Hello there boys and girls, it is time for another exciting edition of KNIFE Magazine’s 5 from the Grinder. 5ftG is our short-format interview series where we bring you makers from all along the spectrum from acknowledged Masters to makers who just turned pro. Today we bring you Chris Early, of Black Star Designs. I don’t personally know Chris, but he answered one of our open calls for 5ftG entries. If you are a maker who would like to be featured yourself, click on this link to find out more.
Now, without further ado, I bring you Chris Early….
Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives
I’ve always really liked designing, and it just so happened that I met a knife maker in 2017 who opened up his shop to me and introduced me to something I didn’t realize I would love so much and my knifemaking journey began.
What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?
Kirk Mayberry (KM Designs), Michael Burch (Burchtree Designs), Eric Luther (Luther Designs), John Graham (Graham Knives), and Josh Howard (Deerlick Ridge Forge) all had influence on me. Kirk Mayberry was my mentor when I first began knife making and I still ask him questions and advice from time to time.
What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
I’ve always been a fan of tanto blades and I also really enjoy a well made santoku kitchen knife.
What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
This is a great question. The industry has been through a lot of ups and downs throughout the years. I honestly could see the days of the “big knife shows” slowing down as prices become more expensive and people bringing back more local knife shows to their areas.
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 have a model called The Vertex. It is a modern EDC santoku fixed blade. I have a background of working in restaurants so I wanted to bring the versatility of the santoku blade into the EDC world. It was my first knife design that I made, so it has a special place in my heart.
What is your EDC and why?
I carry my Groove Life wallet, my production folding knife (The Apex Arc), a bottle opener, Tactile Turn pen, O-light, and one of the many hanks that I have sewn. I carry all of these items because they all serve a purpose, and you should always carry a knife (Rule #9)!
Find out more:
Website: https://blackstardesigns.bigcartel.com/
Your Instagram: black_star_designs
Your Facebook: Black Star Designs
Email:chris.early1986(at)gmail.com
If you are a maker who would like to be featured yourself in a future 5 from the Grinder, click the link below:
Want to be featured on KNIFEMagazine.com? Participate in our “5 from the Grinder” series
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