Tillamook - TKI 2018

Ochs, Eric

"When I was six years old I received my first knife from my Dad and learned how to use it. A year or so later I got a small Swiss Army knife and have rarely gone a day without carrying and using a knife since. Having grown up primarily in the country with family that was active in the great outdoors there was frequent opportunities to find uses for a knife. Over the years I have collected both fixed and folding knives and put them to use in favorite activities like hunting, hiking, fishing, kayaking or working outdoors. In early 2007 I started designing and making knives and am a fulltime knifemaker. Much of my work now is with folding knives but since the beginning I have used the stock removal method. I cut and grind out all of my own blades, handles and frames by hand using only the highest grades of knife/tool steel and titanium for folding knives. Primarily I use CPM S30V, Elmax, CPM S35VN, CPM 154, and CPM3V. I also work with Damascus steels. I send all of my knife blades to Paul Bos to be heat treated and get a cryogenic double or triple temper to insure the very best edge holding and blade toughness. I believe this is the best, most consistent way, to heat treat the stainless and tool steels I work with in order to maximize the potential of the steel. In 2010 I made my first folding tactical knife and have been enthusiastically developing more models since. I find great inspiration from the work of Bob Lum with his exacting fit and finish and clean simple ergonomic designs. There has also been influence in my work from the books and work of Bob Loveless and Bob Terzuola. Also, it has been a great privilege to work with and call Wayne Goddard a personal friend and mentor.In my designs I strive for simplicity and balance that incorporates functional use and quality materials and craftsmanship. I believe the best knives can be achieved by pulling together the elements of form and function while creating works for enduring use."