Mark of the Maker
138 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month 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 73: Switchblades and BB Guns
October 25, 2021 00:05 - 1 hour - 107 MBAuthor, 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.
Episode 72: Fall Catch-All
October 11, 2021 00:05 - 1 hour - 110 MBThe 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.
Minisode: Back to School - Part 6
September 27, 2021 00:05 - 40 minutes - 38.2 MBSean 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.
Episode 71: Tim Reeve
September 13, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 112 MBTim 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.
Episode 70: Metallurgy Mythbusters
August 23, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 113 MBDr. 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.
Episode 69: More Questions, More Answers
August 09, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 116 MBIt'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.
Episode 68: Boker
July 19, 2021 00:05 - 1 hour - 99.8 MBRicky 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.
Episode 67: Bowie Bonanza
July 05, 2021 00:05 - 1 hour - 77.8 MBJust 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.
Minisode: Blade Show 2021 with Tom
June 28, 2021 00:05 - 36 minutes - 35.1 MBMark, 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.
Episode 66: Dave Brown
June 14, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 117 MBWe'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 conversatio...
Minisode: TKI with Sean and Michael
June 07, 2021 00:05 - 46 minutes - 43.7 MBMark, Sean and Michael chat about the 2021 Nashville Tactical Invitational (TKI) show and how it went in the new calendar slot and location. We talk makers, special knives and some fun projects we've seen in the last week or two. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 65: Katar with Rachel
May 24, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 135 MBDr. Rachel Parikh joins us again, this time for a deep dive into her favorite category of South Asian weapon - The Katar. You'll want to have a web browser handy as Rachel gives accession numbers for each of the pieces she talks about and there are details you won't want to miss. A fun and informative discussion, just like when she joined us last. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 64: Knives of Summer
May 10, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 115 MBIt's almost here, and who doesn't love summer? We put together a "picks" episode for a few categories and as usual, end up taking the long way around the barn. Customs, production, obscure - we're all over the map. What would YOU pick for each of these summer knife categories? We'd love to hear your picks too, we always miss a few good ones! Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 63: Dr. Larrin Thomas
April 26, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 136 MBDr. Larrin Thomas, author of Knife Engineering and the Knife Steel Nerds website joins us to talk about his life and his studies in metallurgy. Larrin brings some interesting insight and a technical perspective to an area that is often steeped in tribal knowledge. We also talk a bit about Larrin's new steel CPM-MagnaCut and its design specifically for the knife industry. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conv...
Minisode: ICCE with Tom
April 19, 2021 00:05 - 43 minutes - 40.9 MBMark and Tom get together to talk about the recent ICCE 2021 show in Fort Worth, TX. Tom tells us about his experience at the show and at the Stockyards. We also talk a bit about the "elephant in the room" with shows restarting around the country. Great chat about what sounds like a great show. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 62: Rick Hinderer Pt.2
April 12, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 144 MBRick Hinderer joins us again to continue our conversation about his knifemaking journey and going from a converted chicken coop to the factory he's in today. That journey isn't always easy, and sometimes it doesn't look like you thought it would when you get there. Another great chat with Rick, hope you enjoy it. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 61: Rick Hinderer Pt.1
March 29, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 146 MBRick Hinderer joins us to talk about his life and his knifemaking journey. In the first part of our discussion, we talk about Rick's early life, challenges he faced growing up, and his long path around to becoming a knifemaker. We only scratched the surface, so this one will continue in Episode 62 for more of the story. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 60: Three MORE Knives You Should Know About
March 15, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 118 MBWe revisit a theme from an early episode and pick some knives and makers that we think may be under-appreciated or or lesser known to chat about. Historical knives, art knives, modern knives - you name it. Give it a listen and hit us with your own picks, we'd love to hear about them. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 59: Dr. Rachel Parikh
March 01, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 145 MBDr. Rachel Parikh joins us to talk about her own personal journey and some insight into the world of arms and armor from the perspective of curatorship. Really fun chat that we think you'll enjoy. We've talked about her before, but be sure to check out Rachel's excellent Instagram feed @rachel.parikh for fantastic details and insights on some special pieces of arms and armor from collections around the globe. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our dis...
Episode 58: Sheffield with Grace
February 15, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 119 MBWith the help of special guest and Friend of the Show Grace Horne, we take a deep dive into the history of Sheffield, UK and Sheffield knives. Grace lays this history out for us in the context of eight objects in her collection. We will share the bibliography for this one and photos of the objects in our Facebook group. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 57: Derrick Obatake Pt.2
February 01, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 123 MBThis is part two of our interview with Derrick Obatake of Steel Flame. We talk about the challenges that creative people face in business, the real root and meaning behind "HGR," the origins of the Killbox, and Derrick's own journey into knifemaking. A great wrap-up to a fantastic interview that will hit hard with people who create things for a living. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 56: Derrick Obatake Pt.1
January 18, 2021 00:05 - 1 hour - 87.2 MBOur first guest of Season 4 is jeweler, craftsman, artist, knifemaker and all-around badass, Derrick Obatake of Steel Flame. Derrick explains the core of Steel Flame and the community around it. We chat about how he got into the industry and some of his perspective on growing a small business. This one was long enough that we split it into two episodes, so stay tuned for Ep.57 where we finish our discussion. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our dis...
Episode 55: Season 4 Kickoff
January 04, 2021 00:05 - 2 hours - 116 MBWhew, what a year! We kick off Season 4 of MotM with a bit of reflection on 2020, talk about some makers and projects that got our attention, and give some thought to what we are looking forward to for 2021. There was no shortage of things to talk about with a bit of an introspective from the crew. Hope you enjoy it! Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Minisode: Back to School - Part 5
December 21, 2020 01:05 - 59 minutes - 55.7 MBWe check in with Sean on what may be the last of the Back to School Minisodes...or is it?!? Sean tells us about his most recent classes and things coming up, as well as how he's been able to use some of what he's learned. We spend a fair bit chatting about some cool things we've seen around the 'net and folks we wanted to point out. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 54: Over the River and Through the Woods
December 07, 2020 01:05 - 2 hours - 154 MBWe always have fun with "picks" episodes, so with the holiday season upon us, we put one together around road trip essentials as well as some gift picks for one another across a few price ranges. We share some very cool things we spotted since our last episode and pay some respects as well. Fun conversation as always and ended up turning into our longest episode to date. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conve...
Episode 53: Richard Rogers
November 23, 2020 01:05 - 2 hours - 135 MBRichard Rogers joins us for a chat about his knifemaking journey and some of the challenges he has had to work through both in life and in knife making. Richard and his wife Sally are friends of the show, so it was a pleasure to have him take the time to chat with us. You can find Richard in his Facebook group Richard Rogers Knives or on Instagram @richardrogersknives Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversa...
Episode 52: Bill Moran
November 10, 2020 01:16 - 2 hours - 141 MBOur latest knife history installment is on W. F. "Bill" Moran. We were honored to have Jay Hendrickson join us for this episode, an ABS Master and legendary maker in his own right. We walk through the Moran timeline together with Jay and after this one, you'll have a clear understanding why many consider Moran to be one of the greatest makers of our time. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 51: Luke Swenson
October 19, 2020 00:05 - 2 hours - 121 MBTraditional knife maker Luke Swenson joins us for a conversation about life and knifemaking. We talk a bit about the South Texas slipjoint scene, his move to Idaho and how Luke came to be a traditional slipjoint maker. You can find Luke in his Facebook group Swenson Handmade Knives or on Instagram @swensonknives Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 50: Dr. Burch's Cabinet of Curiosities
October 05, 2020 16:22 - 2 hours - 123 MBTo celebrate our 50th (wow!) episode, we take you on a journey into the wild and wide-ranging world of Fantasy Knives. We did this "picks" style, and each selected some examples from a few different categories. Get your inner knife geek on and join along with us! Be sure to share your own picks in our FB group or via IG and tag us. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 49: Grace Horne
September 14, 2020 00:05 - 2 hours - 143 MBGrace Horne joins us for a chat about her work and how she came to be part of the Sheffield cutlery world. We've talked a few times in previous episodes about Grace's work and her fantastic scissors. She tells us about her personal history and her path from other forms of metalwork to knives to scissors and why she finds them fascinating. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Minisode: Back to School - Part 4
August 31, 2020 00:05 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBIt's been a weird year, so we check in with Sean for an update on his journey back to school. Sean gives us an update, we pay our respects to damascus and knife maker Chris Marks, and we chat about some very cool and interesting stuff that we've come across lately. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 48: Send-Off Picks
August 10, 2020 00:05 - 2 hours - 121 MBIt's that time of year when some of you are sending off a loved one to college or off into the real world. We talk about our picks for proper send-off in a few different categories, all with a sub-$100 price point in mind. It's certain that we missed some good ones, be sure to share your own picks with us, we'd love to hear them! Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 47: Gerry McGinnis
July 27, 2020 00:05 - 2 hours - 146 MBThis one's been a long time coming, our friend and knifemaker Gerry McGinnis joins us for a great interview about his life and how he got into knifemaking. Gerry has a unique story, having gotten into knife making at such an early age. He tells us about his various projects, his love of hunting and fishing, and a new venture he's working on that many of you will find interesting. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for m...
Episode 46: Doomsday Loadout
July 13, 2020 00:05 - 2 hours - 119 MBHere's another "picks" episode where we talk about how we'd set one another up in the event of a doomsday scenario. We're not experts, we just thought it would be fun and let's face it, we're nerds and we just like to talk gear. Hope you enjoy it! Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 45: Chad Nichols
June 29, 2020 00:05 - 2 hours - 120 MBChad Nichols of Nichols Damascus Steel joins us for this episode. We talk about Chad's background, how he got into knives, and ultimately what led him to become of the key suppliers of damascus steel and other materials to the knife industry. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 44: Quarantine and Questions
June 09, 2020 00:05 - 1 hour - 104 MBYes, we're back! We chat quarantine, knives and take some listener questions in our first episode after a bit of a hiatus. It's been a crazy time and we hope you are all staying safe and healthy. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 43: Sal Manaro
April 20, 2020 00:05 - 2 hours - 128 MBKnifemaker and all around good guy Sal Manaro joins us for some good conversation about his path into knifemaking. We talk history, shop and techniques and still manage to have a few laughs along the way. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Minisode: Listener Check-In
March 25, 2020 23:05 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBFeeling a little weirded out about what's going on? We are too! One thing is certain: We're all in this together. Mark and Michael chat about some of the challenges we are all facing and check in with you all. Wishing you all the best and much love from the MotM crew! Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.http://www.markofthemaker.com
Episode 42: TKI and QnA
March 04, 2020 00:05 - 1 hour - 101 MBWe recap our experience at this year's Tactical Knife Invitational in Nashville and fill out the episode with some Q&A. This one's all over the map, with lots of laughs and maybe a little helpful information as well. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 41: Get Off My Lawn!
February 11, 2020 00:05 - 1 hour - 110 MBThis one started out with the working title "Knife Mythbusters" and just sort of rolled off into a series of rants mixed in with some myth busting. The topic evolved as we went along but hopefully you find it somewhat entertaining and maybe a little bit educational as well. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 40: Three Knives You Should Know About
January 27, 2020 00:05 - 1 hour - 108 MBThis time we walk through some knives and makers that we think you should know about. Some of you will be familiar with some of these knives or makers, but hopefully there's something in here for everyone. Get your Google lookup ready, this one had the working title "The Rabbit Hole Episode." Hope you enjoy it! Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 39: Season 3 Kickoff
January 13, 2020 00:05 - 2 hours - 114 MBWe chat about some noteworthy trends, things and experiences from 2019 and spend some time talking about things we are looking forward and makers to watch in 2020. This one kicks off Season 3 of Mark of the Maker, thanks for coming along with us on the journey! Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Minisode: Back to School - Part 3
December 30, 2019 00:01 - 54 minutes - 51.4 MBWe wrap up Season 2 with an update from Sean on his journey back to school, as he finishes up his second semester of study. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 38: Brian Efros
December 16, 2019 14:49 - 2 hours - 139 MBWe're joined by knifemaker and all around good dude Brian Efros for some conversation about life and knives. Brian went on an interesting path to knifemaking, a little different than anyone we've spoken with so far. Some of you might be surprised at how far back Brian's knifemaking goes, so find a comfy spot and listen along with us. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 37: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
December 05, 2019 18:26 - 2 hours - 114 MBIt's that time of year again! We kick this one off with some silky smooth tones from the one and only Sean Kendrick. Then we head off into making some Christmas gift picks for one another from three categories, from under $50 stocking stuffer to full custom. You or your significant other might just hear a great holiday gift idea in this one, there are some cool picks and we might just include one or two that you aren't familiar with. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @marko...
Episode 36: Bob Terzuola Pt.2
November 18, 2019 00:05 - 2 hours - 119 MBWe had way WAY more stuff to talk about, so Bob Terzuola graciously joins us for a second episode to chat about a little more history and some Q&A. This time, the conversation gets much deeper, from shop talk to collaborations to the impacts of social media on the knife world to the debate about handmade vs. CNC and more. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 35: Bob Terzuola
November 04, 2019 00:05 - 2 hours - 110 MBWe know he feels a little uncomfortable with these kinds of terms, but to describe knifemaker Bob Terzuola as anything other than a "living legend" would be a disservice, in our opinion. Bob leads us through his personal timeline and shares many fantastic stories along the way. We also get some insights into the upcoming release of the much anticipated 2nd Edition of his book about knife making, "The Tactical Folding Knife." Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker...
Episode 34: Listener Q&A
October 21, 2019 00:00 - 2 hours - 118 MBWe asked our listeners to submit questions for the crew - and we got a BUNCH from you! This episode is dedicated to working our way through a pile of listener Q&A. Knifemaker stuff, business stuff, thoughtful stuff and a couple fun things as well. Give it a listen, your question might just have made the cut! Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Minisode: Buyer's Guide to Knife Mechanics
October 08, 2019 13:18 - 1 hour - 61 MBWe chat about what makes a "good knife," and offer some tips on what to look for when checking out a knife at a show or from a maker that is new to you. We hit both folders and fixed blades, in this mini that turned into a "halfisode." Follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.
Episode 33: Questions with Billy
September 02, 2019 02:21 - 1 hour - 101 MBWe decided we needed to spend a bit more time talking with Billy Cho about some of the challenges newer makers face in today's custom knife world, and Billy was gracious enough to join us for some additional conversation. This one turned into a 2-way Q&A, so there should be something in here for just about everyone. Check out our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.