Michael LoGiudice

About Me

Introduction

I am a mechanical engineer, by trade, with three years of experience as a machinist, six years as a designer of automated manufacturing machinery, and over 9 years of new product development in an Research and Development.

Although I have only been making sole authorship knives since the beginning of 2007, my desire for perfection, along with my experience in design, metalworking, machining, and other manufacturing processes have allowed me to rapidly create knives of top quality and finish.

History

I started assembling folding kit knives in 2006 for personal use because I desired to own a knife with a blade capable of holding a better edge than the $35 production knives that I had previously acquired since childhood. Quickly, I realized that kit knives could not perform to my expectations.

Around this same time period, after several hunting trips, I realized that a hunting knife with an ATS-34, CPM 154CM, or S30V blade would likely satisfy my requirements for a knife of many purposes. After minimal research, I felt that I could make a knife by investing only a little more money in tools and materials, than I would have spent one custom knife, alone. Little did I realize, I would quickly have thousands of dollars invested in tools and materials to make this one knife.

About My Knives

I am personally attracted to hunting knives and have determined that a tough dropped point blade with a broad, deep cutting belly is the most versatile shape. It allows for efficient skinning, quartering, and processing. I also like hidden tang fighters and bowies and plan to make some in the future.

So far I have only made fixed blade hunting knives using the stock removal method (grinding). I have worked with CPM S30V and ATS-34 and will continue to work with these exotic stainless steels as long as they are available. My grinds are flat, and I mostly make integral tapered tang knives. I create each and every guard from raw bar stock, hand file the spine of most knives, and custom make every guard/handle spacer from hand selected material such as nickel-silver, brass, composite, or vulcanized fiber. I prefer to use exotic hardwoods for handles, along with micarta and G-10.

Asssociations

I am a member of TKCA (Texas Knifemaker's and Collector's Asssociation).

Profile

Below, is a duplicate of my profile on TKCA (Texas Knifemaker's and Collector's Association)

First exposure/experience to knives as an art form or craft (where/when/why):

I was introduced to knifemaking as a craft by Lance, an employee of Texas Knifemaker's Supply. During a weekend gathering at a common friend's home. I was given a catalog which provoked my interest and subsequent interest in knifemaking.

First impressions of this exposure/experience:

Positive. I have always enjoyed knives, but felt that I could not afford a high quality knife of my own.

Single most contributing factor to becoming initially involved with knifemaking and/or collecting:

My desire to own a hunting knife with one of the best steels for edgeholding ability, toughness, and abrasion resistance started my path into knifemaking. I felt that I could make a knife with little investment. Little did I know at the time, but the quest for a cheap knife has cost me thousands of dollars in tools and equipment.

Single most contributing factor to pursuit of knifemaking or collecting as a hobby or career:

The enjoyment and stress relief that I receive from spending time making knives. Every knife is a challenge for me as I strive to make each one better than the last.

Are you a full-time maker or a part-time maker?

Part-time, sole proprietorship

Are you a collector or dealer?

none

Persons most instrumental in my progress as a knifemaker/collector (who/how/why):

All of the individuals who share information so freely on the internet in web forums such as Blade Forums and The Knife Network have contributed greatly to my progress as a knifemaker. I do not post questions often, but soak up the information from the discussions. The forums are indispensible to me.

I also credit Harvey Dean's video on grinding and Chuck Burrow's video on sheath making. I have recently derived inspiration from Jason Knight and Bruce Bump.

Area(s) of specialization and/or special interest in knifemaking/bladesmithing/collecting (what/why):

So far I have solely made fixed blade hunting knives using the stock removal method (grinding). My grinds are flat, and I mostly make integral tang knives. I prefer to use exotic hardwoods for handles, along with micarta and G-10.

Types of steel and other materials you prefer:

So far, I have worked with CPM S30V and ATS-34. I will continue to work with these exotic stainless steels as long as they are available.

Types of knives/tools/methods to which you are most attracted personally:

I personally am attracted to hunting knives. I also like fighters and bowies and plan to make some in the future.

What you notice most about other knifemakers'/artisans' work:

I pay attention to details such as fit and finish. I like filework and especially like to see how others use it to fit the entire "motif" of a particular knife.

Equipment or knives currently used and/or sought (including those most valued):

My primary piece of equipment is a KMG belt grinder with a variable speed 2hp DC motor. Other equipment currently includes a small drill press, a band saw, vises, files, workbench, etc.

My dream is to own a Bridgeport knee mill to facilitate my move into making folders.

Other methods of marketing or promoting yourself and your work:

I have not done any promotion of myself beyond word-of-mouth. I gave away my first six or seven knives, which has generated interest from others. I plan to attend the TKCA show in the Spring of 2010, which may help me gain some recognition. I have a basic website at www.knives.mlogiudice.com. and LoGiudice Custom Knives.

Publications/articles/news releases regarding your work (who/what/when):

None yet. Soon though.

Trade shows/venues in which you participate (who/where/when):

TKCA Texas Knife Show

March 27 - 28, 2010

Williamson Hotel And Conference Center (behind the Wingate Inn)

Community/other personal efforts to promote sensible public awareness of knifemaking/collecting:

Joining TKCA.

This page was last modified on Monday, 01-Feb-2010 23:11:06 CST