Re: power tool fear
Stephen Wiseman
>I agree with Pam and others on the striking knife:
I for one do not think of a pencil OR knife having two sharp ends. Perhaps it's my profession as an architect or just what I'm used to. Same for when using an Xacto knife making a model. Maybe if I were born in another era? I DO think how dangerous power tools can are and really any tool to a degree. When I'm marking out, I am concentrating on marking and not how I'd better make sure I don't poke my eye out if I need to adjust my glasses with the other end of the tool that I'm not using at the time! In my way of thinking (which granted is known to be flawed sometimes or more!), a pencil or knife shouldn't have two sharp ends. Just because a tool is a hand tool and/or "old" doesn't make it the best tool for me. Some are better left in a museum or for those like you who have great appreciation of fine older designs and know how to use them. I am thankful there are people like you and at Williamsburg keeping the traditions alive for myself and our children to see how things were or can now still be done. But just maybe, if there's a safer and just as efficient and quality way to do something also providing just as much enjoyment I'll choose that way usually still preferring hand tools when they make sense to me. They are beautiful tools but if they were widely used I'll bet you would see a lot of eyepatches and face lacerations.
Best,
Stephen
