Mark of the Maker
138 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★★ - 239 ratingsMark of the Maker is a panel discussion with renowned custom knife makers Tom Krein, Sean Kendrick and Michael Burch, and hosted by Mark Stheiner. The format is much like a group of friends sitting around in The Pit at Blade Show, talking knives - a look at life from the perspective of the maker as well as the collector. Covering broader topics such as tactical knife history, trends, industry commentary and influences of social media, as well as conversations with other knifemakers, collectors and notable figures in and around the custom knife world. Music: “noir guitar” by Stevie’s Amp Shack, from the Free Music Archive, CC BY 4.0
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Episodes
Episode 115: Allure of the Obscure
March 24, 2024 23:05 - 2 hours - 113 MBDive into a fresh picks episode with us! For this one, we pull in some unusual or obscure pieces in a few different categories. Obscure doesn't mean junk, just things we dug up from various dusty corners of the internet and our old knife books. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 114: Blade TX 2024 Wrap-Up
March 04, 2024 00:05 - 1 hour - 65.7 MBTom and Mark chat about Tom's experience at Blade Texas 2024 and how that show went. All accounts suggest Alicia and team did a great job so we talk details and walk through the awards presented at the show and some of the great makers who submitted pieces for consideration. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 113: The Story of Knife Steel
February 12, 2024 00:05 - 2 hours - 116 MBDr. Larrin Thomas joins us for a well-overdue visit to talk about his book The Story of Knife Steel: Innovators Behind Modern Damascus and Super Steels. It's a fantastic book and one you should add to your collection, with an incredibly deep and well-researched pile of information. Larrin walks us through some great stories about various steels and the people behind them. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conve...
Episode 112: Season 7 Kickoff
January 22, 2024 00:05 - 1 hour - 107 MBWe kick off our 7th (!!) season with a look back at shows, trends, and some things we came across that we really enjoyed. There's also some talk about 2024 and what some of our hopes and aspirations look like for the coming year. Be sure to share your own goals with us, we'd love to hear them. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 111: Holiday Money Picks
January 02, 2024 00:05 - 2 hours - 111 MBDo you sometimes get cash from folks for the holidays? We do, so we wrap up Season 6 with a picks episode with some things we might pick if we had some "gift yourself" money to spare. Four price points and some gear we like. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 110: Shane Sibert
December 16, 2023 23:52 - 1 hour - 106 MBWe sit down with top tier knifemaker Shane Sibert and talk knives and knifemaking. Shane's journey and his knifemaking process is a little different than some others, but without question he's one of the modern greats and the knives that come out of his relatively basic shop are truly outstanding. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 109: Military Knives
November 29, 2023 01:05 - 2 hours - 122 MBDo you like Military knives? We sure do, so we put together this picks episode across a few different categories. Fighting knives, bayonets and more. We were left with a few questions, so if you know the answers, please reach out or join our FB group to discuss. **Apologies in advance on this one for an audio issue that we were only able to partially resolve. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 108: Dr. Jim Lucie
October 29, 2023 23:05 - 1 hour - 110 MBThose of you familiar with the Scagel story (and our podcast on the topic) will also be familiar with the book Scagel Handmade, written by Dr. James Lucie. Dr. Lucie was not only the worlds foremost collector and expert on Scagel knives, but a truly interesting person and knifemaker in his own right. His daughter Stephanie Lucie joins us to help tell her father's story and we walk together through her book "Dr. Jim Lucie: A Bladesmith's Life & Legacy." We hope you enjoy the conversation ...
Episode 107: Treat or Trick
October 15, 2023 23:05 - 2 hours - 114 MBIt's that time of year - Halloween is nearly here! This year we put together a picks episode, with some "treats" aka affordable knives that you'd be happy to give out to a friend and a few "tricks" as well. Our browser histories will never be the same, and after this one, neither will yours. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 106: If I Knew Then...
September 24, 2023 23:05 - 1 hour - 109 MBHave you ever asked yourself "if you could give some advice to the younger you, what would you tell them?" For Episode 106, we did exactly that, focused on knifemaking and collecting. A little bit of self reflection, a little bit of "Get Off My Lawn" and a little bit of fun along the way. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 105: Mathew Boisvert
September 03, 2023 23:05 - 2 hours - 114 MBWe 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.
Episode 104: PNWCI Wrap-Up
August 20, 2023 23:05 - 2 hours - 132 MBWe 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.
Episode 103: Three More Knives
August 06, 2023 23:05 - 2 hours - 111 MBHere'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.
Episode 102: Todd Begg Pt.2
July 23, 2023 23:05 - 2 hours - 116 MBTodd 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.
Episode 101: Todd Begg Pt.1
July 09, 2023 23:05 - 2 hours - 118 MBAward 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.
Episode 100: The Centennial
June 25, 2023 23:05 - 2 hours - 118 MBCan 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.
Episode 99.5: Catching Up
June 11, 2023 23:05 - 1 hour - 107 MBPersonal 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.
Episode 99: Oddities
April 30, 2023 23:05 - 2 hours - 116 MBThe 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.
Episode 98: The Warhammer 40k Edged Weapons Episode - Sean Nerds Out
April 16, 2023 23:05 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBSean 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.
Minisode: Blade Texas 2023
April 02, 2023 23:05 - 53 minutes - 50.5 MBTom 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.
Episode 97: History Combosode 2
February 13, 2023 00:05 - 1 hour - 98.5 MBWe 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.
Episode 96: Kitchen Knife Picks
January 30, 2023 00:01 - 1 hour - 107 MBWhat'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 conversati...
Episode 95: Season 6 Kickoff
January 16, 2023 00:05 - 1 hour - 102 MBAfter 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.
Episode 94: Fall Camping Picks
November 21, 2022 00:05 - 2 hours - 126 MBThe 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.
Episode 93: Mike Quesenberry
October 31, 2022 00:05 - 2 hours - 131 MBFor 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.
Episode 92: Nick Swan
October 17, 2022 00:05 - 2 hours - 119 MBNext 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.
Episode 91: Kirby Lambert
October 03, 2022 00:05 - 2 hours - 130 MBHere'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.
Episode 90: Attack of the Mall Ninja
September 19, 2022 00:05 - 2 hours - 112 MBIf 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 Faceb...
Episode 89: Justin Black of Spycraft101
September 05, 2022 00:05 - 2 hours - 114 MBWe'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 mor...
Minisode: PNWCI 2022
August 22, 2022 00:05 - 51 minutes - 48.9 MBMark 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...
Episode 88: Pat Pruitt Pt.2
August 08, 2022 00:05 - 1 hour - 81.1 MBHere'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.
Episode 87: Pat Pruitt Pt.1
July 24, 2022 00:05 - 1 hour - 90.3 MBArtist 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.
Episode 86: Tactical Picks
July 11, 2022 00:05 - 2 hours - 119 MBWe 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.
Episode 85: Jade Marsh
June 27, 2022 00:05 - 2 hours - 137 MBJade 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.
Halfisode: Blade Atlanta 2022
June 13, 2022 00:05 - 1 hour - 67.4 MBMark, 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.
Episode 84: History Combosode 1
May 30, 2022 00:05 - 1 hour - 103 MBHere'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 ...
Minsode: TKI SoCal 2022
May 16, 2022 00:05 - 27 minutes - 26.4 MBMark, 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.
Episode 83: The Return of Rossi
May 02, 2022 00:05 - 1 hour - 103 MBWe'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.
Episode 82: Dagger! Dagger! Dagger!
April 18, 2022 00:05 - 1 hour - 95.7 MBDo 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.
Minsode: Blade Texas 2022 with Tom
April 04, 2022 00:05 - 36 minutes - 34.9 MBTom 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.
Episode 81: Les George
March 21, 2022 00:05 - 1 hour - 108 MBKnifemaker 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.
Episode 80: Spring Camping Picks
March 07, 2022 01:05 - 2 hours - 130 MBWe 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.
Episode 79: JB Stout Pt.2
February 21, 2022 00:05 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBHere'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.
Episode 78: JB Stout Pt.1
February 07, 2022 00:05 - 1 hour - 80.5 MBKnifemaker 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.
Minisode: Michael's Press Odyssey
January 24, 2022 00:05 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBMichael 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.
Episode 77: Season 5 Kickoff
January 03, 2022 00:05 - 2 hours - 117 MBOur 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.
Episode 76: Rachel's Top Ten
December 20, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 151 MBDr. 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 discus...
Episode 75: NYCKS and Holiday Picks
December 06, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 123 MBWe 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 conv...
Episode 74: Jens Anso
November 22, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 137 MBDanish 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 Faceboo...
Minisode: Krein Regrinds
November 08, 2021 00:05 - 59 minutes - 56.2 MBMark 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.