Recently, KMD has been on a search for knifemakers and blade smiths to work with. We wanted someone who displayed not only the ability to make great knives, but who displayed a passion for their craft. We wanted a bladesmith who was multi-talented – one who showed exceptional skill in the art of forging steel as well as the taste and creativity to be able to balance the knives he made right on the fine line where form and function meet. We were thrilled when we found ABS Journeyman Smith, Rusty Polk, the American Bladesmith Society’s Journeyman Smith of the year for 2007. Rusty makes knives that are everything that both the esteemed collector and the performance-hungry individual could want. From stock removal knives to hand-forged blades to pattern welded steel, he does it all. But as numerous as his talents are, one factor remains constant - Every knife that leaves the forge is one that Rusty would carry himself
Rusty made his first knives back in 1979 at the age of 18. Like most bladesmiths who later turn to forging steel, Rusty started out by making knives using the stock removal method. For those who don't know what this method is, it is making the blade for a knife, (and this is a very brief, simple explanation, because there is more to it than just this) by taking a bar of steel that has already been refined and cutting / shaping the blade out of this bar. The blade still must be annealed, ground, heat treated and tempered as well as polished / finished, etc. , where as the term "forging steel" means the bladesmith starts with the steel he'll use (Rusty uses 2" round bar 5160 for most of his knives) and heats it in the forge. He then uses several different tools which may include power hammers, hydraulic presses and the good old-fashioned anvil and hammer to shape the blade while it's hot as in comparrison to cutting it out from cold steel. The on-going argument states that the later method is superior to stock removal because much of the processes that refine the steel (make it stronger, tougher, tighter grain pattern, etc.) are lost in the stock removal method. I'm not going to get into that here, but there will be articles later on the processes of both methods - deciding which you hold to higher standards should be your own opinion, formed through research and knowledge.
Rusty was exposed to knifemaking at an early age. His father, Clifton Polk, started making folding knives in 1974, and from that time on, Rusty spent much of his life growing-up in the shop. As far as his motivation and inspiration are concerned, Rusty says, "Without my Dad (Clifton Polk), I would not be where I am today. I really believe my dad is one of the best folding knife makers I've ever known. Dad started making knives in '74, and as a boy, I grew up in the shop. So, you can say it's in my blood - and yes - sometimes my blood is in the shop too!"
Since then, Rusty has come a long way. Along the way his interest in the properties of steel and how he could get the absolute best out of it grew rapidly. In other words, Rusty, wanted to go further than making a great looking knife. He wanted to make knives that would out-cut, out-last and out-perform the rest. When this happens, there's really not much one can do beside learn to forge. And that's what he did.
He joined the American Bladesmith Society (ABS) in 2002, and from that point learned how to craft some of the finest hand-forged knives a person could possibly make. His progress moved rapidly, and in 2006, Rusty took the test to aquire Journeyman Smith status with the ABS. He passed with flying colors and received his JS Stamp at the Atlanta Blade Show.
In fact, he did so well, he was chosen to make the Journeyman Smith knife of the year for 2007. This really is one of the highest honors a maker at his status can be granted - and trust me - he deserves it.
One of the major factors that seperate good knifemakers from great ones goes far beyond technical ability, but involves a visible sign of motivation and a desire to achieve. Most people, myself included, want to buy knives from knifemakers who are "going places." They want a knife with a name on it that's going to last, and if they're lucky, even become legendary. You can't become a legend through skill alone. You have to make a good name for yourself. Knifemakers and bladesmiths do this by being involved - going to shows, performing in competitions, joining and even leading associations. Rusty fulfills each and every one of these aspects.
He attends shows regularly - and wins awards regularly too. He's a bladesmith who joined the ABS and succeeded in earning his Journeyman Smith Stamp. In 1999, Rusty also joined the Arkansas Knifemakers Association (AKA), and is now vice president of the group. He runs their website as well. The AKA is one of the larger knifemakers associations, being that a large percentage of ABS bladesmiths and knifemakers in general reside in Arkansas. Becomming the Vice President of such an organization is a privelage and an honor as well as a great responsibility. It is how one gives back to those who gave their time, knowledge and friendship to help along the way. I've spoken to Rusty several times, and he's always more than willing to take time out of his day to help with whatever I need.
Back at the forge, Rusty is always looking to further perfect his skills. He loves forging his own damascus and especially making fancy daggers using his own damascus. Just this past 2006, Rusty won the award for "Best Damascus" at the KGA show in Oklahoma City. At KnifeMakersDatabase, we're crazy about his Damascus. At times, looking at the patterns and colors, as well as the sheer quality of his work, reintroduces me to the reason I love custom knives and knife collecting so much. We're glad to say that we've started working with Rusty to bring you some of his amazing knives, and you can see the quality of his work for yourself by having a look at his knives available in our "knives for sale" section.
Making knives is not just a job for the Polk Family. In fact, it's more than even a passion. It's a tradition. It's in their blood. Just as Clifton Polk inspired his son since 1974, Rusty does the same for his two boys, Ethan and Evan Polk. The Polk's are the first to have three generations of their family become members of the American Bladesmith Society.
Rusty plans to take the ABS test for his Master Smith Stamp sometime in 2008, which is really right around the corner. At KMD, we've been granted a really great opportunity to speak with Rusty, learn about him, his work, how he does it and feels about it and what his plans are as far as his future in knifemaking is concerned. After my talks with him, it is my solid and well -founded opinion that Rusty will become one of the great Master Smiths of
yet another job on top of a mountain of responsibilities!
Who do you think should be the next featured knifemaker?
Rusty loves making other hand forged knives and has a preference for large bowie knives, fighters and skinners. I have to mention that he also won the award for "Best Bowie" at the 2006 KGA show as well. If you have a close look at his Competition Bowie (we have one available on our site) you'll see why without having to think much at all. Rusty forges using high carbon steels including 5160. 52100, and 1095. His high carbon bowies and many of the fighters and skinners start out as 2" round steel. He also uses O1 tool steel and for his Damascus, he uses 15n20 with 1095. A basic knife starts at $250.00, a bowie at $550.00 and a Damascus Dagger starts at $1,000.00. Rusty makes terrific knives and his prices really aren't much to ask at all when considering the grade of his work and the amount of effort he puts in to each and every knife.
"I love working with my hands. I aim to make a great knife that looks good and works good - one that a customer can take home and work with from day to day and be proud of."
the American Bladesmith Society through his work over years to come. One thing I admire most about him personally is his level of humbility coupled with his level of motivation. He knows very well how good his knives really are, but he doesn't go shouting it from the roof tops. He lets his customers find that out for themselves - and uses the time he could be bragging to further hone his skills at the anvil.
Before ending this featured knifemakers profile, I would like to thank Rusty Polk for taking the time to work with me, making the absolutely amazing knives for me, and taking the time to answer all my questions for getting this profile together. I rarely get a chance to speak to someone who no matter how busy, will take the time to lend an ear.
Rusty would also like to say, "Thanks to my mom and dad. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Their support over the past few years has made me who I am. Thanks to my fiance, Polly, and the kids, Ethan, Evan, Coltin and Searria - thank you and I love you all. And to all my friends and customers, thank you for you friendship and support. "
Rusty's Dad, Clifton Polk started it all back in 1974. Here he is grinding away on a folder blade.
