Hello there people of the knife. It is time for another 5 from the Grinder post – our short-format interview with knifemakers all along the spectrum. Today we have Jason Lecleair, a Canadian maker who I believe participated in 5ftG years ago, back at Truth About Knives. That site is apparently back from the dead, posting AI generated clickbait and link-farming listicles. While I do not believe we have met personally, I have admired Jason’s work for years, and was happy to see his entry in the submission inbox. If you are a maker who would like to be featured yourself, click here to find out more.
Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives
Hello, my name is Jason Leclair and I am Leclair Knives.Ive been making knives since 2009 when I mentioned to my Father in law that I wanted to buy a blank and put an antler handle on it using antler from a deer I’d harvested. He informed me that a friend of the family used to make knives as a hobby but ended up stopping after his daughter passed away. After talking with him on the phone he offered to dig his old stuff out of storage in his garage. The next weekend he arrived with about 10 feet of 440c, a box full of assorted handle materials and a cone-loc 10″ contact wheel grinder. It was all down hill from there.
What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?
I have been directly influenced by makers such as Tony Bose, Chris Crawford,and Luke Swenson through their online content, shared patterns and instructional books and videos.
What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
My favorite knife style is the slipjoint. I love the simplicity of the mechanism and the challenge of getting it to work properly without any issues. My favorite pattern is the swayback Jack
What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
The industry is heavily influenced by economic factors. With rising material costs and economic uncertainties, there’s a focus on value and affordability. Smaller makers are becoming more competitive, often offering unique, high-quality knives at lower prices.
Many knifemakers are leveraging social media and online marketplaces to reach customers. Building a strong referral network and maintaining an online presence are crucial for success
Is there a knife from your lineup that you feel best exhibits who you are as a knifemaker/designer in terms of design elements, aesthetic or techniques used?
My Whittling trapper slipjoint. It’s a 2 blade trapper pattern that I substitute a small sheepsfoot secondary blade for the usual Wharncliffe or spey.
What is your EDC and why?
My edc is a swayback Jack that I made for myself. It has a magnacut blade with Titanium liners, Meteorite bolsters and shield with stabilized Bog oak covers. It is a good representation of my abilities in premium materials. And yes, I actually use it.
Find out more:
Website: Www.leclairknives.com
Instagram: Www.instagram.com/leclairknives
Facebook: Www.facebook.com/leclairknives
Email: Leclairknives(at)outlook.com
Knifemakers…Would you like to participate in a future 5ftG
Want to be featured on KNIFEMagazine.com? Participate in our “5 from the Grinder” series
Read the full article here
