Meet the Maker
Craft:
I have always been someone who admires craft. After graduating high school, I joined the U.S. Navy to serve, and to be part of something bigger than myself. I married my high school sweetheart, and we went to Guam, where I served my enlistment on the USS Frank Cable. After serving in the Navy, I returned home to Texas, began college, and obtained a degree in History. I then became a school teacher, teaching U.S. History, which I did for three years. During my studies, and time teaching, I was always fascinated by the craftsmanship of artisans each community had to rely on. When you bought something from the local blacksmith, butcher, farmer, cobbler, etc. . . your money wasn't going up the corporate chain, but into the hands of a family, or person, you knew and valued. This is something I believe many have lost sight of in our predominately cheap, consumable, throw-away society.
I had a desire to produce something useful; something that would always present a challenge, and could be useful to others for generations. I then became a full-time firefighter/paramedic, which further solidified my understanding of how important it is to have practical, functioning tools.
Why Knives?
Growing up hunting with my grandpa, serving in the military, and now working as a full-time firefighter/paramedic, I have grown to appreciate how much we rely on tools to make our lives easier, and potentially save them. As stated above, I love artisan makers, and the products they put so much time, energy, sweat, and attention into.
Knives were something I always carried, but rarely spent much time thinking about. "A blade was a blade" in my mind, but I was wrong. I wanted to buy my first "expensive" knife, and had my sights on a Benchmade folding knife. When I went to buy this knife, there were four models of the same knife, ranging from $115 to $315. I was interested variances in pricing. The knowledgeable man who assisted me started telling me about the blade steels, handle materials, etc. . . An interest became an obsession.
I began learning everything I could about knives. Blade steels, edge geometry, shape, design, function, handle materials, heat treating, cryo treatments, etc. . . I was hooked. I got a sharpening system, and a friend brought me a custom knife from a maker. I analyzed that knife up and down, and wondered what it would take to make my own. Having control over the methods and styling is still one of the things I enjoy most about making custom knives.
From there I ventured into the world of YouTube knife makers, and that was it for me. I jumped in head first, and with the time I have on my days off from the fire station, I make custom knives. Every one is different, and unique. Every one has intention, purpose, and attention to detail as its priority. I have my hands on every aspect of the process. I continue to learn with every one I make, but I continue to push myself, remain humble, and try to progress each day.
It would be my privilege to make you a knife, and have as many pieces of my story out in the world being used for generations to come.
"Custom knives are not mere objects; they are a tangible connection to our past and a symbol of our commitment to preserving the art of craftsmanship. With every use, you are reminded of the generations that came before us, who relied on the skill and ingenuity of artisans to forge a better future."