Dawning of a Renaissance Man
Posted By Randy on September 3, 2026
He knows where and when to wear a tie, and what accoutrements best suit a day in the woods. He can code with skill, he fences sabre, practices stick, and is not to be trifled with when armed with his hand woven paracord shepherd’s sling. He plays piano and bass guitar, knows where and how to harvest plants that can be used to make rope that won’t quit, which ones stop bleeding, and which stave off infection in a wound. He speaks easily to men and effortlessly charms women of all ages. He is Viktor, first born to the LFM Clan. Thirteen years old today, and I am proud to name him among the best Men I am honoured to know. (LFM Photo)
Our first born Son, Viktor, turns 13 today. This pictorial essay offers insights into the ways, means, interests, talents, and accomplishments of our Man of the hour. I could certainly have gone on at length but chose instead to take the minimalist approach, offering these subtleties to those with eyes to see. Besides, I plan on doing a “Year in Review” piece this Autumn and there’s no point in getting ahead of ourselves.
A dead standing White Ash sapling is becoming a walking stick.
This business end of his fishing spear, hand crafted from a 5 foot bamboo pole, a maple twig, and some #18 bank line, using only hand, eye, and his No.8 Opinel knife.
For two summers, Viktor has been testing every fibrous plant he can find, in search of those best suited to the weaving of cordage in all its wondrous variety. Through it all, one of his Holy Grails has been to create a rope that could support his own weight under a dynamic provocation to break. With unflagging tenacity, he repeatedly succeeded in discovering new ways that didn’t work until, this August just passed, through finding a native sedge growing in abundance along the roadsides and adjacent bog land near our home, the dream was realized.
6 and a half feet of 0.34 inch diameter sedge rope is tested by 96 pounds of intention. (LFM photo)
The first, “Holy shit!” moment. (LFM photo)
Getting serious now. (LFM photo)
Both feet off the ground. (LFM photo)
A 20 second hang time and the crowd goes wild! Nerve broke but the rope held. (LFM photo)
Number 3 Son, Maksim needs a go. (LFM photo)
He ain’t heavy, he’s my Brother. (LFM photo)
Still the rope holds, even in the face of heavy thinking. (LFM photo)
Basking in the accomplishment. (LFM photo)
A closeup of the rope after testing. Its full unbroken length now hangs coiled in a place of honour. (LFM photo)
As the saying goes, no kid looks back and remembers his best day of television.
Mrs. LFM photo
Mrs. LFM photo
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