Welcome one and all to our latest edition of 5 from the Grinder, KNIFE Magazine’s own quick-hit interview series where we profile knifemakers from ABS Masters to part-time show-circuit warriors. Today we bring you Patrick Farneman, an ABS Apprentice Smith, and outdoor skills instructor working out of Washington State. I don’t know Patrick personally, but his work is pretty spectacular, and we have quite a few mutual friends.
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You aren’t here to listen to me, so I will get to Patrick…
Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives
I’ve wanted to make knives since I was a teen, but I got distracted by life and other arts until I was 40. I’ve been fascinated by knives and edged weapons, especially historical pieces from Europe and American Colonial and fur trade, and fostered that interest through reenactment. Although I like many modern styles of knives, I still prefer the lines and flavor of yesteryear. I inherited my grandfather’s anvil and made a small forge about 15 years ago and started learning.
What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?
I’ve been fortunate to be able to study with some amazing knifemakers and I enjoy looking at well made knives whenever I can. Some of my main influences and mentors that I studied with are David Lisch, Luke Swenson, and Steven Koster. I’ve also been heavily influenced by the work of Salem Straub, Jayden Simisky, Casey Vilensky, Gabe Fletcher, Mareko Maumasi, Nick Rossi, Bill Burke, and so many more.
What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
I love the Bowie knife in its many variations, and I also love a traditional Anglo Saxon Seax.
What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
I am in no position to predict the next big thing in the knifemaking industry, but I would love to see a resurgence of more historical forms and materials.
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 two small Damascus neck knives with the coffin handles and moose antler scales are my design aesthetic at its core. I like the simplicity and the way they reduce knives to basic elements, yet retain a flavor of refinement.
What is your EDC and why?
My EDC is a 2.5” blade twist Damascus neck knife in burl and ivory because it’s practical and elegant at the same time, large enough for most tasks, and always accessible in its neck carry sheath.
Find out more:
Your Instagram: @pfarneman70
Your Facebook: Patrick Farneman
Email: pfarneman70(at)gmail.com
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