5 from the Grinder: Michael Ruth Jr. (Ruthless Custom Knives)

5 from the Grinder Custom Knives and Knifemaking Featured

Howdy Knife Fans, it is time for another exciting episode of 5 from the Grinder. Today we bring you Michael Ruth Jr., an ABS Journeyman Smith with whom I have interracted on X/Twitter. We were having a conversation with a Japanese knife/sword enthusiast and he showed off his work. I liked the look of it and asked Michael to participate in our 5ftG series. If you are a maker who would like to be featured yourself, please visit this link for more information.

I won’t waste any more of your time. Here is Michael Ruth Jr. to tell you about himself…

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

My father and I both learned the craft, hands-on, from multiple Master Smiths. We both became fascinated with the entire process. Building a smithy at our home, we’ve both worked for years to hone our skills

We’ve both achieved the rating of Journeyman Smith in the ABS(American Bladesmith Society) and have each won multiple awards for our work over the years

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

Our main influence is amd always has been Jerry Fisk(American National Living Treasure of Bladesmithing). He introduced us to many more highly skilled smiths who have influenced us and helped guide us along the way. A short list of few include J.R. Cook(Arkansas Living Treasure of Bladesmithing), Terry Vandeventer, Don Hanson, John White, Tim Hancock and Jim Crowwel. There are many more, but I could list teachers and influences for literal days

What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
I’m mostly drawn to the Quillion Daggers from the 1500-1600’s due to the intricate and difficult construction techniques involved in their creation

In the (somewhat)modern era, I mostly enjoy the different styles of Bowie Knives that have been created over the years. They vary greatly in their designs and construction methods employed in their creation. Modern smiths are constantly raising the bar on design/execution, so its always exciting to see new developments in this overall genera of knife design

What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
I’m not sure about the business as a whole, since I keep my focus limited to to the custom end of things. The numbers of both collectors and extremely talented smiths arriving on the scene seem to indicate that interest in the craft as a whole is only building. Time will tell, but I see no indication that the custom forged blade isn’t going anywhere anytime soon

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 feel like the “Riptide” Fighter that I made and had professionally photographed years ago is one of the best examples of my work. The complex steel designs eliminated the need for outside embellishments(engraving/etc), and the beauty of the ancient handle material to really stand out. It’s ALMOST too “busy”, but not quite.

I feel like a great balance was achieved and I’m more than proud to let this piece in particular represent my overall place concerning designs/execution as a whole. I’m very proud of many of my pieces, but this one pretty much sums me up in a quick handful of images

What is your EDC and why?

My EDC is a DEFCON “Ruthless” folder. It was my first and only folder design and it was put into production by my close friend and collaborator Sam Sung(president of DEFCON Knives). I carry it proudly

The knife is heavy and sturdy, what I would consider nearly “bomb-proof” and has never let me down. DEFCON has increased the quality of their products year over year and I’m very happy with their quality as EDC knives