• SumoMe

This video highlights the life and career of writer turned knife maker Joel Bukiewicz and explores his passion for his work and what inspired him to pick up some metal and fashion a knife–something far different than his literary training would normally translate into. What is most interesting about Joel is how he chose a passion first–metalworking–and a career second–making kitchen knives. I am extremely interested in pretty much all handmade items, especially ones made in America by true artisans. The sheer amount of work that goes into making a great knife struck and inspired me:

Once you become competent, maybe you have it in you to become an artist, maybe you don’t. Before you get to a place where you can actually make art with the skills you’ve learned, you have to master these basics. Mastering the basics, takes, you know, they say 10 thousand hours. It’s like 5 years of 40 hour weeks–I’d say it’s more like 15 thousand hours. So it takes a lot of work to get there, and then when you get there, that’s like, that’s day 1.

Joel is living his dream and going after something he wants in life. His tedious work is admirable, and this endlessly fascinating video is a very interesting look into the life of one simple man with a dream.

What is the metaphorical perfect knife you seek to create in your life, and how much do your dreams influence your present life?

Read more about Cut Brooklyn at their website.