Oh man, that's frustrating! I've been there myself. I grabbed a cheap boning knife from a discount store once and it was dull after just a couple chickens too. What worked for me was switching to a Victorinox Fibrox. I've had mine for two years now and it still holds a decent edge through plenty of birds and roasts. The handle is comfy and hasn't cracked at all, even after all that use. Really solid choice for the price.

And it's the SAME in every other skill people try to pick up. I've watched friends quit learning guitar because they couldn't nail one chord, or give up on cooking after one burnt dinner. People just freak out at that first wall and forget EVERYONE hits it.

Right, and the hidden fasteners are where it really shines. You don't get those ugly nail holes that collect water and rot out the wood over time. Did you seal the pocket holes with plugs or just leave them exposed? That's the only thing I'd worry about on a deck surface,

Are we really acting like 2 inches on hanger spacing is going to bring the whole building down? @milesp38 I get that the math says what it says, but I've seen old timers slap hangers on with nothing but a level and a prayer and those beams are still holding up parking lots. It's a light commercial job in Oakdale, not a skyscraper, you know? I'd probably nod along to his face, then go back to doing it the way that's worked since before he passed his PE exam.

Pretty sure we all have grandpas like Frank walking around just waiting to drop knowledge on us for free. Not exactly life changing, but sure, nice dude.