How to be a Knife Maker with Ken Onion | Knife Banter Ep. 90

Zac sits down with Ken Onion to talk about everything from Speedsafe to Veterans charities. Check out Ken's Leek Design here: bit.ly/2Yih1s7
Check out the Blur here: bit.ly/2YkftOf
You can look at all of Ken's designs here: bit.ly/2YiKL8n
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#BladeHQ #KnifeBanter #KnifeLife #CutAnything #KenOnion

[@silvercrank999]

This was a great one. Ken is such a positive, humble, passionate dude. It's easy to get behind a guy like that! 🤙

[@joekoltes879]

I feel you ken any time I try to tell my high school friends about knives they say “yep cool” and then the wander off

[@tomhudson1]

I was a Ken Onion fan before the interview. Now I'm a fan times 10! To say it was a great interview would be a huge understatement!! Thank you for sharing

[@natebennett6123]

I met Mr. Ken Onion a few months ago at a tool show event in Orlando Florida and could not have been more enthused that this is who he is if you walk up to him and say hello with no cameras watching or anything. A good genuine guy! Loved talking to him!

[@saentia]

Absolutely LOVE this style of Knife Banter with the makers. Would love one showcasing some new/smaller knife makers to watch.

[@macdelttorres3366]

It’s awesome to see someone talk with so much about a subject with such pasión...thank you for posting

[@BladeHQ]

Ken is a really genuine and passionate guy!

[@DRNKonTIDE]

What a legend. Ken Onion is on to not just a way to make knives, but a way of life that the world needs. Awesome video!

[@lobotomite9767]

“How to make a knife with Ken Onion” (Ken starts drawing recurves on everything) Ken what are you doing? Onion man- “recurve is love... recurve is life”

[@TheMartialist]

They grind right off

[@jordanmyers1450]

@@TheMartialist fuck off

[@glenngoins3100]

That assisted opening knife that you created I think it's one of the biggest things in the knife industry that is ever come about. Thanks Ken. It was a awesome contribution!

[@travwalters8110]

I knew Ken Onion was a great guy, but my respect for him shot through the heavens by how humble, knowledgeable, and involved he is in the communities he is in.

[@USCavalry1]

You’re a bad ass Ken. Thanks for supporting veterans.

[@Spacebarf]

Came for knives, Got story time instead. Not even mad Probably the coolest Knife banter episode so far

[@I0nlyRunFactory]

This

[@JACathcart5181]

I am consistently amazed at the caliber of people I meet in the knife community. Those of us in this hobby are largely misunderstood. If everyone could meet men like Zac and Ken, there would be a lot more knife enthusiasts.

[@andyseal8134]

Have to agree. I have never heard Ken Onion speak before. What a classy guy and seriously talented. I have a lot more understanding of just what he has meant to the knife industry now.

[@jonduncansakurawallknifegarden]

I just got the chills from this video. I always knew he was such a rad guy. I’m half Japanese and my Japanese friends love him and idolize him- I love a lot of his designs too but I thought they just loved him being that he had roots in Hawaii... this man is a living legend AND a guy that could just have a great conversation with anyone and his little secrets about metallurgy are inspiring.

[@petroscephas]

I would listen to Ken for hours. Zac, you have outdone yourself brother. Amazing conversation.

[@billbailey1517]

What an inspiration is Ken Onion great job Zac honest words to live by the man just keeps on giving. Well done

[@GIJoeFactotum]

Enjoyed hearing from Ken. I'm a big fan of his designs. I've given more than 20 Ken Onion Whirlwind or Blackout design folders to new BSA Eagle Scouts I've known over the past 20 years. They are always excited by the knife, and it became their EDC for years to come. Keep up the great work Ken.

[@ryantoone785]

Ken Onion is the damn man. He’s one of my favorite knifemakers/designers of all time and the one that opened the door to making a living with knives. I’ve been a fan since the beginning and always will. What a great guy with such passion for this world

[@thomasmreichert]

I was a fan of Ken Onion before, but now I'm a super fan. He just totally sold me on ZT Knives, too. I'd totally buy something made with THAT kind of passion! deep episode man. that whole "storyline" thing was a mindblower too. thanks.

[@SeemsLogical]

Wow. It's something special when you get to meet someone who is as passionate about what they do as Ken Onion is. Zac, I am jealous you got to do this. This is going to be one of the experiences at BladeHQ you're going to look back on and be like "man, I'm really glad I got to do that." Also, great job on that intro. That was a fun and creative way to introduce this knife legend. It made me smile. Definitely one of your best videos in a while.

[@matthewkressley6168]

Best interview on the channel and probably in the community as a whole to date. Very interesting to hear his take on things and his perspective on life, I will be picking up a Ken Onion designed blade.

[@andrewf.lasseter4214]

YES! The only Ken Onion knife I own is the CRKT Swindle. That's pretty cool it's one of Ken's favorites, what a stand up guy. I truly enjoyed this video BHQ and thanks Ken for your support and help in the Veteran community!

[@rickyhurtt8692]

Much respect Ken for your charity or group that gives 100% to wounded vets. I don't know much but never heard of any group that dedicates 100%. Thanks so much for what you're doing. Also by the way you make a pretty decent knife. The leek is my all time favorite of your knives

[@NotDave_x]

Carried a leek for years, was what got me into carrying pocket knives out of highschool. I didn't know anything about Ken at the time but watching this makes me happy my first was one of his.

[@craigfuhr]

When you look and listen to Ken Onion, you’re looking at fully realized man who is truly LIVING his passion and purpose. It’s an AWESOME thing to watch. He’s completely fulfilled by his vocation. How many of us can say that? Just awesome.

[@anthonyp7051]

Ken Onion is the champ! Skipped over his worksharp endeavors,I know he gave us a lot and still so much he could say. Need to hold a special 2hr bio

[@brandonbutler7643]

This is hands down my favorite video blade HQ has done!

[@geesuperb2]

This guy is such a inspiration. It's hard to believe I only have of his knives.

[@stoutdog56]

This is a superb interview. Ken's stories and life's work are priceless.

[@shadowknight833]

ken your one of the legends,thanks for the inspiration

[@CrpMag]

Ken Onion has always been my favorite designer. Watching this interview brought to light he is also one hell of a man.

[@JEEROFUKU]

Ken is a great guy! His ZT0350 always in my pocket for years and I love that little tank👍🏻🍀❤️

[@ZacharySchroeder]

I started out making my first knives on a Ken Onion Grinder and now I upgraded to a Kadrmas Knife Grinder.

[@kevb2785]

Best video in a while. Not at all a normal BHQ video, I almost didn't watch it but I always love the interviews with knife makers so I clicked on it. This IMO is now in my top 3 BHQ videos. 30 minutes and I wanted more, sucks it had to end but that last set of advice from Ken Onion was borderline magical!

[@hankr1980]

Being a firefighter going on 13 years it's awesome to hear about the ZT knives. This is the first I have heard about it surprisingly.

[@hyssean12]

First you heard about zt?

[@hankr1980]

@@hyssean12 sure is.

[@hyssean12]

You will be blown away if you have handled any Kershaw knives. World of difference.

[@hankr1980]

@@hyssean12 I'll check them out ASAP

[@bearfoot100]

I just love the ZT 0350! A Ken Onion design. I have started to collect and modify the different models. Speed Safe is a fantastic design. Thanks for the video and thank you Ken for your work.

[@steely2012]

Wow!!!! got chills a few times. Legend of a guy amazing vid thanks

[@xxaustiexx]

Ken onion and gavko were the reasons I became a blade smith 8 years ago. This guy is a hall of fame legend

[@OceanClone]

Thanks Ken most inspirational knife video I've in a long time.

[@jolness1]

Ken is a wonderful guy. Every interview I see he makes me admire him more. Great content, Zach did a great interview.

[@garrettgiesler9052]

i was laying in bed and this video inspired me to develope a knife design, thanks ken onion, thanks blade hq

[@wmhsdoor]

Damn, Awesome interview, Ken is a very humble and honorable man! He has a great personality and pays it all forward.

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

One of the best knife banter episodes ever!!

[@taylorelsner6332]

Best knife banter yet! Which I didn’t think was possible!

[@johnkeck1025]

Love this video! I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just opened a present from santa that they had asked for!

[@curtisfox4917]

Wow I’m all over this one...just bought the blur from these guys...so cool

[@hankr1980]

Loving the interview! The leek inspired my love of pocket knives. It was a patent pending design at the time and is still my favorite EDC.

[@RookieLock]

I love how he explains the story of a knife, or thinking of a story to help design a knife.. Thanks for the inspiration Ken! Wow..

[@dandiehl6734]

I’m instantly a huge Ken Onion fan! Seems like a real good dude.

[@TechnicallyCharpy]

What a legendary interview... wow. Just wow.

[@ParagonIndustries]

Very enjoyable interview! Thanks so much. We are hooked.

[@SoldMyKidsForKnives]

Wow!! This was fantastic. Loved it.

[@FrankenBeanzzz]

Great video with lots of information. Loved it!

[@03_austindrake88]

Such a great video/Interview. Ken Onion is such a legend in the knife world.

[@The4cp]

Ken is so much fun and such a legend

[@scottallen6058]

Genuine guy. Genius designer. Great American. This veteran has nothing but respect for Ken.

[@tkettle13]

This was a phenomenal video awesome conversation with an amazingly positive message. Great Job to the homies at BHQ.

[@BladeHQ]

Thanks👊

[@craigbertram6223]

Brilliant video lads. Loved it. What a legend

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Wow...so nice to "put a face onto my knife" so to speak. My favorite pocket knife is a a Kershaw Ken Onion that I bought from the mobile Snap On dealer that came to the heliport hangar in Kahului, Maui, once a week. I was the parts manager for a non-touring helicopter company and needed an inexpensive knife that I could use to open boxes, packages and other containers. I hadn't planned on spending $85 for an EDC pocket knife but fell in love with the Kershaw as soon as I saw it. That was in 1995 and carry it to this day. It still works like new and cuts with ease, especially my juicy ribeye steak in camp. Backpacking and overland camping are my hobbies (along with fishing). The only misfortune I've had was losing the pocket clip on a hike in the West Maui Mountains. Somehow the three tiny screws had worked themselves loose and dropped somewhere on the trail. Thankfully the knife was secured in my hip pocket.

[@Night_keen]

Nothing short of inspirational!

[@Apex_grind562]

Best interview by blade hq!!

[@BennyBladez-]

Luv Ken Onion. such a humble man. Great vid B.H.Q and Zack.

[@BladeHQ]

He really is a great guy. Thanks for the support👊

[@bobbymilk5540]

Ken is so awesome so down to earth

[@petroscephas]

“If you see everybody gone right, go left. Don’t follow the trend, create the trend. Open your mind, expand your mind. Learn all the rules, break every single one of them.” Ken Onion, 2019

[@zachstuff]

Great video and insight into Ken! Thanks!

[@Leo-pi2qp]

We want BladeHQ in Europe :(

[@TheSilvertrigger]

Poor guy I forgot lock backs and fixed blades are banned in Europe I feel for ya

[@aaronhokanson6718]

Focusing on the positive is some of the best advice any one can take.

[@KellyRobinette]

This was the best Knife Banter I've seen yet and I like most of them. Wow! And a hometown guy, too! I really the knife designer banters. I was wondering what you guys would think about doing a knife banter about deployment methods, eg thumb stud, flipper, thumb hole, etc. What are the current trends, advantages/disadvantages etc. Thanks for the videos!

[@AnomadAlaska]

What a great interview!

[@jaypowell0185]

A whole new respect for Ken onion

[@joshmlawson]

I watched this video when you published it. It was great. So great that after a lot of thought I bought a ZT 0456.

[@azhawk516]

Great interview. Very interesting, and some great advise.

[@tylerwebb1900]

Ken is truly a awesome humble guy just a good ol boy from west Virginia! Where I have family and he reminds me of alot of good folk from down there .

[@jackzijdenbos5496]

Thanks for those inspirational words at the end there Ken

[@survinenathan]

Awesome. What a cool guy, motivates me to start making blades.

[@iyn1911]

Great stories from Ken.

[@modernarnis4867]

What a true inspiration...

[@Tree_Stabbing_Troy_Lmafo]

About halfway through this episode Ken Onion starts stabbing me in the feelers. I didn't realize what a good guy he is.

[@BladeHQ]

He's one of the very best. The first time I spent any really time with him we were at dinner with CRKT. He'e just come out with his Chanceinhell machete. We spent most of dinner laughing about how he wanted to go cut down a tree in the Gerber parking lot for the machete's promotional video. Ha! Huge heart, and he's hilarious to boot. -Ben

[@TheMartialist]

Great interview!

[@warpedone2]

Thanks for filming

[@aquaericlala]

His concept and thinking are barn none but the aesthetic design got much headroom to be fulfilled.

[@hyssean12]

Bar**

[@Dale_Higgins]

While I admit I'm not really familiar with anything hes designed in the last several years, Ken Onion was without any doubt my gateway into enjoying knives. My very first EDC knife was a Kershaw vapor, which i carred exclusively for a couple years, until i got my second knife, the leek, which then itself became my exclusive carry knofe for another couple years. I literally referred to my knife as "ken onion" always for years, because he was THAT ubiquitous with knives themselves to me. I don't often carry either anymore, but because of my introductions to knives, he will always seem like THE guy in the knife industry to me. I really should look into getting one of his customs as an ode to that entry into loving knives. Hopefully one day.

[@Squab27]

Gotta check out his custom knives, rather the production designs!

[@tonylamadora1200]

If John Goodman was a legendary knife maker

[@GrimReaper-ir2ke]

That is exactly who I thought of

[@cherrysoda232]

John Goodman and James Hetfield put together!

[@eskee1]

If he wore oakleys and a hat...

[@SgtKong]

One helluva interview fellas

[@yeshmmm4004]

Love my Leek and my Blur, Ken Onion is one of the greats

[@joshrayburn5534]

Ken is such a humble man

[@jps3b]

What an incredible man!

[@deadbeyonddeath9325]

just ordered the Ken Onion edition of the work sharp, if this man put his name on it, it has to be a great product.

[@jpgr8937]

Terrific advice. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@hootenknives153]

great video guys

[@WhatsthePOINT_EDC]

Hands down the best edc knife I’ve ever owned is a ken onion blur 1670oblk with drop point. It’s got sand, hydraulic fluid and crimson grease in the pivot and it’s crunchy when opening but the assist has never failed me in any way. It still cuts even after the tip broke and my local knife shop re ground it.

[@davidwolicki3684]

For episode 100 we need inventory of every knife at blade HQ (and Ben needs to be there)

[@mattadler4710]

I didnt really know anything about Ken before this, besides the fact that hes been hugely influential and majorly innovative in the knife world, but this guy clearly has a big heart, and an artists soul. I hate to say it, but I guess I had made some preemptive judgements (not bad ones) I just didnt expect him to be so great. Ill always back this guys work, be it a knife, sharpening equipment, or a non profit...should he do something else, Ill support that too. I salute you Ken

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

Interesting. Ken’s such a great guy.

[@saxcobra895]

Ken is such a cool human being.

[@dakotasparks2038]

WOW Ken Onion you are one amazing dude

[@RickyRavioli69]

This is the first video I was notified for in over a month

[@BladeHQ]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@RickyRavioli69]

@@BladeHQ thanks for the great vids and great deals

[@evilagelist3089]

The speed bump. Make it again!

[@Evergreen1400]

Ill buy any knife this man makes after hearing his story. Sounds like a stand up individual.