It is my pleasure to bring you all another installment of our knifemaker interview series, 5 from the Grinder. Today we are featuring knifemaker Zac Buchanan, of Zac Buchanan Knives. This isn’t the first time we have covered Zac, he has appeared in print a couple of times over the years, including this December 2011 article on Zac and his Father Thad from our predecessor publication Knife World.
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Shameless plug out of the way, I yield the soapbox to Zac…
Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives.
Hi, my name is Zac Buchanan. I’ve been making knives full time since 2008. I’m a Husband, father and I love my family.
What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?
My biggest influence Is my father, Thad Buchanan, he showed me how to make knives. I’m also heavily influenced by RW Loveless and his style of knives.
What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
I really love a wide variety of knives but I’d have to say that symmetrical daggers are probably my favorite.
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What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
Honestly as knife laws continue to get stricter around the world, I see the market headed toward small pocketable fixed blades and non locking folders such as slip joints.
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 my style is still developing as a designer, but the patterns I’m drawing up I feel will push me to discover more about what that style may be.
What is your EDC and why?
CRKT Largo (design by Eric Ochs). Eric is a good buddy of mine and I’m proud to carry a design of his, not to mention it just a great pattern. CRKT makes a great EDC.
If you would like to check out more of Zac’s work, drop by ZacBuchananKnives.com, or visit his Instagram (@zacbuchananknives.com) and Facebook Page.
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