Episode 48 - Making A Good Impression - Steve Shackleford

Knives run deep in America as the quintessential companion of the avid outdoorsman, working man and woman, boy and girl, every day carrier, and collector alike. In the early 70's, the emergence of The Knifemakers' Guild and American Bladesmith Society captured a boom of handmade knifemakers in America, and with it, came the American Blade magazine, edited by Blackie Collins.

In 1982, after being purchased by Jim Parker and Bruce Voyles, the name was changed to Blade, and within it's first few years under the helm of Bruce Voyles, saw the early stages of what we now know as Bladeshow.

Additionally, Blade established a Cutlery Hall of Fame to honor living knifemakers for their extraordinary contributions to the craft.

Prior to its sale in 1994, Steve Shackleford was the editor of Blade Magazine and has maintained that position for over 30 years.

He's contributed not only to the shaping of knives in America, but around the world through his influence in print, shows and coordination.

Steve is the first to call out all of the extraordinary contributors that make Blade Magazine, Blade Show, and the industry as a whole work, and I got to sit down with him and talk about his humble beginnings in publication, hot tips and advice for the knifemaker, his prognosis for where the industry is going, and to talk about Bladeshow Atlanta 2024.

You can find Steve Shackleford's books on Blade Magazine's website.

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