Good morning Sports Fans, it’s Tuesday June 25th, and the Tennessee Volunteers Baseball Team are National Champions. I know you came here for knives, but we are just 10 hours past the Vols winning the Natty last night. So needless to say, folks in Knoxville are a bit distracted today, myself included.
Enough about that. Y’all came here for knife content, so I will bring my focus back where it belongs. Today’s maker would understand the occasional diversion, because in addition to his being proprietor of Skjeggmenn Knives, he is the host of the Knives Templars podcast. I’ve listened to the show, and follow it for when the topic catches my interest.
With as many interests as Chip Carlisle has listed in his bio, seems like it would be easy to wander down a bunch of rabbit holes in the course of a conversation. Let’s hear what he has to say about his knives…
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Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives
I’m Chip Carlisle. I am Owner and Host of The Knives Templars Podcast and Proprietor of Skjeggmenn Knives. (pronounced She-egg-men) As founder of Skjeggmenn Kniver, it is important to build a brand dedicated to connecting people to the knife products that I produce. The desire was to build a tool to enable people who are handmade knive fans and collectors to enjoy their passion.
I have been involved in the outdoors, art and craftsmanship for many years. As a BSA Scout, BSA Cub Master, Competitive Fisherman, Custom lure maker/inventor to BASS and FLW professional fishermen, knife bladesmith, hiker, backpacker and a boater, it has given him the experience to share his passion. I have had a lifelong passion for knives and have been making them for 4 years.
I have hiked or backpacked Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Sections of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. In 2007, I had an opportunity to hike a section of the Great Wall of China. If not in my forge, you will find me in the Sipsey Wilderness and Bankhead National Forest these days. However, as time allows, I find opportunities to head to the North Georgia Mountains or the North Carolina Smokies. All of these outdoor activities have influenced me to know the value of a good blade. “A blade should be designed and used for an intended purpose” is a common message that he promotes. Additionally, a blade must be made “right” to stand up to the requirements of the tool.
I am also a member of the American Bladesmith Society, Inc. and The Alabama Custom Knife Makers Guild.
What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?
Trollsky, Erick Rivers, Jason Fry, and Andy Roy
What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?
My favorite is a drop point with a simple rounded handle. Particularly a forged blade from reclaimed known steels.
What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?
Grinding equipment is taking off. With so many great companies, the engineering of new attachments and configurations are making blade crafting much easier with a trained eye and hand.
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?
The Oginalli Bird and Buck captures many of the elements in a knife that I love to make.
What is your EDC and why?
My own Skookum Nibblet. It’s a small sheathed fixed blade that easily fits in my pocket.
Find out more:
Website: Knife-maker.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/skjeggmenn_knives
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beardmenknives
Email: Chip.carlisle(at)outlook.com
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