Mark of the Maker

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 gro...

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 o...

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...

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.  Fi...

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 Instagra...

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...

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...

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 @ma...

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...

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 @marko...

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...

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 a...

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 a...

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 grou...

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 Ins...

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 d...

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 Inst...

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 Instagra...

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 disc...

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 d...