I'm Jaymes Stevens with J. M. Stevens Knives. As a child, I loved looking at the old gunsmithing catalogs that my dad had around the house. I was always seeing the knife kits in those catalogs and wanted to build one.

My father was a tool and die maker most of his life, so he taught me how to make my first knife in his personal shop. He also worked alongside a knifemaker who is now a mastersmith, so I got to attend my first knife show around age 10.

From that day on, I was hooked. I followed in his footsteps and also became a tool and die maker for over 16 years, but knifemaking was always a hobby I pursued in my spare time. In a recent turn of events, I was afforded the opportunity to chase my lifelong passion and become a full-time bladesmith. I can honestly say I now love going to work every single day.