Episode 04: Michael Burch

Episode 04: Michael Burch

Author: Discussion of knives, knifemaking, and knife collecting with makers Michael January 22, 2018 Duration: 2:34:48

Our third knifemaker panel introduction digs into the life and background of Michael Burch.  We learn about Michaels influences, what drives him to perfect his craft, and how his love for knives put him on a path to become a craftsman.


Imagine pulling up a chair in the corner of a bustling knife show, where the air hums with the shared passion for finely crafted steel. That's the feeling you get with Mark of the Maker. Hosted by Mark Stheiner, this podcast gathers renowned custom knifemakers like Tom Krein, Sean Kendrick, and Michael Burch for conversations that flow as easily as if they were just friends talking shop. The discussion goes far beyond simple tool reviews, diving into the entire culture and craft surrounding blades. You'll hear authentic perspectives from both the creators at the forge and the collectors who cherish their work, offering a full-circle view of this unique world. Each episode might explore the nuanced history behind tactical designs, current trends shaping the field, or candid commentary on the industry itself. They also tackle how modern influences, like social media, impact traditional craftsmanship. It’s a genuine and deep exploration for anyone fascinated by the art of knifemaking, the stories behind the tools, and the community that brings it all to life. Tune in for a podcast that captures the essence of the craft, straight from the voices that define it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 175

Mark of the Maker
Podcast Episodes
Episode 142: Blade West 2025 Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:46
Mark and Sean sit with Tom to hear about his experience at Blade Show West 2025. Pretty eventful weekend for Tom, winning Best MAC Knife and some cool stuff that he brought home with him. Join us to hear more about the s…
Episode 141: Halloween Monster Picks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:00:58
For this year's Halloween episode, we put together a picks episode about what you'd use to battle a monster (or monsters!) from the movie of your choice. As usual, we each went in a little different direction with our pi…
Episode 140: Isaac at Springfield EDC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:52
We sit down with Isaac Roesler to learn more about his adventure in starting a knife and EDC shop in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield EDC has been around for a few years now and Isaac shares some insight into what it t…
Episode 139: Three Card Monte [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:57
We managed to get the whole crew back together for a picks episode, each finding three knives with "wildcard" as the only rule. Some of us made predictable picks, but some took the wildcard assignment seriously and color…
Episode 138: Giant Mouse Jubilee Wrap-Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:03
Mark and Sean recap their participation in the Giant Mouse Grand Opening and 10 Year Jubilee. We talk about the event and share some clips from discussions with some friends at the event. It was a great time, the folks a…
Episode 137: PNWCI 2025 Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:59:10
Mark, Tom and Sean recap the 2025 Pacific Northwest Custom Invitational show. Mark and Tom recorded a bunch of clips from the show floor so this one's got lots of great interviews and fun stuff inside. It's a great show,…
Episode 136: Mike Moran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58:58
Traditional pocketknife maker Mike Moran joins us to talk about his work, about moving a shop across the country, and about his podcast and knife show he's hosting. We had a fun chat, and covered lots of territory. Give…
Episode 135: Mike Franklin Pt.2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:04:36
Here's Part 2 of Sean's interview with his friend and mentor, Mike Franklin of HAWG Knives. Such a great conversation, this one digs deep into the world of knifemaking and Mike's position at the center of a seemingly inn…
Episode 134: Mike Franklin Pt.1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:57
This time around we bring you Part 1 of Sean's interview with his friend and mentor, Mike Franklin of HAWG Knives. Mike shares some great stories from the earlier part of his life and his own personal journey. Super inte…
Episode 133: Blade 2025 Bonus! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:08:10
As we talked in the Blade 2025 Wrap-Up show, we took a second swing at it and this time we get into the Blade Show 2025 Custom Knife Awards! There are some amazing pieces and details to check out. Definitely join our Fac…