Welcome to Mark of the Maker!

Welcome to Mark of the Maker podcast!  Our show is a panel discussion with renowned custom knife makers Tom Krein, Sean Kendrick, Michael Burch and hosted by Mark Stheiner.  The format is much like a group of friends, sitting down in The Pit at Blade Show, talking about life, knives and knifemaking.

We have lots of things planned for the show and hope you are looking forward to it as much as we are.  There will be topical discussions, conversations, and interviews with knifemakers, collectors and notable personalities in and around the custom knife world.

If you’d like to engage with the crew via social media, please feel free to join us on Facebook or Instagram!
Facebook Page: LINK
Facebook Discussion Group: LINK
Instagram Feed: @markofthemaker

The podcast is free and should be accessible from any device with internet access.  Easiest way for many is to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, but we are also available on Google Play Music, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, YouTube, or you can listen directly, right here at the website.  Just scroll down for the episodes themselves. Thanks for listening!

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Episode 138: Giant Mouse Jubilee Wrap-Up

Mark and Sean recap their participation in the Giant Mouse Grand Opening and 10 Year Jubilee.  We talk about the event and share some clips from discussions with some friends at the event.  It was a great time, the folks at GMK know how to host a fine party.  Big thanks to the GMK team for providing us a space at the Jubilee and for the hospitality!  

In addition to the great support from our friends on Patreon, many thanks to our sponsors that helped make this episode possible:
Giant Mouse Knives
Arizona Custom Knives

If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us via Patreon! For more discussion and insight on our show topics, follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook.

Episode 137: PNWCI 2025 Recap

Mark, Tom and Sean recap the 2025 Pacific Northwest Custom Invitational show. Mark and Tom recorded a bunch of clips from the show floor so this one’s got lots of great interviews and fun stuff inside. It’s a great show, be sure to check it out next year!

In addition to the great support from our friends on Patreon, many thanks to our sponsors that helped make this episode possible:
Giant Mouse Knives
Paladin33
Arizona Custom Knives

If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us via Patreon! For more discussion and insight on our show topics, follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook.

Episode 136: Mike Moran

Traditional pocketknife maker Mike Moran joins us to talk about his work, about moving a shop across the country, and about his podcast and knife show he’s hosting. We had a fun chat, and covered lots of territory. Give it a listen to learn more about this great maker.

In addition to the great support from our friends on Patreon, many thanks to our sponsors that helped make this episode possible:
Giant Mouse Knives
Paladin33
Arizona Custom Knives

If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us via Patreon! For more discussion and insight on our show topics, follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook.

Episode 135: Mike Franklin Pt.2

Here’s Part 2 of Sean’s interview with his friend and mentor, Mike Franklin of HAWG Knives. Such a great conversation, this one digs deep into the world of knifemaking and Mike’s position at the center of a seemingly innumerable number of critical points along the path of tactical knives and their emergence on the scene. Sit back and enjoy more of Mike’s story and his incredibly interesting journey.

In addition to the great support from our friends on Patreon, many thanks to our sponsors that helped make this episode possible:
Giant Mouse Knives
Paladin33
Arizona Custom Knives

If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us via Patreon! For more discussion and insight on our show topics, follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook.

Episode 134: Mike Franklin Pt.1

This time around we bring you Part 1 of Sean’s interview with his friend and mentor, Mike Franklin of HAWG Knives.  Mike shares some great stories from the earlier part of his life and his own personal journey.  Super interesting insights and Mike is a great storyteller.  Give it a listen, this is a special one for Sean.

In addition to the great support from our friends on Patreon, many thanks to our sponsors that helped make this episode possible:
Giant Mouse Knives
Paladin33
Arizona Custom Knives
Pacific Northwest Custom Invitational

If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us via Patreon! For more discussion and insight on our show topics, follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook.