So Tom, how long have you been  making knives?           
I started in 1994, so that's about 14 years, started out reading books, then I worked for Bob Dozier for 3 and a half years, before that I was strictly using files and wet sandpaper.  Bob hired me strictly to sweep floors, fix machinery,  etc.  I had a great time, it was a great education. Luckily, I didn't sweep floors for very long!

Wow, I didn't know that, what got you into knives in the first place?           
I read a book called Knives and Knifemakers by Latham  when I was a sophomore in highschool and said, "That's what I want to do!"  I've read everything about knife making I could get my hands on since then.  I got into premed  and decided to go into nursing… because I had to work…. but once I got a place with a garage and built a small shop… that was it!

What's your favorite model you've ever made?           
The TK - 8 defender; it was an early design and it was a great one it all works.  Form follows function and that's exactly what I intended.

What's your latest and greatest design?           
The Bulldog,

That is a cool one, I've been eyeing that model, myself! 
Well I had specific requirements…I really thought that one out until I was sure about it…I wanted a short stubby blade for blade length legality but wanted it to have the feel of a big knife, I think it all came together well.

Do you have a favorite by another maker?           
Oh yes.  The Graham Razel SS13, Lucas Burnley makes a bunch I like, there's the mini Persian from Michael Burch, when I carry a folder it's the Strider SMF, and I'm never without a SAK farmer.

Cool, well what do you like best about making knives?           
Admiring the finished product, and getting to work with my hands.

What do you like least about making knives? 
Buffing blades

Who were your early inspirations?           
Bob Dozier, Loveless, Morseth, AG Russel, who I worked for for  2.5 years… I set up their custom shop.

Wow, that's pretty cool.           
Yeah, I had a lot of fun with it

Is there any other maker you still look up to?           
Oh yeah, many of them… so many guys do nicer stuff than I do, so yeah,  I still look up to them

If you had to do it all over would you change anything?           
No… I think you'll always have times of doubt, especially early on and I had a few, but I wouldn't change a thing.

What's your favorite material to work with?           
D2, I like it alot

What's your least favorite material to work with?           
F18 carbon fiber that stuff sucks, it's messy to work with it's light to go into the planes and it splits and sticks shards in you, just nasty stuff.

Do you have any advice for new makers?           
Keep your day job!  Ha ha!  Seriously,  pay your dues, put in the time and effort and learn the craft, first.

Is there another maker you'd like to do a collaboration with?           
Oh tons. Jason Knight is one... Lucas Burnley and I are working on one right now

How did you find the USN? 
You know, Mike, I just have to say.  The USN  has been the best for me… it's been a Godsend… the USN has been very good to me and I was on all the Forums and one day AG Russel was browsing the USN and he told me to check it out, that it was the future.  This was "PreCrash" and then I forgot how to get on, but a good friend and brother Suspect, Scott Miller got me back on and into it and I've been there ever since.  I love my Forum on there and the feedback has been great.  I do a lot of business on the USN.

Very cool, I love hearing stuff like that Tom.  So what's your favorite Forum on there?           
The firearms area, specifically the airguns…also steel dust junkies and custom.  I do like my Forum, but like going to those other areas to help out when I can.

I've noticed that, I've been a moderator in the Firearms area since I became a Suspect and always liked your posts. 
It's one of the better firearms forums out there, no trolling or pissing contests!

So what kind of music do you listen to in the shop?           
Classic rock, from the 70-80's Metallica is about as heavy as I'll go.  I listen to all kinds of cassettes/audiobooks through the week.

Do you have a favorite sports car?           
280z I've  had one of each of the Z's except the 60.

Do you have a favorite movie? 
I'm not the type to watch a movie over and over, but I did like Batman Begins, and Forrest Gump was a good one.

How about favorite books?
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet and Gates of Fire by Stephen Pressfield

What’s your favorite flavor of MoHare Farms Pistachios?            
Habanero and the Chili Lime, mmmm I think I'm due to order some more of those!

Do you have a favorite drink? 
I don't drink alcohol so either sweet tea or Coke.

What do you see as the future of the industry?           
I think it's tied to the economy… the super high end will decrease but the mid ground will go up a bit $500-$600 range, maybe a swing to the tactical fixed blades over the folders.

You don't make folders, do you? 
Not yet, as soon as I can figure out how to get the volume consistent and have it locked down, I may give it a try.

As a Maker do you get to a lot of shows? 
No, just the Blade Show…I'm too busy working the rest of the year!

Well what would you like to see at the USN show or what would make it the best damn knife show, ever!  
We need some place to sit down and rest like a mini pit only within the show… friendly atmosphere, just how the USN is.  We obviously don't want people sitting down the whole time, just every now and then.

Stay tuned Tom, because I think you hit the nail on the head with that one!  Thanks for answering my questions!  We'll see you in Vegas! 
Thanks, Mike, always good talking with you.