#39. We had the privilege of entering the world of a true craftsman: Geoff Feder of Feder Knives. Based in Peekskill, New York, Geoff's journey from sculptor to cook to bladesmith is a story of artistry and passion.
Geoff began his career as a sculptor and woodworker. He went to culinary school and started working for Charlie Palmer as a project manager, sculptor, and chef. He soon met Tony Aiazzi, and together they created Feder Knives.
In this episode, host Josh Sharkey and Geoff get into the nuances of knife making, from the forging to the hardening of steel, while also exploring Geoff's voice in the podcast world. With two successful shows, Knife Talk and The Full Blast, Geoff shares his insights on the artist's journey, discussing the importance of passion, the drive behind creativity, and the pursuit of fulfillment.
The conversation with Geoff was not just about knife making; it was about the essence of being an artist and the entrepreneurial spirit that is driven by compulsion rather than choice. Geoff's opinions on artistry and the need for purpose and validation resonate with anyone who has felt the irresistible pull of their craft.
Where to find Geoff Feder:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(02:30) Geoff's upbringing as a winemaker's son
(03:50) Why Geoff decided to go to culinary school
(04:25) Working for Charlie Palmer and creating an un-stealable table
(08:40) Geoff's transition into blacksmithing and bladesmithing
(11:03) Basic composition of a knife
(12:42) What makes a really good knife
(19:37) The two main styles of knife making
(22:03) The intricacies of Damascus
(26:20) Handcrafted vs. commoditized knife making
(29:47) Knife making and problem solving
(33:50) More about Geoff's two podcasts
(37:36) Artists and gaining validation
(38:58) Artistry and compulsion