Life of the Knife: Harley Refsal

"Life of the Knife," profiles internationally renowned wood carver Harley Refsal.

"Life of the Knife" examines the value of creating tactile beauty in an increasingly digital culture. Harley utilizes a single knife in his woodworking, a self-designed blade known as the 'Harley knife.' This simplicity carries over into other aspects of his life as well.

In a recent interview with the magazine American Miniaturist, Harley explained, "The people that get hooked on carving aren't a bunch of Luddites that want to turn back the clock, ... but rather a wonderful counterweight to what we do all day." In a class he taught earlier this year, he took his students outside to split fresh wood for spoons, a popular project. He overheard one student saying, "You know, I told my dad on the phone last night -- it's fun to have one class where we use an axe instead of a computer."

With this film, writer and director Michael Crowe asks: what does it mean to step away from our digital devices, and really craft something with your own hands? What does it mean to create, for both the individual and society? What is there to gain by getting back to basics, working with just a single knife and block of wood?

Through Harley's refreshing taste for simplicity, viewers are invited to explore themes of commitment, dedication and what it means to create, set against the backdrop of a long and meaningful Life of the Knife.

Music: Sweet Sue, performed by Louisiana Washboard Five of Bergen, Norway