few days

By My Father

Thank you for supporting my work all these years. Not only has your enthusiasm for shaving steel given me much purpose and pursuit, but it fortified a connection to my dad that I would not have otherwise.

He’s very sick now, and I’m very sad. In thinking about he and I, I’m appreciating every blade that left my shop, because each one represents the connection that he and I hold. So many more blades ahead, and I hope he’s there with me to do it.

Because of the situation, I’m out of the shop all today, tomorrow and likely the next.

Dec 30
Love7

An update on the shop and my dad:

By My Father

Since the 20th I’ve been out of the workshop because my dad endured a very severe heart attack. During this time, I’ve been with him at the ICU.

Today, I’ll be traveling back in the workshop, and resume work under a 1/2 day schedule for the next week, perhaps a bit longer. This lets me have time to visit my dad and family, but start all the razors and orders that I’ve been looking forward to since leaving.

My dad is responsible for my skills and craftsmanship within ShaveSmith, so it has been difficult returning to the workshop because of it reminds me of what he’s going through. But today I start work, and appreciate your understanding though all this.

The countless well wishes sent to me and my family give us strength and encouragement for his recovery.

My dad is in the absolute best care possible, and I can’t thank the medical team enough for their efforts. It’s becoming obvious that his recovery is not linear, but the sum of small progress and setbacks.

Thank you for your support and understanding, I’m looking forward to honing up some blades today.

Best,

-Christopher

Dec 24
Love5

An Important Update

By My Father

I’ve left my shop because my father has endured a very severe heart attack. It all started Sunday, and upon hearing I immediately stepped away from work and have been staying with him in the ICU.

This has hit me very hard, and I apologize for losing contact with customers and orders over the last week. I intend to stay alongside my dad, and will be touching base with everyone as I can.

My dad is an accomplished craftsman, knifemaker, and much the reason why I do what I do. Please keep him in your thoughts, and spend a little extra time with your loved ones this holiday.

Best,

-Christopher

A quick note:

Looking back to the moments leading to this is quite hard. My dad and I didn’t really get together in the last 6 months because his contracting skills were in high demand, and my time wasn’t matching up. Though, we had lots of phone calls and checking in, which made it a bit easier not seeing each other.

We finally carved out a Saturday, the day before his heart attack, and spent an afternoon talking shop. We made plans to do some forging and grinding together when his schedule slowed in Jan/Feb.

It’s really hard seeing my dad, a pretty healthy guy, go through this.

I went through some of my shop photos, and found these from 2014 when we met up to do a few forgings together, and he was working on a dagger.