Mark of the Maker

We enjoy a great discussion on knifemaking and a passion for learning with Mathew Boisvert. You may recognize Mat's name, as we have mentioned him a few times previously on the show. He's a newer maker but has taken his craft to new levels through innovation and a love of learning and problem solving. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

We sit down with our friends Billy Cho and Nick Rolfe to talk about the recent Pacific Northwest Custom Invitational show that they put on in Seaside, Oregon. By all accounts it was a great show, so we dig into what went right, what could have been better, and what the challenges look like when putting together a knife show. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Here's a fresh "picks" episode where we each pick three knives we think you should know about. Some are historically significant, others are just cool and may be outside what you've seen before. Or, maybe you're familiar with all of them and it's a trip down memory lane. Come geek out on knives with us! Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Todd Begg joins us for another round of discussion. This time we hit on design aesthetic and process, knifemaking influences, tools, the business of knifemaking, and his round trip from customs to semi-production and back again. We also talk shows and the role and complications of production partnerships in the business overall. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Award winning knifemaker, designer and President of The Knifemaker's Guild Todd Begg joins us to chat about his knife making journey. Todd tells us about his own timeline and shares some great insights as well as some stories about legendary makers he's had the honor of knowing and working with over the years. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Can you believe it's been 100+ epsiodes of Mark of the Maker? Hard for us to wrap our head around. We look back at how the show got started, some things we hope we've accomplished and where we hope to go from here. We wrap up with our own little "awards show" in celebration of Ep.100. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Personal schedules have been crazy for the crew but we found time right after Blade Show 2023 to get together for a chat and to catch up. We talk vacation, New Orleans Show, and Blade Show and hear about some great finds and new things that caught our eye. It's been a minute, thanks all for sticking with us! Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

The old Knives Annual Books had a category sometimes called "Oddities." We take a deep dive into that genre of stuff, across a very, very wide spectrum of creativity in the form of a picks episode. We each picked out some interesting stuff and did some research that we'll share with you, with a big time focus on the funky! Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Sean takes Mark on a trip into the world of Warhammer 40k to talk edged weapons. What's Warhammer 40k? Why are you talking about this on a knife podcast?! What in the name of Kharn is a chain axe!?? Also, NERDS!!!!?! Yes, yes - we answer those questions and more and talk about some crazy weaponry found in this grim, dark, future world. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Tom gives us the scoop regarding his visit to Blade Show Texas 2023. Sounds like it was a great time and he gives us some insight on some cool things he saw at the show and what it was like being in Fort Worth again. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

We take a shot at our next History "Combosode" - a collection of shorter knife history spots, one from each of us on the team. Four legendary makers and a little bit about their stories: John Nelson Cooper, Bob Engnath, Bud Nealy and D. E. "Ed" Henry. Hope you find something interesting and maybe learn a cool piece of knife history along the way! Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

What's the most used knife in your house? Chances are it's a kitchen knife, and sometimes not a very good one! We can help, and with some of our picks, we can dream. In Episode 96, we each make some kitchen knife picks in a series of price ranges. From affordable to "OH DAMN" we cover a lot of territory as usual. Dust off the googlebox and join us for the ride. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

After a short break, we're back with the Kickoff of Season 6! We recap 2022 and talk about our experiences over the year, makers we made note of, and then got into what our plans and hopes are for 2023. Lots of new shows, some great makers now on our radar and a little reflection on where we all go from here. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

The leaves are falling, the weather is turning cool and that means Fall is here! This time we take a swing at some picks for gear you might want to take on a fall hiking or camping trip, but with a twist. Fun one as always and you'll want to have your search engine ready or join us in our FB group for pics. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

For episode 93, we get together with renowned ABS Mastersmith Mike Quesenberry for a chat. Mike has been the recipient of numerous awards, including this year's Best Damascus award at Blade Show and is featured in the Greatest Living Knifemakers book. We talk about his path and his love for forging, integrals and making damascus. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Next up in our string of interviews is Nick Swan. Nick came into knives as a user and collector and eventually found his path to becoming a maker. We talk about his personal knifemaking journey, his influences, his mentors and his process. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Here's a great interview with one of the nicest custom knifemakers in the game - our friend Kirby Lambert. For those not familiar, Kirby is a Canadian maker and makes some of the cleanest knives around. From growing up skateboarding and his interests in martial arts and guitars, to the guidance of some great mentors, we cover lots of territory in this great chat. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

If you ever remember flipping through knife catalogs and seeing crazy stuff that made you shake your head for a sec (or secretly fell in love with), this fun picks episode is for you. We each pick a scenario and the gear to go along with it from the gas station / mall ninja world / "affordable fantasy" world. Part guilty pleasure, part "WTF is THAT?!" - we had a blast with this episode. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

We've talked about the IG account @Spycraft101 many times on the show, and this time we are joined by its creator, Justin Black. Super interesting discussion, talking about crazy spy stuff from a new book Justin has out called Covert Arms: Weapons from the World of Spycraft and Espionage. Really fun chat and some great insights and stories from Justin that we know you'll enjoy. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark talks with Michael and Sean about their recent experience at the new Pacific Northwest Custom Invitational show. This was a first attempt at a small regional show from our friends and recovering MotM guests Billy Cho and Nick Rolfe. A solid show by most accounts and one that pulled in some fantastic makers from around the country. Listen in with us for more. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Here's the second half of our discussion with artist and metalsmith Pat Pruitt. In this second installment, we dig into collaborations, more on technology, and how COVID drove changes for many of us. Pat is a great interview and we hope you enjoy this one as much as we did. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Artist and metalsmith Pat Pruitt joins us for a great chat about his work and how he found his path. Another example of a unique background and a journey that is unlike any of the others we've explored. We talk art, technology, and design - and dig into what it means to be a maker and creator of things. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

We always enjoy the "picks" episodes and this one was no exception. As usual, we set up some scenarios and use them as an excuse to go find some cool blades and gear to talk about. We go new school, old school, funky school - you name it. Fun episode and one we hope you'll share your OWN picks for in our Facebook group. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Jade Marsh of RMJ USA joins us for a chat about his background and some of the kickass things going on in the RMJ world. Jade grew up in southern California during an important time in knifemaking and shares some great stories with us. We talk history, shows, business, and a bit about how recent times have changed our landscape. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark, Tom and Michael talk about Blade Show 2022 in Atlanta. This year's show had a little different feel to it so we talk about what it was like, how it went, and what all came home with Michael and Tom. What was YOUR Blade 2022 experience like? Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Here's the first of what will likely become a series over time - something we're calling a History "Combosode." Some important pieces of knife history, showcasing makers that we might not have a full episode worth of content to talk about - but who we still want to highlight. We hit four makers, some passed, some living legends and tell you what we know about their significance in our world. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark, Sean and Michael talk about the recent TKI SoCal 2022 show and what that experience was like. We talk details of the show, a few maker that were there, and Sean gives us some insights on the California Custom Knife Show that took place in the days following. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

We're joined again by our very first guest, the original Friend of The Show, Mr. Nick Rossi! A lot has happened over the last four years with Nick and in our world. He gives us an update on what's been happening with him since that time, on his venture into the world of a full-time knifemaker, and on his path to becoming an ABS Master Bladesmith. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Do you like daggers? Well, we sure do and in this episode we dig into some dagger picks from a few fun categories. Historical, Sneaky and Fantasy daggers all get their fair share of discussion. Hit our Facebook group for photos of each of our choices and join in the discussion. What are your favorites from these categories? Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Tom gives us the scoop on his recent visit to Blade Texas 2022 and his experiences there. We hear details about the show, some cool stuff he saw there and get his thoughts on why this is a show worth checking out. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Knifemaker and Designer Les George joins us for a great chat about knives and knifemaking. Please pardon the audio quality on Les' track early in the episode, it cleans up as you listen on. We talk folders, daggers, midtechs and spend some time talking about mentors and their influence. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

We always have a lot of fun with our "picks" episodes and this one's no exception. The task was to pick a camping destination, an item or two for your pocket, a fixed blade on your belt, a pack knife or axe and something that launches projectiles. Lots of creativity in this one and some camping destinations that are a little outside the box. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Here's the second half of our interview with knifemaker JB Stout of Stout Knife and Tool. We continue on the timeline and talk about more recent aspects of his business and also run through some fun questions. Jason is a friend of ours and truly a pleasure to have him join us for a chat - hope you enjoy it! Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Knifemaker Jason aka JB Stout of Stout Knife and Tool joins us for a chat this time around. He tells us about his machining background and how that experience has influenced the way he designs and makes knives. Great chat with JB, hope you enjoy it! Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Michael talks with Mark about his latest project - building a forging press. As part of an overall goal to do more sole authorship work, he describes some of the challenges he ran into along with the tools and skills he needed to make it happen. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Our 5th season? Yeah, seems crazy to us too. We discuss trends, makers and experiences from 2021 and look forward to new things, changes to our plans, makers to watch and where we think trends and the show topology may go. Lots of great stuff coming to you in Season 5, thanks to you all for sticking with us and coming along for the ride! Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Dr. Rachel Parikh joins us again, this time to walk us through her attempt at a "Top Ten" favorite historical Arms and Armor objects. Rachel is always a pleasure to chat with and she takes on a great tour and deep dive into some amazing stuff. You'll want to have a cellphone or computer handy and can follow along with us at our website www.markofthemaker.com where we've shared accession numbers and links. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

We cover a lot of ground this episode, with both a recap of the NYCKS in Nashville show and some holiday picks. Sean and Mark share some comments about the NYCKS show as well as some clips from the show floor. Our holiday picks this year have a little different twist to them, so give it a listen if you need to pick out something for an acquaintence, friend or best buddy. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Danish designer and knifemaker Jens Anso joins us to share his knife making journey and some insight into how he developed his unique style and approach to design. Jens background is both similar and different than many of our previous guests and as you'll hear in the conversation, that leads each of us to a different place. A fascinating and fun discussion that we think you'll enjoy. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark and Tom talk regrinds! We start with basic edge geometry and get into what a regrind is, why you might want one, when they work best, and when they don't. Tom gives us some history about how long he's been doing these and why they aren't available on some knives and what kinds of limitations apply. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Author, collector and all-around enthusiast Neal Punchard joins us to talk about two truly fun topics. It seems most knife nerds have many life interests and experiences in common and who doesn't remember their first time using a switchblade or their first BB gun. Part history, part throwback fun, we think there's plenty here for most anyone to enjoy. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

The weather is starting to turn cooler and we check in with our crew to talk about the art knife show Arts in Metal, adventures, upcoming shows and projects, and plans for this winter. Lots going on for the entire team this time of year. COVID, changes to show schedules and "life" have thrown us all some curveballs. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Sean talks wraps up the Back to School series in this final installment post-graduation from his machining program. He gives some insights about the kinds of things he learned, how he's been able to use them and offers some advice to people in similar situations. As usual, we also talk about some cool things we've seen recently and where to find them. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Tim Reeve of Chris Reeve Knives joins us to talk about knives, life and business. Tim shares some insight about what it was like to grow up as part of this family business, including some history and personal perspective on what it all means. It's a great insight to the current state of CRK, their workflow and some fun projects on the "wish list." Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Dr. Larrin Thomas joins us again to talk metallurgy and this time we dive into busting some myths around steel and heat treat. This one's definitely a more technical episode, so buckle up for some detailed talk and if you haven't already, check out Larrin's book Knife Engineering and his website Knife Steel Nerds. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

It's been a while since we did Q&A, so we reached out to our Patreon supporters and listeners and they came up with a fine list of questions to walk through. We also had a few questions for one another, talking life, shop and other stuff. Fun chat, you may find something interesting here whether a maker or collector. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Ricky Ray and Neal Punchard join us to talk Boker history and walk us through the timeline laid out in their book - Boker: Two Centuries and Two Countries Representing One Name in Cutlery Excellence. 150 years of cutlery is quite a haul, so there's plenty for us to talk about to better understand the Boker family and the complex history of this brand. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Just in time for America's Independence Day, we bring you a new picks episode, dedicated to what is probably the knife most synonymous with America. Regardless how you pronounce it, this one's a googler (yeah, we made that word up), you'll want your search engine handy or hit the Facebook group for pics of some of these great knives from great makers. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark, Sean and Tom chat about Blade Show 2021 and some of Tom's experiences and goodies from the show. Always great to see friends and makers we enjoy winning awards so we spend a few minutes talking about some of the great custom pieces that makers brought to Blade this year. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

We've talked in previous episodes about Dave Brown's work under his mark Vasana Bladeworks, and this time Dave took the time to chat with us about his life and his work. Great insights into his background, this knifemaking process and why his work covers lots of territory and multiple genres. Dave was a pleasure to chat with, we think you'll enjoy the conversation. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.