This week’s interview takes to the San Francisco Bay area. To a maker who really has a style all his own. In the time that I have known him, what really sticks out to me is not only his deep commitment to helping others, but also that same commitment in others who want to see him succeed. It is truly a beautiful thing. I am very pleased to be able to share his story.
To start off, please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Justin Wilson I am an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. I am extremely passionate about hunting, fishing, being in the outdoors and training my Chesapeake Bay Retriever Sprig. I pride myself on exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each piece I create is a unique blend of artistry and functionality born from my soul, to meet your needs whatever they may be.
What sparked your interest in knives?
As a young child I always loved edged tools for their ability to aid in daily life and excel at numerous tasks.
What inspired you to do this and how did you learn?
My father taught and inspired me to always be proficient with my hands. Knives have always been a passion of mine. 12 years ago, I suffered a bad seizure, I couldn’t walk or use my hands well and lost my job apartment and license. When I recovered enough, my dad asked me what I was going to do with my life. I told him I didn’t know. He asked me what I always wanted to do, and I replied make knives. To that he said, then do it! And I have been ever since.
When did you start making knives?
I started making knives right around 2015 with files and sandpaper.
What did you make your first knife with?
My first knife was made out of 1095 Carbon Steel.
Do you have a favorite knife you made, tell me about it?
My favorite knife would hands down be a Keyhole Integral. The process is incredibly difficult and tedious, it will have you questioning your existence but when you succeed it’s an unparalleled experience.
What is the most important aspect of a well-made knife?
The most important aspect of a well-made knife is that it functions as intended above all else. I try to put my own style on it and give it form and function but above all if it doesn’t perform consistently it’s not a knife.
What keeps you going?
My wife and my dog keep me going, being able to provide quality of life for them is my main goal.
Biggest struggle?
My biggest struggle is trying to find balance and not loose motivation and faith in creating a successful business. There are so many individuals and makers I speak with regularly that keep me centered and motivated to succeed and I am forever grateful for them.
What kinds of knives do you make?
I focus mainly on Hunting, EDC, and Culinary blades.
How did your background affect your approach to knives?
I grew up around knives and always had ideas for knives, later in life when I started hunting, I realized the need for a high-performance knife and since then I’ve been working to find the perfect balance.
Who helped you early on?
Early on I was helped heavily by family and my wife. A few friends commissioned orders to get me going and without that I would not be where I am today.
Who are your influences/inspirations?
I’m heavily influenced by makers such as Adam Desroisers, Joshua Prince, Jacco VanDeBruinhorst, Rodrigo Sfreddo, Mareko Maumasi, Denis Tyrell, Colton Yellowaga, Gabriel Keeling, and many others.
How do you think those inspirations translates into your work?
I take inspiration from these makers and try to emulate the attention to detail, the sheer creativity, and relentless chase of making the best end product possible.
What is the perfect knife?
The perfect knife is the one you want to carry everyday.
How do you approach a new concept and that concept’s implementation?
I generally tend to approach a new concept by sketching and researching. I find that if I draw it out on paper and work through the order of operations, I always find areas I could do better prior to attempting on steel.
How do you approach knife testing?
I heavily test my work for edge retention, sharpness, and performance for its intended purpose.
How do you develop a design, select a steel, and fine-tune a heat treatment?
When I get a commission, I interview the client and see what specifically they want the blade to excel at, and I go from there. Edge geometry, steel selection, and heat treatment will all be adjusted to the task at hand.
What do you like about carbon steel?
I love working with carbon steels. They take an excellent edge and are capable of hamons which I am a huge fan of, as well as beautiful damascus patterns when combined with a nickel steel.
How has the knife world changed since you started?
The biggest change I’ve seen is the huge influx in makers which I think is awesome and the difficulty of gaining reach and building a demographic. In a lot of ways things were easier before but I’m very excited to see where things go. So much knowledge and access to at your fingertips now with Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc. I’ve been blessed with knowledge from many fantastic makers that I would never have been able to get in touch with without social media.
What’s up next for you? Any exciting new projects to tell us about?
Right now, I’m working on some new damascus patterns and trying to master the Keyhole.
To keep up to date with Justin and see what he is working on head over to his website https://jwbladeworks.com/ and follow him on Instagram and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/jwbladeworks/
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