I first became involved in the custom knife field in 2001, when a passion for cooking led to an initial decision to make my own kitchen knives.  Starting with kit knives, I began making my own blades after meeting and working with Tim Herman. 

In addition to technical training, Tim showed me that lessons I’d learned long ago in art and jewelry classes – contrast and symmetry, flow and balance – could and should be used in knife making.  He reinforced my belief that knives could be both beautiful and functional, that artistic style need not and should not limit a knife’s usefulness.  In the end, if it doesn’t cut anything, it’s not a knife. 

In cooking, good results can only come from using good ingredients, and that tenet is just as valid in knife making.  I use quality materials from reputable vendors; for my steel, I prefer buying from Crucible because their products are American-made and I feel the quality is superior to many other types of stainless steel on the market.  I use the stock removal method and heat treat the blades myself.  For handles, I enjoy working with a variety of natural materials, including wood, bone, mammoth tooth and pearl.  In keeping with my belief, I always ensure the material used for a knife fits both the nature of that knife and its intended function. 

My hunters are made from CPM S30V and CPM154.  The added edge retention and toughness make these steels worth the extra work, resulting in long-lasting, hard-working knives.  I typically use stabilized wood for hunter handles, although I have made dressier pieces with ironwood, cocobolo and damascus.

My Gent’s Everyday Carry (EDC) models are made from CPM154 and damascus steels.  The EDC is designed to be a smaller knife that can be carried in a suit pocket, so a person need never be without a good knife.  The dressier nature of these knives lends itself to the use of higher-end materials like presentation woods, pearls, ivory and gemstones.

I make other styles of blades as well, both on commission and to expand my knowledge of my craft.  As I am constantly learning, my designs are always changing and evolving as my skill grows.

Other makers who have had major influences on my work include Don Cowles, A.T. Barr, J. Arthur Loose, Ed Caffery and Terry Primos.