In Episode 635 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco talks with Jeff Schafer of Schafer Knives, an American Bladesmith Society Apprentice whose combat-ready custom knives have caught the attention of martial artists and collectors across the country.

Schafer combines decades of martial arts training in Tang Soo Do, Bujinkan, Escrima, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with traditional bladesmithing skills to create knives that actually work. From massive Bowie choppers with sharpened clips to everyday carry fixed blades, his designs focus on balance, performance, and classic American knife profiles.

In this conversation, Schafer shares how a small family knife sparked his lifelong interest in blades, why he decided to build a shop and teach himself bladesmithing, and what it takes to pursue American Bladesmith Society certification. He discusses his design philosophy, steel choices, heat treatment methods, and how his martial arts background influences every knife he makes.

Schafer gained wider recognition when knife enthusiast Rolando Estocada featured one of his massive choppers on his channel after Blade Show 2025. Made with a convex edge and careful attention to distal taper, the knife demonstrates how Schafer balances size with maneuverability.

Whether you are interested in fighting knives, classic Bowies, or everyday carry fixed blades, this episode offers insight into a maker who understands how knives move in the hand and perform under pressure. Schafer also discusses his plans for his ABS journeyman test, his favorite handle materials, like a crown stag, and why he does his own leatherwork for custom sheaths.

Find Jeff Schafer online at Instagram @schaferjeff, on Facebook at Schafer Knives, and at www.schaferknives.com. For show notes and additional resources, visit theknifejunkie.com/635.

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