Mareko Maumasi

Date: 2018-09-06 | Duration: 1h 55m

Category: Arts & Entertainment, Nature & Outdoors

Episode Overview

Mareko Maumasi dives deep into the traditional craft of knife making, exploring the intricate process of forging blades by hand and preserving a nearly lost art. He discusses the physical and emotional connection humans have with creating tangible objects, emphasizing the value of handmade tools in a world dominated by mass production. Mareko shares insights into the materials he uses, such as elk antler for handles and steel types suited for durability and sharpness, revealing the science behind heat treating and pattern welding. His stories about apprenticing under master smiths and the challenges of mastering sharpening techniques highlight the dedication required to excel in this craft. The conversation also touches on Mareko’s personal journey, including how knife making gave him direction and purpose. He reflects on the importance of community among knife makers and the cultural significance of blades throughout history, from medieval swords to modern hunting knives. Additionally, Mareko shares vivid anecdotes from his outdoor experiences, including elk hunting and the natural cycles of antler growth, which inform both his artistry and respect for nature. Throughout, the episode offers a compelling look at craftsmanship, tradition, and the deep relationship between maker, tool, and environment.

About Mareko Maumasi

Mareko Maumasi is a renowned bladesmith and custom knife maker, celebrated for his artistry in creating functional yet aesthetically striking blades. With a deep-rooted passion for metallurgy and craftsmanship, Mareko has honed his skills through years of dedication, earning accolades within the knife-making community and beyond. He is particularly known for incorporating traditional techniques with modern design elements, making his knives sought after by chefs and collectors alike. Mareko’s appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience provided a glimpse into his creative process and the intricate world of bladesmithing, captivating audiences with his insights into the art and science behind each unique piece. Learn more about his work at [Maumasi Fire Arts](https://www.maumasifirearts.com/).

Key Moments

– Craftsmanship
– Knife Making
– Blacksmithing
– Forging Techniques
– Steel Types
– Pattern Welding
– Hunting Equipment
– Wild Game Cooking
– Antler Material
– CTE and Brain Injury
– Meditation Practices
– Apprenticeship
– Tool Sharpening
– Outdoor Survival
– Material Science
– Historical Weaponry
– Artisan Communities
– Environmental Awareness
– Deer Biology
– Cultural Traditions
0:00:00 – Introduction to the lost art of knife making
0:00:51 – Mention of shopmate Peter Swartzberg's work
0:02:28 – Discussion on the decline of handmade crafts
0:05:12 – Connection between humans and physical making
0:06:19 – Use of sunken wood from Louisiana swamps
0:08:06 – Comparison of dice games to chess
0:09:09 – Mission to retain forged blade knowledge
0:11:15 – Feeling lost before apprenticeship
0:12:33 – Becoming an apprentice to a knife maker
0:14:57 – Curiosity about knife making process
0:18:42 – Skills acquired through apprenticeship
0:20:33 – Exploring cemeteries for inspiration
0:24:25 – Discussion of Rupert Sheldrake's talks
0:26:10 – Reading Joseph Campbell on meditation
0:29:42 – Concerns about hearing loss and loudness
0:32:42 – Effects and risks of CTE from head injuries
0:39:48 – Chemical exposure risks in knife making
0:42:07 – Creating steel patterns by hand
0:46:20 – Feel and design of a hunting knife
0:53:12 – Historical context of sword making
0:56:03 – Medieval weaponry and forging techniques
0:59:32 – Locations known for knife making communities
1:01:53 – Micro serrations and sharpening details
1:04:02 – Knife design for hunting purposes
1:07:17 – Sharpening techniques and guides
1:09:42 – Learning to cook wild game
1:11:44 – Wild game cooking experiences
1:13:27 – Health benefits of wild versus caged animals
1:17:04 – Knife making learning curve
1:20:01 – Introduction to a Belgian knife maker
1:22:19 – Antler handle custom creation
1:24:42 – Antler growth and its potency
1:30:28 – Wildlife behavior during hunting season
1:34:38 – Second rut in deer mating season
1:36:13 – Challenges with Connecticut drivers
1:41:40 – Winter weather impact on lifestyle
1:45:01 – Living off the land and local wildlife
1:47:34 – Children's perspective on maps and geography
1:50:50 – Promoting knives via Instagram and auctions
1:52:07 – Closing thanks and reflections

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 two four three two one boom the lost art of knife making it's still alive how are you man Starting point is 00:00:51 And that was made by my shopmate, Peter Swartzberg. Starting point is 00:01:26 You just got to find the ones. Starting point is 00:01:40 Hey, bro, found some space junk. Starting point is 00:02:05 Fuck yeah, dude. Starting point is 00:02:28 It definitely is slipping away. Starting point is 00:02:51 hands and so like you know even this whole like uh farm to table movement or people even growing Starting point is 00:03:45 or handmade bag like it's like there's something about things that are made by hand that people Starting point is 00:04:32 and maybe I taught a class on how to make a knife and it looks like a fucking turd, Starting point is 00:05:12 Just like human beings in our current form, there's a deep connection to making things, physical things. Starting point is 00:05:55 antler and elk antler right right at the top and the moose at the bottom so and I Starting point is 00:06:19 So essentially it's been sunken in a bog. Starting point is 00:06:39 where people were, their job was raising logs out of the swamps down in Louisiana and in the south and making use of that wood for table projects and craft projects like this. Starting point is 00:07:10 shafts out of it. There's something about Starting point is 00:07:25 there son super polished up though it looks cool are those dungeons and dragon nerds dice sort of Starting point is 00:08:06 It's just a different iteration of chess, really. Starting point is 00:08:19 Really good guy. Starting point is 00:08:33 So there must be a community of you people, these knife-making people. Starting point is 00:09:09 And that was all about the forged blade and kind of the mission to retain that knowledge and that history and the skills that go into actually taking a piece of metal and forging a blade out of it. Starting point is 00:09:45 They don't know how fucking hot it is getting. ...

Read the full transcript

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1168?

Mareko Maumasi was the guest on JRE #1168. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1168?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1168 with Mareko Maumasi, topics include Craftsmanship, Knife Making, Blacksmithing, and Forging Techniques.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1168?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1168 with Mareko Maumasi is on the dedicated transcript page for this episode, with timestamps and in-page search.