I began my knife-making career in December of '94. At the time, I had 17 years of active service behind me in the Air Force. It was time for a change. All my life, I had been involved with knives in some way or another. I can't remember when I didn't carry a pocketknife of some kind. I was always fascinated with sharpening knives and taught myself to be an excellent sharpener. I sharpened all of my mothers' kitchen knives and all my friends' knives as well. No one had to talk me into it. I was hooked!
In December of '94, I made my move and apprenticed myself to my step-dad, Mr. Robert Ogg, Master Knife Maker of Ogg Custom Knives. He made knives for 30+ years. He started me out on folders and from there taught me the art of fixed blades. He taught me the stock removal process of knife making. I never caught the 'bug' for folders. It just wasn't what I wanted to do with my knife making energy. Fixed blades became my specialty and to this day take up my free time. I have a great deal of respect for a solid fixed blade knife. And as a result, I put a lot of energy into my work. I make fixed blade knives of all types. I love to be challenged with a new design, because it stimulates me to think and create new features, while maintaining my standard for rugged, hard working knives.
My career took a drastic turn when my teacher and friend, Mr. Ogg (Bob to his friends) passed away. I was devastated and my motivation to make knives was derailed for most of a year. I had always wanted to become a full-time maker since my first hour in the shop with Bob. I talked to him about it several times after he promoted me to Journeyman in '96. He patiently explained to me that I had to have a 'compulsion' to make knives in order to succeed. I thought about that word a lot. But, being a hard head, I tried it my way, went full-time, and failed miserably. He was patient and never made fun of my failure. I was hungry for a while..... Then I got a JOB (just over broke) and moved on with my life making knives in my spare time.
After Bob died in '99, I took some time off to think things over and decide what I was going to do with myself. Have a JOB or make knives for fun and profit? I chose the knives. I went full-time in January 2000. I also started something new. I had always wanted to see what forging was all about. Bob always said it was 'the way they used to do it' and wouldn't consider trying it out. He was like that; old and set in his ways. Well, I started forging in February of 2000 after taking almost a year to set up my smithy. The rest is history. I love forging like nothing I've ever done. I read all the books I could get my hands on and never started a fire in the forge until I had everything I needed. I wasted some steel in the beginning. But, I took to forging like a duck takes to water. I'm not associated with any formal bladesmithing agencies. I'm completely self-taught. So, it's important for you to know that I'm not claiming to be a professional bladesmith. The only schooling I've had is the school of hard knocks. I guarantee my work for life. And I stand behind my work.
Bob taught me to keep things simple. High carbon steel and natural materials are my standby. Nothing fancy here. My knives reflect Bob's teachings. They are simple and useful tools meant to last a lifetime. I'm located in Paris, Arkansas. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you to own a knife of your design or mine.
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Ogg 'Combat Bowie' Dimensions: Blade length - 8 1/2", width - 1 5/8" x 3/16" Construction method: Stock removal, high carbon hoof rasp with full tang, brass guard. Black walnut handle. |
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'Primitive Buckskinner' Dimensions: Depends entirely on the size of the stag Construction method: Stock removal, 1095 with lockback design. Whitetail deer antler. |
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'Ogg Ambush Bowie' Sub-hilt fighter. Dimensions: Blade length varies with customer wishes. 9" x 1 1/2" x 1/4" pictured. Construction method: Forged 1084 steel, full tang with brass double guard. Black micarta handle. |
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'Oggstra Kamper' Dimensions: Vary with the customers' wishes. Blade 6" x 1 1/8" x 3/16" pictured. Construction Method: Forged 1084, distally tapered full-tang with integral guard. Natural micarta handle. (Design by Mr. Keeslar, learned at a hammer-in, Washington, AR) |
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E-mail:
mburnett@cswnet.com
Mailing Address:
Max Burnett,
537 Old Dug Mtn Rd,
Paris, AR 72855
Phone:
(501) 963-2767