Knife Magazine

Knife Magazine

  • LOG IN HERE
  • Newsfeed
  • SUBSCRIBE!
    • NEW Print Subscription
    • RENEW Print Subscription
    • Premium Online Membership
  • Books & Mags
    • Books
    • Magazine Archives
  • Events & Orgs
    • Upcoming Events
    • Submit Your Event
    • Knife Club Directory
    • Submit Your Knife Club
  • The Vault
    • Knife Markings (Goins Encyclopedia)
    • Worldwide Knifemaker Database and Directory
    • Magazine Archives
    • Digital Library
    • Knife Glossary
    • Submit an Entry
  • About
    • The Knife Magazine Team
    • Our History
    • Contact Us
  • Contest Entry
  • Log In
  • Create Account

Type and hit enter to display search result

Recent Posts
  • John Wilson: Canadian Maker – by Del Corsi (Extended Free Preview)
  • John Wilson Knives: The Canadian Maker Continues the Loveless Legacy -by Del Corsi
  • The Texas Toothpick Becomes a Fisherman – by R. Scott Decker, Ph.D.
  • Weekend Open Thread: Government Windfall Edition
  • 5 from the Grinder: Chuck Cook (Scout Knives)
0 - $0.00
  • Help & Support
  • Cart
  • Log In
  • Create Account
Advertise With Us

Knife Magazine

Knife Magazine

  • LOG IN HERE
  • Newsfeed
  • SUBSCRIBE!
    • NEW Print Subscription
    • RENEW Print Subscription
    • Premium Online Membership
  • Books & Mags
    • Books
    • Magazine Archives
  • Events & Orgs
    • Upcoming Events
    • Submit Your Event
    • Knife Club Directory
    • Submit Your Knife Club
  • The Vault
    • Knife Markings (Goins Encyclopedia)
    • Worldwide Knifemaker Database and Directory
    • Magazine Archives
    • Digital Library
    • Knife Glossary
    • Submit an Entry
  • About
    • The Knife Magazine Team
    • Our History
    • Contact Us
  • Contest Entry
0 - $0.00
  • Home
  • /
  • Custom Knives & Makers
  • /
  • Knife Stories
  • Custom Knives & Makers   Knife Stories  

    5 from the Grinder: Byron McWilliams (Billy Van Custom Knives)

    By H. Clay Aalders July 14, 2022

    Hey everyone and welcome back for another edition of KNIFE Magazine 5 from the Grinder. 5ftG is our fast-format interview series where we highlight the work and philosophy of an assortment of custom makers from legends to advanced hobbyists.

    Today we have Byron McWilliams who is a full-time pastor, and as he describes it, a “hobbiest on steroids”. We are happy he stopped by.

    If you are new to our series and would like to be featured yourself, you can find out more about 5 from the Grinder here.

     

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

    Howdy, I’m Byron McWilliams, owner of Billy Van Custom Knives. I am a full-time pastor with a fantastic side hustle I call my “hobby on steroids.” As a craftsman, I am particularly drawn to the artisan side of custom knife making. Being a lifelong outdoorsman and hunter, I have always loved a good knife. I’ve owned some amazing knives, but did not make one of my own until January 2020. After watching YouTube videos and reading everything I could get my hands on, I began by building my own forge and 2×72 grinder. I have since put aside my forge, purchased an oven and settled into stock removal, using AEB-L as my primary knife steel. My goal is to make an heirloom knife from start to finish by hand, including all leather work, that is better than anything you can get from a big box store. I definitely have not arrived, but I strive to achieve this goal whenever I am in my shop.

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

    My mentor has been Dustin O’Hara with “The Art of Craftsmanship.” When I stumbled upon his series on building a Woodlander Clone, I devoured the videos, sparking first thoughts of building a knife myself. I have also received great encouragement from Gene Benavente at Toka Knives. Both makers are incredible craftsman and willing teachers. I have also greatly benefited from the work of James Keaton at Red Beard Ops.
    What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
    I build fixed blade, full tang knives only, and have two primary designs: a hunter/skinner and a bushcraft. I have other designs in mind that I’m excited about, but very little time to bring them into production. My full-time job as a pastor demands a great deal of time. Because of this I am limited to making about 40 knives annually.

     

     

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

    I’m not sure about a “next big thing” but new super steels continue to fascinate makers and bring excitement to the knife making industry. These steels earn their name by their performance, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to enhance the art of knife making. I also see the industry embracing more custom engraving with fiber lasers in the future. Long have hand engraving been utilized to enhance an heirloom knife. I see potential in custom engraving blades to make them extra special, and have recently invested in a 50W JPT fiber laser. While a simple fixed blade knife will always be a favorite, adding artisan enhancements with a laser could be a trend of the future.

     

    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?

    My hunter/skinner best represents who I am as a knife maker. I make knives for hunters, plain and simple. When a prized trophy needs skinning, I want the hunter to pick up my knife with a confident smile on his face because he knows the tool is up for the task. My hope is that the skinning of a trophy with my knife becomes part of the adventure story told around the campfire. Because of this, I want a high quality blade that has been heat treated to perfection, cryogenically treated for increased toughness, and tempered so that it will endure for the long haul. Therefore, my hunter/skinner is a very high quality blade with stabilized natural material for scales, a beautiful and functional knife that will last generations.

     

     

     

    What is your EDC and why?

    I’m going to make you laugh. I wear slacks everyday, but still believe a man ought to carry a knife daily. As such, my EDC is a Case “My First Knife” tiny little thing. It’s not custom, but it’s a great letter opener.


    If you would like to see more of Byron’s work, you can check out his website at www.billyvancustoms.com (coming online in July – not up at the time of this posting)

    His instagram is @BillyVanCustomKnives and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/byronmcwilliams

    He can be reached via email at byronsdata(at)me.com.

    Do you want to be featured in a future 5 from the Grinder, check out the link below.

    1 Tags: 5 from the Grinder, Billy Van Custom Knives, Byron McWilliams

    H. Clay Aalders

    H. Clay Aalders is a lifelong edged tool user. He spent the past 20 years as a woodworker and fishing guide in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Tennessee. While guiding in Idaho, Clay worked part-time writing for a local newspaper, and upon moving to Tennessee began writing for the blog The Truth About Knives - spending his last 5 years there as Managing Editor. His background is in fixed-blade hunting and bushcraft knives, but has jumped into the world of vintage slipjoint collecting with both feet since coming to work at Knife Magazine. Clay’s primary role is as Digital Editor, curating and creating new content for our website and blog, as well as maintaining the Knife Magazine social media accounts (FB/IG: @theknifemag, Twitter: @knifemagazine). He is also a contributor and Associate Editor of the print magazine.

    You May Also Like

    Chuck Cook Scout Knives

    5 from the Grinder: Chuck Cook (Scout Knives)

    August 2, 2022

    5 from the Grinder: Jaymes Stevens (J.M. Stevens Knives)

    June 20, 2022June 20, 2022
    Morgan Beatty Knives

    5 from the Grinder: Morgan Beatty (Morganic Blades)

    June 9, 2022June 9, 2022

    1 Comment

    1. Reply
      Del Corsi
      July 14, 2022 7:55 pm

      Awesome Pastor Byron, you don’t mess around my friend! Looking good, thanks for participating. I really love your passion and dedication to making heirloom quality knives! Can’t wait to see your website.

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    About Us
    Author Picture:

    KNIFE Magazine is an oversized, full color, glossy print publication — 50% larger than a standard magazine and dedicated to serving collectors, knifemakers and other enthusiasts. KnifeMagazine.com is our online presence, offering news, events and other information to all visitors and a wealth of information to Premium Online Members including information on historical knife markings, knifemaker markings, about 500 magazine issues, and more!

    sales@knifemagazine.com 1-800-828-7751 (M-F, 9-5 EST)
    Knife Magazine - PO Box 11012 - Knoxville TN USA 37939
    Author Signature:
    CLICK HERE TO SEE A SAMPLE ISSUE!
    Stay Updated
    Recent Comments
    • Del Corsi on John Wilson: Canadian Maker – by Del Corsi (Extended Free Preview)
    • Del Corsi on John Wilson: Canadian Maker – by Del Corsi (Extended Free Preview)
    • Del Corsi on John Wilson: Canadian Maker – by Del Corsi (Extended Free Preview)
    • Hocky on GiantMouse ACE Nibbler – Compact Wharny Workhorse
    • Hocky on John Wilson: Canadian Maker – by Del Corsi (Extended Free Preview)
    Knife Magazine

    © 2020. Knife Magazine - Site by Epic Nine

    Type and hit enter to display search result