You’ve heard “iron sharpens iron,” but have you ever understood it through the hands of someone who works with steel every day? Tom Krein breaks down the surprising, ancient process behind sharpening—and the life-changing metaphor it reveals. This episode will reshape how you think about growth, mentorship, and manhood.

Tom Krein is a knifemaker, designer, instructor, and craftsman who has been making knives since 1993. He learned the craft under legendary maker Bob Dozier, spent more than two years running the A.G. Russell Custom Shop, and has been a full-time maker since 2002. Tom is known for his small fixed blades, folders, and clean, functional grinding work, along with design collaborations with Böker Knives and CRKT.

Before knifemaking became his full-time path, Tom earned an AS in Nursing from Southern Adventist University and spent 18 years working in ICU, CCU, and ER settings. Outside the shop he’s a husband, father of three grown boys, and a proud grandfather — a role he says keeps life in perspective and reminds him why craftsmanship and legacy matter.

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