Podcast · Business

High Carbon

by Blades, craftsmanship, creativity, and laughs! · English · Business

High Carbon is the only English language podcast dedicated to European bladesmithing and knifemaking. Hosted by Keith Colby (KnifeMaterial.at), Albert Anglberger (Salzburg Messerschmied), and Paulius Jančiukas (Baltic Blades), the show brings you inside Europe's knifemaking scene every Thursday wit

Typical length: 1 hr 13 min
Language: English

Latest episode

57 min

Running on Fumes Before Knife Show Austria

Keith, Pauly and Albert are running on fumes as Knife Show Austria approaches, but they still find plenty to talk about. Albert on his TV documentary finally airing and the flood of orders that followed. Pauly’s new skeletonized Ultem handle and 2.5mm stock update. The Edge of Hope raffle , with ticket sales starting on the 19th. Class mishaps at the forge and homemade kiln horror stories. Rate and review the show wherever you listen. It takes ten seconds and helps a lot. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

1 hr 16 min
Hangler's Modular Takedown System
Tobias Hangler joins us to talk about his new modular takedown system. Every handle fits every blade, so you can order a new handle years later without the blade ever coming back to the shop. We cover the balance pin pocket that lets you change handle weight at home, why a little grease makes the joint watertight, how he machines repeatable handles on a CNC, and the online configurator for building your own knife. He also shares what's coming next, including full metal handles. Rate and review the show wherever you listen. It takes ten seconds and helps a lot. Help support us on Patreon !…
1 hr 33 min
The Kiln Fire Episode
This week it's just Keith, Pauly, and Albert after some last minute guest technical problems. Albert kicks off with a scare: his kiln started smoking and shooting flames, Keith saves the day and drove a spare kiln over so Albert could finish heat treating his knives. The guys talk shop space upgrades, switching to VSM ceramic belts, Pauly's hunt for a surface grinding shop to escape sandblasting, Keith's laser engraver software meltdown, custom order horror stories, and gearing up inventory for Knife Show Austria. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes"…
1 hr 29 min
Christoph Wild
This week Christoph Wild of wwwild world joins to preview the Olching knife show near Munich, happening October 10th and 11th. He talks about organizing the show's social media, the giveaway knife made by Derrick Wulf and Christian Bauer, rare Bavarian mammoth material some members are stabilizing themselves, and his brutal attempt at the lightest cleaver challenge with Apex Ultra, forged down to 0.8mm. Plus his hot take on tungsten alloy tool steels being overhyped for kitchen knives, and stories on his new fast heating Mini Hell kiln. Pauly and Albert also swap notes on new sharpening…
1 hr 35 min
Hardent Knives
This week Timo of Hardent Knives talks with us about his forged flower pattern Damascus, the engineering behind his frame handle knives, his new two hundred ton press project, and his signature Starry Night finish, a tungsten alloy patina effect he's still refining. Plus talk on Turkish twist versus organic Damascus patterns, and a preview of what he's bringing to Knife Show Austria. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun.…
1 hr 2 min
Dimitri of Studio Blade
Keith and Albert are joined by Dimitri of Studio Blade, fresh off a trip to China, where he's partnered with an OEM manufacturer on a higher tier knife line with mirror polished, DLC coated blades. Dimitri talks about quality control in Chinese manufacturing, his shift toward small batch mid tech production, collaborations with engravers, a Swiss guilloche artisan, plus his CAD design and OEM consulting services for makers.
1 hr 17 min
Packaging, Instagram Bubbles, and Flux Free Damascus
Pauli and Albert dig into the never ending problem of knife packaging, from failed carton tube experiments to CNC milled foam inserts, then admit they've been stuck in an Instagram bubble and talk newsletters, localized Facebook groups, and why bigger isn't better. Shop talk covers the new 100mm Tobin waterfall grinder and flux free Damascus forge welding. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat…
1 hr 2 min
Knife Show Austria 2026!
Martin is back to discuss the second edition of Knife Show Austria, October 24 & 25 in Steyr. This year it's bigger with expanded exhibitor space, live forging demonstrations, and multiple classes including straight razors, beginning axe smithing with special guest Nils Ögren , and bladesmithing techniques. Learn about the new venue's single floor layout, the Edge of Hope charity booth, the judging process for best knife categories, expanded advertising efforts, and incredible giveaways for attendees and exhibitors. Get your early bird tickets at www.knifeshow.at Cash is king! Help support…
1 hr 2 min
The Guys Are Back
The guys catch up after Keith's US trip, talking upcoming shows: German Daily Carry Convention in Munich and Knife Show Austria this October, and Pauli's new 8mm G10 colorways. Albert dives into forging brutal, slow moving Apex/Pro Cut Damascus with copper cladding alongside Kurt from Glatt Knives , while Pauli talks through offering handle scale manufacturing to other makers. Plus PPWR shipping headaches, bending steel for ribbon burners, and Keith's ongoing battle to fix his van's terrible factory speakers. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw,…
1 hr 32 min
Steel Talk with Troopah Knives: Metallurgy, Belts, and Heat Treatment Myths
Keith is back from the US and the guys sits down with Malachi of Troopah Knives , a metallurgical engineering PhD student who breaks down exotic steels, belt grinding science, and why he thinks heat treatment isn't the black magic people make it out to be. He also drops a controversial take on why 1095 might be the most overrated beginner steel out there. Plus MagnaCut, hand sanding, corrosion resistance in kitchen knives, and plenty of banter along the way. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations…
1 hr 47 min
Walker Knives
Walker of Walker Knife Company joins us to talk about his start as a whitewater guide in Maine and how that led to his signature river rescue knife, built around serious sheath retention and corrosion resistance. The conversation covers CNC workflow and fixturing tricks, product photography tips (natural light, a clever black card trick for controlling reflections), and why building for a niche audience beats chasing everyone else. Plenty of whitewater talk too, since it turns out Albert's a paddler himself. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw,…
2 hr 3 min
Ryan Coakley!
This week the boys sit down with Ryan Coakley from the Coakley Knife Company and the Hustle and Grind Podcast. In this episode the boys talk about Brazilian butt lifts, alcohol and gambling. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat treating supplies and even a custom oven at MiniHell.eu , Europe’s number one shop for all your heat treating needs! Special thanks to all our paid Patreon members: Alex…
1 hr 24 min
Kamon and Feder mean business
With Keith being gone, the boys have to step up their game. Pauli and Albert are joined by two of the best-known knifemakers on the planet: Ben Kamon and Geoff Feder. The boys talk podcasts, business strategies, and they get into a (quite civilised) discussion on compound grinds. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat treating supplies and even a custom oven at MiniHell.eu , Europe’s number one shop…
1 hr 15 min
Big Poppa is about to leave
The last show before Keith leaves for his summer vacation in the USA. The boys talk machining Ultem, homemade Micarta, doing the grinding for other knifemakers, and the like. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat treating supplies and even a custom oven at MiniHell.eu , Europe’s number one shop for all your heat treating needs! Special thanks to all our paid Patreon members: Alex Greenaway →…
1 hr 9 min
Burnout, Balance, and Going Back to a Day Job
This week Chris from Forge Works joins the show to talk honestly about stepping back from full time knifemaking into a normal day job, and why it was the right call. After years of grinding solo, chasing social media growth, and dealing with unexpected hits like a copyright claim over a seven second sound clip, Chris hit a breaking point. Taking on outside work gave him steady income, covered health insurance, and freed up mental space he didn't know he was missing, all while still running his workshop on the side. It's a candid conversation about burnout, financial pressure, and why slowing…
59 min
Marco Gadavics
Marco Gadavics is a part time bladesmith from Upper Austria who recently won the Kukri with a Twist challenge at Knife Show Solingen and Best Knife of Show at Knife Show Austria in 2025. Marco talks about building up his knifemaking skills while working full time as a prison officer, his journey from blacksmithing school to winning awards, selling out at Blade Show West in Utah, and his new investment in a rare 75kg Kuhn Reiter power hammer. The conversation goes deep on forging equipment, what it actually takes to move serious steel, and what the future might look like if his work situation…
1 hr
Ultrasonic Cleaners and the Passivation Process
Pauli breaks down his new passivation process for sandblasted stainless steel blades, covering why blasting creates rust problems and how a citric acid bath fixes it. He also shares a cheap DIY version any maker can try at home. Albert talks through the painful story of a hook hollow ground chef knife with solid copper cladding that delaminated right before the finish line. The crew also gets into custom screws, carbide end mills, and the discovery that Austria is sitting on one of Europe's largest tungsten deposits which leads to some questionable field trip planning. Next week:…
1 hr 5 min
50 Shades of Pink!
Is knife making really slowing down, or are the makers who adapt still thriving? In this episode, we discuss Blade Show sales, innovation in the knife industry, customer feedback, social media, new EU webshop regulations, and the latest products and projects in our shops. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat treating supplies and even a custom oven at MiniHell.eu , Europe’s number one shop for all…
1 hr 13 min
Fallen Scout Blades
Oliver from Fallen Scout Blades joins us for a relaxed conversation about knife making, bushcraft, workshop life, and the upcoming Survival Rally . From custom knives and shop equipment to outdoor adventures and behind the scenes stories, this episode is packed with practical insights, good humor, and plenty of knife talk. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat treating supplies and even a custom oven…
1 hr 1 min
Folder Talk, Cake Knives & the Cheater Platen
No guests this week just Keith, Albert, and Pauli on the bench. Albert wraps up the DNA knives and dives into a tall Chinese cleaver with a double hook grind, sharing his "cheater platen" trick for near hand sanded finishes. Keith actually built a folder (raindrop Damascus liner lock) and breaks down detent ball placement, lock face angles, and why friction folders are mostly pointless. Pauli announces the Varnas 2.0 launch and teases his next release: a two finger karambit style fixed blade built to ride in a jeans coin pocket. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low…
1 hr 22 min
Maxi Hänsch from Knife Lounge
Keith is back from Knife Show Solingen and joined by Maxi from Knife Lounge Hamburg to recap a packed weekend in the European knife scene. We talk about the new Solingen venue, the energy of the show, the growth of the EDC community, and what it was like having makers, collectors, designers, and dealers all together in one place. Maxi shares her experience at the Knife Lounge booth, and the massive interest around EDC gear, Jack Wolf Knives , GiantMouse , Black Circus Leather , and more... Get all your heat treating supplies and even a custom oven at MiniHell.eu , Europe’s number one shop…
1 hr 7 min
What happened to Albert?
With Albert away, Benjamin Kamon steps in for another episode. We cover the final prep for the Solingen Knife Show , updates on Pauli’s second generation Varnas, and Ben’s plans for the Damasteel DCI . We also get into CNC fixture making, G10 handle scales, Knife Show Austria , The Edge of Hope project , knife numbering, and the usual mix of workshop talk, bad jokes, and technical problems.
54 min
Logan Provence aka Kuro Senshi Knives
Our guest in this week’s episode is one of the youngest bladesmiths in the game: Logan Provence, aka Kuro Senshi Knives. We talk about how he got into bladesmithing at such a young age, what it’s like forging knives in his backyard, fulfilling steak knife orders, and how far you can go with simple equipment and determination. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat treating supplies and even a custom…
1 hr 49 min
The bearded steel wizard
This week we’re joined by Coy Baker for a conversation about Damascus production, Baker Forge’s new stainless Damascus workflow, their "new" massive 750 lb Chambersburg power hammer, custom forge setup, argon purging, pattern testing with clay, and the systems behind running a serious steel production shop. We also get into branding, maker logos, ISO 9000 prep, inventory tracking, the Baker Forge app, AI tools, and plans for a custom knife maker database to help people find the right maker for their next custom knife. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon…
1 hr 7 min
The Art of the Click
This week, we dive into the hidden complexity of Kydex sheaths, from retention and click to carry, balance, and durability. We also talk kitchen knife geometry, leather vs. Kydex, copper Damascus, social media for makers, and the pain of customers complaining about handmade knife prices. A fun, honest episode full of shop talk, hot takes, and plenty of laughs. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat…
1 hr 31 min
Jonas Johnsson of Isasmedjan
This week, Jonas of Isasmedjan joins us for a conversation on Kydex sheath development, shop moves, Solingen show prep, stainless etching, and the balance between custom work and small-scale production, before the episode closes with another round of hot takes on forged geometry, knife makers, and questionable handle materials. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat treating supplies and even a custom…
1 hr 3 min
Roman of Kasé Knives
This week on the High Carbon Podcast, we welcome Roman of Kasé Knives from Switzerland for a detailed and insightful episode on performance driven knife making. Roman shares his approach to high hardness blades, exotic steels, and the heat treatment methods that define his work. We discuss edge retention, toughness, grinding practices, sharpening, rare steel sourcing, and the balance between handmade craftsmanship and CNC machining. The episode also touches on Magnacut, burr removal, and the standards that matter most when building knives for real performance. Follow Roman and his work here…
1 hr 9 min
Sven Schellander
This week’s episode has a bit of everything, shop updates, Kydex sheath making, crazy carbide price increases, folding knife talk, and plenty of chaos getting the guest connected. Sven Schellander from Messerschmiede Schellander joins the show to share the wild story of a serious work accident just before planned Achilles surgery, and the guys also dive into listener hot takes on Damascus, museum fit ups, and more. Plus, we announce the winner of our Knife Solingen weekend pass giveaway, congratulations to Friedrich Flaig! Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon…
1 hr 22 min
Respect the Game!
Keith and Pauli run a two man show this week, covering Pauli’s updated Varnas design, how customer feedback shapes better knives, new layered G10 options, knife show prep, business growth, outsourcing, and a few spicy listener hot takes. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat treating supplies and even a custom oven at MiniHell.eu , Europe’s number one shop for all your heat treating needs! Special…
1 hr 12 min
Handmade by Hudson
This week, Hudson Torrens joins the High Carbon Room Podcast after returning from an epic four month trip through Europe, visiting makers, learning new techniques, and working in shops across France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Romania, and the UK. Help support us on Patreon ! Members get access to our "Low Carbon episodes" Raw, uncut, and full of behind the scene conversations about anything and everything under the sun. https://www.patreon.com/c/HighCarbon Get all your heat treating supplies and even a custom oven at MiniHell.eu , Europe’s number one shop for all your heat treating needs!…

About High Carbon

High Carbon is a English business podcast from Blades, craftsmanship, creativity, and laughs!. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Blades, craftsmanship, creativity, and laughs!
Language: English
Category: Business
Typical length: 1 hr 13 min
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1733543652

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