Howdy folks…
It has been a while since we have posted a 5 from the Grinder. There are multiple reasons for this, some better than others, but the fact of the matter is the queue is pretty well empty, and it is time for a jumpstart. Today we bring you Noah Larson, a young maker from the Pacific Northwest, now operating out of Arizona. You can find his website here: https://merkeligco.com/
If you are a maker who wants to be featured in your own 5 from the Grinder post, click this link to find out more.
Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives:
Hi! My name is Noah Larson. I am a 23 year old knifemaker born and raised in Seattle, WA. About 3 years ago I was in an unfortunate event that changed many aspects of my life. Though this event affected my life in many ways, it made me search for a new passion. Knifemaking fell into my lap. I started making knives on a 15 year old 3″x21″ handheld belt sander, a chunk of mild steel, and I never looked back. My journey through knifemaking has been challenging, very therapeutic, and has become a creative outlet and passion I didn’t know that I needed in my life until it changed it for the better.
What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?
Rob McKibbin (Niche Custom Blade Works), Josh Scott (Josh Scott Knives), Joel Green (Grit City Custom Knives). I do not have any mentors, yet.
What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
Misericorde medieval daggers
What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
I see the knife making industry heading toward a more sleek, modern, and competitive standard. As knifemaking continues to evolve we are redefining old standards of design, fit and finish, as well as materials being used. We will see new materials continue to be innovated for both handle materials and blade steels, but I believe these new materials will start to become more subtle in their styling.
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?
Coffin handle dagger made from Baker Forge DarkMai, with sapele handles on ivory liners.
What is your EDC and why?
I carry one of my own Valkyrie’s. It’s a perfect size for an everyday fixed blade combined with a stellar steel and heat treat.
If you would like to see more of Noah’s work, you can visit the Merkeligco website, or check out his Instagram:@merkelig_co or his Facebook Page.
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