The Josh Smith Show

Will Stelter is one of most impressive people I know.  His knowledge and ability is well beyond his years.  Will started into knife making around the age of 11.  He's now become a young star in the knife making world.  Will became widely known while working with Alec Steele.  Their YouTube videos get millions of views and have been a huge source of knowledge and entertainment for those interested in knife making.   Check out Will's YouTube page and Instagram!Instagram:@willstelterWill Stelter WebsiteWill Stelter YouTubewww.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

After a long weekend of forging and grinding knives I was joined by 10 veterans to discuss the weekend we had together.  Last spring we raised money through a raffle knife to help bring veterans to our shop here at Montana Knife Company.  The weekend of August 21st we brought about 15 veterans to our shop to teach them how to forge and grind.  I thought this may give them a hobby or distraction to use in their own lives when they are struggling with the pains of war.  This podcast was recorded before the tragic events of August 26th where we lost 13 Marines in Afghanistan.  However we did talk about the withdrawal and you can hear the tone of the room change.  There are no perfect answers to the situation and everyone one of these people could go on for hours I'm sure.  I encourage you to talk to veterans around you.  Invite them to forge in your shop, go fishing, or maybe even just have a beer.  Not every veteran is wounded.  They aren't broken.  But many struggle with the thoughts of what they experienced and the loss of their fellow soldier.  Thank you to the veterans who joined me and for allowing a civilian into their world for a weekend.  www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

This isn't your typical political conversation!  Steve Daines is one of Montana's two United States Senate representatives.  Instead of diving into more politics in this episode Josh and Steve talk about hunting, public, lands, and grizzly bears.  It's refreshing to hear that we do actually have representatives in Washington that actually hunt, fish, and hike on our public lands.  It's critical that we have representatives who actually represent our beliefs.  Steve is an outdoorsman at heart.  In fact his wife Cindy also shot a nice antelope last year as well.  Steve and Cindy both love to shoot long range rifles.Today we can get so into what jersey everyone wheres.   And while watching "the news" we can begin to think our representatives are all terrible people.  But in fact we do actually have good ones.  Even if you don't agree with Steve's politics, you can't argue he's not a good person.  Too bad we can't get all of our representatives up the mountains to understand better why it is we love to hunt, fish, and hike.    Check out @stevedaines on Instagram!www.daines.senate.gov www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

Geoff Feder is an accomplished artist in multiple mediums.  He has a special ability to be unique and find interesting and different ways to set his art apart from others.  Geoff is incredibly talented with a hammer in his hand.  In addition to sculpture and blacksmithing Geoff has become well recognized in the culinary industry.  If you follow him on IG you'll see Geoff routinely working on large runs of handmade knives.  He has an eye for combining different colors in his handles making them visually exciting while still being useful in the kitchen.  Geoff also has his own podcast, "Full Blast Podcast", and can also be found as a co-host of the number one knife related podcast, "Knifetalk."  Geoff brings an incredible sense of humor to "Knifetalk" in addition to his experience in the knife making field.  More than anything I find Geoff to be incitful and interesting.  I often find him offering a different perspective on topics that make me look at things a different way.  He's a great father, husband, and business man.  I'm proud to call him a friend and hope you'll go give him a follow.  Instagram@federknives@geofffederVisit Geoff's websitewww.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

This podcast is by far the most intense and incredible that I've recorded to date.  I had no idea about Mike's story when we sat down, but I quickly realized Mike's life has been incredible.  Mike Clancy served as a Force Recon Marine for 8 years and GRS (global response staff) for 4 years.  He did 13 total tours in Iraq and Afghanistan including the initial invasion into Iraq.  3 were combat tours as a Marine, and 10 were tours working for the CIA.  On the podcast Mike talks about the invasion and how quiet it was until all of a sudden they were caught by surprise from an attack in which they sustained the first casualty of the war.  From there Mike shares how intense the fighting was and how hard the conditions were.  In addition to his amazing and difficult time as a Marine, Mike's childhood and homelife was even more chaotic.  Mike grew up in a home that was unstable to say the least.  He talks about his dad who was trafficking drugs, the number of times he moved, and his difficulties as a lanky white kid in mostly black gang areas.  After the war Mike was stuggling to find himself and find peace.   Amazingly Mike had the opportunity to purge his demons through several Ayahuasca ceremonies.  He talks a lot about how good this experience was for him and how beneficial it could be for anyone struggling with issues from their past.  Currently Mike works for Black Rifle Coffee, enjoys practicing Ju Jitsu, and hunting.  Mike is one of the nicest people I've met and I found his stories and life incredible.  Instagram@fancy_schmancy_clancywww.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

Bert Sorin has quickly become known throughout the strength and conditioning world and the hunting community as a respected leader.   As a four time All American Hammer Thrower Bert gained respect in the athletic community as a force to be reckoned with.  Bert even competed in the Olympic Trials twice narrowly missing the games.  After the trials he transitioned into a leading business man and innovator changing the way exercise equipment was made and used.  Sorinex, started by his father Richard/Pops, has become the equipment of choice for professional, college, and high school weight rooms.    His passion for the outdoors only grew and Bert has now become a well know and respected figure in the hunting world.  As an avid archery hunter and deadly rifle shot Bert enjoys hunting mule deer, whitetails, and elk.  One could argue his greatest accomplishments have not been mentioned.  More impactful than anything listed above Bert is a connector of people helping bridge gaps in industries, educate people about the outdoors, and helping good people connect and build their own brands.  The only thing bigger than Bert and his beard is his heart and care for his friends and family.  Check Bert and his company websites and social medias are listed below.  Bert Sorin WebsiteSorinex WebsiteIG and Facebook@bertsorin@sorninexoutdoors@sorinexwww.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

In this short solo podcast Josh talks about one of the overlooked aspects of building a business.  The how to instruction is great.  But how do you get that instruction?  How do you get the information you need?  Is it all online videos?  There is no measure for how important personal face to face relationship building is when building your business.  Hopefully this podcast will make you consider some ideas you haven't yet thought about.  @joshsmithknives@montanaknifecompany www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

Francesa Ritchie has become one of the best sheath makers in the world.  In addition to sheaths Francesca and her husband Zach have quickly grown their company into a highly successful leather goods business.  Her career started as a young girl under the eye of her Master Bladesmith father Aaron Wilburn.  She quickly grew out from under her fathers shadow and now cast a huge shadow of her own in the leather world.  Francesca's ability to manipulate and die leather to get whatever look she wants is incredible.  What's more incredible is the young age at which she has accomplished her goals.  Francesca is a wonderful role model for young people and especially young women.  As a women in a largely mans world she has staked her claim to her territory and gained the respect of the entire industry.  Go check out Zach and Francescas work on Instagram and on their website.  IG- @tetonleathercompanywww.tetonleathercompany.com Thank you to our Sponsors@montanaknifecompany@maritimeknifesupply@paragonkilns www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

Master Bladesmith Harvey Dean is one of the living legends of bladesmithing today.  Harvey is known for his ability to make masterpiece bowies followed up my the most detailed incredible folders.  Harvey also makes amazing damascus steel.  When he pairs that with his engraving, gold inlay, and attention to detail the results are stunning.  Harvey is also a member of the exclusive Art Knife Invitational.  Please go check out Harvey's website and his instagram!IG @harvey.dean.knives website:  http://www.harveydean.comwww.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

"Die with more memories than dreams." Montanan Jeff Shapiro lives life to the fullest.  As a competitive paraglider Jeff has seen more places on earth than most of us ever will.  Jeff is the guy who doesn't just dream of things to do.  He thinks of them and then does it!    Besides paragliding around the world Jeff also is an accomplished rock climber, base jumper, pilot, and falconer.  His drive to live his passion is an example for all to follow.  Beside being an adventurer Jeff is a fantastic father with a great view on life and parenting.  As you can hear in this podcast Jeff is humble and kind.  It was truly an honor having Jeff on and hopefully we can get him on again to tell some stories.  Check Jeff out on IG @jeffreyshapiro www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

Sean DeGrey is the owner of the Total Archery Challenge.  He and his wife Monica put on a phenomenal event where the love of archery, family, fitness, and industry brands come together in a unique way.  Whether you are an avid bowhunter, competitive shooter, or brand new shooter this event is for you.  Each Total Archery event is held in a unique setting on some of the most beautiful landscapes.  At these events you can see some of the newest products being offered in the outdoor world.  Sean's team sets up a safe and challenging course where even world class shooters can loose an arrow.  However even the most beginner kid can move up as close as they want to make a successful shot.  This is NOT a competition.  It's intended to be a fun shoot where beginners are encouraged to participate. Sean also discusses his guiding career and talks a little hunting with Josh.  Check out their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @totalarcherychallenge http://www.totalarcherychallenge.com www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

Laura Zerra talks about her life and some of the incredible things she's seen and done.  Laura is an inspiration for people who decide to take the path less traveled.  She's lived the "unconventional" life doing things her way.  Thought the last decade Laura has stacked one adventure up against another.  She's a risk taker, adventurer, and survivalist.  So many people feel like they have to follow a certain path and do things like everyone else.  Laura is inspiring in the fact that she has lived her life her way.  Laura is most widely known for her appearances on "Naked and Afraid."  What's more impressive is what Laura has accomplished off camera.  Laura is an incredible survivalist, teaching her primitive fire making and shelter building skills around the world.  She's an inspiration to young woman and an example of courage and strength.  Check Laura out on her IG @laurazerra www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

Jack Carr is widely known as one of todays prominent authors.  However Jack's path to becoming an author is different than most.   Jack was a Navy SEAL serving in the middle east conflicts among other missions throughout his career.  As a young man Jack loved to read and always knew he wanted to be a SEAL and an author.  This April 13th Jack's newest book, The Devils Hand, will be released.  Preceding this book were his previous 3 books The Terminal List,  True Believer, and Savage Son.  Jack uses his experience as a Navy SEAL to build his stories.   His knowledge of weapons, tactics, and other gear allow him to accurately portray a real life situation in a fiction narrative.  Jack's books are thrilling and available anywhere books are sold.  If you find yourself too busy to sit and read they make for thrilling listening while working in the shop or while working out.  You can find Jack on Instagram or Twitter. @jackcarrusa and on his website www.officialjackcarr.com www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

In this solo episode Josh discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and push you to succeed.  After coming off an event in South Carolina Josh talks about how to put yourself in a position to be motivated and improve yourself no matter what industry you are in.  As an American your opportunities to achieve greatness are unlimited no matter where you get your start from.  Hopefully you can find some value in the message here and it pushes you to seek out like minded people who want to be great.  www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

In this episode Joe Maynard, talks about his Army career, flying the baddest chopper on earth, depression, and knives.  Joe openly talks about the struggles of adjusting to civilian life and how important it is for people to reach out for help.  Aside from his accomplished service to our nation Joe talks about how he found knife making through Laura Zerra and how it saved his life.  Going forward Joe now strives to help spread the power of the forge and hope to affect change in people struggling with purpose.  Please consider reaching out to Joe to help his cause with donations or sponsorships.  Check out Joe on Instagram @thejoemaynard or at his website www.primitivegrind.com  You can find host Josh Smith on IG @joshsmithknives and @montanaknifecompany or on his websites www.joshsmithknives.com or www.montanaknifecompany.com www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

In this podcast you will be inspired by a man, who at 73 years of age, lives life with incredible passion and purpose.  Even though Steve is a knife maker this episode is worth listening to no matter where your interests lie.  His infectious laugh, energy, and attitude make him an inspiration for all.  Steve is most known for the being the father and master of powder canister damascus.  In addition to being an incredible bladesmith Steve tells stories of martial arts, power lifting after 60 years of age, and racing jet boats.  Steve is a living legend and isn't done yet!www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

In this episode Laura Zerra, Brandon Lilly, and Brandon Horoho join me for a late night B.S. session in the knife shop.  After a couple days of forging in the shop, eating great food, and talking about ways we as a group can help people we sat down to share our week with you all.  They may have been some whiskey involved or a little Baileys in our coffee.  Hopefully this episode will make you laugh and also make you think about what you can do to make your life better and maybe someone else life better.  I couldn't think of three better humans.  Laura Zerra is rated as one of the top survivalist in the world man or woman.  She has been on "Naked and Afraid" several times.  What's amazing about Laura is that might be the most boring part of her.  She has truly survived on her own since HS purposely living homeless in the US and abroad with literally no money on her.  She can survive in harshest mountains and in an urban environment.  I could go on but instead I think I'll just have her on another podcast by herself!  Brandon Lilly was once rated the most powerful weight lifter on the planet.  With raw lifts of 826 pound squat, 573 pound bench, and 804 pound deadlift he is clearly an athlete.  But as with Laura he's so much more.  Brandon is a passionate bow hunter, amazing chef, and fantastic speaker.  He motivates and inspires no only by the way he leads but also in the way he talks about his failures.  Brandon is an amazing human and my friend.  Brandon Horoho, the quiet one on the podcast, is an incredible photographer.  He's a skier, snowboarder, avid hiker, and hunter.  Brandon is also part owner in Montana Knife Company.  He is incredible at marketing businesses and knows how to take a business from the ground to outer space.  Check out Brandon's incredible photography on his Instagram and at Montana Knife Company.   Enjoy the show.Josh Smith  (@joshsmithknives) Email: thejoshsmithshow@gmail.com Laura Zerra (@laurazerra)Brandon Lilly (@brandonlilly3)Brandon Horoho (@horohophoto)Sponsors@montanaknifecompany@maritimeknifesupplywww.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

Don Fogg is the reason we as blade smiths are here today.  I truly believe Don is one of the most important figures in bladesmithing history.  If you are a custom knife maker you should hear his story.  What's more amazing about Don is that he would never say that about himself.  He's most humble and never seeks praise or attention.  But he deserves both.  Don had foresight, artistic ability, and a questioning mind.  Don may be most remembered for his teaching.  He shared without hesitation and that standard he set still holds true in the knife community.  He was in the very first class of Master Bladesmith's and led the way in the rediscovery of Damascus steel.  In fact he was the bladesmith who discovered the "W's" pattern.  Don dove into metallurgy, carving, and forging.  I am was lucky enough to see Don's work when he was in his prime.  I was even more fortunate to get to see him teach on multiple occasions.  I could go on forever.   Please just listen and share this podcast.  Thank you.  Joshwww.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

Welcome to the Josh Smith Show.  This episode is an introduction to Josh, who he is, and what he envisions for the podcast.  Josh is a master bladesmith/knife maker, dad, husband, and hunter.  Check this episode out to learn a little more about Josh and his knife company, Montana Knife Company.  Please rate and review each podcast.  Thank you!Josh Smith@joshsmithkniveswww.joshsmithknives@gmail.comwww.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives

Master Bladesmith Rick Dunkerley goes in depth about how he came to Montana and rose to prominence as one of the best all around knife makers in the world.  Rick talks about training dogs in Air Force, outfitting, and becoming a knife maker.  Rick is a member of the prestigious Art Knife Invitational, former board member of the American Bladesmith Society, has taught and numerous schools, and has been featured in many publications.  Rick was also the man who taught the host, Josh Smith, how to make knives.  Rick can be found on Instagram, @rickdunkerley.  www.montanaknifecompany.comInstagram@montanaknifecompany@joshsmithknives