Hello People of the Knife, today we bring you another exciting edition of KNIFE Magazine’s short format interview series – 5 from the Grinder. I met Patrick in the Pit at Blade Show this year, Saturday evening while hanging out with Kyle Daily. I mentioned the Talon neck knife he gave me in my Blade Show 2025 Haul post.
I have been carrying it this past month, and I will write more about it in the future. But I am abusing my position as Digital Editor to jump Patrick forward in the queue. Speaking of the queue, it is actually fairly thin at the moment, so if you are a maker yourself and would like to be featured yourself, visit this post.
.
Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives
My passion for knives started young. As the son of a hunting and fishing guide, I was captivated by the simple power of a well-sharpened blade—especially the moment I saw my father cleanly shave the hair from his arm with a freshly honed knife. Influenced by iconic survival movies like Rambo, I saw the knife as more than a tool—it was a symbol of self-reliance and skill.
Years later, I worked as a Journeyman Lineman, a demanding and lucrative career. But the long hours kept myfrom my family. In 2010, seeking greater freedom and a more meaningful way to spend my days, I picked up knife making as a hobby. That same year, I founded MT Knives and began the journey from craftsman to full-time business owner.
What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?
I learned under the guidance of master bladesmith Murray Carter, whose traditional Japanese methods shaped my sharpening philosophy. In April 2010, I flew to Oregon for an intensive course with Carter, learning forge welding and producing three knives by hand. Another major influence was W.C. Davis, a renowned American knife maker known for his drop-point pocketknives. I met Davis in 2011, working alongside him and gaining valuable knowledge until Davis’s passing in 2015.
Today, I combine old-world craftsmanship with modern design, creating high-performance neck knives, hunting knives, and kitchen knives—and teaching others how to sharpen and master their tools with confidence and precision.
What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
My favorite knife pattern is Murray Carter’s perfect neck knife. It’s hard to beat the accessibility and versatility of that design—both in how it functions and how it’s carried. It’s a simple, refined tool that just works, and that’s something I’ve always admired.
What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
The internet has completely transformed the knife industry. Knowledge is compounding faster than ever. When I first started, it was easy to stand out—and I took a lot of pride in having the sharpest knives around. Today, we’re seeing incredible innovation and rapid growth in skill levels across the board. It’s an exciting time to be part of this craft. With so much quality information available, anyone who truly wants to learn now has the opportunity to grow and excel. That’s a game-changer.
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?
There’s really nothing new under the sun—I draw a lot of inspiration from timeless, classic designs. I’m always experimenting and creating new patterns, still refining what my personal style looks like. That said, I like to think I have a good eye for crafting knives that are not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. For me, it’s about finding that balance between purpose, simplicity, and beauty.
What is your EDC and why?
Right now, I carry a Genesis with Rosewood CNC scales. I’d usually be wearing one of my custom knives, but I recently retired my last one to pass down to my kids. That’s something I do—I carry a knife for a few years, put it through its paces, and then set it aside to hand down when the time is right.
With the move from our old homestead to the new one, I haven’t had the time to make myself a new custom blade just yet. But hey, life’s full—I’ll get to it soon enough. [laughs]
Find out more:
Website: www.MTknives.net
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mtknivesnet/
Your Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtknivesnet
Email: patrick(at)mtknives.net
Are you a maker who would like to be featured yourself in a future 5 from the Grinder, check out the link below…
Want to be featured on KNIFEMagazine.com? Participate in our “5 from the Grinder” series
Read the full article here