Sandy, you are a 100% genuine, classy gentleman and a brilliant artist. Keep on keeping on, ignore the fools and naysayers, because those of us fortunate enough to have one of your blades know better than them and we cherish what you do and produce.

Sandy you are one of the most genuine and humble people on youtube. I enjoy all your videos and hope to say hi in person one day. All the best.

What a journey Sandy, very interesting life. My youth was quite difficult but the best times were spent under canvass or on bikes alone in the West Country woods. Having moved North 30 years ago I kept on camping and always felt relaxed in the woods. You're a genuine guy Sandy that's what we appreciate most. All the best.

Hello jack , I've followed your work ever since you sent native survival a knife. I think it's been exquisite. I wanted to say you are one of my biggest inspirations in life. I'm 18, and I have been diagnosed with an unidentified heart condition.I've had it since I was little, but test after test went through, and there has been no information or understanding towards the pains and the drops. When I heard about this at first, I started giving up. I really did, I thought my life was over. I felt like everything I had tried to achieve and work for and everything I could work further into was gone. I had always struggled with school as it was, and things were getting worse. I was about ready to leave it all and run off somewhere. It was knowing you that helped me. I saw that you never let anything that happened with you slow down your drive and compassion for your work, you fit into the world because you made it so. I aspire to be as strong as that. Thank you for sharing what you have, your product, your service, but also your spirit.

To have someone like Ray Mears say what he did on first blush has to make you feel good. Obviously I could see it in your eyes after that clip. I am happy for you and with the absolute best for you going forward.

Thanks for sharing that sandy, it fascinates me the reason people start to make knives and as a young knife maker myself, young as in experience in knife making not age unfortunately it spirrs me on to know the makers I look up to, makers like your good self started out in a similar way as me

I have always had the greatest admiration for you Sandy. You don't seam to wonder or talk about things. You just get on with it. Love your channel and your videos. All the best from Calum in Scotland.

Hi sandy You are a very honest and humble chap who has worked hard at your skills. This is why I love your videos , which is very refreshing in this day and age . Must have been great to meet Ray Mears who I think is very similar to yourself I think. Keep making those beautiful practical works of art and please more camping videos .

Thanks for taking us along on your journey!

Thank you so much for this great video and sharing your story, Sandy!

Really pleased you had that experience with Ray Mears, he is exactly as you say, and very special to have him hands on with your knife. Glad you are keeping that one. Very much enjoyed this video Sandy, thanks for taking the time to share that with us at such a busy time of year for you.

What an awesome experience! So glad that you were able to meet Ray and Dave at the show. I know they really loved your workmanship and skill as a knife maker as we all do ! Thanks for sharing that experience with us! Best of luck at the Knife Show!

OH WOW SANDY 😲 Firstly ,what a great life's journey so far . Secondly , how cool to meet the man himself who brought us the knife design and lastly , its an honor to know the man and call him friend who perfected the design . If I could only choose one blade for life , it would be my JACKLORE hands down . Steven

Superb Sandy, thanks for the update. Loved the neck knife. Ray Mears, very interesting man, great philosophy on enjoying the outdoors. Massive thanks to yourself in both your guises as Jacklore and W.Man. Keep it coming.

A great video Sandy! I love your willingness to share your personal story with its challenges and triumphs. I truly admire your persistence and perseverance. Keep up the great work, you're truly an inspiration and I'm grateful to have had a chance to get to know you and your talent! 72's, Sandy just to a brief note, I'm sure I speak for many here that follow you that having a chance to meet you personally would be a "Ray Mears" moment for us!

What a treat to meet Ray! Thanks for posting.

Beautiful knives, what a craftsman, thanks for sharing with us all Sandy. 👍🇬🇧

I am always inspired by what you share with us. You, in my opinion, are one of the most trustworthy people doing videos on youtube. I learn something every time I watch. Thank you.

Great vid, Sandy. It was from watching your series making your first knife that I was able to have a go myself; both for financial reasons and for the experience. I have had the privilege of handling a Jacklore and it was everything I expected it to be. The generosity shown in the BC community and all round YT has been an inspiration. As you say: mistakes can be painful, but they are beyond price in lessons learnt and, because of the shared knowledge, some can be avoided. Keep on keeping on.

Enjoyed this video very much Sandy, thank you for sharing your journey with us. And getting to meet Ray must have been awesome : ) All the best, Jay

Sandy you are very humble and honest man. I've always loved been outdoors and I'm getting out more now. your videos are are always enjoyable and instructive a true treat to watch. Thank you for all your hard work. Paul

Great video Sandy. I can assure anyone watching that the way you come across in your videos is exactly the same as you are in real life - no spin, no pretense, just a genuine guy that I am proud to call my friend. Love to all, Noel

I always enjoy and appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences Sandy. All the best from Scotland. Garry

wish you all the success sandy ! your a very humble and wise man. great videos and an inspiration to many. Your a true craftsman, and your knives look to be every inch a great product.

A superb video Sandy and the caption that you put up contains words of wisdom gleaned from experience that a person can live by. You Sir are an inspiration and I feel blessed to have met you in cyberspace and soon hopefully in person. Thank you. Paul :)

A very enthralling life story Sandy. I truly resonate with the journey to what you are now. It's the easy road or the rocky road where truth and integrity emerge to become predominant. Many choose the former but others, such as yourself, chose the latter knowing the lessons therein. Yet more fascinating insight into your knives. Ray Mears? An inspiration that Paul and I wanted to walk with amid the Wye. Happy you had such a positive connection. Take care out there. Mark.

Mr. Jack I have watch you build your knives for years. You have become a master craftsman. I love watching your vids. I don't have one of your knives, but want one so bad I can taste it. You have really come full circle in your skills. I hope to be able to meet you one day. God Bless you and your family.

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Sandy!

When you meet someone who has either inspired you , lent to your imagination or creativity , their appreciation of your hard work is heartfelt. Thank you for sharing your your fond memories.

What a spectacular video discussion Sandy. Extremely enjoyable to listen to your thoughts and hear about your experiences. I'm so happy you got to meet one of your biggest knife making inspirations. It is like a fairytale ending to the stories of your journey into the craft. I know I will cherish my Classic and wisp for the rest of my days. They have gone on many adventures with me. Including the most recent trip to the peak of Mount Katadin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, the highest point in my wonderful state of Maine 😊 I think I need to add a wasp to the adventure choices! Take care -Chris

Sandy, Great that you had the opportunity to meet and show your work to Ray Mears . By means of your videos your own journey into bushcraft and knife making have inspired many ,including myself . I always look forward to a new Jacklore or Wiltshire Man video and your generous sharing of experience and knowledge.

Well spoken Sandy! And stunning knives ! keep well, brother.

Very well done Sandy! I wish you over whelming success in your business & much enjoyment in your outings & camping!

You are a remarkable and inspirational man. You are a truly skilled artisan, I admire you and everything you stand for.

Thanks for your videos sandy. Enjoying them from Virginia USA

You're a champion Sandy, with well deserved hard earned success

Really enjoyed that great to hear that everyone start somewhere, and inspired by yourself, scott(wessex) Mike palmer (mp costom) among other, I have cought the knife bug, built myself a 72x2 grinder and am really enjoying the journey, so would just like to say thank you for everything you put out freely for us all to pick hints and tips from, very kind regards mike

Sandy, you're a good and humble man. As much as I like and respect Ray Mears, you don't need validation from him or anybody else. It's great that you got a positive reception for the knife you showed him, but by all accounts, you don't need his or anyone else's endorsement. I recently had the pleasure of spending some one-on-one time with Mors Kochanski. In fact I spent an evening with him at his home and bought him breakfast the next day. We talked for hours about all manner of things. It was an honour to spend time with such a great man. The bottom line, though is that he is just a man like you and me. Just keep doing what you're doing; a great many people are benefiting from your channels, from your wholesome approach to life, and from your hard-earned skill as a established knife-maker. I'd personally be proud to own one of your knives one day. It seems I missed the boat every time you had some for sale and now you're not taking orders, so I guess my chances are slim to nil that it will ever happen, especially with so many people on the wait list. C'est la guerre! :-)

You're an inspiration! you can tell a lot by a man's hands and yours are hard-working.

Hi Sandy, nice video, and you may be verry verry verry proud of your knives and accomplishments!!! And most of all thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us "knife-nerds"...you inspire us all..thx. Kind regards, Yves.

Thanks for this video Sandy. I found it to be inspirational and honest. Don't ever change my friend.

Absolutely gorgeous work Sir you are a man of great talent ! All the best from Bulgaria !

Thanks for the update Sandy. It is fantastic to hear your experience and thoughts. Very meaningful and thoughtful ...ken

Love these talking video's Sandy. Its something how everybody starts from something they did. I started ham radio from a kit of a 4 band radio and listening to the ham radio operator. 73's kg2nc Thanks for sharing.

Brilliant Sandy and you're keeping the knife just the way an American football player would keep a Super Bowl ball. That's a moment to treasure and well deserved I'm hoping you don't damage your fingers the way you did last year turning out as many knives as possible. I was twenty minutes late to the show last year and injured this year but maybe next year I'll get lucky. Cheers much love.

was really nice to meat you sandy and your wife at the bush craft show very approachable and very kind with your time thank you

I am getting through all your films Sandy and they are all absolutely outstanding. I am still checking your website every 30 mins for the opportunity to buy one of your creations. Thank you

Great video. It seems so long since that last one. YOU are my inspiration for trying knife making but unfortunately I have to stop now as I have to move for work reasons. Both you and Ray are great men for different reasons. I have attended one of his bushcraft courses and I hope to meet you in person one day. You are both inspirational and motivational to many people. Take care.

Glad you had a nice experience Sandy and came away with a great positive feeling 👍

The red stitching on the sheath matching the liners, is genius. God bless you and your work.

Ray Mears? He da man....and you da man. Nothing in life ever goes smoothly and people tend to judge you on where you are now, not the obstacles you have overcome to get there. Keep up the great work, man.

Great video my friend!!! Glad you had that experience, thanks for sharing!!!!

Inspiring as always - looking forward to you having a look at one of my knives some day Sandy. I feel it would be a similar situation as you had with Ray. You galvanised me to start! Best as always Mic

Great video and insight into your journey.

a beautiful piece of workmanship on both knives and leatherwork sandy.well done.

Sandy you are an amazing inspiration. One day I really hope to own a classic jack lore.

Awesome knife. I met ray myself once at a book signing, and completely babbled to the poor guy. Love your channel. Keep up the videos. I love your humble approach.

Enjoyed watching. Thanks for sharing.

Ive probably watched most of your Wiltshireman vids and ive only really recently watched some of your Jacklore vids. So I started looking at professional knife makers and I must be honest and say that your knives are some of the most beautiful ones Ive seen. The design and execution from blank to completed knife in sheaf is stunning. You are very gifted as a bushcrafter, film maker, knife maker and a mad man who dangles beneath a wing with a fan attached. Thankyou for all the beautiful vids.

Sandy, my friend, you realize there would be many who would be star struck to meet you too? I would be very pleased to meet you, and not only for your knife work, but for the courage and tenacity you've shown in learning it, despite financial and physical barriers. You've shown immense character. I've been watching you from the beginning, since that first knife in your homemade furnace with the wok, canner and vacuum cleaner. I've watched you grow through all your stages, and you've been quite an inspiration to me, and especially since I realized that your tumor was likely something similar to what my child has suffered. She's spent the last several years being reminded that if you can do what you do, and Ronan Tynan can do what he does, she, likewise, can find a way to do whatever she wants. It may take longer, she may have to find a different way to do it, but she can do it. With that encouragement, she has become very capable and competent at doing a number of complex tasks one handed, including knitting and pie baking. When you put your struggles out there for all to see, it encourages them to try too. Today, at a reenactment, she bought a handmade knife from a vendor. When she did, I realized that I hadn't seen anything from you in a while, and came looking for you as soon as I got home. She's across the room sharpening that knife at the moment, as you've taught her not to be satisfied with a dull blade. Her tomahawk can shave, its so sharp. I was pleased to find this, and to realize that you hadn't done anything in a while, and that was why I hadn't seen anything. I try not to miss your posts, and your bushcrafting posts especially. Your videos of your hikes have been gorgeous. Please, never stop doing these. You are an encouragement to so many. You've encouraged me to learn new skills, which have now translated to me running a business now too. Keep going. You are doing amazing work.

Excellent video Sandy. I look forward to seeing you at the knife show and looking at your knives if you have any left when I arrive

It was great to finally meet you Sandy! getting a chance to look at your knife was awesome, the quality is incredible! I'd love to own that classic style one day 😃 I bet getting feedback from the man himself was exciting but also a little nerve-racking. Top work bro 😃

Always interesting and thank you for sharing.

Great video as always. Good to meet you again at the show Sandy.

Just came across your videos within the last hour and have been hooked. Went to your website and "My God" thought I was reading a narrative of my life. My Grandfather was a radio operator and tried to teach me Morse code when I was a child, but I had other interests at the time(one of my biggest regrets) maybe KZfaq comments isn't the place to spill all, but hopefully this comment will inspire others to seek out the knowledge you've generously shared. It's a breath of fresh air to us beginners to find someone self taught that encourages "seek knowledge and try!" "I joined those two pieces of wood that way because that's how I knew to." Sam Maloof...just added meeting you to my bucket list.

Hi Sandy,glad you met Ray Mears and Dave Cantabury. That would of been such a treat. Thanks for sharing. ATB....Kim.

Good to see the Master's come together Sandy!

It's good to see you and Ray together. It will be a honour to own one of these knifes one day. Take care.

You are a wonderful man.....humble and straightforward. And your blades are among the best in the world. There are many of us that believe they are as good as Mr Mears or anyone else folks may care to mention.

to be called skilled crafts man by mr mears is an indication of your true talent well done sandy and it not just your knives but you are an inspiration to us all cheer china atb.

Great that you got the chance to meet the man himself Sandy... watching him on the little square god in the corner for me into wanting to get into the great outdoors for actual pleasure years back. Wish I'd had those skills he demonstrated as a youngster...survival outdoors at it's very best would have made life then easier. But that appreciation for the outdoors has now given me a longing to get out there at any opportunity and challenge myself whenever I can. It's been a pleasure and an honour to be a part of your journey into knife making...to what in my humble opinion has been the journey of one of the best bushcraft knife maker's in the UK. Thank you for such an interesting ride along with you, even when health has presented some obstacles to stop me getting out, there you were to take us along with you. Keep building those amazing knives, keep getting out whenever the chance arises with your cameras... always someone like myself that appreciated all you do. Best wishes - Steve

a great video to watch Sandy, your hours this months will reap huge dividends at the Knife Show!

I'm very pleased you are looking well Sandy. I thought you had been very busy with knife builds for the up coming show. I've seen Ray meats twice in live shows. He does a UK tour every now & again which I always try to attend as I've been a fan so to speak right from the early days when he did the TV show 'tracks'. I got a book signed too on the first show I went to. Your quite right, looking at Ray studying your knife you could see he was very interested, how he felt the blade with thumb says it all. I don't mean to put you on a pedestal Sandy but I think you are a genius. Knife building from what I know of it is no easy feat. I've been watching for sometime, if you like coming along on that journey with you. From the back garden scene of you dipping a blade in a bucket of oil in early attempts to the present day methods & the Jacklore workshop. Remarkable how advanced you have become. I think all your Jacklores are like people, each have that own uniqueness & no two are quite the same. That what makes a Jacklore a Jacklore. Well to me anyway. Good luck with show Sandy & look forward to how it goes.

it was magic seeing you again at the BC show, I will be at the knife show for sure. Im so glad Ray got to see your latest work, im really proud of you mate. Im defo gonna be in touch about the discussion we had 😀

I haven't checked in for awhile Sandy but what a great video. I really enjoyed listening to your comments and so pleased you got a positive response from Ray. I still use my early Jacklore and it's as good today as the day you sent it to me which is a testament to the quality. Shame the three cars I've had since then weren't built to the quality. I wish you all the best for the show. I think my Jacklore was number 70. Good luck. Guadette.

awesome as always sandy. respect.

Wow, just stumbled on your channel, What a great story and beautiful knife. I'm just getting into knife making as a hobby and I'm almost done with my first little neck knife. Loved the video.

Thanks for sharing your journey in knife making

Interesting thoughts. Agree that life's journey can be unpredictable but always interesting. When I retired I wanted to make sure that I had a purpose. I see friends who retire do nothing, some gardening, down to the pub etc. I must have a challenge, so I set out to get a pilot license at the age of 69. I did, but it was hard, particularly the theory , but I got there. I believe that it's important to keep having new challenges just as you have done. H T B

beautiful sandy I'm really pleased to see you develop from the beginning all the best BriBo

I really appreciated and loved this video Sandy. I am absolutely fascinated by what you do and how you handle yourself--a true gentleman my friend. Your character alone is something I hope too conquer myself. I can't wait to meet you one day. I am a proud owner of Jacklore knife and that prized possession goes with me every single day--I'm in the medical field so think about that one:) My next goal would be my father and I may have to make a trip to England to accomplish that and mark my words, I will:) Nevertheless, I am so fortunate to have found you and as much as I love your craftsmanship, I adore who you are as a person. Keep it all coming Mr. Jack and thanks for being you. -Shane

Nice to see you again Sandy best to you.

Nice to hear from you Sandy i'll bet it was a real thrill to meet Ray all the best VE3TVB 73 Danial

your awesome buddy keep up the awesome work I did a few here and there and also love your other videos too.

Greetings from Alabama! Much Respect Sir

I think you are an amazing person and I would bet that Ray Mears would be truly honored to own one of your knives.

You do some beautiful work

Well done Sandy its good to get some feedback from the man!

Very nice video, so cool you meet Ray Mears he is one of the reasons I got into this. Nice thoughts in complete agreement.

Enjoyed your talking a verbal 'stroll' through events and thoughts , there, Sandy... Thinking you won't be getting to Church Farm this year, with it being the same weekend as the UKknife show . Not sure I will get down this time. I had hoped to fit in the Knifeshow this time, not sure though. Hoped you'd get to Edale, but I imagine you were putting the hours in and probably too busy. That little 'necker ' looks lovely with the scales on Sandy, a cracking little companion blade there... As always , hope you are all in good fettle and remain well, and hope to see you along the way . Make sure you have that knife with you, I will need to touch the knife 'The Mears' touched :D

A really insightful video from you thanks Sandy and I think you should be allowed to take some personal pride in Rays comments, it's very well justified. However brief your meeting with him, he is as genuine and sincere in ten seconds as some people are over an hour! Keep up the great work (and hard work!) good luck with the knife show... the entire 6.5 minutes it will take for you to sell all your stock Sandy!

Ray Mears said "you are very skilled" and he repeated it. I agree with him. I am very much looking forward to meeting you at the knife show and purchasing one of your amazing knives. ATB Muddy

hi sandy your a true gentleman and a top class crafts man good luck with the knife show all the best my friend

good vid sandy hope all is well and I'm going to try and get the day off for knife show all the best mate

Sandy I sit here in awe... Not of Ray (whom I respect enormously) but of your humble nature. I am the proud owner of one of your Classics and I have to tell you, the person I wish to meet and shake hands with more than Ray Mears is you. You are an inspiration.

beautiful knife you've built. How fortunate were you to meet and chat with Ray Mears.

Facinating vid, thanks for posting :)

I always suspected he was a nice man, and he's a good judge you are very talented. What he doesn't realise and I do is that you are also a nice man, a real gent :)

Hi Sandy hope Ray realises how honoured he was to meet you and handle the legendary Jacklore . Dont forget some dirt time when your putting in those hours Hope the Knife show goes well for you regards Stew S

Your knives are gorgeous.