Matthew Patton joins us for a wrap-up of the 2025 New Orleans Custom Invitational show.  We discuss the origins of the show and how the somewhat unique format works.  Michael gives us some insight into the knives he got together for this invitational and what he and his family's experience was like in New Orleans.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark and Sean chat with Tom about his experiences at Blade Show Texas 2025.  Tom's always got some great stories about his trip, the things he comes across at shows and what manages to find its way home with him.  Always a fun conversation.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark and Michael sit down with Sean to discuss his transition from a student to an adjunct instructor. Sean shares his experiences, the lessons he’s learned, and insights into the growing demand for skilled trades professionals. A great chat we hope you'll enjoy as we continue our series on Sean's journey.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Season 8 seems crazy, but here we are!  We talk about what's happened since we wrapped Season 7, what we're looking forward to, and shows planned for the year.  There's even a stealth picks episode buried in here, talking about some great spots to find deals on some classic pieces.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

It's time to wrap up 2024 and Season 7!  We reflect a bit on the year, with its ups and downs and many changes.  Then we dive into a holiday picks segment with both price point gift picks, but also one focused on makers.  Fun discussion as always, and you'll want to have your Google Fingers ready to go enjoy some of these pieces - or just join us in our Facebook group at the link below, as we'll be sharing photos there.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

We sit and chat for a bit with "maker of things" Brian Fellhoelter.  From knives to pens, yo-yos to flashlights, Brian has just about made it all over the years.  We walk through his past, his meteoric rise to recognition in knifemaking, and on into other products in the EDC world.  An insightful conversation with Brian about his process and his mindset.  Join us in our Facebook group at the link below, interested to hear what YOU thought!  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark, Sean and Michael get together to talk about inspiration and how Sean takes some of his from both movies and books.  Good discussion about how some of these things impact Sean's work and how they're also applicable to life in general.  Mindset and more!  Share your thoughts on this with us in our Facebook group at the link below, interested to hear what YOU thought!  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Tom, Sean, and Michael share their top equipment picks for someone starting out in knifemaking. They cover a couple of price points and offer some helpful advice along the way. This episode is all about getting started as a maker and the tools you might want to consider.  Do you have other recommendations?  Be sure to share your thoughts with us in our Facebook group at the link below, interested to hear what YOU thought!  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark and Sean walk you through a group of sound clips and interviews from the floor of the PNWCI show in Seaside, Oregon.  Some great conversations with folks like Grace Horne, Lucas Burnley, Will Stelter and many others.  Makers share their thoughts on the show but we get off on some other tangents as well, talking business, passion, and upcoming projects.  Share your thoughts with us in our Facebook group at the link below, interested to hear what YOU thought!  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

We get together with Friends of The Show Nick Rolfe and Billy Cho to talk about their recent Pacific Northwest Custom Invitational show and how it went.  They share some great insight around what it takes to put on a show and how the PNWCI show has evolved over the last three years - what's gone well, what hasn't and their constant desire to improve the experience for makers and collectors.  Share your thoughts with us in our Facebook group at the link below, interested to hear what YOU thought!  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.