Howdy folks. It has been a little while since I have posted a 5 from the Grinder, we always have a lot of balls in the air at any given point, and I have been remiss in getting the last few out from the queue. With Blade Show this weekend, I expect we will get an influx of new ones, and so I wanted to get back on these before I leave.
Today we bring you Johnny Raymer of Beorn’s Forge and Knifeworks. If you are a maker who would like to be featured in a future edition of 5 from the Grinder, click here for more information.
Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives:
I made my first knife in highschool machine shop class and gave it to my dad.He always had a passion for hunting and knives so naturally he instilled that in me. After my first few knives I didn’t mess with it anymore until forged in fire came out and we started talking about making them again. In 2017 I started making knives as a hobby again, my dad enjoyed sitting in the shop with me and discussing designs and how to make something better than what is offered in a production knife. Every time I made major progress in a knife I would give him one and he packed them every where he went. He was over joyed when I was able to put full time focus on building and designing knives. Unfortunately he passed away this past November, but I continue to build and design knives with the passion and integrity that he instilled in me as a kid.
What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?
Veronique Laurent, Kyle Royer, Lin Rhea, and many other M.S are who I look up too for influence and new ideas. Here recently I took a fine folder class with Johnny Stout and he helped create a wildfire of passion for fine folders and intricate details for the art knife styles.
What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
For everyday use a 3.75” blade drop point, but overall I’ve always loved bowies. European daggers and swords hold a special place for me as well as Japanese swords such as katanas and wakazashi.
What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
I’m not sure, there are so many brilliant new makers coming on scene it could go anywhere. I see a lot more people interested in owning and collecting handmade knives hopefully that will continue.
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?
Bowie’s and hidden tang fighters allow me to show the most artistic creativity. I think my folding knives will really show elegance as well.
What is your EDC and why?
I carry a 2 blade case trapper for edc and work. But for fixed blades I carry a drop point hunter profile.
You can see more of Johnny’s work at the Beorn’s Forge and Knifeworks website: https://jraymer0006.wixsite.com/beornsforge , Instagram: beorns_forge_knifeworks, or his Facebook Page.
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