Hello fellow People of the Knife. Today we bring you another exciting edition of 5 from the Grinder, KNIFE Magazine’s short format interview series which was actually the brainchild of David C. Andersen and myself back in our TTAK days. I brought it with me to KNIFE, and it has fast become a reader favorite.
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.
Today’s featured maker is Robert Young of Robert Young Knives. I don’t know him personally, but he does a really nice job on his Loveless style blades.
Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives
First started making in 1976 , I’d have to say it was all because of A G Russell . His little Ozark hunter was the knife that always pulled at my heart strings but my parents thought $45. Was a little too much money ( like to buy one today for that price). So I fired up the forge and hammered out my own. And have been making knives on and off since then. Now that I’ve got the time it’s back at it full time.
What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?
Bob Loveless and Jimmy Lile and Bob Engnath. When starting out as a kid , Bob and Jimmy were two of the nicest guys that I ever met. I gave these two men my most respect and in return they both passed on there personal knowledge. Bob Engnath amazed me with being all around talented in anything he did.
What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
A toss up between two, the Green River skinner and the Loveless sub hilt fighter.
What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
That’s a hard one, it seems everything has its cycle to come and go . EDC, and folders are hot now. But I can see customs with soldered guards and handles of horn or tusks coming back since most tang knives today are just two slabs and nothing else.
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 subhilt double grind is my favorite to make , love getting those deep deep hollows using a 3” wheel and getting the subhilt to fit just right between the fingers without being uncomfortable.
What is your EDC and why?
A G Russell’s the BRUTE. Simple, light right to the point knife. And or a folding N.Y. Special.
The best place to see more of Robert’s work is his Instagram (@robertyoungknives) or his Facebook Page
Or you can drop him an email – Montanabound1961(at)yahoo.com
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