Rick Poirier

Rick Poirier is a member of the American Bladesmith Society and a member of Team Hayes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have given me a lot of their time so I could learn these skills, especially Wally Hayes, who still gives me a lot off help and guidance. Thank you. As a young man Rick studied and trained in many... forms of martial arts and developed a keen interest in knives and edge weaponry. He also spent 15 years as a boxing instructor and trainer. In life he worked as a professional photographer and then as a carpenter and custom house builder. In 1996 he was introduced to Master bladesmith Wally Hayes and over the next few years they became friends. In 1998 Rick asked Wally if he would let him apprentice as a bladesmith under his guidance. Wally agreed and the journey began. From that moment Rick started to cut back his hours as a master carpenter and spend more time in the knife shop. In 2006 Rick and his wife sold their house in the city and moved to a rural setting where he set up a full time knife shop. Rick has found that his varied backgrounds have benefited him greatly in the ergonomics of his knives. He was helped and guided selflessly by people who shared years of knowledge and experience and hopes to be able to do the same for others. His most popular knives are full tang 5 to 7 inch blade tactical and fighters. He doesnt usually make the same knife again although he will make similar knives a few years apart. He uses mostly O1 tool steel, 1084, and lately W2. He uses these because they give good edge retention, are reasonable to work, and the W2 gives nice temper line. He also uses Damascus (which he makes from 1084 and 15n20, sometimes from O1 and mild steel) and cable Damascus (mostly from elevator cable). Most of his knives are flat ground with some hollow ground because these grinds give a deeper and cleaner cut. He tests blades by cutting rope, cardboard, sheets of paper hanging by the edge, and sometimes by shaving leather when making sheaths. His ...Read More