The Good Ol' Blades Podcast

Knife makers, as much as they can be celebrities within our industry, are often not well known outside of it. With tens of millions of people seeing him judge on Forged in Fire over the last 9 years of the show, J. Neilson has reached meteoric attention in the public eye, is a household name, and you may think that all of that attention would go to a guy's head. For J, It hasn't. He's one of the most humble guys, with a great sense of humor, and is a superb mastersmith to boot. Shelley and J make a great team, and Shelley's work in knives and being a companion and champion of J's, has also foisted her into the public eye. Making some great knives herself, it's no wonder why they work well together. She is a smart cookie, accomplished nurse, and a very kind soul. I always wonder how individuals can remain so humble and attentive in the sight of so many changing events, but like a blade that's forged out of adversity and necessity, so too are people forged by life and circumstance, and sometimes they come out beautiful. J and Shelley are those kind of folks. You can find J.Neilson on his Instagram posting up regularly, and find his work on his Website. Obviously you can watch Forged in Fire with him on it. :) You can also find Shelley on her Instagram. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

There are few luxuries in life like sharing heartfelt time with friends and family. Even more seldom is when your children connect with you on something, and share your passion and intrigue. I've been blessed that to some extent, all of our children have been interested in knives and knife culture, and championed the work I'm doing myself. We all play a role in how this business operates, and I love that about us. I got to sit down with illustrious Paul Lusk in this two part series, and talk about his journey in knives and his work in knife education, with our youngest daughter - probably the biggest fan of the podcast. Paul was a great sport, and Sissy did great through her nervousness, which will forever be a cherished experience for me. You can check out Paul's work on Facebook, Website, and enjoy his knifemaking instructional classes on his Website and Facebook. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

There's a culture inside of knives, and especially knife shows, where we all seem to be fans of our fellow knifemakers. We can meet a knifemaker for the first time, and feel like we're old friends. We can sit and geek out on sometimes the smallest aspects of knives, and fill hours with each other. Companionship, camaraderie, and mutual respect feed great conversations, and build lifelong friendships. Evan Nicolaides is one of those people that is really easy to like. He's a wealth of knowledge, tries new things all the time, and is willing to push his fellow makers to do the same. He's also just a phenomenal knifemaker, and pushes the envelope on Sheffield era cutlery recreation, and well....everything else he touches. It was great to get to talk to him on this immersive episode of the podcast, where we just talk and admire other maker's work too. Check out Evan on social media with his Facebook, Instagram and Website. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I've had the honor to speak with some of the greatest living knifemakers on this podcast, and pick their brains about their craftsmanship and creativity in the industry. But with all things, I try to expand the collective consciousness of my listeners, and my guest Michael Janich very much does the same with everyone he comes in contact with. As the brain behind Martial Blade Concepts and as Special Projects Coordinator at Spyderco, Michael combines his deep level of knowledge on edged-weapons and their use within martial arts and self protection with real world and intimate utilization of blades, designs, and how to effectively utilize them for protection. I feel that feeds into how we as makers contend with purpose build blades, and as we deconstruct conflict and the thought process around how one should think of blades as tools of defense, I hope you can grasp the benefit Michael has given us in taking so much time to discuss his philosophy and thoughts. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I have been asked this question a lot, and it's to quantify the role social media plays in the knifemaking industry, and how to break away from reliance on it. Listen to the micro podcast, it should evoke some ideas as to how you'll personally go about this. Remember, a like or a follow does not equal a sale, and social media does not validate your own worth as a craftsman. It's important to have self-esteem and not rely on these social engines to make or break you, and I try to outline what is happening with these platforms in the context of knifemaking to help shed some light on why it's really a losing battle to invest too much of yourself in a medium that matters very little. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

At the end of April, the Oklahoma Knife Group (Previously the Knife Group Association of Oklahoma (KGA)) will be hosting its knife show. And on the doorstep of that, I thought it'd be great to talk to Shawn Shropshire - President, and talk about the group, their over 25 years of association, and its growth over the past several years after it's rebrand. But, what I really wanted to dig into was Shawn's particular avenue of knives, including his work in frontier knives. With over 20 years of knifemaking under his belt, the thing that strikes me about Shawn is his love of knife education and history, which bleeds into every aspect of his making. Along with his accomplice Deke Parker, Shawn has started the Wandering Bladesmith, where they travel and experience the world of knives and making across the globe. I can't say enough good things about Shawn, he's a gentleman, scholar, and all around great guy, and I got to spend some time getting a more in-depth picture of all of this on the show! Check out Shawn on social media with his Instagram, Facebook, as well as The Wandering Bladesmith IG, and give a follow to the Oklahoma Knife Group on Instagram and Facebook! Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

Sometimes I get the opportunity to talk to folks that make me think I don't have a lick of creativity in me. Well...Probably more than sometimes. But that's what's cool about being a podcast host in this particular vein of knifemaking, that I get to immerse myself in the conversations of people that inspire me, at the same time get me introspective. Steven Ramos is one of those guys that just exudes cool ideas and a talent to articulate them in steel and stone, and I sometimes envy the austere yet passionate way he conveys his love of what he does. We may one day see his work in the same galleries as knifemaking legends like Buster Warenski, and it's cool to get to talk to someone who's so down to earth, and really just trying to push themselves to express what they see in their inner eye. Get to know Steven, because that's exactly what I did. You can find Steven on social media such as Instagram and Facebook, and maybe at a knifeshow near you. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

John Horrigan is one of those men that makes you better by being in his presence. A true blue God fearing American, that holds his knife art in humble regards, but his reverence for the craft of knifemaking with great esteem. Maybe at first I thought John was unapproachable because of this, but he's one of the kindest and most thoughtful people out there, and really shines bright in our industry. It's not a wonder that he's won awards, achieved Master Smith with the ABS, is a member of The Knifemakers' Guild, or is generally acknowledged as one of the premier art knife makers of the industry. He screams excellence, but it comes from a very introspective and inventive place. John constantly challenges himself, and his encouragement and words of wisdom in this episode really is an inspiration for anyone trying to find their way around this big world we call knife making. You can find John on Social Media such as Instagram and Facebook, and also find more out about him on his Website. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

Kelly Vermeer Vella is a rare bird, because as high as she soars, she still seems to have two feet firmly planted on the ground. In every success, award, and other achievement I see her get, I am always rooting for her. Probably because she represents the underdog in her demeanor, and also embodies the superstar. This kind of enigma in knife culture is what drew me to her work, and wanting to have her as a guest on the show. Who doesn't want to get to know someone who seems to be untainted by fame, and as down to earth and humble as if she's the newcomer on a very established scene? Kelly deserves every eye on her, and more, and getting to see her creations is like watching a chef invent and allow the tasting of a new banger of a recipe. You'll enjoy her, we all do. Follow Kelly on her social media, and join us fly on the walls watching her fame unfold. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

The cat's out of the bag, and in the inaugural FIRST PODCAST for Dellana...EVER, I got to sit down with her and talk about some heavy-hitting ideas in how to conjure up the stuff that mesmerizes and enchants us all. Dellana has made an international name for herself in both her jewelry and knife art for the last 48+ years, and is still busy creating some of them most gobsmacking artwork in the knife industry. Her ease of conversation and profound wisdom is timeless, and her vivacious energy and passion for expression is intoxicating. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to one of the greatest living knifemakers, and one of the most down to earth, humble and helpful people I know. If you enjoy digging in deep to the psychology and spirituality of creating things, this is the episode for you. I can't express enough how much I love this person. She's a true gem and an asset to anyone pondering the meaning of life in art knives. You can find Dellana on Instagram, Facebook, and see her works on her Website as well. Frankly, type in Dellana in any search engine and you'll be blown away. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

I've always admired the military man because of the regimen and order that encapsulates the service. Neal Green embodies his career in the U.S. Army in his knives in a way that follows a structured and clean look, but also gives way to his creative eye by allowing him to play with themes and materials, to juxtapose order in an otherwise chaotic medium. His knives and leatherwork are some of the cleanest out there for a "new" knifemaker, and his personality and enthusiasm for the craft is a tide that levels all boats. I got to spend some quality time with him, peaking a little further behind the curtain than he shares on social media, and we talked about some core ideologies, interests and goals that I think unite all of us in this craft. You can find Neal on Instagram, and his Website, and I recommend you pick up one of his very reasonably priced knives. They're superb quality. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

Part of this vocation of podcasting is really being able to nerd out over my heroes. The other, of course, is to act as an archivist for what will assuredly be some of the few conversations the world will get with legendary figures in knives. Though I hope that in every conversation, there stems more and more, and we get to keep national knife treasures like Bob Terzuola for a long time, the reality is, we all move on from this life. This sobering reality gives me pause, and frames my desire to get in as many of those conversations as possible. Bob isn't a stranger to being interviewed, written about, videotaped, etc. But with every moment, we get a different perspective into his mind, and his life, and what matters to him at that point. Sure, his knife journey is fascinating to me, but some of the most heart warming moments were spent talking about his parents, and the growth of jade carving in South America, that are a big part of Bob's legacy. He's a gem that we'll never really get enough of, and I loved getting to spend time with him. I hope you listening to him will leave you with the same feeling. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram

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! Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! 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! Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! 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 Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! 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! Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! 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. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! 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. Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! 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 Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! 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! Text me your feedback, suggestions or recommendations! Aaron Lawvere: Website, Instagram Podcast: Instagram