INTERVIEWER: This is your fifth year as Arcadia Forge. What have you learned as a knifemaker during that time?

Tony: I've learned a great deal. Better forging techniques, how to machine small parts, those are especially important. I've increased my inventory of exotic woods. Without doubt, the most important change I've made is switching from belt grinder to hand files, hones, and sand paper to shape and finish the primary bevel--that is, the flat, smooth, surface that tapers down to the edge.

INTERVIEWER: Sounds like a lot more work. Why did you do that?

Tony: More work, yes. It has more than doubled the time it takes to finish a blade. Also, more expense for equipment--files, abrasive hones, and silicon carbide sheet abrasive. I made the change for two reasons. First, belt grinders remove metal fast, but there's always a risk of ruining blade by getting it too hot and removing the temper. No chance of that the way I do it. The second reason is that I can make a thinner, and therefore sharper, blade. My blades are so thin at the edge, you can barely see the secondary bevel.

INTERVIEWER: Interesting. If somebody held one of your blades up alongside a blade shaped with a belt grinder, could he see any difference?

Tony: Almost none--except, of course, for the thinner edge. I use a buffing wheel to create the same matte finish as on earlier blades. However, the new blade would sharpen easier and take a noticibly keener edge.

INTERVIEWER: Who buys your knives?

Tony: Almost without exception, they go to collectors. The occasional hunter that orders a knife always gives me excellent feedback about edge holding and so forth, but mostly my knives go to individuals who enjoy the workmanship and embellishment.

INTERVIEWER: There are hundreds of custom knifemakers competing for customers these days, why should anyone buy yours?

Tony: As I said elsewhere on this site, my knives depart from the domestic standards of plain pouch sheath and polished blade. On a blade, I consider texture much more interesting than smooth, shiny surfaces. Therefore, I never polish a blade to a high shine, and the hammer finish that remains on the ricasso and above the grind line convey what the metal went through during the process of forging. Regarding sheaths--they are art forms just as much as the knife itself, and receive just as much though and attention.

Then there's quality of workmanship. That includes proper forging and tempering, and the ability to create a beautiful, well-balanced, design. And the other important thing is fit and finish. I make knives one at a time, and my quality control is incredibly tight. I will discard a blade I've put hours into if a flaw of any kind turns up during the final stages. I've pitched knives that were almost completed because I discovered a problem with the fit and finish, or the integrity of the knife, that couldn't be fixed. When I put a knife up for sale, the fit and finish are exquisite--no gaps, anywhere, and all my knives have multiple coats of hand-rubbed finish.

INTERVIEWER: Any last words for prospective customers?

Tony: Contact me at arcadian@charter.net, and let's talk.

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