Question 1:
As a knife lover and reviewer, you have extensive knowledge about knives. Could you share your journey from being an EDC knife reviewer to becoming a knife designer? What inspired you to make this transition?
I think what inspired me the most was just the challenge itself. I've always enjoyed art and I'm a huge supporter of all the arts. When I was younger I loved to draw, but as I got older, I fell in love with photography. As my desire to design a knife grew, I started the design with hopes of incorporating lines into the knife design that would be enjoyed in the aesthetics of the knife, similar to my images captured from my camera. Then as I worked on my design, I did my best to incorporate all of the details into the design that I look for when reviewing other knives.
Question 2:
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the design process, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was accomplishing the perfect blade to handle ratio I was looking for. That ultimately just took a lot of measuring and erasing until I found a balance that looked great, but was also functional and safe.
Question 3:
How does your design philosophy manifest in the features and aesthetics of the Thornton? What principles guided your decisions throughout the design process?
To be honest, I don't think I have much of a design philosophy yet. Being rather new to the designing aspect of knives, my one and only goal was to design a knife that looked good to me. I guess at this point, my three most important principles of designing a knife is an even blade to handle ratio, comfortable ergonomics and a design that marries the blade and handle well together so the design looks complete. I also like to keep things somewhat simple with just a little flair to the design.
Question 4:
When you are not reviewing knives, your life is a whirlwind of diverse hobbies and interests, from traveling around the world to staying active with exercise routines, catching sports games, indulging in the world of craft beer. Can you share one of your most memorable travel experiences where you captured an unforgettable moment behind the lens?
Now this is my kind of question! I'll give you two, because I'm quite torn between these two myself when it comes to my favorite memories. In 2018, I went on a solo trip to Iceland in search of the Northern Lights. As the trip progressed, I kept missing them for various reasons. Then on my second to last night, I was able to catch the most amazing Northern lights showing I could've ever imagined! It was a night I'll never forget! Then in 2019 I went on a solo trip to Europe, covering 7 countries. One of my biggest reasons for traveling there was to hike Cadini Di Misurina in Northern Italy. It was a rather easy hike, but the view of the mountain range was absolutely breathtaking. The picture I got of myself gazing off into the mountains is still my favorite image ever captured! (Side note: I HIGHLY recommend solo traveling! It's one of the best ways to discover the world and yourself.)
Question 5:
Do you have any favorite breweries or beer styles recommend us to try? ;D
Haha absolutely! I always go for a good citrusy IPA or fruited Sour in the spring, summer and fall. Although as the seasons get colder, I also find myself enjoying a good Porter or Stout in the fall and winter. However, the most important aspect of drinking good beer is… enjoying it with good company.
Question 6:
Lastly, what's next for you as a knife designer? Do you have any future projects or designs in the works that you can share with us?
Yes, I definitely have a couple designs in mind that are still in the early concept stages. I don't want to say too much just yet, but I can say that the designs coming have great stories behind them. I'm a firm believer that the best things in life come from pulling ideas from passions, and I hope to do that with all of my designs.
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