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  • Custom Knives & Makers   Knife Stories  

    5 from the Grinder: Karl B. Andersen (Andersen Forge)

    By H. Clay Aalders December 28, 2020
    Karl B. Andersen Knives

    Today’s installment of 5 from the Grinder features Karl B. Andersen, an ABS Journeyman whose work exhibits the aesthetic and techniques that are hallmarks of  traditional American forged knife. 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

    I have been an ABS Journeyman Smith since 2008. I’ve lived an entirely hands-on life both professionally and in my recreation. Being an avid traditional bow hunter, remote country canoe camper, etc., knife making was an easy addition. What lead me here was the purchase of a knife magazine years ago, and that started my journey.

     

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

    I met world class knife maker and Damascus maker Jerry Rados in 1996 as he only lived about 35 miles from me. I jumped in the deep end on day one.
    I learned to forge using a 500 pound Chambersburg power hammer. He is my greatest influence. I have also been influenced by many of my peers in the ABS. Many close friends have been made who influence me every day – Don Hanson, Lin Rhea, John Horrigan – to name a few.

     

    What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?

    I like a good ol’ belt hunting knife.

     

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

    Knife making has come a long way since I started 20 years ago. The advent of internet interaction, social media, TV programs, schools, etc. has drawn in tons of amazing talent. I see no end to the expansion – for now. I have no prediction where it will go from here.

     

    Karl B. Andersen Knives

     

    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?

    I enjoy a knife I named “S.O.B.” – Short Occasional Bowie. It’s a mid-sized – 6-8 inch blade – that is not too small for heavy chores and not to big for detailed utility use.

     

    What is your EDC and why?

    I carry a Damascus full tapered tang utility knife I made for myself with a clip on sheath. It has Ironwood scales.

    You can see more of Karl’s work at his website: AndersenForge.com, or by visiting his Instagram (@karlb.andersen) and Facebook.

     


    Want to be featured on KNIFEMagazine.com? Introducing “5 from the Grinder”

    1 Tags: 5 from the Grinder, Andersen Forge, Karl B. Andersen

    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.

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    1 Comment

    1. Reply
      Ricky Hockensmith
      December 28, 2020 1:29 pm

      Beautiful work. Traditional patterns that really stoke my passion for the forged blade. I will look forward to seeing Mr. Andersen’s knives at upcoming knife shows! Hocky

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