5 from the Grinder: Adam Love (Alpha Tango Lima Knife & Tool)

Welcome to 5 from the Grinder, KNIFE Magazine’s quick format interview series. Today we bring you US Army Veteran, and another distinguished alum of Andy Roy’s apprenticeship program – Adam Love (Alpha Tango Lima Knife & Tool). I am personal friends with several, and friendly with Andy himself, but have not yet met Adam personally. I won’t spoil any more of what Adam will have to say, so we will jump right in.

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Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives

I started making knives in 2020 after watching a how to video. I shortly there after went to Pops knife supply to buy supplies. A follow on Facebook lead to an apprenticeship with one of the top knife makers in the world Andy Roy of Fiddleback forge. I also gained loads of knowledge from the 3 other knifemaker owners at Pops Joey Berry, Dirk Loots and Allen Surls.

What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?

Marc Weinstock of Prick Blades, Jerry Hossom, Mark Hopper Goat N Hammer forge

What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?

Ka-bar fighting knife was my dream knife as a kid but I don’t picture making one.
I’ve always loved Japanese swords and would love to try my hand at a hybrid Japanese blade onto a more modern handle.

What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?

Lots more makers! More people are learning and feeling the need to hammer and grind.
I hope to see less knives being shipped over state and country lines. More local buying/selling from a community aspect. Supporting your community as a tool maker is important.

Is there a knife from your lineup that you feel best exhibits who you are as a knifemaker/designer in terms of design elements, aesthetic or techniques used?

Not yet! I’m still figuring out who I am as a maker.

What is your EDC and why?

A 13” scout camp recurve forged at Maple forge a collaboration knife and inspired by early Macr Weinstein work.

(I am sensing sarcasm. Nice knife though… – HCA)