Brad Zinker is a knifemaker from Florida and a member of the prestigious American Knifemakers Guild. His designs are typically delicate, and his preference for narrow blades and minimalist handles is readily apparent. The weight of his designs is therefore always a crucial factor; these exceptional knives should never burden or hinder their users.
What was your first contact with knives?
My earliest memories are connected to knives. My father was a vegetable farmer, so naturally he always had one with him. I myself was a Boy Scout, and knives were, of course, a big part of the camping experience.
When did you make your first knife?
In the early 1980s, I met a mechanic who had already made a few knives. One day, he gave me a piece of D2 steel and two sheets of Micarta and told me to just have fun with it. In 1984, I began my first experiments on a 1x42 belt sander, and a year and a half later, I held my first knife in my hands. It was sharp and held an edge well, but it wasn't exactly beautiful. That was the beginning of a passion that continues to this day.
And since when have you been working as a custom knifemaker?
Since I started making my first knife in 1984, I've worked as a hobby knifemaker, putting in about 20 to 25 hours a week on knives. The only exception was the year and a half we spent selling our old house and building a new one. Last December, I ended my 32-year career selling industrial machinery to cement mills, quarries, and farms and moved with my wife to northern Florida to be closer to our three children and four grandchildren. Since setting up my new workshop in mid-January, I've been a full-time knifemaker, working six to seven hours a day.
Is there someone you would describe as your mentor?
Larry Brahms of BladeArt was the one who put me in touch with Böker. I've also learned a great deal from all the knifemakers I've met over the years. Passing on one's knowledge is important, and I've been able to help several young people make their first knife in my workshop. Among them were my eldest son and daughter.
Where do you see your greatest talent as a knifemaker?
In the development and manufacture of slim, lightweight knives that are functional and easy to transport and use. I also try to fit as much blade as possible into each frame.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from things in the world around me, like the curves of a leaf or the lines of a building. But the numerous trade fairs and meetings with other knifemakers and manufacturers also provide me with inspiration for new designs. I always look forward to returning to the workshop and working on new ideas.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I simply enjoy taking raw materials and transforming them into functional tools. I also really like meeting my knife-making friends at trade fairs, talking about our work, and learning how they approach things. This exchange is important and always helps me improve.
Can I simply order a custom knife from you?
If I'm sufficiently fascinated by the design and the desired materials, I also accept custom orders. However, I generally prefer to determine the design and raw materials myself and then offer the finished knife for sale. This way, I only produce the knives that I truly want to make.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I get up at 5:30 a.m. and go straight to the computer to check the news and answer emails. I do most of my design work early in the morning while everything is still quiet. From 8:00 a.m. onwards, I'm in the workshop and usually work on my knives until about noon. After that, I take a few hours off and maybe a nap before going back to the workshop around 1:30 p.m. for another two to three hours.
Besides your diverse work as a knifemaker, do you still have enough time for other things?
Of course, because even though knives are my great passion, there are more important things in life than work. I try to spend a lot of time with my children and grandchildren. I love cooking for the whole family on weekends and usually fire up the grill while I'm still working in the workshop.
What do you do in your free time to relax and unwind?
First and foremost, I want to spend time with my family, then go fishing, hunting, and enjoy nature. I love being outdoors and discovering new things.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our customers?
I would like to thank all my customers for investing their hard-earned money in my custom knives and my Böker production knives. It fills me with pride that so many people appreciate my work and that I can bring them joy with my knives.