Artisans of Steel

Welcome to the April 2025 Artisans of Steel interview with Ben Tendick!Hailing from Eugene, OR, Ben Tendick specializes in EDC and tactical style knives, but over the past several years, he's become well known for his titanium spatulas, which have been featured in Oprah Daily and used by Chef Andrew Zimmern. Ben has come a long way from his day job as a metal fabricator and making his own knifemaking machines. I am looking forward to sharing Ben's journey with everybody, and seeing what's up next for him. There will be a lot of great insights and takeaways from this conversation!You can see more of Ben's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/brtbladeworks/ and https://www.instagram.com/titaniumspatulas/Or on his website here:https://brtbladeworks.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 39 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Jayden Simisky.I only became aware of Jayden's work in the last couple of years, but in that short period of time, Jayden has really found a way to exemplify his own creative take on the form, function, and design of knives. From Bowies and choppers to culinary knives, Jayden is exploring it all. I am very interested to get to know him better for the person he is, the maker he has become, and where he sees the future in this craft.You can see more of Jayden's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jaydensimisky/Or on his website here:https://www.theslacksmith.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 38 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Tre' Hill.I have been following Tre's work for a few years now and had the great fortune of meeting him at Blade Show in Atlanta last June. It was awesome to see his work in person, and I was struck by the hamons on his blades, and the quality of the finish he was getting on both his Damasteel and hamon blades. I am really excited to get to know Tre' better in this conversation, to learn more about his polishing techniques, and to share that with you!You can see more of Tre's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/3rdhillcustoms/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 37 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Josh Weston.I am very excited to have my friend, Josh Weston, joining the Artisans of Steel podcast this month. I first discovered Josh's work in 2012, when I came across a forging progression for a tomahawk made out of a railroad spike. I didn't know it was Josh's until I saw him compete on Forged in Fire. Josh is now part of the very exciting Dragon Forge Experience, and is one of the most creative guys I know, making both fantastical and historical reproductions of swords and knives. Over the years we've gotten to know each other, and become good buddies, and I'm really excited to dive in and share some of his creativity with you!You can see more of Josh's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/joshaweston and https://www.instagram.com/dragonforgeexpOr check out his website, here:https://www.joshaweston.com/Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 36 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Kaila Cumings. I first met Kaila at Blade Show in 2018 in Atlanta. She's probably one of the toughest people I've ever met. She's a talented outdoorsperson, survivalist, and knifemaker. She's got an awesome sense of humor, and I'm super excited to get to know her better in this conversation, and for you guys to get to know her along with me! You can see more of Kaila's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kailacumings/ Or check out her website, here: https://www.kailacumingsknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 35 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Lucas O'Hara. Lucas O'Hara is probably best known for his outdoor and everyday carry (EDC) knives. He served in the military, has a background in private security, and uses these experiences to bring a particular sense of discipline and business acumen to his knifemaking. Lucas is a great guy who has a lot of useful insight to share with this community. And, as he's just getting into chef's knives, it will be fun to watch as that journey unfolds. I am excited for all of you to get to know Lucas, as I've gotten to know him over the last few years, and dive into his journey with me. You can see more of Lucas's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/grizzly_forge/ Or check out his website, here: https://www.grizzlyforge.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 34 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Gabe Fletcher. I have been fortunate enough to get to know and work alongside Gabe Fletcher over the past few years. In that time, Gabe has exploded into a wildly talented knifemaker, whose journey I feel lucky to have been a part of. Gabe has a widely varied background, which I'm excited to learn more about and share with all of you. Let's dive in! You can see more of Gabe's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/anchorageforge Or check out his brewery website, here: https://anchoragebrewing.company/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 33 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Grace Horne. I have admired Grace's work for over half a decade. She's a multifaceted maker who produces work from varying disciplines. As a cutler, she has spent the majority of her time in the craft specializing in the history and making of scissors and shears. I am very excited to dive into her background, and find out what led her down this path. You can see more of Grace's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/grace_horne_designs/ Or on her website, here: https://www.gracehorne.co.uk/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 32 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Joyce Kutty. I only met Joyce a year ago, but she has quickly become one of my favorite makers. With a background in woodworking and non-ferris metal work, she brings an understated elegance to her work that I really admire. She is also a very talented angler and chef, which informs her design and gives her a unique perpective. I am really looking foward to finding out more about her story, and sharing that with you! You can see more of Joyce's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kuttyknives/ Or on her website, here: https://www.kuttyknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 31 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Abie Lyons. I discovered Abie's work about 4 years ago, when I was drawn to the functionality and practicality of her designs, and have been a fan ever since. She is known for her folding knives and her EDC fixed blades. I was fortunate to meet her at Blade Show 2023, and I'm excited to get to know her more in this interview through her background, history, and how she got into knifemaking. You can see more of Abie's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aj_blades/ Or on her website, here: https://ajblades.com Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 30 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Dan Bidinger. I first met Dan in 2019 at the Blade West Show in Portland, Oregon. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of his work. He had only been a maker for a couple of years at that point, and his handle shapes and blade geometry were very good for a new maker, and he's only gotten better as one of the pioneers of the B-grind. He has taken compound blade geometry to the next level, and makes some of the highest performing and best cutting knives I've ever used. You can see more of Dan's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bidingerknives/ Or on his website, here: https://www.bidingerknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 29 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Vince Evans. Vince is one of the top sword makers in the world, and I'm so excited to be having this conversation with him. From Viking swords, to Scottish Dirks, to the Italian Cinquedea, his attention to detail and historical accuracy is incomparable. Thanks for joining us! You can see more of Vince's work on his website here: https://www.vinceevansswords.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 28 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Will Manning. Will Manning is a maker I have followed for a long time. He truly excels in making San Mai as well as Mosaic Damascus Chef Knives. He's also done a lot of really commendable work to collaborate with craftspeople of varying disciplines to support the greater culinary industry. I'm really looking forward to chatting with him today, getting into his background, and what drives his creativity. Thanks for joining us! You can see more of Will's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/heartwoodforge Or on his website here: https://www.heartwoodforge.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 27 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Owen Wood. Originally hailing from South Africa, Owen Wood has an exquisite body of work by which other knives may be judged. He is a fountain of insight and wisdom having made knives since the 70s, and is a pioneer of precision-welded damascus. I'm really excited to hear more of his story and background in knifemaking, and how he's gotten to the place he is now. You can see more of Owen's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/owenwooddesign/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 24 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Ben Kamon. Thanks for listening to Episode 26 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Andy Billipp. Andy is one of the makers I've followed the longest. He created a style, long ago, that has proved tried and true, mixing brute de forge with refined grinds and handle sculpting. He's one of a handful of makers whose work I wish I owned, particularly from a user's aspect, but also as an appreciator of well-made, finely-crafted tools. I can't wait to dive into his story and history. He's a farmer, a hunter, a maker, and an all around great guy. You can see more of Andy's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/billippknives/ Or on his website here: https://www.billippknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 25 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Mareko Maumasi, himself! Due to unforeseen circumstances, this month's AoS scheduled guest was unable to make it, so Mareko decided to do a deep dive into his own past to tell some of his story that has not been shared before, and give you a deeper look into what makes him the great maker that he is! To be a part of the live conversation, check out Mareko's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Maumasi You can see more of Mareko's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/maumasifirearts/ Or on his website here: https://www.maumasifirearts.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 24 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Ben Kamon. Ben Kamon is a maker from Austria, whose work I have been following for several years. He has a fantastic aesthetic that mixes primal brute de forge texture with refined machining work. I am excited to get to know him better, and dive more into his processes and techniques. You can see more of Ben's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kamon_knives/ Or on his website here: https://www.kamonknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 23 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Mert Tansu. I am very excited to have Mert on today, as he is one of the only custom knifemakers that comes from a professional background in cooking. He's one of the founding members of the Wootz Society, and is also making his own crucible steel. He is a wealth of insight and information, and I look forward to getting to know him better during this conversation. You can see more of Mert's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tansu_knives/ Or on his website here: https://tansuknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 22 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Lin Rhea, MS. I'm excited to have ABS Master Smith Lin Rhea on the podcast this month. His innovative designs and masterful forging techniques have been an inspiring resource for me over the years. I'm looking forward to sharing our conversation with you as we discuss some of the specialty techniques that he uses for forging knives, like his X-Rhea knives, and more. You can see more of Lin's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lin_rhea_knifemaker/ Or on his website here: https://rheaknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 21 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Steve Culver, MS. I first met Steve when I took the Introduction to Bladesmithing Course over at the New England School of Metalwork. I took that class so that I could meet Steve, because I really admired his talent and skill, and I loved that he approached knifemaking from a very different perspective and approach than I did. Since then, I've become good friends with him, and we have had many great conversations about knifemaking, and damascus making. I look forward to sharing our conversation with everybody, today. You can see more of Steve's work on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100032362401859 Or on his website here: http://www.culverart.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 20 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Don Andrade. Coming from a background in bronze casting and sculpture, Don is the quintessential artist and maker. His aesthetics, style and quality of execution in performance of his knives are why I selected him to be a part of the Artisans of Steel calendar featuring culinary knife makers. He's a great guy, with a varied background, and I hope you enjoy our chat! You can see more of Don's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/california_custom_knives/ Or on his website here: https://californiacustomknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 19 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Shane Taylor, MS. I first met Shane Taylor in 2014 at the Seattle International Knife Show. The quality of his work instantly blew me away. His creativity seems to be boundless and he's often an inspiration for my work. I am very excited to have this amazing Master Smith on the podcast and get to dive more into his work and his process! You can see more of Shane's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/shanetaylorknives/ Or on his website here: http://www.taylorknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 18 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Jordan LaMothe, MS. Jordan is a young, and insanely talented maker from upstate New York. He's a Master Smith in the ABS, and just finished a year-long trip to India where he studied the art and craft of koftgari, a technique for embellishing weapons. I am so excited to welcome him to the podcast, and dive into everything he has been up to! You can see more of Jordan's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jordanlamotheblades/ Or on his website here: https://www.jordanlamothe.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 17 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Jason Ellard! Jason is one of the toughest, most hard working young makers I know of. Based out of Tasmania, he makes some of the most intriguing steel I've seen, with some of the most rudimentary tools. I look forward to getting to know him, and finding out more about his process and inspiration! You can see more of Jason's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ellardblacksmithing/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 16 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Van Barnett! Van is one of the most wildly creative and talented makers I know. His style is all his own, and I am so excited to welcome him as my guest on his very first podcast. I look forward to learning about him, his approach, and his philosophy toward creativity, knifemaking and art. You can see more of Van's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/van_barnett/ Or on his website, here: https://www.vanbarnettart.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 15 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Paul DiStefano, JS! I first met Paul at Blade Show 2018, and the quality of his work, for such a young maker, drew me to his table. I could see that he had a lot of potential and was already on a great path, and only a few short years later, he is an ABS Journeyman Smith working on becoming a Master Smith. He incorporates elaborate carving and engraving work that captures your attention with his signature, stylistic flow. I hope you enjoy our conversation, talking about his journey thus far, and where his future might take him. You can see more of Paul's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/pauldistefanoknives/ Or on his website, here: https://www.pauldistefanoknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 14 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Henning Wilkinson. When I first met Henning Wilkinson in 2019, I was stunned by the high level of quality in his work and craftsmanship. His background in gunsmithing translates nicely into the work he creates, and I am really looking forward to diving into the very special techniques and styles he uses in this interview! You can see more of Henning's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/henningwilkinson/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 13 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Fingal Ferguson. I'm excited to welcome one of my favorite culinary knife makers, Fingal Ferguson, to the Artisans of Steel podcast. Fingal makes knives for a wide variety of people in the kitchen; from great talents like Chef Jamie Oliver and Chef Francis Mallmann, to everyday home cooking culinary heroes. Fingal is also an integral part of his family farm, Gubbeen, where he specializes in making the farm's smoked meats and charcuterie, as well as its cheeses. He's a man of vast experience with a ton of wisdom to impart, and we're lucky to have him as our guest this month! You can see more of Fingal's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fingalferguson/ Or on his website here: https://www.fingalfergusonknives.com/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 12 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Oliver Goldschmidt. When I first met Oliver in 2019 at Blade Show, I was absolutely stunned by his high level of skill and execution of his work. I have been a fan ever since. I draw inspiration from him often, and I hope you enjoy this chat with him as I get to know his story better. You can see more of Oliver's work on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/goldschmidt_knives/ Or on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/Goldschmidtknives/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 11 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Jason Morrissey. I have admired Jason Morrissey's work for a very long time as he uses a lot of unconventional processes for creating unique mosaic damascus patterns. Constantly learning and advancing his craft, his patterns are so unique that they are some of the most challenging for me to puzzle out. But in them he always leaves me with something interesting to learn. I'm excited to have him on the show and delve more into his work! You can see more of Jason's work on his website here: https://www.jasonmorrissey.com/ Or on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jasonmorrissey/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 10 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Tom Ward, JS. Currently living in Turkey, Tom is a Massachusetts born metal artist, who not only studied under JD Smith, but also has a very impressive resume of accomplishments that span the globe. Tom makes beautiful damascus swords and axes, with a lot of middle eastern influence, and he has some really killer engraving skills. I have admired his work since I started Maumasi Fire Arts, and I'm super excited to have him on the show! You can see more of Tom's work on his website here: https://www.tempestcraft.com/ Or on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tempestcraft/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 9 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Salem Straub. Salem is part of a new generation of knifemakers that are really pushing the bounds of pattern development, which is why I featured him in this year's Artisans of Steel Calendar. He's one of the most innovative and creative damascus makers I know. He also has a wide breadth of knowledge and understanding about the construction and creation of all kinds of knives, from Bowies to folders to swords to chef's knives. He is also a talented musician and skater, and I'm excited to have him on the show! You can see more of Salem's work on his website here: https://www.prometheanknives.com/ Or on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/salemstraub/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 8 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Master Smith and Living Legend, Steve Schwarzer! Steve is one of the godfathers of pattern welded steel. He pioneered using powdered steel and canister damascus, and continues to take his techniques to new heights. He is internationally regarded as one of the top makers in the world, and shares his knowledge through teaching, even today. I am so fortunate to call him my friend, and I am thrilled to have him on the show today. You can see more of Steve's work on his website here: https://steveschwarzer.com/ Or on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/steveschwarzer/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 7 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Jamie Lundell. Jamie is one of the most talented sword makers of our modern times. He is creating the most intricate mosaic damascus patterns on swords not found anywhere else throughout the entirety of history. He's also a very talented lost wax caster, engraver and carver. Not to mention, a fierce competitor and overall creative guy that I'm lucky to call my friend. You can see more of Jamie's work on his website here: https://dragonsbreathforge.com/ Or on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jamielundell/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 6 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Joshua Prince. Joshua Prince is one of the most creative and talented Damascus makers of our modern times. He truly paints with steel. Tune in to hear about some of his amazing Damascus making techniques! You can see more of Joshua's work on his website here: https://www.princeworksforge.com/ Or on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/princeworksforge/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 5 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Josh Smith, MS. Josh Smith's name is well known in the knifemaking craft. He still holds the record as the youngest person ever given the title of ABS Master Bladesmith. He is an immense wealth of knowledge in damascus making, folding knives, ABS-style Bowies, hunters and fighters, and has trekked the world over because of his knifemaking prowess. Josh is also the founder of the Montana Knife Company, the fastest growing commercial knife brand in the world. You can see more of Josh's work on his website here: https://www.joshsmithknives.com/ Or on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/joshsmithknives/ Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 4 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with Don Nguyen. Don is an awesomely talented, science-minded blade maker with degree in engineering, and is one of the best chef's knife makers of our time. Not only is he a dear friend whose work I own, but he's also a great guy with a lot of hard-earned wisdom to share. You can see more of Don's work here: https://www.instagram.com/donnguyenknives/ To catch more great interviews like this, have access to my online maker community, and participate in the conversation, join me over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Maumasi Thanks so much to this month's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to Episode 3 of the Artisans of Steel interview series with the living legend, JD Smith, MS. JD came to knifemaking as his third career; he was previously a precious metal smith and a professional jazz musician. As a knifemaker, his work is the gold standard for high quality damascus and damascus finishes. He is the pioneer of both the fluxless welding technique as well as the fish-mouth tip welding technique. Watch the interview on YouTube: JD Smith, MS Interview Check out JD's website: https://www.amerrussbladearts.com/ You can follow JD on Instagram: @Mamboslave To catch more great interviews like this, have access to my online maker community, and participate in the conversation, join me over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/maumasi Thanks so much to this episode's Super Sponsors:

Thanks for listening to the Artisans of Steel interview series with the wootz master, performance sword smith, blacksmith, Jack of all trades, and friend to all animals, Peter Swartz-Burt. Watch the interview on YouTube: Peter Swarz-Burt Interview You can follow Peter on Instagram: @peterburtknives Check out Peter's website: https://peterburtknives.com/ Join the conversation with other amazing makers, and get your own questions answered on my Patreon: www.patreon.com/maumasi Thanks so much to this episode's Super Sponsors:

The first Artisans of Steel Interview with the stainless mosaic Damascus master, Will Brigham. Please bear with the beginning audio - it's a little scratchy but then gets better! Watch the interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kKE0vu63PP8 You can follow Will on Instagram @the_artificery Join the conversation with other amazing makers, and get your own questions answered on my Patreon: www.patreon.com/maumasi Thanks so much to this episode's Super Sponsors: