Niko Tavernise was my first podcast partner on the Downward Spiral Podcast 13 years ago. We’d always catch up and then tackle some weird news.(Definitely look in the archives here for more DSP eps.) Niko is a Hollywood Set photographer and is back home from being on the sets of two huge movies coming soon. We talked about set life, how the Writer’s strike is currently affecting things and hit on some wild news. It’s always fun and I look forward to him coming back soon in person. Love that guy. ...
Jul 14, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 162
Leah Aripotch is Back! I’m such a fan of her work; the intensity, intricate control, command of material and fearlessness. But I think I’m more of a fan of the person she is. Leah is very self aware and understands what she needs to do to find happiness. When it comes to mental health and addressing it in a positive way Leah is very proactive and puts in the work. We talked about something that is directly affecting her mental health and physical work and how she is dealing with it. We talked ab...
Jul 06, 2023•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 161
Before social media, there was a concern about how forging will flourish in the future. There were lots of organizations, guilds and small groups devoted to people in the community, but how do you get more exposure to the general public? With the rise of social media, more talented blacksmiths, blade smiths and farriers are exposing to the world the beauty of forging. And if thats the case, right now a lot of them have seen it being done by Riley Kirkpatrick. Riley is a very skilled Farrier and ...
Jun 30, 2023•2 hr•Ep. 185
After an amazing 10 days in Barcelona, Spain with my great friends at Florentine Kitchen Knives I’m back with a recap. I had recorded with Tomer Botner, and 10 minutes in construction workers started rattling our cages upstairs and jack hammered the audio into oblivion. I’ll get him back. Tomer is a busy guy. I talked about the Workshops, fun with the students and the incredible food. Fun Solo ep I hope you like it. Follow Florentine Kitchen Knives and get on their newsletter to find out when th...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 159
This was an episode I’ve been thinking about for a while. I spent time remembering my Uncle Jay St. John and told funny stories in his memory. He was a huge part of my upbringing, always joking and encouraging me to swing at pitches. Very funny memories and I may have gone too far. Haha. I had some dream revelations and talked about the great our pouring of kind words from the last episode with my daughter. Thanks again. -GF Support Feder Knives - https://www.federknives.com/ Follow The Full Bla...
Jun 08, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 158
My daughter Lila joins the podcast as she’s days away from graduating High school. We talked about the stresses of juggling College applications while participating as a Varsity swimmer and keeping a her grades up. It was an interesting conversation that neither of us expected. A lot of new perspectives and some good take aways. We recapped stories from each others point of view and had some laughs. I’ll definitely have her back. **P.S. Im very very proud of all her accomplishments- Merit Schola...
Jun 01, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 157
My man Chris Cash(AKA @Mt_phillip_metal_works on instagram) is back! Blacksmith, Artist, Facilitator, Tool Restoration Champion, Podcaster and many many more. I love this guy. One of the nicest most honest friends who will tell you how it is. We had a great time talking about the logistics of buying an old power hammer how he gets it back to his shop, completely restore and figure out how to get it to its next home. So interesting hearing how he works. We talked about his new Sculpture “Bound” a...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 156
Matt Stagmer returns for a fun conversation about Baseball, Sports and the relationship between fandom and the maker community. Is there a relationship? Very excited for Matt who’s holding a class at the Blade show this year on how he had to unlearn old habits in order successfully pass the Journeyman smith test last year; should be very informative. Matt is the man and we always have a great time when he’s here. Thanks again- GF (***P.s. “Going Yard” is hitting homers you dorks) Follow Matt on ...
May 19, 2023•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 155
What’s going on? This was quite a week with unforeseen things coming up that had to be addressed. I had guest lined up and I was fired up and something came up that I had to Postpone the show. No choice. And it was the right on I’m convinced. Who was it? Why was it postponed and what the hell. All will be explained as I solo’d the show this week. It was fun bringing t back to my roots. Give it a listen. Thanks- GF Support Feder Knives - https://www.federknives.com/ Follow The Full Blast Podcast ...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 154
Dr. Larrin Thomas is one of the leading experts in metallurgy specifically knife steel. His book “Knife Engineering: Steel, Heat Treating and Geometry” is an incredible resource for knifemakers. It’s a must have for anyone with the slightest interest in the craft; Data sheets, Steel characteristics and a detailed heat treating recipe section with variables that give the user a wide range of successful heat treating results. We talked about his new upcoming book: “The Story of Knife Steel- Innova...
May 05, 2023•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 153
Mark Adams is a photographer that you are probably familiar with- @markadamspictures on Instagram. He has generously set up mobile photoshoots at events like Makers Camp, Workbenchcon and other gatherings to take iconic photo’s of most of the maker community. I met him a few years ago at Maker’s Camp and we struck up a friendship. Last year he organized a panel discussion and we had a fun conversation ( “Live from Makers Camp: A panel discussion on creativity” is in the archives of this podcast ...
Apr 28, 2023•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 152
Jesse Savage is back and on the way to Center of Metal Arts to teach a weekend workshop with his wife Carrie. We always have a good time talking about blacksmithing, history and what we’ve been up to. We also remembered my teacher Uri Hofi, who was a big influence on a lot of people’s lives. We talked about his late in life start in blacksmithing, his teachers, students and legacy and what defines his hammer style. It took a few weeks to figure out how to eulogize Hofi and I’m glad Jesse was on ...
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 151
Ben Paik AKA Woby Design is Back! Woodworker, YouTuber and new father joined me for another fun Ep. We recorded this a few weeks ago before his daughter was born and we wish the little family the best! Had a great time catching up on what he’s been up to in the shop including his use of skateboard decks and how the colors in the laminated plywood work together. Then we had some fun down the Weird News trail. I learned a lot about Korean drama and we had a few laughs too. Thanks again Ben! Follow...
Apr 14, 2023•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 150
I’m so honored to have returned to Center for Metal Arts to kick off the 2023 Curriculum with my Forged Friction Folder weekend workshop. Patrick Quinn, the Director of CMA has become a good friend and a leader in the furthering of Forging Education in the United States. I brought a mic and we recorded an episode in his office. We talked about CMA the events coming up and how Johnstown has influenced Pats work. The most underrated thing about social media is the ability to follow artists and wat...
Apr 07, 2023•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 149
Ben Kamon (@kamon_knives on Instagram)one of the best blademiths in the game and back for another round. We talked about his style and the intricacies of his process. It was a fun talk about the sensitivities of business and customer service. We covered a lot of shop talk then finished off with some weird news. Ben rules and I always enjoy when he’s on. We’ll definitely do it again- He’ll be baack. Thanks again, GF Follow Ben on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kamon_knives?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= F...
Apr 01, 2023•2 hr•Ep. 148
Bre Pettis is an innovator and pioneer in Desk Top CNC machinery as we know it. Founder and CEO of Makerbot, Bre became a Global phenomenon in the Desktop 3D Printing industry. Now he’s the CEO of Bantam Tools a revolutionary Desktop CNC Milling machine company in Peekskill NY. I’ve been fortunate enough to become friends with Bre and had the pleasure of having him in my shop to forge Friction Folders. It was a great meeting of styles and intentions and I look forward to more of it. Bre’s early ...
Mar 23, 2023•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 147
Alexander Bol comes from an Oyster farming family dating back over 100 years in the Netherlands. With vivid memories of spending time on Oyster boats Alexander wanted to make his father an oyster knife as a present after seeing his dad’s break. This led Alexander down the Youtube Rabbit hole of knife makers like Aaron Gough and Michael Trollsky and started him down the path of engineering his line of Oyster knives and creating Emergo Designs. We had a great time talking about Oyster farming, wha...
Mar 16, 2023•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 146
Ben’s back to pick up where we started 2 weeks ago. From strange human interaction to wild animal interaction we had a great time. Food trends, cocaine hippos, and other bizarre news, this is how it is for an episode of “Cowboy Seinfeld”. Definitely give Ben a follow and listen to all the back eps with he’s been on. Thanks again-GF Follow Ben on Instagram: https://instagram.com/bensnure?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast?igsh...
Mar 09, 2023•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 145
My friend Aaron Gough is back. He’s been in hiding and working like crazy to get his new facility built. Aaron’s YouTube tutorials on knifemaking are easily some of the best out there. He’s inspired countless knife makers including myself with his very informative and approachable videos on different aspects of making knives. With a background in computer programming his work is very CNC heavy I am lucky to have one of his Gough Customs: Resolute MIII blades and it’s incredible. Aaron dropped so...
Mar 03, 2023•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 144
By popular demand my buddy Ben Snure is back. We had a great conversation talking about the new efficiencies in his shop and how technological innovation will streamline his business. As a one man shop, pumping out a lot of forged hammers- everything matters. We had a long conversation about the hatred of breaking taps and why do people put tomatoes in salad. Like an episode of Cowboy Seinfeld. We had some technical issues and lost the last half where we did Weird news and I take full responsibi...
Feb 23, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 143
Chris Zeppieri AKA @Makeeverythingshop is a fabricator, contractor, Content creator, and that’s just the start. I’ve know Chris for a while and he never ceases to amaze me with his drive, knowledge and ability to communicate his vast skills. He’s great behind the mic and on camera…but is he too New York for the National stage? I feel like there’s a bias against New Yorkers because Chris is perfect to represent the Maker Community to the greater audience at large. We had a great time catching up ...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 142
Jesse Savage and I have been asking what the role of the modern day blacksmith is for years. We’ve been asking guests on his podcast “The Blacksmith’s Pub” as well as this one for a long time. This week he joins me to take a look at the last 3 episodes “Conduit to Generations” to try to come to some conclusions. The Last 3 episodes were a look at 3 master bladesmiths and the importance of delivering information of the craft of knifemaking to future generations. It’s always fun talking to Jesse w...
Feb 10, 2023•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 141
Master bladesmith Nick Rossi is back for the final leg of Conduit to Generations, a 3 part series where I talked to 3 established Mastersmiths and we discuss what our role is in the furthering of this craft over time. Nick is the gold standard of teaching in this new age of knifemaking. ’New’ meaning the last 50ish years where recreational learning of what was once considered a trade is prospering. Where do you learn to be a teacher of something that doesn’t have a long history as a profession? ...
Feb 02, 2023•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 127
Master bladesmith Jordan LaMothe is back, fresh off a 9 month adventure in India. Last we saw Jordan he was on the way to Blade Show to test for the ABS Master Bladesmith designation and he came back with the MS stamp, multiple awards and stories to tell. I’ve been waiting patiently for Jordan to return to tell us what it was like as a Fulbright scholar studying Swords, knives, the beautiful culture of Udaipur and the ornate craft of Koftgari. This style of overlaying of gold wire is very differ...
Jan 27, 2023•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 139
Master bladesmith Jason Knight is one of the most recognizable Knifemakers today. From his years as a student of some of the best Bladesmiths in the world to teaching the new top talents, Jason has carved his reputation as generous, talented, innovative, hardworking and a lot fun. His interpretation of the Nepalese Kukri is one of his calling cards. We talked about the history of the Kukri and the renowned Gurkha soldiers, Jason’s time living in New York and we hit upon something I’m going to sp...
Jan 20, 2023•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 138
Noah Vachon is one of the most articulate people in the knifemaking game. His beginnings in music and Guitar building totally influenced his style, and approach that permeate his work at Vachon Knives (even if he doesn’t think so). We caught up on the new year and what’s been going on. Realized we were 20 blocks away from each other as we rung in Y2K and had a great time talking about the pressure of performance and what it takes to be an artist. Noah is also doing “Knife Coaching” sessions whic...
Jan 12, 2023•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 137
I love Traditions. The first episode of the new year is always reserved for Jessie Uyeda. We catch up, tell stories and start the year having fun. We talked about the Burglary at Jessie’s project which was terrible, the outpouring of support in the community which was amazing. We told a few stories and covered some weird news. Jessie Rules and is alway fun to talk with. Follow Jessie on instagram https://instagram.com/ijessup?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Follow her Youtube Channel: https://m.youtube.com/...
Jan 06, 2023•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 136
Jimmy Diresta is back and we had a great time talking about holiday childhood memories, how to capture your ideas and will there be a second season to the Emmy award winning Netflix series “Making Fun”. Lots of behind the scenes and what it takes to get a TV show rolling. Jimmy rules and is always super forthcoming and candid about his life. Many thanks to Jimmy as always and I look forward to what 2023 sends your way. Many thanks to the support of the listeners for all your kind words about Ful...
Dec 23, 2022•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 135
It’s Christmas time and who better to talk food and family than the great Fingal Ferguson. The family farm- Gubbeen is cranking out ham’s and cured meats for the holidays and we talked about what goes into the rush. We talked a lot about food and the science behind curing, brining and developing flavor. We discussed the meaning of life being grateful for the wisdom of age, took care of some weird news and got a top recipe for making bacon at home. FF is the best and love to hang with him always....
Dec 16, 2022•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 134
Ben Kamon is an incredible Bladesmith and is back for another episode. When it comes to well thought out designs and execution Ben is in rarified air. We had a great time catching u, talking about our experiences in metalshops, how they influenced our work today, social media and how it gets a bad rap, Plus Austrian cooking! We also covered a little weird Austrian News and cleared up the legality of passing wind in front of the police. Ben is the man and will be back! Thanks again- GF Follow Ben...
Dec 09, 2022•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 133
