Josh Smith, a Master Bladesmith and founder of the Montana Knife Company, shares his journey from little-league coach's apprentice to the youngest to pass the Master Smith test. He talks about leaving a lucrative lineman job to pursue his passion for knife-making, the unique challenges on the show Forged in Fire, and his experience crafting a sword for a sheik. Smith highlights the importance of craftsmanship in identity and community, emphasizing the emotional connections behind handmade knives.
Josh Smith exemplifies a strong work ethic, having transitioned from a stable job to pursuing his passion for knife-making.
The knife-making community values collaboration and knowledge sharing, fostering an innovative environment unlike many other industries.
Smith's journey illustrates the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges during his entrepreneurial path.
His vision for Montana Knife Company emphasizes quality craftsmanship and emotional connections to products, inspiring future generations in hands-on trades.
Deep dives
From First Blood to Last Bite
The episode revolves around Montana Knife Company and features an insightful discussion about its founder, Josh Smith. His journey began with a simple appreciation for the craftsmanship behind knives, sparked by a remarkable gift he received: a high-quality chef's knife from the Montana Knife Company. Smith shares how this gift led him to connect with Josh Smith, emphasizing their shared work ethic and passion for quality craftsmanship. He describes Josh Smith as a quintessential hard worker, embodying the values of dedication and entrepreneurship.
The Importance of Work Ethic
The conversation highlights the significance of a strong work ethic, a trait that both hosts and guests greatly admire. Josh's background growing up in Western Montana provided him with a unique perspective on the value of hard work and persistence. He recounts how his upbringing and experiences working in various trades laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey. This emphasis on hard work extends to his company, which has rapidly gained recognition in the competitive knife-making industry.
Craftsmanship and Community
The podcast highlights the importance of craftsmanship in the knife-making community, where professionals share their skills and knowledge freely. Smith recalls his experiences learning from other artisans and how this collaborative environment fosters growth and innovation. He notes that the community's commitment to sharing techniques and best practices elevates the craft of knife-making. This collaborative spirit contrasts with other industries where knowledge is often kept secret, emphasizing the knife-making community's unique camaraderie.
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
The discussion also delves into the challenges Smith faced when transitioning from knife-making as a passion to establishing Montana Knife Company. Amidst the trials, including economic downturns, he learned to pivot and adapt, ultimately solidifying his business model. Smith emphasizes the importance of perseverance, particularly during tough times when he had to balance family responsibilities with his entrepreneurial aspirations. This resilience played a crucial role in his success, as he managed to turn obstacles into opportunities.
The Role of Reality TV
The episode provides insight into Smith's experience on the reality show 'Forged in Fire,' where he showcased his knife-making skills. At first, he was hesitant to participate, worrying about how the show might portray him and fellow artisans. Ultimately, he decided to take part and ended up being pleased with how the series respectfully showcased knife-making. The episode underscores how participating in television can amplify a brand's reach when done authentically.
Building a Brand in America
Smith articulates his vision for Montana Knife Company, focusing on creating high-quality products that resonate with customers on an emotional level. He prioritizes the significance of American-made goods and the sentimental value attached to knives that can be passed down through generations. This commitment to quality over quantity not only serves as a brand differentiator but also reflects Smith's desire to contribute positively to his community. His emphasis on storytelling further strengthens the emotional connection between the consumer and the product.
Encouraging the Next Generation
Throughout the episode, there is a strong emphasis on inspiring younger generations to explore hands-on trades rather than conforming to conventional expectations. Smith shares insights from his motivational speeches delivered at high schools, encouraging students to appreciate the value of resilience and craftsmanship. He wants them to realize that their hometown experiences can be assets rather than limitations. This advocacy for trades is crucial in addressing the growing skills gap in various industries, including knife making.
A Vision for the Future
The episode concludes with a reflection on Smith's aspirations for Montana Knife Company and the craftsman lifestyle he embodies. He emphasizes a commitment to quality and craftsmanship as the company gears up for future growth, including plans for new facilities and expanded product offerings. Smith's journey highlights the spirit of entrepreneurship in America, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, dreams can become reality. The conversation encapsulates a compelling narrative of passion, community, and the enduring legacy of quality craftsmanship.
When it comes to work ethic, Master Bladesmith Josh Smith self-identifies as “the guy Mike is always talking about.” At age 11, Josh was taught how to build knives by his little-league baseball coach. By age 19, he was the youngest bladesmith to ever pass the Master Smith test of the American Bladesmith Society. Today, he owns and operates the Montana Knife Company. Josh talks about giving up the security of a six-figure journeyman lineman job to start his own knife company, how he changed the way contestants are treated on Forged in Fire, and what it was like to build a sword for a sheik in Abu Dhabi.
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