Full Blast

I wanted to originally call this episode “The Full Blast New Year’s Show with Noah Vachon”, but we really just had a good time talking and catching up it didn’t matter that it was the end of the year. When you talk to Noah Vachon, it’s a totally easy and engaging conversation that the “end of the year wrap up” plans were thrown out the window; so is that goofy title. Noah graciously returned to the show and it was fascinating to see how his experience as a guitar builder informed his methodology in knife making. His new shop has an incredible history in his life and we talked about how our age & life experiences definitely helped us in the development of each of our businesses. It definitely turned into “Knife Talk Jr.” but not enough to glaze over the eyes of the non-knife making listenership. (Don’t worry the only tip was how to make Charbroiled Oysters). Thanks again Noah, you have an open door policy.

Hope this finds you well and if you’re reading all the way down to here, I just want to say I wish you a peaceful and prosperous New Year. I appreciate all the kind words sent in to the show and stories of how this podcast & KTP got you through some dark times. I know how that feels- Radio was my companion when I was alone as a child; a friend keeping me company or a Nightlight to help me sleep. *(if you use this podcast to get you to sleep I’m banning you from listening P.S.) When I had a young child & I lost my job, I had to figure out how to make money I was frightened, trying to cobble up work in my shed I was grateful to have a podcast in my ear not judging me or scared for my situation but having a conversation, telling a joke and keeping my mind occupied so I could focus on work and not my own anxiety. You all rule and I’m looking forward to a new year. All the best,-GF

P.S. Besides thanking my sponsors, giant thanks to Craig Lockwood for all the help and guidance I really appreciate everything you do. 

Follow Noahon Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/vachon_knives/

Go visit his website:

https://www.vachonknives.com/

Drago’s style Charbroiled Oysters:

https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18094696657208417/

Links:

Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast/

Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about the show. it helps me out a lot! 

Go get yourself some all natural , food safe Axe Wax

Go to https://axewax.us/

And get 10% off with promocode: FULLBLAST10

Akinteractive

Get your Website designed by AK Interactive, Consultation, Graphic Design, logos, Signage design. 

20+ years experience in Full service design and marketing for knife makers and Craftsman:

http://akinteractive.com/fullblast

10% off with promo code: FULLBLAST10

Thank you Trojan Horse Forge 

THF STABILRAIL KNIFE FINISHING VISE is incredible. This is a total package knife finishing fixture.

Check it out here. 

Trojanhorseforge.com

@TROJAN_HORSE_FORGE on instagram 

Go look at the course curriculum at CMA:

https://centerformetalarts.org/workshops/

** Taking classes from some of the best in forging at one of the best facilities in the country is an excellent opportunity to propel yourself as a blacksmith. Not to be missed. And with housing on the campus it’s a great way to get yourself to the next level. 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Everyone’s favorite lunatic, Fingal Ferguson is back to hang out with me on a Christmas episode. We talked food and life on Gubeen, the family farm during this high octane food holiday. Fingal is fantastic and the time soared as we recounted our own Christmas stories and life in general. FF has an open door policy and we had some nice words for our beautiful and talented Maker community on this joyous holiday. Sit back relax and enjoy your family and friends. See you next week and Merry Christmas- GF 

Follow Fingal on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/fingalferguson/

Go visit his website:

https://www.fingalfergusonknives.com/

Go look at the course curriculum at CMA:

https://centerformetalarts.org/workshops/

** Taking classes from some of the best in forging at one of the best facilities in the country is an excellent opportunity to propel yourself as a blacksmith. Not to be missed. And with housing on the campus it’s a great way to get yourself to the next level. 

Links:

Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast/

Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about the show. it helps me out a lot! 

Go get yourself some all natural , food safe Axe Wax

Go to https://axewax.us/

And get 10% off with promocode: FULLBLAST10

Akinteractive

Get your Website designed by AK Interactive, Consultation, Graphic Design, logos, Signage design. 

20+ years experience in Full service design and marketing for knife makers and Craftsman:

http://akinteractive.com/fullblast

10% off with promo code: FULLBLAST10

Thank you Trojan Horse Forge 

THF STABILRAIL KNIFE FINISHING VISE is incredible. This is a total package knife finishing fixture.

Check it out here. 

Trojanhorseforge.com

@TROJAN_HORSE_FORGE on instagram 

Go to https://isotunes.com/

To get the next generation of hearing protection

Get $10 off with promocode  FULLBLAST10

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Alex Pole is a Blacksmith and published author of the beautiful cookbook: ‘The Forge Kitchen’ and his newest book: ‘Blacksmith: Apprentice to Master’. We had an awesome time catching up and talking about both books which really captures Alex’s voice. The Cookbook is beautifully shot with each recipe created by a chef that is inspired by cookware from Alex’s shop The Forge. Using forged steel to connect with food is such a primal idea that seems ironically unique. Of course back in the day that’s how food was prepared, and Alex brings a modern-day approach to reminding us 

Alex writes of forgotten stories of Journeymen smiths following medieval guild rules with nothing but the tools on their backs and a gold ring in their ear. Blacksmith: Apprentice to Master is a great resource giving the fundamentals of blacksmithing, tools and rich history. Alex’s voice is in the reader ear as if he’s along for the ride. It’s an awesome book for anyone interested in blacksmithing. We had an awesome conversation and I appreciate his friendship. 

Follow Alex on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/alexpoleironwork/

 

Go visit his website where you can order his books:

https://www.alexpoleironwork.com/

Go look at the course curriculum at CMA:

https://centerformetalarts.org/workshops/

** Taking classes from some of the best in forging at one of the best facilities in the country is an excellent opportunity to propel yourself as a blacksmith. Not to be missed. And with housing on the campus it’s a great way to get yourself to the next level. 

 Links:

Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast/

Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about the show. it helps me out a lot! 

Go get yourself some all natural , food safe Axe Wax

Go to https://axewax.us/

And get 10% off with promocode: FULLBLAST10

Akinteractive

Get your Website designed by AK Interactive, Consultation, Graphic Design, logos, Signage design. 

20+ years experience in Full service design and marketing for knife makers and Craftsman:

http://akinteractive.com/fullblast

10% off with promo code: FULLBLAST10

Go pick up Mareko Maumasi’s collaboration BAMF Apron with Craft Made Aprons:

https://craftmadeaprons.com/products/bamf

Get Alex Pole’s new book ‘Blacksmith: Apprentice to Master’

 https://www.alexpoleironwork.com/collections/books/products/copy-of-the-forge-kitchen

Thank you Total Boat. 

https://www.totalboat.com/

Go to https://isotunes.com/

To get the next generation of hearing protection

Get $10 off with promocode  FULLBLAST10

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Niko Tavernise your friendly neighborhood set photographer returns for another installment of “The Downward Spiral Podcast”. DSP is a podcast Niko and I started 10+ years ago and now when he’s free we bring back the days of talking about our lives sprinkled with stories of mankind’s depravity and finding the humor in it. (Definitely check out the previous episodes in the Full Blast archives)

This week we talked about some of the films Niko has been on, answered a question or two, talked about some current events in the film biz and spiraled into weird and bizarre stories of Cocaine hippos and Astronaut without a working bathroom. Sweet….. 

Follow Niko on Instagram: 

https://instagram.com/nikotavernise?utm_medium=copy_link

Go look at the course curriculum at CMA:

https://centerformetalarts.org/workshops/

** Taking classes from some of the best in forging at one of the best facilities in the country is an excellent opportunity to propel yourself as a blacksmith. Not to be missed. And with housing on the campus it’s a great way to get yourself to the next level. 

 

Links:

Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast/

Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about the show. it helps me out a lot! 

Go get yourself some all natural , food safe Axe Wax

Go to https://axewax.us/

And get 10% off with promocode: FULLBLAST10

Akinteractive

Get your Website designed by AK Interactive, Consultation, Graphic Design, logos, Signage design. 

20+ years experience in Full service design and marketing for knife makers and Craftsman:

http://akinteractive.com/fullblast

10% off with promo code: FULLBLAST10

Go pick up Mareko Maumasi’s collaboration BAMF Apron with Craft Made Aprons:

https://craftmadeaprons.com/products/bamf

Get Alex Pole’s new book ‘Blacksmith: Apprentice to Master’

 https://www.alexpoleironwork.com/collections/books/products/copy-of-the-forge-kitchen

Thank you Total Boat. 

https://www.totalboat.com/

Go to https://isotunes.com/

To get the next generation of hearing protection

Get $10 off with promocode FULLBLAST10

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Pat Quinn is the Executive Director of Center for Metal Arts in Johnstown PA and has returned to the podcast in time to talk about the release of the new 2022 classes available at CMA. Besides talking about the school we had an engaging conversation about forging, sculpture and what Pat is focusing on in his life’s work. The eloquence and passion Pat exudes is inspiring and makes you want to spark up the forge and get some steel in the fire. Dedication, discipline and striving for excellence becomes contagious and Pat has finally answered the question I’ve been searching for: What is the roll of the modern day Blacksmith? Thanks Pat! I look forward to seeing you this spring in PA!

Go follow Pat on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/handforgedinvt/

Go Follow CMA on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/centerformetalarts/

Go look at the course curriculum at CMA:

https://centerformetalarts.org/workshops/

** Taking classes from some of the best in forging at one of the best facilities in the country is an excellent opportunity to propel yourself as a blacksmith. Not to be missed. And with housing on the campus it’s a great way to get yourself to the next level. 

 

Links:

Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast/

Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about the show. it helps me out a lot! 

Go get yourself some all natural , food safe Axe Wax

Go to https://axewax.us/

And get 10% off with promocode: FULLBLAST10

Akinteractive

Get your Website designed by AK Interactive, Consultation, Graphic Design, logos, Signage design. 

20+ years experience in Full service design and marketing for knife makers and Craftsman:

http://akinteractive.com/fullblast

10% off with promo code: FULLBLAST10

Go pick up Mareko Maumasi’s collaboration BAMF Apron with Craft Made Aprons:

https://craftmadeaprons.com/products/bamf

Get Alex Pole’s new book ‘Blacksmith: Apprentice to Master’

 https://www.alexpoleironwork.com/collections/books/products/copy-of-the-forge-kitchen

Thank you Total Boat. 

https://www.totalboat.com/

Go to https://isotunes.com/

To get the next generation of hearing protection

Get $10 off with promocode  FULLBLAST10

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is the second annual Black Friday Special with 2 of my favorite people. Jonathan Porter of Doghouse Forge and Ben Snure Return for Cowboy Talk, the current price of Rattle Snake Antidote and the shocking origin of everyone’s favorite insult and obscenity. My favorite part of radio growing up were shows that went on during a holiday so these are my favorite podcasts to do. Ben and Jonathan are terrific and I appreciate their good cheer and friendship. I’m very thankful to you the listener and wish you peace, prosperity and good health. Talk soon- GF 

Links:

Follow Jonathan at Doghouse forge on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/doghouseforge/

Follow Ben on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/bensnure/

Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast/

Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about the show. it helps me out a lot! 

Go get yourself some all natural , food safe Axe Wax

Go to https://axewax.us/

And get 10% off with promocode: FULLBLAST10

Akinteractive

Get your Website designed by AK Interactive, Consultation, Graphic Design, logos, Signage design. 

20+ years experience in Full service design and marketing for knife makers and Craftsman:

http://akinteractive.com/fullblast

10% off with promo code: FULLBLAST10

Go pick up Mareko Maumasi’s collaboration BAMF Apron with Craft Made Aprons:

https://craftmadeaprons.com/products/bamf

Get Alex Pole’s new book ‘Blacksmith: Apprentice to Master’

 https://www.alexpoleironwork.com/collections/books/products/copy-of-the-forge-kitchen

Thank you Total Boat. 

https://www.totalboat.com/

Go to https://isotunes.com/

To get the next generation of hearing protection

Get $10 off with promocode  FULLBLAST10

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brian House is a maker who sold his computer business to put all his efforts into his new Grinder Business: Housemade Industrial. Home of the Revolution Project. He’s also a knifemaker, YouTuber and host of the Work For It Podcast on the Makers Network. We had a great time when he first came on and I’m glad he made it back. We talked about a lot of things and had a fun time as always. I’m fascinated by his positivity and focus even as he moderates the wildly popular Facebook Group: DIY Belt Grinders & Machines. Brian is a great guy and I enjoy his perspective and friendship. 

Links:

Follow Brian on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/housemade.us/

Follow Work for it Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-for-it/id1515893920

Go buy a grinder from him:

https://housemade.us/

Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast/

Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about the show. it helps me out a lot! 

Go get yourself some all natural , food safe Axe Wax

Go to https://axewax.us/

And get 10% off with promocode: FULLBLAST10

Akinteractive

Get your Website designed by AK Interactive, Consultation, Graphic Design, logos, Signage design. 

20+ years experience in Full service design and marketing for knife makers and Craftsman:

http://akinteractive.com/fullblast

10% off with promo code: FULLBLAST10

Thank you Total Boat. 

https://www.totalboat.com/

Go to https://isotunes.com/

To get the next generation of hearing protection

Get $10 off with promocode  FULLBLAST10

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

At the age of 19, Josh Smith was the youngest person to get the Mastersmith designation from the American Bladesmith Society. Now he is the President of Montana Knife Company, one of the fastest growing production knife companies in the United States. The ground swell of support in the hunting world is a testament to the belief people have in Josh and the person that he is. Knife drops selling out in less than 2 minutes is now the norm for MKC and the demand has led customers to excitement and frustration at the prospect of the getting one or being shut out on a drop day. 

We had a great conversation about hunting, Josh’s journey and the future of MKC which is pretty exciting. He even dropped some MKC breaking news! 

On a personal note, I’m sorry I didn’t bring this up on the episode because it stuck with me about the kind of person Josh Smith is. In the beginning of the pandemic my family was hit hard by the first wave, especially my wife who is a frontline worker. Josh would call me and check on her and tried to find out where I lived so he could order food for us. I’ll never forget that and I appreciate his friendship. 

Links:

Follow Josh on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joshsmithknives/

Follow Montana Knife Company on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/montanaknifecompany/

Go visit MKC’s website:

https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/

Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast/

Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about the show. it helps me out a lot! 

Go get yourself some all natural , food safe Axe Wax

Go to https://axewax.us/

And get 10% off with promocode: FULLBLAST10

Akinteractive

Get your Website designed by AK Interactive, Consultation, Graphic Design, logos, Signage design. 

20+ years experience in Full service design and marketing for knife makers and Craftsman:

http://akinteractive.com/fullblast

10% off with promo code: FULLBLAST10

Thank you Total Boat. 

https://www.totalboat.com/

Go to https://isotunes.com/

To get the next generation of hearing protection

Get $10 off with promocode  FULLBLAST10

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Steve Pellegrino is a knifemaker and owner of Pellegrino Cutlery in Philadelphia. We had a great conversation meandering around in his early love for rocketry and what it’s like having Jimmy Diresta as a professor at the School of Visual Arts. From starting a stage fabrication shop in New Jersey to being an Apprentice at a straight Razor company in Portland, Steve has seen a lot and has had his share of hard knocks; not to mention his most recent scare in a freak car accident. I’m convinced the early rocketry hobby was the foundation for a life of being bold. To painstaking build complicated and expensive rockets only to shoot them into the sky, not knowing if they will ever comeback ,or in once piece, or at all is a characteristic of not coveting your work as well as being comfortable with making bold decisions without the fear of the consequences. A very enviable characteristic as working Bladesmith- thanks again Steve! 

Links:

Follow Steve on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pellegrino_cutlery/

Go visit his website:

https://www.pellegrinocutlery.com/

Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast/

Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about the show. it helps me out a lot! 

Go get yourself some all natural , food safe Axe Wax

Go to https://axewax.us/

And get 10% off with promocode: FULLBLAST10

Akinteractive

Get your Website designed by AK Interactive, Consultation, Graphic Design, logos, Signage design. 

20+ years experience in Full service design and marketing for knife makers and Craftsman:

http://akinteractive.com/fullblast

10% off with promo code: FULLBLAST10

Thank you Total Boat. 

https://www.totalboat.com/

Go to https://isotunes.com/

To get the next generation of hearing protection

Get $10 off with promocode FULLBLAST10

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tomer Bother and his wife Noam created the iconic company Florentine Kitchen Knives and have solidified themselves as having one of the most recognizable designs in the custom knife world.  The lines, colors and design decisions didn’t come from no where. Tomer’s days in industrial design school gave him the foundation of considering the important direction in product design: ‘Form follows Function’. How Tomer started down the road of knife making is a story of redemption, coming back from failure and inner fortitude. From Tomer’s time riding around India on a motorcycle he helped build to meeting the people who would help bring Florentine Kitchen Knives to fruition its a robust story from an understated man. I’m so fortunate to consider Tomer a trusted friend who I look up to in the knife making business and love like a brother.  If you’re looking for a little inspiration on coming back from failure this is the episode for you. Many thanks Tomer for your time and friendship and I look forward to the day we go to Madison Square Garden to watch the Knicks. (So far they are looking good this season).

Links:

Visit Florentine Kitchen Knives website:

https://florentinekitchenknives.com/

Follow them on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/florentinekitchenknives/

Follow The Full Blast Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefullblastpodcast/

Please subscribe, leave a review and tell your friends about the show. it helps me out a lot! 

Go get yourself some all natural , food safe Axe Wax

Go to https://axewax.us/

And get 10% off with promocode: FULLBLAST10

Akinteractive

Get your Website designed by AK Interactive, Consultation, Graphic Design, logos, Signage design. 

20+ years experience in Full service design and marketing for knife makers and Craftsman:

http://akinteractive.com/fullblast

10% off with promo code: FULLBLAST10

Thank you Total Boat. 

https://www.totalboat.com/

Go to https://isotunes.com/

To get the next generation of hearing protection

Get $10 off with promocode  FULLBLAST10

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy