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A show focused on the trade skills that have almost been lost to history and the male and female Craftsmen that keep them alive. I am Don Gonzales, a full time saddle maker of 15 years, and I dive into the world of "supposed" forgotten skills and trades.
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Welcome to "The Craftory Podcast", where creativity knows no bounds. Join your hosts, Zac Azbill and Christian Lishen, as they embark on a journey of discovery with a diverse array of guests from every discipline imaginable. In each episode, we delve deep into the lives and minds of fellow makers, uncovering the stories that shape their unique journeys. From master artisans to visionary creators, no stone is left unturned as we explore the tapestry of human ingenuity. Together with our guest ...
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In this episode we visit with Shaun Woodsum who owns and operates Cross Winds Forge in Arizona. After a long career as a farrier, Shaun made a change and put his blacksmith skills to work designing and making knives. His main focus now is leather craft knives. As a leather crafter himself, he is focused on creating knives that are not only sharp bu…
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Joe Meling is a leather craftsman based out of Pendleton, OR who specializes in teaching floral carving and leather craft. He and his wife are the owners and operators of 23+ where folks from all over come to improve their skills and goals in leather work. You can find Joe and all the information about his social media, products, and resources by v…
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This episode is an interview with Nicole Morgenthau who is a photographer who's passion is taking portraits. Her favorite subjects are the folks who are experiencing the West like the trappers and settlers that lived in and explored the wild west of the 1800's. Based in Salt Lake City, UT she travels to rendezvous held in many states to capture ama…
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This episode is an interview cowboy chuckwagon cook Kent Rollins. Kent has an amazing YouTube channel where he shows how to prepare some of the traditional cow camp meals, grandma's meat loaf, or even his version of the Big Mac. My family and I love tuning into his channel every week to see what he is up to and what he's cooking. You can find infor…
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In this episode we are visiting with Trent Johnson who owns and operates Greeley Hat Works in Greeley, CO. I really enjoyed getting to visit with Trent about his path to business in the hat industry. I think you will really enjoy his story and mindset on business in the western industry.By Don Gonzales
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Delta Unveiled: Louie Guanabenz's Leathercraft Odyssey
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Join hosts Zac Azbill and Christian Lishen of The Craftory Podcast as they dive into the world of craftsmanship with special guest Luis "Louie" Guañabens from Delta Leather. In this engaging episode, we explore the art of leatherworking, business insights, and the intersection of leather and knives. Discover the unique story and philosophy behind L…
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Step into the latest installment of "Christian's Corner" as hosts Zac and Christian take you on a candid journey through the fascinating world of ethical sourcing. In this episode, we're not just talking business; we're sharing stories, insights, and the heart of what it means to make ethical sourcing a priority. Tune in to "Christian's Corner" for…
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In this episode, we sit down with a man that I have known online for almost a decade and only we only just met in person at the Heart of Texas Leather Show in Waco in 2023. His name is Todd Broussard and he is the owner/operator of T-Pop Leather Shop in Louisiana. Todd is a rodeo cowboy, farrier and leather craftsman that has found his passion in b…
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Beyond the Anvil: Brandon Franklin's Journey
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Get ready for a wild ride as Zac Azbill and Christian Lishen sit down with the dynamic Brandon Franklin of The Franklin Forge. In this episode, we unravel the tales of Brandon's mythbusting-inspired journey into the world of tinkering and making. From the sparks of his Forged in Fire episode to the blaze of his multiple businesses, we explore the a…
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In this Intro episode of Spuds Stories brought to you by The Craftory Podcast, embark on a preview journey into the heart of craftsmanship and personal stories. Join Zac Azbill as they share a sneak peek into the upcoming segment where personal narratives and craft intertwine. Discover the essence of "Spuds' Tale" as we set the stage for a monthly …
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From the Beat to the Blade: The Shawn Shropshire Story
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In this compelling episode, we sit down with Shawn Shropshire, the skilled bladesmith from SDS Knifeworks, to unravel the layers of his fascinating life. From his early years and career as a policeman to the unexpected turn into the world of knives, Shawn shares the twists and turns that shaped his path. Join us as we delve into his triumph on Forg…
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Welcome to the debut episode of "Christian's Corner," where we offer an exclusive peek into the world of know-how, insights, and experiences. In this enlightening conversation, Christian and Zac join forces to delve into the intriguing topic of the "Economy of Scale." Unpacking the dynamics of business growth, efficiency, and profitability, they br…
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Join us in a candid and insightful conversation with Christian Lishen, a seasoned knifemaker, and special co-host Wayne Walker. This episode delves deep into the real-life journey of Christian, from his humble beginnings to his current status as a respected figure in the Knife community. We'll explore the pivotal moments and decisions that have def…
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The Art and Craft of Jason Gallahair
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In this episode, we sit down with Jason Gallahair, a veteran with a fascinating tale. From his military days to becoming a notable figure in the design and manufacturing world, we explore his life's journey. Hear about his passion for crafting exceptional knives and the dedication that propels his career in this inspiring conversation. jasons Insta…
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Forging Blades and Crafting Legends: An Interview with Master Smith Howard Clark
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In this captivating live interview, we invite you to join us on a journey across the United States, tracing the remarkable life and experiences of Howard Clark, a true craftsman of Japanese-style blades. Delve into Howard's early years, the friendships that shaped his path, and the passionate obsession that drove him into the world of blade-making.…
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Behind the Achievements: Mark Zalesky's Journey
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"In this captivating episode of the Craftory Podcast, we had the honor of sitting down with Mark Zalesky, the illustrious owner, editor, and publisher of Knife Magazine. With a distinguished career marked by numerous awards, authorship, and a deep passion for all things knives, Mark brings a wealth of expertise to our discussion. Join us as we expl…
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Edge of Art: Andrew Karpinski's Story
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In this engaging episode, Andrew takes us on a captivating journey through his life's experiences and the art of crafting exquisite knives. From the humble beginnings of his passion to the intricate details that define his creations, we explore the process, dedication, and artistry behind every blade. Whether you're an aspiring artisan or simply so…
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Crafting A Legacy: The Aaron Lawvere Interview
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In this candid conversation, Aaron Lawvere shares the personal anecdotes and pivotal moments that kindled his fascination with the ancient craft of knifemaking. From his earliest experiences to the pivotal influences that shaped his unique approach, we navigate the tapestry of passion, technique, and philosophy that infuse life into his creations. …
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A Spirited Ramble into Updates and Beyond
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Welcome to a delightfully freewheeling episode where we invite you into our world of updates, adventures, and perhaps a bit of podcasting chaos! Join us for an eclectic journey as we share the latest news about our podcast and dive deep into the ever-thriving realm of knife making businesses. In this episode, we'll embrace the art of rambling as we…
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"Radiant Transformations: Unveiling the Journey with Christine Clark"
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Step into the transformative world of Sunglow Transformations as we sit down with the remarkable Christine Clark in this enlightening episode. Join us as we explore Christine's early life experiences, the inspiring genesis of her business, and the incredible ways she empowers and uplifts her clients. In "Radiant Transformations: Unveiling the Journ…
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This episode of Lost Trade is a visit with one of the most well known custom stamping tool makers in the leather industry. Robert Beard is known around the world for his completely hand crafted stamping tools. We had the honor of sitting down with him and hearing just a glimpse of his amazing life and adventures through his leathercraft journey. We…
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Forging Blades and Legends: Conversations with Jim (J.P) Miller
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Join us as we delve into the captivating world of knifemaking with the legendary craftsman himself, Jim (J.P) Miller. In this episode, we uncover the remarkable journey of Jim, a true pioneer and master of his craft. From humble beginnings to becoming a renowned figure in the knifemaking community, Jim shares his insights, experiences, and invaluab…
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Blade Enthusiast's Delight: Jake Hale's Favorite Knives and Stories
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"Join us for an immersive journey into the captivating world of blades as we present 'Blade Enthusiast's Delight: Jake Hale's Favorite Knives and Stories.' In this episode, we sit down with the esteemed knife enthusiast and expert, Jake Hale, as he takes us on a thrilling exploration of his most cherished knives and the extraordinary stories behind…
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This episode is an interview with Chuck Dorsett from Weaver Leather. Chuck does fantastic leather craft videos on YouTube and offers great instruction. His videos are high energy and very informative. Check out his videos on the Weaver Leather YouTube channel.By Don Gonzales
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In this captivating episode, we embark on a nostalgic journey as we delve into the memorable experiences that shaped our Christians remarkable journey. Join us as we explore the transformative power of Christian's time at the Jamboree, where his personal growth ignited a lifelong passion. From camaraderie and adventure to unexpected challenges, his…
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In this episode of the podcast, host Christian sits down with Zac Azbill to discuss his journey as a maker and the steps he took to turn his passion into a career. Zac shares his personal story, from his early years cooking and becoming a chef, to his eventual decision to pursue a career in making. Through their conversation, Christian and Zac expl…
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Barry King is one of the most well known leather stamping tool makers in our industry. If you tool leather, then you for sure have seen his tools and may own a fair amount of them. Barry is a very interesting guy and makes some fantastic stamping tools that I use every day. Be sure to visit his website at www.barrykingtools.com or even better, stop…
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Join Zac Azbill and Christian Lishen in The Craftory Podcast, where they share their passion for knife making and explore the artistry, techniques, and inspirations behind this age-old craft. Whether you're a seasoned bladesmith or simply curious about the craft, this podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and insights to sharpen your skills. Through…
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In this episode of The Craftory Podcast, this is a continuation of us diving into the life and work of Wayne Walker, a talented knifemaker based in Mississippi. We sit down with Wayne to discuss his journey from his early life to his current successful knife-making business. Wayne shares with us his early inspirations and how he started in the craf…
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In this episode, we visit with Doug Hansen who owns and operates Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop in Letcher, SD. His shop builds and restores wagons of all shapes and styles. The amount of research and history that he and his team possess is astonishing. I really enjoyed visiting with him and learning about how he started his shop. Be sure to follow hi…
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In this episode of The Craftory Podcast, we dive into the life and work of Wayne Walker, a talented knifemaker based in Mississippi. We sit down with Wayne to discuss his journey from his early life to his current successful knife-making business. Wayne shares with us his early inspirations and how he started in the craft of knifemaking. He talks a…
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In this episode, we visit with Keith Seidel who owns Seidel's Saddlery in downtown Cody, Wyoming. Keith has a long history in the custom saddle industry and we we enjoyed getting the oppurtunity to hear his story on our show. Be sure to visit his website www.seidelsaddlery.com or check him out on Instagram and Facebook.…
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In this episode, we visit with wildlife biologist and photographer Wyman Meinzer. His story starts out with him self funding a scientific study of the Coyote, living in a half dugout in the middle of thousands of acres, trapping/hunting then becoming the Official State Photographer of Texas. Being known for his accomplishments and long career as a …
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In this episode, we visit with Bob Park about how he got started tooling leather and becoming one of the most well known floral designers in the industry. For many of us that tool leather, we have known of Bob and his teachings as well as read his book on the subject. I really enjoyed hearing his story and learning more about his life in the milita…
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In this episode, we visit with William James Brown with William James Leather. I met Willy shortly after moving to Moulton in 2020. We quickly became friends and I was excited that we could finally have him on the podcast to hear his story and thoughts on social media in our industry. Follow him on Instagram and visit his website at www.williamjame…
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Christopher Andre is the owner of Slickbald Customs where he creates holsters and amazing tooled pieces in the leather craft industry. In this interview, we here how he got started in leather work as well as how he got involved in competitive shooting sports. This brought together his love for shooting and holster making for a perfect match. You ca…
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In this episode, we visit with Nick and Leanne who own and operate Hemlock and Hyde Leather Goods. This husband and wife team create beautiful designer bags, leather accessories and even custom felt hats. I really enjoyed visiting with them and hearing their story as well as their ideas on the business. You can follow them on Instagram, tiktok, or …
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Bob Brenner with Pikes Peak Saddlery
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In this episode we visit with Nevada Watt. She is a silver smith and jewelry maker living and working on her husband's family ranch in South Eastern Oregon. She has a new website that helps to teach cowboy gear trade skills to those wanting to learn. beamaker.school You can also see her work at nevadawatt.com and Instagram.…
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Sarah Garvey with Western Skies Handmade
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In this episode, we visit with Sarah Garvey with Western Skies Handmade. Sarah creates beautiful handbags with a very unique design and style. We hear how she got started in leatherwork as well as how she operates her business. Be sure to follow her on Instagram or visit her wesite westernskieshandmade.com…
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Troy Flaharty is a bit and spur maker based out of Hico, TX. A high end bit and spur maker with an amazing talent for silver engraving, Troy also produces a line of Barrel Horse bits used by competitors from all over the country. Check him out on facebook and instagram or visit his website at flahartybitsspurs.com…
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A visit with our good friend Odin Clack with Odin Leather Goods. Way back in episode #3 we sat down with Odin to hear his story. This was one of our most popular episodes. Since then he has been super busy growing his business and we thought it would be great to get an update on where OLG is today. Visit his website odinleathergoods.com And be sure…
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This episode is an interview with Bruce Cheaney from Gainsville, TX. Bruce is a well known saddle maker who also makes bits and spurs. Bruce also has a large youtube channel where he shares a lot of content for other craftsmen to benefit from. Visit his website, www.brucecheaney.com, as well as his social media on instagram and facebook.…
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In this episode, we had the oppurtunity to visit with Gary Dunshee who owns and operates Big Bend Saddlery in Alpine, TX. His business has a lot of history as one of the oldest big shops in Texas and I couldn't wait to hear his story. You can find them on Instagram, Facebook, and their website. www.bigbendsaddlery.com…
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Jason Thigpen is a wood worker and leather worker with many other skills including being a master auto technician. He is the owner and operator of Texas Heritage where he creates beautiful and useful resources for all types of craftsmen. You can find him on Instagram and Facebook as well as his website at www.txheritage.net…
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In this episode we visit with Rod Nikkel who had a 20 year career of building some of the finest handmade saddle trees on the market. Listen to Rod's story and how he got into the business of trees. His website is a powerful resource for all of us saddle makers out there for tree information and saddle fitting. Although he is retired from saddle tr…
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In this episode we interview Master Engraver Wade Oliver Wilson from Ft. Worth, TX. Wade is a highly skilled engraver specializing in gun engraving. You can check out his work on his Instagram Page. His artwork is amazing and there is a lot to look out on his Instagram page.
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In this episode, we visit with Jim Linnell who owns and operates Elk Tracks Studio. Jim has been a well known name in the leather craft community for 40 years or more. If you are interested in learning leather craft, then Jim is a figure that you have to follow and attend some of his classes. Jim puts out fantastic content on his instagram and Face…
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In this episode we sit down with David Bond who owns Lucky B Design. David is a Traditional Sign Writer originally from ranching country in California and now resides in Waco, TX. I really enjoyed this interview and I think you will as well. Be sure to check out David's Instagram page to see some of his amazing work. Just search "Lucky B Design"…
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