Knife Makers Mastery

The Knifemaker's Mastery introductory episode explains what this podcast is all about, why it was created, how it will help the new knife maker, and some background on the show's creator and host, Steve Reza.

This is the first episode in the mini series topic called, the Art of Knife Design, which is the first of 15 topics.  This episode discusses the parts of a full tang knife, and 4 common knives to design.

This is the second episode in the topical series called, the Art of Knife Design.  In it, Steve discusses 8 common blade styles & when to use them and why.

This is the third installment of the Art of Knife Design topical series.  Steve discusses the various types of bevels that can be ground onto the knife blanks, and the functional value of each bevel type.

In this episode, long-time sword smith & knife maker, Walter Sorrells, visits the virtual knife shop and imparts his wisdom and practical information for new knife makers.  He has been interested in swords and knives since he was a little kid.  As an adult, he became a successful novelist and martial artist.  One day, he had an idea for a story that involved a Japanese sword smith.  While conducting his research on Japanese sword smithing, he got inspired to give it a go himself.  So, he jumped in and not only learned this ancient craft, but through much sweat, discipline, and dedication to craftmanship, became a well-respected blade smith, who in the Japanese tradition,not only learned to hand-forge Japanese-inspired swords, but he even smelted his own steel.  Eventually, his unrelenting dedication to craftsmanship had established him as a a master and other knife makers began to ask himm for advice and guidance.  So, as is his nature, he developed highly professional videos on how to forge blades and make knives.  Well, his popularity and skills continued to soar, so much so that he was invited to be a contestant on History Channel's popular knife making show, "Forged In Fire."  Today, this blade smith enjoys a following of nearly 3 million viewers and over 300K subscribers to his YouTube channels.  I personally learned from his videos back when I started making knives in 2013.  Today, he is still expanding and growing his successful business, Tactix Armory, where he sells custom-made knives.  So what's next on his horizon?  What are the philosophies that drive him to such perfection?  What is the secret to his success?  Well, we're going to find out and much more today because it is my honor and privilege to welcome to the virtual knife shop, the one and only, Mr. Walter Sorrells!

In this episode, Steve discusses the tools needed to get started with stock-removal knife making.  He breaks it down into 3 primary packages: Economy, Mid-Grade, and Pro-Grade kits.  Take the guess work out of what you'll need to start your knife making journey!

In this first episode of the second core topic titled, Steel. Steve introduces the essentials of blade steel, including terms, chemical composition, and properties of various alloys found in knife steel.  He breaks it down into three categories: High carbon steel, Tool steel, and Stainless Steel.

In this episode, Steve discusses the basics of steel composition and the transformation that occurs during various levels of heat treatment.  Specifically, he explains in plain english, the atomic structure of steel, from Ferrite to Austenite, to Martinsite, and also normalizing, annealing, hardening, and tempering.

In this episode, Steve discusses several types of blade steel that you need to know about if you are going to be a serious knife maker, who makes quality knives.  The types of steel include: D2, O1, 154CM & CPM154, Sandvick 12C27, and more.

Steve changes things up a bit. This episode is all about what he's been building in the knife shop recently. Just some good 'ol shop talk! Hear about a couple of the problems he encounters and how he turns those problems into opportunities while making his latest skinner and tactical dagger.

In this introduction to profiling, Steve provides an overview of the 5 common methods for profiling knife blanks: Hacksaw, angle grinder, metal cutting bandsaw, water jet, and CNC.  He shares some of his experiences and talks about what he uses in his knife shop.

In this episode, Steve goes through the 12 steps that he uses when profiling his knife blanks. He provides details on the techniques that he employs, as well as things to keep in mind when profiling, and things to avoid.

In this episode, Steve talks with Pop, a man who has been in the world of knife making for many years. He remembers attending knife maker guild meetings where speakers included folks such as Bob Loveless and A.G. Russell. My guest used to make beautiful knives that, if you can find on the market these days, will likely sell for over a thousand dollars. He has a unique style and his knives were made with precision and craftsmanship. These days he runs a small knife supply shop, www.popsknifesupplies.com/, and offers some of the best service and prices. I'm honored to introduce to you, a man who understands the knife making community, because he is one of the patriarchs of it, in my opinion.

Welcome to core topic number 4!  In this episode, Steve introduces the first 4 of the 8 concepts of knife beveling. Those concepts are what you will need to master in order to successfully bevel your knife blanks. This introduction is divide into two parts. Get ready to master the concepts that will make you a successful knife maker!

This is part B of the introduction to beveling knives.  In this second part, Steve concludes the 8 concepts of knife beveling, which he refers to as the Zen of knife beveling!  Master the 8 concepts and you'll be beveling with professional results.

In this episode, Steve goes step-by-step how he bevels his knives. He talks about his own techniques that he uses to achieve professional results.  For best results, make sure to listen to Beveling parts A and B first.

One of the cool parts of podcasting is getting to meet other interesting knife makers. Well today's guest certainly fits that category, in fact he's extraordinary. He's been making knives for just over 2.5 years, yet, after just a little over a year, had one of his hunters put on the front page of Blade Magazine! Can you believe it? This man is blessed with God-give talent. It took me around 600 hours to get to the point where I made something that resembles a knife. Well I'm glad he stopped by the virtual knife shop to share some of his tips and techniques, aspirations and challenges to you. Contact links to CJKnives: www.cjknives.com www.instagram.com/cjknives www.facebook.com/cjknives2 www.twitter.com/cj_knives cjknives1@gmail.com

In this short core topic, Steve explains what you need to know in order to drill precision holes into your knife blank.  

Steve takes us into core topic 6, applying the maker's mark. He discusses two methods for putting your maker's mark on your knives: Acid etching and stamping. He also provides some information on where to buy supplies for both methods. Here are the websites referenced in this episode: argontool.com (for steel stamp) knifemaking.com (Jantz Knife Supply) markingmethods.com (stencils) popsknifesupplies.com (where I buy my Micarta)

Steve discusses how to cut and prepare your own knife scales and make them into knife handles. He also introduces techniques to help you not to make mistakes.