Categories: Human nature
Word count/read 485 words; 2 minutes
I enjoy the show Forged in Fire. Four competitors make knives or other weapons.
It's clearly stated how long, wide, and other factors the weapon must be - the
parameters - to continue. With $10k on the line, I'd burn them into my arm!
Certainly every competitor knew the importance of those pesky parameters.
Still, the number who didn't meet them is shocking.
All four have failed sometimes; someone still won but what a hollow victory.
In the final round, where they had four days at their home forge to make
the weapon, some still didn't meet parameters. Like, hello?!
Parameters are holy to some while mere annoyances to others.
What parameters are there in jewelry and chains?
It is a given to use undamaged rings and make it look good and feel silky.
Common sense, one might assume.
Which brings up the first rule in chainmaking and jewelry: saw-cut rings only. Pinch-cut rings are
hideous and pre-damaged
by the very act of cutting them! It's science, not an opinion.
The second rule is to close the rings properly without gaps or misalignments.
Joins that can be seen or felt aren't closed properly...again, common
sense. Most makers have an alternate definition:
as long as they try, say, believe, think,
or pretend like they're closed, mission accomplished!
These facts are indisputable. Neglect either one and it results in
low-quality junk. Sometimes the products can be dangerous.
Bad chains grab onto fabric, skin, and
hair and won't release without leaving a gash or taking a memento.
A huge difference between a Forged in Fire competitor and a mailler are that
the former knows they screwed up, has talent, and graciously agrees with the judges' decision.
Maybe it's all for show but at least they aren't "losers" about it.
Chainmail is essentially a talentless craft.
Which makes me wonder: How difficult would it be
to find enough qualified people to make one Woven in Wire episode?
Would armed security be necessary to ensure the rejected
competitors don't go postal?
Parameters sometimes have legal definitions, like handmade for jewelry and
corrosion resistant for metal. Nearly all people
say what they want so basically everything they make is
handmade and corrosion-resistant regardless of what the law states.
Or hallmarking, which has legal parameters. But again, some industries are
particularly adept at ignoring laws.
People can have parameters, too: common sense,
integrity, humility, etc. Sadly, in the maille industry it seems many of these parameters
are lacking. It starts with denying facts and science when it comes to their
products and processes. People and their products are one in the same
so a diseased chain is symptomatic of bigger problems.
It ultimately comes down to what buyers will accept.
Most won't know the difference until they see high-quality goods, which
are almost impossible to find. I invite you to see for yourself so at least
you can make an informed decision.
Posted by M: April 4, 2022
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