I live along the south shore of Lake Superior. My journey into knife making began at a young age when I crafted my first knife using a Frosts Mora blade and deer antler. Growing up in the woods, I honed my skills using knives and axes for various tasks like building forts, crafting sticks into spears and swords, constructing deadfalls and snares, and creating bows and arrows. These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for high-quality tools, particularly a well-crafted knife.

Over time, I delved into the art of making traditional Finnish Puukkos after finding inspiration in a book about the multiple uses of the birch tree. Using blades from Mora of Sweden, along with birch bark and wood for the handle, I found a new passion for knife making as a hobby. As I expanded my collection with blades from different Scandinavian and Finnish makers while guiding outdoor trips, I felt the urge to challenge myself further.

Transitioning from handling blades to forging my own marked a significant turning point in my journey. Drawing from my foundation in blacksmithing and a love for working with fire and steel, I decided to elevate my craft from a hobbyist to a professional bladesmith. Continuous learning and skill growth have driven me to reinvest back into my tools and workshop, striving for excellence in every blade I create.

Though modern practices often entail crafting the entire knife independently, I also cherish the traditional approach of collaboration between artisans. Partnering with my best friend Paige May from Wilderness Effects, I forge and grind the blades, while Paige excels in crafting exceptional traditional Nordic-style handles and sheaths. Embracing the essence of a time-honored tradition within a contemporary setting allows us to combine our strengths and create knives of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.