5 from the Grinder: Joe Hauck

I have been remiss in addressing the backlog of 5 from the Grinder entries. If you are new to the KNIFE Magazine website/blog, 5ftG is our short format interview series, which can actually trace its roots back to my tome with David C. Andersen at The Truth About Knives.

I don’t know Joe personally, he responded to the invitation that can be found at this link. If you are a maker yourself and would like to be featured here in these digital pages, you can find more details there.

I won’t steal Joe’s thunder, so without further ado, please welcome Joe Hauck to 5ftG.

Please introduce yourself and let us know what led you to making/designing knives

I’ve been making knives in SE Wisconsin since 95. My interest began when I was introduced to the martial arts at a young age. My family also came from hunters and outdoorsman. After years in the martial arts I always felt I wanted a better blade. I’ve been heavily influenced by my military and martial friends.

What knifemaker(s) or designer(s) have had the biggest influence on you? Do you have any mentors?

Scagel, Randall, Ed Brandsey, Bob Engnath and a few others were my big influence on knives. George Worth and the Montana men were my influence for Damascus at that time.
My mentors were Ed Brandsey and George Worth when it came to knives and steel. Bob Balow for heat treating.

What is your favorite knife pattern or style from history?

My love is Japanese swords for their shear mastery of steel. Bowie’s and military specialty style knives are my go to.

What is the next big thing in knifemaking? / What direction do you see the industry going?

I think it’s going to go full circle and the classic drop point hunters and mid size knives will start coming back. The industry has had a huge boom and I see it slowing down to get back to traditional knives are big again.

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 CQC style blades has set me in the area of blades and function. My background helps design knives that are no nonsense and can get the job done. 50% of what I do gets into the hands of FMA, military or LEO personnel.My customers know I’m OCD on my heat treat.