Cutting our way to the top...
Hi all...Chris here.
As I'm sure you already know, the Secret Spot project is comprised of a multitude of voices and talents. Each of us bring our unique perspectives and life experiences into the mix to make this project a success. Though we are from a wide range of backgrounds and physically spread all over the globe, we share one common thread that ultimately brings us together and weaves our success...the vision and determination to follow our own dreams, regardless of what the world tells us is or is not possible.
For those who don't already know me, back in 2004 I walked away from a corporate management position with Oakley to start my own company, West Coast Bladecraft, creating one-of-a-kind, hand made knives. In 2006, I sold my first blade. Since then, I've been taking my art to new levels of practice and material.
The raw steel bars that every blade begins as. The steel is forged to the shape and size I desire.
Since working with the Secret Spot Seven Summits project, it seemed only natural to produce a commemorative piece for our team to carry with us as we explore the summits of the world. After undergoing a number of design changes and alterations, the final version of that knife has been completed...the Summitter II.
The details on the materials and construction of the knife can be found on my website at WestCoastBladecraft.com. I used design elements inspired by the Nepali Khukuri knife...an extremely versatile and useful tool. I do all of my own leather work as well for the sheath. This knife is the prototype...the rest of them that I will complete for our team may use different materials and the sheaths will be made to carry easily with the rest of our climbing gear.
While these knives were originally intended for our team alone, I will be joining a variety of other unique artisans and offering a limited number for sale in our up-coming SecretSpotStore! Phill and I are working diligently to get the store-front built and online. We already have some extraordinary and exotic art pieces of all types from around the world that we will be offering!
I refuse to limit myself to one style or type of knife. I craft whatever happens to come into my head at the time. I take custom orders as well...but usually always add some of my own design. You can check out all of my other work on my web site by clicking the banner below!
With the Spring of 2009 upon us, those who have been following our web sites may have already noticed that our 2009 plans have changed a bit. For the second year in a row, the Chinese government is not granting traverse permits for Mount Everest! It has become clear that we are going to have to do a far greater amount of lobbying with their government in order to make this permit happen, and it will not happen in time for the Spring 2009 climbing season. The success of any expedition lies heavily on its ability to remain fluid and flexible...for more often than not, things tend to work out differently than originally planned. We have become the Kings of Fluidity %~>
The Kings of Fluidity. Dawa, Chris, Alex, and Phill show off their then-newly acquired Zulu 9 gear in Talkeetna before heading up to Denali in June 2008
Our new, Spring 2009 plans will take our team back to Denali in Alaska...the highest peak in North America. In the Spring of 2008, the weather gods of Denali chose not to allow us access to Her summit. This year, our team will be traversing the mountain...climbing up the standard West Buttress route and then climbing down and out through the Muldrow Glacier on the back side. This is a feat rarely executed on Denali. For a closer look at our route and general information about the expedition, you can check out our web site for SecretSpotDenali by clicking the banner below!
We are greatly looking forward to reconnecting with the many friends we made during our last trip to Alaska! We had an amazing adventure in 2008 with Denali only being one part of it. The wonderful hospitality and support we received was unparalleled and it will be a pleasure to share time with those folks again.
Tim and Krista at Krista's Kabin on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula in May 2008
Tom and Roberta after some sod-busting and gravel-laying at Roberta's house in May 2008
I hope this post finds all of you well. If you have not yet subscribed to our blog...WHY NOT?!?!? 8~] It's as easy as putting your email address into the 'subscribe' box on the left-hand side of your screen! I invite you!
Stay tuned for more of Phill's adventures in Nepal!
Cheers for now!
-Chris
CHRIS STANKO | Base Camp Manager
Secret Spot Seven Summits
As I'm sure you already know, the Secret Spot project is comprised of a multitude of voices and talents. Each of us bring our unique perspectives and life experiences into the mix to make this project a success. Though we are from a wide range of backgrounds and physically spread all over the globe, we share one common thread that ultimately brings us together and weaves our success...the vision and determination to follow our own dreams, regardless of what the world tells us is or is not possible.
For those who don't already know me, back in 2004 I walked away from a corporate management position with Oakley to start my own company, West Coast Bladecraft, creating one-of-a-kind, hand made knives. In 2006, I sold my first blade. Since then, I've been taking my art to new levels of practice and material.
Since working with the Secret Spot Seven Summits project, it seemed only natural to produce a commemorative piece for our team to carry with us as we explore the summits of the world. After undergoing a number of design changes and alterations, the final version of that knife has been completed...the Summitter II.
The details on the materials and construction of the knife can be found on my website at WestCoastBladecraft.com. I used design elements inspired by the Nepali Khukuri knife...an extremely versatile and useful tool. I do all of my own leather work as well for the sheath. This knife is the prototype...the rest of them that I will complete for our team may use different materials and the sheaths will be made to carry easily with the rest of our climbing gear.
While these knives were originally intended for our team alone, I will be joining a variety of other unique artisans and offering a limited number for sale in our up-coming SecretSpotStore! Phill and I are working diligently to get the store-front built and online. We already have some extraordinary and exotic art pieces of all types from around the world that we will be offering!
I refuse to limit myself to one style or type of knife. I craft whatever happens to come into my head at the time. I take custom orders as well...but usually always add some of my own design. You can check out all of my other work on my web site by clicking the banner below!
With the Spring of 2009 upon us, those who have been following our web sites may have already noticed that our 2009 plans have changed a bit. For the second year in a row, the Chinese government is not granting traverse permits for Mount Everest! It has become clear that we are going to have to do a far greater amount of lobbying with their government in order to make this permit happen, and it will not happen in time for the Spring 2009 climbing season. The success of any expedition lies heavily on its ability to remain fluid and flexible...for more often than not, things tend to work out differently than originally planned. We have become the Kings of Fluidity %~>
Our new, Spring 2009 plans will take our team back to Denali in Alaska...the highest peak in North America. In the Spring of 2008, the weather gods of Denali chose not to allow us access to Her summit. This year, our team will be traversing the mountain...climbing up the standard West Buttress route and then climbing down and out through the Muldrow Glacier on the back side. This is a feat rarely executed on Denali. For a closer look at our route and general information about the expedition, you can check out our web site for SecretSpotDenali by clicking the banner below!
We are greatly looking forward to reconnecting with the many friends we made during our last trip to Alaska! We had an amazing adventure in 2008 with Denali only being one part of it. The wonderful hospitality and support we received was unparalleled and it will be a pleasure to share time with those folks again.
I hope this post finds all of you well. If you have not yet subscribed to our blog...WHY NOT?!?!? 8~] It's as easy as putting your email address into the 'subscribe' box on the left-hand side of your screen! I invite you!
Stay tuned for more of Phill's adventures in Nepal!
Cheers for now!
-Chris
CHRIS STANKO | Base Camp Manager
Secret Spot Seven Summits
Posted by Phill Michael at 2/4/2009 3:35 PM 
Categories: SecretSpot.TV, Zulu 9, secretspot7summits.com, Nepal, Everest, SecretSpotAfrica, Kathmandu, Podcast, Oakley, Virgo Moon, SecretSpotEverest.com, SecretSpot.NET, Interviews, Medtronic, Phill Michael, Seven Summits, Denali, Sherpa, Alaska, Frick, West Coast Bladecraft, tibet
Categories: SecretSpot.TV, Zulu 9, secretspot7summits.com, Nepal, Everest, SecretSpotAfrica, Kathmandu, Podcast, Oakley, Virgo Moon, SecretSpotEverest.com, SecretSpot.NET, Interviews, Medtronic, Phill Michael, Seven Summits, Denali, Sherpa, Alaska, Frick, West Coast Bladecraft, tibet
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