The Good Ol' Blades Podcast

In this world, it's easy to get lost in the fact that people don't often get the opportunity to share a connection of passion or desire. But within art and knives, there is a common thread of self expressionism that weaves its way through the medium, and binds us as people, in ways that is often surprising. In talking to Andrea de Leon about her own journey through art, and her application of it in knives, we get to talk about the weaving of ideas and evocation, and how thinking not just outside of the box, but deeply into the mind, binds the artist and viewer in a tug of war as to the true intention and perception of reality itself. Too esoteric? Well tough! Join me in a great conversation with an awesome person, who gets to play in a lot of artistic mediums that expand and bend the reality at which we think of knives! Follow Andrea on her Instagram and Website and keep up to date on all of the art projects she has going on! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

Alex Harrison from Night Watch Knives is a constant companion of mine, in that we commiserate about knives, a lot. There's always some new challenge, problem, or idea that forces us to put on our thinking caps, and he's a go-to for me to get feedback, especially the brutally honest kind. That's what I like about him. Alex is constantly evolving, and whether its days, weeks or months in between chit chats, I always find him doing something a little bit different than the last interaction. As my first repeat guest, we sit and meander through topics, but with some reverence to the fact that we are both blessed to pursue this craft. Hard work, asking hard questions, being willing to receive hard answers, it's all part of the pursuit, and I hope in some way this truly "maker episode" provides some food for thought. Follow Alex on his Instagram and get a seat into his constant innovation and design release! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

In probably my most ambitious attempt at a show, I sat down with not one, but SIX knifemakers, who are also Texans, at the Lost Pines Knife Show, to talk about knives. Though most would expect the punchline of "What do you get when you put six Texans in a room together?" to be "a lot of blah blah how great Texas is", what I got was a very humble, proud and thoughtful group of makers that yes, love our great state, but also endeavor to make it the best state in the union to cultivate knifemaking, and encourage the growth and passion of anyone who wants to get into the craft. I attempt to capture a small part of the amazing spirit and energy that is emerging out of Texas, and to give you, the listener, a greater appreciation for just how many of us are working to corral the energy, into a hyper-focus, for building the community. I talk to Don Sylvest, James Huse, Frank Machado, Jeff Davidson, Eland Green, and Jack Thatcher, all great knifemakers in their own right, but grouped together as members of the Texas Knifemakers' Guild, prove to be an unstoppable force in knifemaking today. Go follow these great makers on Instagram, and Facebook, and on their websites to stay tuned to the great work they're doing! Don Sylvest - Instagram, Facebook, Website James Huse - Instagram, Facebook Frank Machado - Instagram, Facebook Jeff Davidson - Instagram, Facebook, Website Eland Green - Instagram, Facebook, Website Jack Thatcher - Instagram, Facebook Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

It's said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and especially in knives, ones ability to garner the eye of the community, is sometimes intrinsic to the knife design itself. Whether you appreciate art for the sake of itself, or consider functional art such as Keanison Knives' creations that way, it's really up to you. For me, I have spent quite a bit of time ogling Bryan and Will's work, and marveling at how their knives can be both totally usable, and extremely appealing, and spark an authentic fascination in a way I can't fully describe. Bryan and I sit down and talk about that, and what facets of material choices guide his creative process. It can be said that the Keanison Knives aesthetic is driven by design and materials, but I think it's more fair to state that their knives are created by a drive to make beautiful out of the ordinary, and that, my friends, is closer to making magic, than simple craftsmanship, although Bryan and Will do both with gusto. Go follow Keanison Knives on Instagram, and Facebook, and on their website, to keep track of all the great things they create! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I've thought a lot about how to speak of my experience with Grace in a way that is not just fanboy'ish, but I find myself coming up short while writing, every time. The reality is, Grace Horne represents a rare breed of artisan that just...inspires. It's not just her knife and scissor work that fascinates me, but her entire outlook on life and her innate ability to make you feel at home speaking to her. Maybe it's the thoughtfulness and deep engagement in our conversation, maybe it's how knowledgeable she is, or any number of other emotions that are evoked when you speak to someone who you've felt you've always known, but in actuality just met for the first time. Whatever that special moment is that I get to share with my guests, my time with Grace has been life changing, and one of my favorites on this podcast. Grace represents a lot of very powerful motivators for us all to strive for our very best, and to attempt to capture our childhood imagination in our craft. Whether that's knives, or otherwise, I feel a strong desire to continue to dream, seek, and to work towards a way of self-expression to allow my own story to be told not by my works alone, but by my actions and encouragement of others. Join me in my quest to unpack this thing called knives, with Grace Horne. Where I also always manage to stick my foot firmly in my mouth when speaking to subject matter experts. It's always a wild ride, and I'd not have it any other way. Follow Grace on her Instagram, and visit her website! And make sure to tune into her Sunday at noon (UK Time) weekly monologs, and listen to her storytelling and talk about happenings in her life. Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

In 1982, Bruce Voyles and Jim Parker did something spectacular - they started Blade Show. Bruce and Jim co-owned Blade Magazine at the time, and decided to start a show that was originally advertised as 'The Blade Magazine 1982 Knife Show', per Steve Shackleford in a May 25, 2021 online article for Blade Magazine. Within a few short years, Bladeshow became the largest knife show ever, and as they say, the rest is history. As knifemakers, it's easy to get focused so much on our work and self-expression, that we also become self-involved. But there are reminders of how much we rely on others to become successful, and hiding in plain sight are the silent heroes that help us shine. The knifemaking world turns by these individuals who tirelessly plan ways for our work to be shown. In a world of so many avenues to showcase work now, the knife show is still the staple for our craft, and Bladeshow is the largest example of that ON EARTH. Starting in 2008, Alicia Newton had been the event coordinator, and then in 2018 (after the acquisition of Blade Magazine and Bladeshow by Caribou Media), she became the Director for Bladeshow. With 22 shows under her belt, she's rocketing the show to new heights in attendance, atmosphere, and as the go-to platform for helping knife industry makers sell their wares. You'll find that it takes a passionate and caring person to foster great show culture, and Bladeshow goers and exhibitors alike should agree, Alicia has those qualities in spades. She takes her job seriously in constructing the center stage by which others are able to exhibit their magic. In getting to sit down with Alicia, I've been able to gain a deeper perspective for the complexity, investment, and passion required to run the Superbowl of knife shows, and we got to cover a great many areas including show culture, The Pit, awards, women in knives, and social media. Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I'm reminded constantly of the duality of the human condition within knives. As diverse as the knifemaking community is, at it's core, we all share a common bond, not of knives, but of our experiences that lead us to create, knifes being the creative medium we choose. This is no truer than for Tony Severio, a real Louisiana renaissance man. Whether it's his humble beginnings in the bayous, his vast experience in the film and movie industry, his knifemaking, or the way he captivates the imagination of others with his down-to-earth perspective on life, you will quickly tell that Tony is not only salt of the earth, but made of stardust. In this episode of the podcast, Tony and I sit down and talk about knives, but more importantly, about the fabric of intention, motivation and drive that has the ability to consume us all, if we choose to accept the muse. It was an extreme pleasure to get the time with a mentor of mine, if only by way of his online teaching. Be sure to follow Tony Severio on his social media: Tony Severio's Facebook Tony Severio's Instagram Tony Severio's Website Tony Severio's Youtube Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

In the landscape of knifemakers, Texas boasts some of the most mystical craftsman within knives today. But, for early makers like Johnny Stout, Texas wasn't always the place to be if you wanted to easily learn how to make them. Given Johnny's rise to the top of the ladder in art and fine folding knives, you might be surprised to know the humble beginnings he came from. As a maker of over 40 years, Johnny has achieved the prestigious position of being a member of the Art Knife Invitational (AKI), has been in The Knifemakers' Guild with some of the most talented makers in American knives, and he's diligently working to pass on his hard acquired knowledge to budding knifemakers who take his classes. I got to sit sit down and flap the gums with him, and it was an exciting opportunity. You can find Johnny's work on Facebook, Instagram, and on his Website. You can also see his class schedule on his website! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

It's a pleasure to sit down and talk to people you admire, and who encourage you through things that you are passionate about. I wouldn't be exactly where I'm at if it wasn't for that attention, from a charismatic, patient and thoughtful person like Gary Langley. Gary lives and makes knives in Dumas, Texas, a stones throw away from Oklahoma and New Mexico, and along with making knives, he's also an avid photographer, along with his wife, and a retiree from oil and gas. In addition to making knives off and on for well into 40 years, he's also the Vice President of The Knifemakers' Guild, and is a steward of passing along knowledge to other budding knifemakers. You can find Gary's work on Instagram, Facebook, and his Website, and his Knifemakers' Guild profile on their site. Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

On this episode of the Micro Podcasts, I talk about my vision for the podcast that I've been hyper focused on, and rebooting the micro podcasts, to add some variety and new perspective into the overall podcast. Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

In the craft of blades, you encounter some enigmatic creatures that knock your socks off, and this maker is one of them! Spencer Aplin of STA Custom Knives and The Stag Depot talks to me about his style of blades, artistry, pedagogy, and his journey through knives. You can find Spencer's work on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, and also on his website. You can also join his group on Facebook for The Stag Depot and get the opportunity to buy some killer stag! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

It's days that I get to shoot the bull with people like this that my mind is really provoked. I got to talk to knife maker, motorcycle enthusiast, musician, artist, husband, dad, and grandpa, Nick Huff. Nick is a knifemaker out of Fort Worth, Texas, and I've known him going on five years now. We sit down to talk knives, lives, motorcycles, music, and more! You can find Nick on social media in various channels, including Instagram, Facebook, Youtube as well as his Website. Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I had the opportunity to talk to Bill Roden, a long time knife collector, recent knifemaker out of Northlake, Texas. You can find Bill's work on Facebook group and Instagram Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I had the pleasure to talk to renowned ABS Mastersmith, inventor and re-inventor of numerous forging and knifemaking techniques, and all around charismatic guy, Steve Schwarzer. You can find Steve on his Instagram, Facebook, Website, and you can also find Steve's video on canister damascus on Chris Crawford's website Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I got to talk to a cool knowledgable dude named Trip Miller, a collector and aficionado of pocket knives, especially slipjoints, and we talk about his start in knife collecting, and some of his thoughts around the knife market, and collecting industry as a whole. You can find Trip and his collection on Instagram and Facebook Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I got to talk to a cool knowledgable dude named Trip Miller, a collector and aficionado of pocket knives, especially slipjoints, and we talk about his start in knife collecting, and some of his thoughts around the knife market, and collecting industry as a whole. You can find Trip and his collection on Instagram and Facebook Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I got to talk to rising star Bobby House about a lot of things, including his slipjoint making, being part of the South Texas Slipjoint Cartel, and of course, got to learn a lot about him as a person. You can find Bobby's work on Facebook and Instagram, as well as select dealer's websites. Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

In this Micro Podcast episode, I talk about dovetailed bolsters, some methods for making them, and tricks in hiding pins, getting your geometry right, and contouring order of operation. Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

In this Micro Podcast episode, I talk about what all has been going on with me, the show, thoughts for the future, and ways you can help interact with me to give me feedback so I can make this podcast the best it can be! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I had the pleasure of sitting down recently with Journeyman Smith and tradesman Brad Jansen, to learn about his endeavors within the American Bladesmith Society, his work in slipjoints, and tooling creation. You can find Brad and his extraordinary work on Instagram Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram