PODCAST · business
High Carbon
by Blades, craftsmanship, creativity, and laughs!
High Carbon is the only English language podcast dedicated to European bladesmithing and knifemaking.Hosted by Keith Colby (KnifeMaterial.at), Albert Anglberger (Salzburg Messerschmied), and Paulius Jančiukas (Baltic Blades), the show brings you inside Europe's knifemaking scene every Thursday with a new episode. Each week the hosts sit down with a European maker to talk process, business, and the realities of running a knifemaking business in Europe. Regularly the three hosts also go deep on technical topics covering materials, techniques, and everything in between, with no guest, just three makers who know their work talking shop.From award winning bladesmiths to full time makers building their businesses from the ground up, High Carbon gives a voice to the makers shaping European knifemaking today.If you make knives, love knives, or want to understand what goes into making them, this is the show for you.
Episodes
-
Running on Fumes Before Knife Show Austria
Keith, Pauly and Albert are running on fumes as Knife Show Austria approaches, but they still find plenty to talk about. Albert on his TV documentary finally airing and the flood of orders that followed. Pauly’s new skeletonized Ultem handle and 2.5mm stock update. The Edge of Hope raffle, with...
-
Hangler's Modular Takedown System
Tobias Hangler joins us to talk about his new modular takedown system. Every handle fits every blade, so you can order a new handle years later without the blade ever coming back to the shop. We cover the balance pin pocket that lets you change handle weight at home, why a little grease makes the...
-
The Kiln Fire Episode
This week it's just Keith, Pauly, and Albert after some last minute guest technical problems. Albert kicks off with a scare: his kiln started smoking and shooting flames, Keith saves the day and drove a spare kiln over so Albert could finish heat treating his knives. The guys talk shop space...
-
Christoph Wild
This week Christoph Wild of wwwild world joins to preview the Olching knife show near Munich, happening October 10th and 11th. He talks about organizing the show's social media, the giveaway knife made by Derrick Wulf and Christian Bauer, rare Bavarian mammoth material some members are…
more -
Hardent Knives
This week Timo of Hardent Knives talks with us about his forged flower pattern Damascus, the engineering behind his frame handle knives, his new two hundred ton press project, and his signature Starry Night finish, a tungsten alloy patina effect he's still refining. Plus talk on Turkish twist...
-
Dimitri of Studio Blade
Keith and Albert are joined by Dimitri of Studio Blade, fresh off a trip to China, where he's partnered with an OEM manufacturer on a higher tier knife line with mirror polished, DLC coated blades. Dimitri talks about quality control in Chinese manufacturing, his shift toward small batch mid tech...
-
Packaging, Instagram Bubbles, and Flux Free Damascus
Pauli and Albert dig into the never ending problem of knife packaging, from failed carton tube experiments to CNC milled foam inserts, then admit they've been stuck in an Instagram bubble and talk newsletters, localized Facebook groups, and why bigger isn't better. Shop talk covers the new 100mm...
-
Knife Show Austria 2026!
Martin is back to discuss the second edition of Knife Show Austria, October 24 & 25 in Steyr. This year it's bigger with expanded exhibitor space, live forging demonstrations, and multiple classes including straight razors, beginning axe smithing with special guest Nils Ögren, and bladesmithing...
-
The Guys Are Back
The guys catch up after Keith's US trip, talking upcoming shows: German Daily Carry Convention in Munich and Knife Show Austria this October, and Pauli's new 8mm G10 colorways. Albert dives into forging brutal, slow moving Apex/Pro Cut Damascus with copper cladding alongside Kurt from Glatt…
more -
Steel Talk with Troopah Knives: Metallurgy, Belts, and Heat Treatment Myths
Keith is back from the US and the guys sits down with Malachi of Troopah Knives, a metallurgical engineering PhD student who breaks down exotic steels, belt grinding science, and why he thinks heat treatment isn't the black magic people make it out to be. He also drops a controversial take on why...
-
Walker Knives
Walker of Walker Knife Company joins us to talk about his start as a whitewater guide in Maine and how that led to his signature river rescue knife, built around serious sheath retention and corrosion resistance. The conversation covers CNC workflow and fixturing tricks, product photography tips...
-
Ryan Coakley!
This week the boys sit down with Ryan Coakley from the Coakley Knife Company and the Hustle and Grind Podcast. In this episode the boys talk about Brazilian butt lifts, alcohol and gambling. Help support us on Patreon! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind...
-
Kamon and Feder mean business
With Keith being gone, the boys have to step up their game. Pauli and Albert are joined by two of the best-known knifemakers on the planet: Ben Kamon and Geoff Feder. The boys talk podcasts, business strategies, and they get into a (quite civilised) discussion on compound grinds. Help support us…
more -
Big Poppa is about to leave
The last show before Keith leaves for his summer vacation in the USA. The boys talk machining Ultem, homemade Micarta, doing the grinding for other knifemakers, and the like. Help support us on Patreon! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene...
-
Burnout, Balance, and Going Back to a Day Job
This week Chris from Forge Works joins the show to talk honestly about stepping back from full time knifemaking into a normal day job, and why it was the right call. After years of grinding solo, chasing social media growth, and dealing with unexpected hits like a copyright claim over a seven...
-
Marco Gadavics
Marco Gadavics is a part time bladesmith from Upper Austria who recently won the Kukri with a Twist challenge at Knife Show Solingen and Best Knife of Show at Knife Show Austria in 2025. Marco talks about building up his knifemaking skills while working full time as a prison officer, his journey...
-
Ultrasonic Cleaners and the Passivation Process
Pauli breaks down his new passivation process for sandblasted stainless steel blades, covering why blasting creates rust problems and how a citric acid bath fixes it. He also shares a cheap DIY version any maker can try at home. Albert talks through the painful story of a hook hollow ground chef...
-
50 Shades of Pink!
Is knife making really slowing down, or are the makers who adapt still thriving? In this episode, we discuss Blade Show sales, innovation in the knife industry, customer feedback, social media, new EU webshop regulations, and the latest products and projects in our shops. Help support us on...
-
Fallen Scout Blades
Oliver from Fallen Scout Blades joins us for a relaxed conversation about knife making, bushcraft, workshop life, and the upcoming Survival Rally. From custom knives and shop equipment to outdoor adventures and behind the scenes stories, this episode is packed with practical insights, good humor,...
-
Folder Talk, Cake Knives & the Cheater Platen
No guests this week just Keith, Albert, and Pauli on the bench. Albert wraps up the DNA knives and dives into a tall Chinese cleaver with a double hook grind, sharing his "cheater platen" trick for near hand sanded finishes. Keith actually built a folder (raindrop Damascus liner lock) and breaks...
-
Maxi Hänsch from Knife Lounge
Keith is back from Knife Show Solingen and joined by Maxi from Knife Lounge Hamburg to recap a packed weekend in the European knife scene. We talk about the new Solingen venue, the energy of the show, the growth of the EDC community, and what it was like having makers, collectors, designers, and...
-
What happened to Albert?
With Albert away, Benjamin Kamon steps in for another episode. We cover the final prep for the Solingen Knife Show, updates on Pauli’s second generation Varnas, and Ben’s plans for the Damasteel DCI. We also get into CNC fixture making, G10 handle scales, Knife Show Austria, The Edge of Hope...
-
Logan Provence aka Kuro Senshi Knives
Our guest in this week’s episode is one of the youngest bladesmiths in the game: Logan Provence, aka Kuro Senshi Knives. We talk about how he got into bladesmithing at such a young age, what it’s like forging knives in his backyard, fulfilling steak knife orders, and how far you can go with…
more -
The bearded steel wizard
This week we’re joined by Coy Baker for a conversation about Damascus production, Baker Forge’s new stainless Damascus workflow, their "new" massive 750 lb Chambersburg power hammer, custom forge setup, argon purging, pattern testing with clay, and the systems behind running a serious steel...
-
The Art of the Click
This week, we dive into the hidden complexity of Kydex sheaths, from retention and click to carry, balance, and durability. We also talk kitchen knife geometry, leather vs. Kydex, copper Damascus, social media for makers, and the pain of customers complaining about handmade knife prices. A fun,...
-
Jonas Johnsson of Isasmedjan
This week, Jonas of Isasmedjan joins us for a conversation on Kydex sheath development, shop moves, Solingen show prep, stainless etching, and the balance between custom work and small-scale production, before the episode closes with another round of hot takes on forged geometry, knife makers…
more -
Roman of Kasé Knives
This week on the High Carbon Podcast, we welcome Roman of Kasé Knives from Switzerland for a detailed and insightful episode on performance driven knife making. Roman shares his approach to high hardness blades, exotic steels, and the heat treatment methods that define his work. We discuss edge...
-
Sven Schellander
This week’s episode has a bit of everything, shop updates, Kydex sheath making, crazy carbide price increases, folding knife talk, and plenty of chaos getting the guest connected. Sven Schellander from Messerschmiede Schellander joins the show to share the wild story of a serious work accident…
more -
Respect the Game!
Keith and Pauli run a two man show this week, covering Pauli’s updated Varnas design, how customer feedback shapes better knives, new layered G10 options, knife show prep, business growth, outsourcing, and a few spicy listener hot takes. Help support us on Patreon! Members get access to our "Low...
-
Handmade by Hudson
This week, Hudson Torrens joins the High Carbon Room Podcast after returning from an epic four month trip through Europe, visiting makers, learning new techniques, and working in shops across France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Romania, and the UK. Help support us on Patreon! Members get access to…
more -
The hot take inbox is on fire!
No guest this week, just pure shop talk and chaos. Keith puts the new white VSM belts through their paces sanding a mountain of stabilized blocks, the crew debates who’s actually going to Solingen, and the hot take inbox is on fire, from “stop buying retail” to clown vomit handles and why fancy...
-
Fingal Ferguson!
Fingal Ferguson joins us for another High Carbon episode that bounces from Knife Solingen including a Patreon giveaway (two 2-day passes). A new Anchorage brewery collaboration, plus plans for a matching knife build with a bog iron twist. We also nerd out on power hammers, belts for oily woods,...
-
Does it really matter?
Back in the High Carbon chaos: we kick off by roasting a product listing with handle colors that change from photo to photo (so, which knife are you actually buying and does it really matter?). Then it’s shop talk, knife bags, and prep for the upcoming Solingen knife show, including a fresh batch...
-
Knife Solingen
Knife Solingen is back! We’re joined by Sixt Wetzler (Director of the Deutsches Klingenmuseum) and event manager Andrew Gläser to unpack what happened with the 2025 cancellation, what’s new for 2026 at the Eissporthalle, and how makers, brands, and suppliers get accepted. We also dig into the…
more -
Coakley Knife Company
With Pauli out sick, we’re joined by Ryan Coakley for a shop talk heavy episode. We trade wild kitchen stories and how chef life translates into knifemaking, then nerd out on grind performance with Albert’s J hook experiments, food release, and sharpening tradeoffs. We also get into batch work,...
-
Gabe Fletcher
Gabe Fletcher of Anchorage forge returns with a massive shop upgrade, a rare Beaudry 400 power hammer with a 400 lb (181 kg) ram. We talk about how he found it, the full rebuild and reconfiguration by Kevin Willey, and what it takes to install and tune a five ton mechanical beast. Plus, die…
more -
Jeroen Knippenberg!
Jeroen from Knippenberg Knives returns for his third appearance to talk about the Netherlands knife makers symposium he organizes, why community focused events matter, and what makers can learn there. We also dig into his “what, how, and why” social media approach, plus the realities of going…
more -
DB blades!
Dom from DB Blades joins us to talk knife shows, shop workflow, and content. We learn about his new role as treasurer of Australia’s Knife Art Association, plus his simple system for consistent Instagram reels and why he walked away from YouTube with 50k subscribers. He also walks us through his...
-
Chernobyl
With Albert away, Ben Kamon joins us as Pauli opens up about a trip that may have altered his brain for life, and might finally explain some of his controversial hot takes. He went straight into the heart of Chernobyl, the worst disaster in the history of nuclear power generation. Help support us...
-
“People who teach classes aren’t good knife makers.”
A late night group chat turns into a full blown debate after Pauly drops a hot take on one of our Patreon exclusive Low Carbon episodes: “People who teach classes aren’t good knife makers.” Albert is not having it, and Pauli sticks by his statement. Help support us on Patreon! Members get access…
more -
Christmas Special, Year in Review
That’s a wrap for this year, and we just want to say a huge thank you for listening, sharing the show, and being part of our journey. Looking forward to another great year of talented guests, and seeing you all at the shows! Help support us on Patreon! Members get access to our "Low Carbon...
-
Steel For Good
In this week’s episode, we learn the story behind Steel for Good, a global knifemaking collaboration created to help makers stay visible and connected. Philip explains how the teams came together, and why trust matters when your name is going on a blade you did not finish alone. Philip also...
-
Doc Smith
Our guest this week is Doc Smith a cognitive neuroscientist and linguist who also happens to be a part time knife maker. He shares how an inside joke with his wife about smug people with titles ultimately became part of his maker identity, how his early blades barely cut an onion, and how years…
more -
Chantal Schaschl
Master engraver and tattoo artist Chantal Schaschl joins us this week as she takes us into the heart of Ferlach, Austria’s legendary gunsmithing town where she grew up. She shares vivid stories of learning beside her father, finding her footing in a male dominated craft, and shaping her own...
-
It Takes Two To Tango
Pauli and Keith are holding down the fort this week while Albert gears up for Christmas markets. Expect unfiltered shop talk, knife making frustrations, and random tangents, as they dig into the day to day realities of running a small business. From production challenges to keeping up with…
more -
Modern Cooking
This week we sit down with Peter Buckwalter from Modern Cooking for an in depth conversation about his recent move back to Sydney Australia. Peter explains to us about adapting to Australia’s stricter knife laws. We also talk about his latest project release, MCX and what’s next for Modern…
more -
Throwback Episode – The Return of Matt Bikker!
This week we’re throwing it back with one of the original WFI Europe hosts, Matt Bikker! We catch up on where he’s been, talk about business, knife making, wild stories, and plenty of laughs. From website updates and Gator Piss to Pauli’s secret Facebook dungeon and a little bit of podcast drama....
-
Shir Knives is back again!
Mershad from Shir Knives returns after an Instagram hack and talks about moving into a half finished house, setting up his new shop, and building his Klingen für Gutes charity knife. We chat about forging the double S-grind, How to hide a Dolby Atmos sound system, and why real makers show their...
-
Dimitri Turcott of Studio Blade
This week, we sit down with Dimitri Turcott, of Studio Blade. He explains how he brought his first production folder The Rambler to life through Kickstarter with OEM manufacturers in Maniago Italy, the challenges of production, logistics, and the effort it takes to market your own knives in…
more -
Jonas Johnnson
In this episode, Swedish bladesmith and former podcaster Jonas Johnson AKA Isasmedjan. We talk about Jonas’s time working in a museum like, water powered shop with belt driven machines and the daily chore of clearing leaves, fish, and eels from the intake. He explains why he left that space, how...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
High Carbon is the only English language podcast dedicated to European bladesmithing and knifemaking.Hosted by Keith Colby (KnifeMaterial.at), Albert Anglberger (Salzburg Messerschmied), and Paulius Jančiukas (Baltic Blades), the show brings you inside Europe's knifemaking scene every Thursday with a new episode. Each week the hosts sit down with a European maker to talk process, business, and the realities of running a knifemaking business in Europe. Regularly the three hosts also go deep on technical topics covering materials, techniques, and everything in between, with no guest, just three makers who know their work talking shop.From award winning bladesmiths to full time makers building their businesses from the ground up, High Carbon gives a voice to the makers shaping European knifemaking today.If you make knives, love knives, or want to understand what goes into making them, this is the show for you.
HOSTED BY
Blades, craftsmanship, creativity, and laughs!
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does High Carbon have?
High Carbon currently has 141 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is High Carbon about?
High Carbon is the only English language podcast dedicated to European bladesmithing and knifemaking.Hosted by Keith Colby (KnifeMaterial.at), Albert Anglberger (Salzburg Messerschmied), and Paulius Jančiukas (Baltic Blades), the show brings you inside Europe's knifemaking scene every Thursday with...
How often does High Carbon release new episodes?
High Carbon publishes regularly with 141 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to High Carbon?
You can listen to High Carbon on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts High Carbon?
High Carbon is created and hosted by Blades, craftsmanship, creativity, and laughs!.
URL copied to clipboard!