Episode 99: Oddities

Episode 99: Oddities

Author: Discussion of knives, knifemaking, and knife collecting with makers Michael May 1, 2023 Duration: 2:05:43

The old Knives Annual Books had a category sometimes called "Oddities."  We take a deep dive into that genre of stuff, across a very, very wide spectrum of creativity in the form of a picks episode.  We each picked out some interesting stuff and did some research that we'll share with you, with a big time focus on the funky!  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.


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 70: Metallurgy Mythbusters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:20
Dr. 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 yo…
Episode 69: More Questions, More Answers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06:32
It'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, sho…
Episode 68: Boker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48:32
Ricky 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…
Episode 67: Bowie Bonanza [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:29
Just 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 th…
Minisode: Blade Show 2021 with Tom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:42
Mark, 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 gr…
Episode 66: Dave Brown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07:19
We'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 knifemaki…
Minisode: TKI with Sean and Michael [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:05
Mark, 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 wee…
Episode 65: Katar with Rachel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:26:41
Dr. 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 s…
Episode 64: Knives of Summer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:04:35
It'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…
Episode 63: Dr. Larrin Thomas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:28:19
Dr. 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 are…