Episode 159: Summer Picks

Dear Listener, we've attempted to get a Halloween episode in every year since we started this thing 9 years ago, so here's the 2026 edition for a special release in the dark hour of Halloween Night.  Spooky, scary, Halloween appropriate picks abound!  From tactical to fantasy and everything in between.  Join us for fun and check the Facebook group for links and photos of our picks.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Tom and special guest Michael Miller recap the 2026 TACC Show.  The Ancient City Continental show is a newer one to the circuit but sounds like one to put on your show schedule if you're looking for something family-friendly and close to other activities.  Tom had a great time at this show and shares his experiences.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark, Michael and Sean sit down to chat about one of their favorite pastimes: Listening to audiobooks.  Sean and Michael share their current and recent faves and make some some suggestions (and cautions!) about some things they have enjoyed.  Please join us in our Facebook group and share your recommendations as well, we are always interested! Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Traditional knife / slipjoint maker David Kramp joins us to talk about his award-winning knifemaking journey.  David shares insights on his personal background, his influences, and how he came to make knives.  Like most, his path is unique and his work speaks for itself.  We are fans and after listening, we think you will be as well.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Let's give one of our favorite episode types a little twist! This time, we're doing BYOT—Bring Your Own Topic. We'll each share a few pieces that fit a theme or topic we're interested in. We'll explore a wide range of subjects, from spectacular art pieces to the most cringe-worthy. Will do our best to try to share pictures of each piece in our Facebook group so you can follow along. Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical and Gold Point Forge joins us again to continue with the story of the evolution of his brands and his craft.  We talk business, strategy, design, mentality and more.  Ryan is a joy to chat with, another great conversation and one we're quite sure you'll enjoy.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical and Gold Point Forge joins us for a chat.  In Part 1, we talk about Ryan's interest in blacksmithing as a kid and how that developed thanks to some great mentorship.  We also talk about the early days of RMJ Forge and how his career developed over time into the beginnings of RMJ Tactical.  Ryan is a great storyteller, you're going to enjoy this one!  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

Mark, Tom and Michael get together to talk about Blade 2026 and the Arts in Metal show.  Show prep, how the two shows went, and some crazy cool stuff Michael and Tom saw on their Saturday walkabout together.  You'll definitely want to check out the companion pics in our Facebook group!  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

This time around, we pulled together an episode with picks we thought were perfect for this glorious time of year - Summer!  There's quite a variety here and we had fun with it as we always do with the picks shows.  Give it a listen when you have some time.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.

The whole crew gets back together to chat with Donnie from STARKO Gear.  Donnie shares his unique path into the world of EDC and gear and how the brand came to be.  Like many, he wasn't a "natural" maker and found is way through his own path.  Great chat, one we think you'll enjoy.  Find us at our Patreon and follow us on Instagram @markofthemaker or join our discussion group on Facebook for more conversation.