5 from the Grinder: Daniel Hallman (HF6 Knifeworks)

Howdy folks. The last couple of weeks have been a slog. Trying to pull together our annual New Release article for the print magazine while at home on Covid Quarantine was a considerable challenge and the website slipped a bit. But we are back, and what better way to welcome the new week than with our latest 5 from the Grinder.

One thing I love about 5 from the Grinder is that it applies as equally to a Master with decades of experience as it does to someone who is just getting off the ground. Today we have one of the latter. Daniel Hallman put his time in lockdown to good use, he began to make knives. And they look pretty good for someone only a year along his journey, the handle finish in particular.

If you are a maker who would like to be featured yourself in a future post, all you have to do is fill out a simple form – https://www.knifemagazine.com/5-from-the-grinder-form/ (password is “grinder”), and upload a handful of pictures, I will combine them into an online feature including all of your social media and website information. That is all there is to it.

So now, I yield the floor to today’s featured maker: Daniel Hallman.

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

I started making knives when the COVID19 pandemic started. I had extra time at home with our schedules being managed for COVID. I always wanted to make something like a knife. I love working with my hands and turning something into a functional tool or work of art. I am mainly a stock removal guy, and working to start forging.

I started tinkering in my garage and the next thing you know, through the power of social media, I have steady requests for my services. I love showing my kids and having them help sand the handles a bit.

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

Honestly, no one yet… I haven’t been doing this long. I tend to create knives that I like, and so far they have been received well.

What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?

I like skinners and Bowies. Hunting/camp knives have always been a favorite for me as well.

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

I think small makers are going to continue to provide innovation and keep the custom knife business going.

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?

The bowies and skinners I think. I love the options for handles now though. There are endless possibilities. I try to make unique combinations with handles and pins. I also try not to make the same knife twice (i.e. same handle and pins for the same blade)

What is your EDC and why?