STEINGASS KNIFE CREATIONS
High End User Knives
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I am a Vietnam Era Veteran, graduate of the Navy Nuclear Power Program, and completed seven deterrent missions as a nuclear trained machinist mate aboard the ballistic missile submarine USS Tecumseh. I've crossed the Arctic Circle numerous times and still carry my Bluenose Card to this day! After my tour, I obtained an engineering degree on the GI Bill from Ohio State University and an
MBA from the University of Phoenix. After holding a variety of engineering management positions in the private sector, I retired from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission as a senior engineer in 2013​​
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Over the years my drive to create resulted in developing skills as a welder, photographer, machinist, cabinetmaker, furniture maker, gunstock maker, welding engineer, nondestructive testing technician, nuclear engineer, and metallurgist. I started making knives in 2010 and continue to design and create different styles as a hobby after I retired from my day job. I am a graduate of the New England School of Metalwork. having taken courses in bladesmithing, forging San Mai, and Damascus. I primarily create knives through stock removal and occasionally forge a damascus, or san mai knife. To date, my work has been featured in over fourteen magazine articles/books In Blade Magazine, Knives Illustrated, The World's Most Beautiful Damascus Knives , and Knife World . I've been married to a wonderful woman, Susan, for 50 years. We have a daughter Jenn, a son, Matt, and two grandchildren, Life is good.
I occasionally make a knife as my arthritic hands permit, experiment in the kitchen, and roam the Maine woods. I no longer take custom orders.
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Be well and safe,
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TK Steingass
Luctor et Emergo
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MY SHARPENING PHILOSOPHY
I sharpen my hunters and fighters leaving a toothy edge. I accomplish this by grinding to 220 grit and then lightly strop. A toothy edge grabs and cuts under extreme use, even after hitting bone or dirt. A toothy edge is robust and reliable in the field - it won't shave the hair on your arm.
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A highly polished edge will shave hair on your arm but is fragile and requires a lot of maintenance. Once bone or dirt is encountered, the edge is dull. To some knife officiandos shaving hair is their measure of sharpness. Feel free to sharpen your knife to shave hair after you receive it from me.
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